ALTRINCHAM FC kicked off their Vanarama National League season with a difficult assignment against the millionaire-backed Gloucestershire side Forest Green Rovers, who had reached the play-offs for promotion to League Two last season.

On a hot afternoon, the Robins were without the injured duo Nicky Clee and Simon Richman, both certainties to start had they been fit. On the positive side, they gave debuts to striker Michael Rankine and midfielder Josh O'Keefe, who had both joined the club over the summer.

An eighth minute move ended with Sinnott's cross going narrowly wide off Reeves. And, shortly after the half hour mark, Reeves forced a diving save from Rovers' debutant goalkeeper Johnny Maxted. However, by the interval, it was the visitors who were getting the upper hand.

If the first half had been reasonably balanced, the second period was a much more one-sided affair. Indeed, Rovers won no fewer than 11 corners after the interval, which helped to keep Altrincham penned back in defence for significant periods.

But Alty defended well with Marshall and Havern coping with the bulk of the monolithic ex-Preston striker, Jon Parkin at the apex of the visitors' attack.

Forest Green's attrition finally gained its reward, sixteen minutes from time.

Inevitably, the goal came from one of the multiplicity of the visitor's corners as Parkin was allowed time and space to head home from Frear's left-wing flag-kick.

Leather's 78th minute arrival as a substitute heralded Alty's change to a back three formation as they attempted to mount a late rally. But they never seriously looked like scoring as Forest Green powered their way to the three points.

After a trip to promoted Guiseley on Tuesday night, Altrincham travel on Saturday to meet another of last season's top-six teams as they visit Woking.

Both Guiseley and Woking also lost their opening games today so Altrincham are likely to meet determined opposition on each trip.

ALTRINCHAM: Coburn, Densmore (capt), Havern, Marshall, Griffin, Sinnott, Moult, O'Keefe (Leather 78), Lawrie, Reeves (Bowerman 70), Rankine .

Unused subs: Deasy, Griffith, Crowther