THE wonders of the National League fixture system meant that Woking had a 400-mile round trip last Tuesday evening to the J.Davidson Stadium, just as Altrincham had had to make the reverse trip last season, and they left empty-handed after a 3-1 home win.

With four new loanees in their squad and five experienced regulars sidelined by injury, it was difficult to predict how Altrincham's starting XI would gel after five league games without a win.

But any fears were soon dispelled as Alty made a bright start to the game against a team unbeaten its last nine fixtures.

The Robins took a 13th-minute lead from the penalty spot. This arose after Woking goalkeeper Jake Cole had flapped weakly at a Ryan Crowther cross.

Although his defence cleared the initial danger, Alty's debutant striker Jonny Margetts was brought down in the process allowing Michael Rankine to drive home a forceful spot-kick.

Burnley loanee Josh Ginnelly made it 2-0 shortly before the interval.

Fellow loanee Margetts had fed midfielder Simon Richman, who burst up the middle but saw his shot parried. Livewire winger Ginnelly was on hand to tap the loose ball into the empty net.

With rain making the pitch more difficult, the visitors got back into the game after 57 minutes.

An Altrincham free kick was cleared and prompted a Woking counter-attack by Giuseppe Sole. He was brought down just outside the Alty box but got up to place a low free kick past Tim Deasy from 20 yards.

Woking survived a very strong penalty appeal when Crowther was upended but Altrincham re-established a two-goal lead in the 71st minute.

Margetts was just onside as Rankine's header put him clear. The loan striker from Tranmere finished impressively from left of goal to make it 3-1.

The game then went through a feisty period and Altrincham were indebted to some good defending from Scott Leather and Marcus Holness as well as a fine save, with his legs, by Deasy, to keep out the visitors.

But, by the closing stages, Altrincham looked comfortable as the deserved three points lifted them clear of the relegation places.

ALTRINCHAM: Deasy, Sinnott, Leather, Holness, Griffin, Ginnelly (Mottley-Henry), Moult, Richman, Crowther (Lawrie), Margetts (O'Keefe), Rankine. Unused subs: Reeves, Heathcote.