LINCOLN CITY 2 ALTRINCHAM 1

ON the face of it, going out of the FA Cup and finding yourselves bottom of the league on the same day could be seen as a complete disaster.

But Altrincham's excellent second-half showing when they rattled second-placed National League side Lincoln City gave the Robins' excellent away following reasons to believe they can still turn around their wretched season.

Manager Jim Harvey had again shuffled his pack, bringing in new signings Curtis Obeng and Simon Lenighan.

Other changes saw Tom Hannigan return from suspension as Alan Goodall served his ban, while Andy Dawber replaced Tim Deasy in goal and defender Wayne Thomas was ruled out by parent club Kidderminster's refusal to allow him to play in the FA Cup.

Lincoln dominated the first half but they only managed to breach the Alty defence once before the break.

That happened in the 21st minute when defender Sean Raggett was allowed a free header from a corner.

Hannigan suffered a first-half injury forcing another change at half time, but Alty still stepped up a gear after the break. With captain Jake Moult playing well as he moved to central defence and Sean Miller impressing on the left wing, they took the game to the Imps.

But an error by John Cyrus on the hour allowed Alan Power an easy goal.

Altrincham responded when Cyrus headed home a corner but they were unable to get back on level terms.

Next up in the National League North is a visit from the Class of 92's Salford City on Saturday (3pm).

ALTRINCHAM Dawber, Obeng, McWilliams, Moult, Cyrus, Hannigan, Lawrie, Lenighan, WIlkinson, Reeves, Miller. Subs: Deasy, Marsh, Richman, Heathcote, Patterson, Hasler-Cregg, Hall.