JIM Harvey put on a brave face and insisted there were grounds for optimism after Altrincham suffered an agonising National League North setback at Alfreton on Saturday.

Leading 2-1 after outplaying their hosts, Alty were sunk by two goals in the dying moments in a 3-2 defeat that keeps them rooted to the foot of the table.

But far from being downcast, Harvey sounded a positive note about his side's survival prospects, despite pointing an accusing finger at keeper Andrew Dawber.

"I thought today the boys were excellent, and maybe for the first time in a lot of weeks, I felt as if what I was watching was good, much more like it, much better," said the Alty manager.

"There were still things we could improve on, but that's fine, we can work on that, that's okay.

"Generally, the shape was good, the workrate and effort were good, and we really were playing well.

"Considering the effort put in and the way we played, to come off losing the game was so disappointing.

"But, as I have said to them in there, I have been going home recently thinking where are we going to go next?

"Today, I'm going home thinking right, that's good, now there's a platform, now we will hold on to this.

"Those boys have done well enough to stay in next week.

"Unless something ridiculous happens, it's going to be pretty much the same.

"I'm in a much more positive frame of mind now.

"I have to look at my goalkeeper over what happened at the end.

"He is young and inexperienced and still learning the game, but when a big, long, looping throw-in comes dropping into our six-yard box, I'm expecting the goalkeeper to come and command that and dominate the area.

"The last couple of goals, maybe all three, were similar – all scored from two yards out. That needs to be stopped.

"He needs to be more dominant in there and better than what he has been today."

Alty are home to Blyth Spartans in the FA Trophy on Saturday (3pm).