MATT Doughty urged supporters to stick with his Altrincham side after a 3-0 Boxing Day defeat to FC United of Manchester left them facing even more of an uphill battle for National League North survival.

A bumper holiday crowd of nearly 2,500 saw Alty dominate possession but pay a hefty price for failing to turn it into clear-cut chances, as they were caught out on the break twice in the second half.

They are rooted to the foot of the table and go into the New Year's Day return fixture at FC United without a home win all season, but interim boss Doughty has made an impassioned plea to the club's followers.

"This is my fifth year here, and I know all about how great Altrincham fans are," he said.

"They keep coming to games, singing and getting behind the team through thick and thin.

"I get that they are upset because we are getting beat, but we need them to keep doing what they do.

"It wasn't through any lack of effort or lack of a performance against FC United.

"The performance was very good, but we couldn't finish, end of. 

"I get that supporters are upset about the position we are in – I do get that – but I just ask that they keep coming and keep supporting the players, because, at the end of the day, it's their club, it's our club.

"While I am here, it's our club.

"We need all their support, and I know they will give it, even though they have a right to be upset."

Doughty, who takes his team to Macclesfield for an FA Trophy replay tonight, hopes he will have strengthened up front by the time Alty take on FC United again.

"I'm looking to bring pace in, and hopefully a lad will be signing or us in the next few days," he said.

"He is powerful and quick and has been 100 per cent committed every time I have seen him.

"He hounds defenders and takes up both centre-backs, not just one."