AFC FYLDE 4-1 ALTRINCHAM

THE top-versus-bottom clash in National League North went with form as well-resourced AFC Fylde won 4-1 and completed a league double over an Altrincham side lacking five of its first-team squad through injury and illness.

And the loss of the creative Nicky Clee in the 20th minute added to the Robins' woes on the road.

By then, however, Alty were already two goals behind as the division's prolific top scorer Danny Rowe netted twice after Elliot Newby had struck the Fylde woodwork in only the second minute of the match.

Rowe's first goal came from an unstoppable shot from just outside the penalty area, following good work by Bohan Dixon. The second was a well-hit free kick in the 18th minute.

Ten minutes later, it was 3-0 when Dan Bradley set up Rowe for a shot which Tim Deasy saved, only for Macauley Wilson to net the loose ball.

Altrincham finished the half well and got a goal back when a good move was ended by James Lawrie converting a Andy McWilliams cross from the left.

In fact, the visitors had the better of much of the second half as Fylde seemed content with their lead.

But Alty created few clear openings and were wasteful from several promising free kick situations.

Fylde wrapped up the match with a 74th-minute goal when Matty Hughes netted from close range.

ALTRINCHAM: Deasy, Patterson, Cyrus, Hannigan, McWilliams, Newby, Moult, Jones, Clee, Lawrie, Owens. Subs: Richman, Brownhill, Adeloye, Taylor, Heathcote.