ALTRINCHAM went 10 points clear at the top of the Evo-Stik Premier with a 2-0 win at Stafford Rangers – their sixth successive away triumph.

On a bobbly surface Altrincham were not at their best in the first half and were indebted to goalkeeper Tony Thompson for the goalless scoreline at the interval.

Alty's keeper twice foiled Stafford's experienced striker, Karl Hawley, in one-on-one situations in a first half in which the visitors' defence was the busier of the two.

After the interval, Altrincham gradually gathered some momentum and their leading scorer, Jordan Hulme, put them ahead just after the hour mark.

He latched onto a through ball before rounding the keeper to score an impressive goal.

It was his 19th league goal of the campaign and the eighth successive league match in which he has scored.

Stafford tried to find a way back but Altrincham defended solidly and then wrapped up the game in the 77th minute. Following a corner, the ball came to centre-back Ben Harrison who netted calmly to make it 2-0.

With rivals Shaw Lane and Grantham both drawing, Altrincham extended their lead at the top.

Alty complete a hat-trick of away games on Saturday at Stourbridge before they embark on a sequence of five home matches in the following six fixtures.

ALTRINCHAM: Thompson, Densmore, Hampson, Jones, Harrison, Moult, Johnston, Harrop, Hulme, Poole, Hancock. Subs: Peers, Miller, Richman, White, Deasy.