LEE Sinnott insisted on sharing the credit with his Altrincham players after deservedly being named Blue Square Bet North manager of the month for March.

A sixth straight win, against Vauxhall Motors on Good Friday, sealed the award for Sinnott, as his in-form Alty team continued to close in on a place in the promotion play-offs.

Though the run ended at Chester on Easter Monday, they were more than a match for the champions-elect and almost made it 1-1 through Damian Reeves, just six minutes before the home side’s late second goal.

Assessing the latest stage of Alty’s push for a top-five finish, and his BSBN accolade, Alty boss Sinnott saluted the contribution of both players and supporters.

It took a late James Lawrie strike to break the deadlock against Vauxhall, and Sinnott said: ‘We kept probing away, but they were very well organised and not only kept their shape but went from box to box very quickly.

“I said at half-time we had to quicken things up, and it was a wonderful finish from James to win it. But it was a late goal, and I thought it was great the way our crowd stuck by the lads. Anxiety could easily have crept in, but they made sure it didn’t, and that was hugely appreciated.

“At Chester, there was a strong case for arguing we should have taken something from the game. Both goals were against the run of play. The first came just as we had settled own and got into our stride, and the second was a sucker punch after a dominant second-half display by us.

“Damian was unlucky with his chance just before. He lost sight of the ball, after Luca Havern flicked it on, and it came at him so quickly, it just glanced off his nose and bobbled wide. If he’d had a clear view of it, we’d have been looking at 1-1 and a well-earned point, but there were still a lot of positives to take from the game.

“As for manager of the month, that is down to the players. I look at it as recognition of what they have done during an outstanding run of results.”

Leg muscle fatigue prevented Duncan Watmore starting, while Nicky Clee was still feeling the effects of a bug and Simon Richman picked up a knock near the end. All three should be fit for Saturday’s trip to FC Halifax Town.