LEE Sinnott was full of praise for his Altrincham players after they kept the promotion bandwagon rolling, and registered their 100th goal in the process, with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Bishop’s Stortford at Moss Lane.

With Damian Reeves and Duncan Watmore forming a lethal alliance this season, Alty were always likely to be a ton of trouble for opposing defences, and so it proved as James Lawrie brought up the century with a late goal that enabled Sinnott’s side to withstand an even later reply by the visitors.

As he prepared for last night’s (Wednesday) trip to play-off rivals Bradford Park Avenue, the Alty boss said: “It’s about ticking boxes off, and we have done that a few times in the past few weeks.

“We have already won more games than last season, and the win at Halifax was our eighth away, beating the seven we managed last time.

“The goals are flying in again as well, and these are all positive signs that we are improving and heading in the right direction. The 100 goals tally shows how many scoring opportunities we have been creating, because you are never going to convert every single one, but we know full well we are in for some tight games between now and the end of the season.

“The message to the players before kick-off on Saturday was to move the ball around the park as quickly and accurately as possible, and they carried it out really well. That incisive, one-touch passing was the key to opening up their defence, and it was pleasing to see us on the front foot, playing our football and creating things.”

Reeves suffered a rare off-day, missing two one-on-one chances, but suggestions of a sympathetic word for Alty’s leading scorer brought a wry chuckle from Sinnott, who replied: “What, with 40 goals to his name? I don’t think anyone need feel sorry for Damian. It is important he just keeps getting in the right positions, because history tells us he will score more often than not.

“You can go through the whole squad and see pleasing aspects. I have been particularly impressed with those who have stepped out of the team then come back in and really forced the issue, in terms of staying there. The likes of Jake Moult, Matt Doughty and Carl Rodgers come into the category, and it is great to have players who are so eager to get a place and keep it.”