FOR the first time in five years Altrincham won their opening match of a league season but that outcome had seemed in doubt as they trailed one-nil with an hour played.

But the introduction of Kyle Perry and Nicky Clee just after the hour mark proved the turning point to the match on Saturday, with Perry immediately involved with Mike Williams in the build-up to Damian Reeves headed equaliser.

City were playing their first game at their adopted home at Kidderminster, following the sale of their Worcester ground to developers.

But despite losing several key players over the summer, Worcester took the lead in the 26th minute against a disappointing Altrincham. After a knock down by City's new striker Nti, Danny Glover volleyed a superb goal from outside the penalty area to give his side the lead.

Having lost Nti at the interval through injury, Worcester were unable to raise their game to the same level in the second half. And, once Alty had levelled the scores, there was only going to be one winner.

The Robins' second goal came when an incisive Clee run produced a corner. Lawrie's corner kick found Havern, whose header was nodded on into the net by Perry for a debut goal for the big striker.

When midfielder Carl Rodgers replaced Damian Reeves in the closing stages he was surprisingly pushed up front. After forcing a good save within a minute of his appearance, Rodgers did even better when he received Perry's pass soon afterwards and drove his shot confidently past Worcester's keeper to make it 3-1 in the 89th minute.

Alty's first home match at the J. Davidson Stadium on Moss Lane is on Tuesday against Barrow (7.45pm), followed by the visit of Stockport County next Saturday (24th, 3pm).

ALTRINCHAM: Coburn; Densmore (capt), Havern, Leather, Williams; Smikle, Moult, Boshell, Lawrie; Walshaw, Reeves. Subs: Reid, Doughty, Rodgers, Perry and Clee