ALTRINCHAM 2 STOCKPORT COUNTY 3

ALTRINCHAM made four changes for the local derby against Stockport County as caretaker player/managers Shaun Densmore, Alan Goodall and Jake Moult aimed to bag the Robins' first win of the season.

Into the starting XI came Goodall, Sam Patterson, Sean Miller and keeper Tim Deasy, who had rejoined from Guiseley after being released from Alty over the summer by former manager Neil Young.

The game got off to a quiet start in heavy rain, with many of the visitors' supporters getting a soaking on the uncovered terraces.

Altrincham took a 12th-minute lead when James Lawrie's shot, from Miller's lay-off, deceived goalkeeper Ben Hinchliffe.

It was the fifth time this season that Altrincham had opened the scoring in a match – and they had yet to hold on to secure three points on any of those occasions.

And history repeated itself as County drew level in the 26th minute when a free kick, conceded by John Cyrus, was headed home by County's Michael Clark.

Altrincham took the lead for a second time after 35 minutes when a deep cross from Damian Reeves from the right was brilliantly finished by Miller with a low volley past Hinchcliffe.

The second half was a pretty uninspiring affair with Altrincham unable to mount a sustained attack on the visitors' goal. But they kept County at bay until 15 minutes from time when they stood off as substitute Scott Spencer advanced and drove a low shot past Deasy from outside the box.

And three minutes from the end of normal time County snatched all three points.

After defending several corners successfully, Alty failed to mark Chris Smalley from another and he rose at the back post to head in the deciding goal as it ended 3-2 to Stockport.

ALTRINCHAM: Deasy, Heathcote, Cyrus, Moran, Patterson, Goodall, Moult, Richman, Miller Lawrie, Reeves. Subs: Dawber, Lynch, Cain, Hobson, Sinclair.