ALTRINCHAM 0 BOSTON UNITED 1

THIS was Alty's 12th league fixture and they lay next to bottom of the table before kick off.

However, after the previous Saturday's FA Cup win against Gainsborough Trinity, hopes were high that Altrincham might break their league duck with a win against another Lincolnshire club, Boston United.

But, despite creating numerous chances during the match, Altrincham succumbed to a 70th-minute goal by Boston captain Liam Agnew.

It was poor defending that allowed the Boston man to advance into the box unchallenged before giving keeper Andrew Dawber no chance with his shot.

In the first half Altrincham had been unable to convert several decent chances.

Damian Reeves twice went close with a flick across goal and a header, while a Josh Doherty cross went across the visitors' goalmouth with no one able to convert.

The pattern continued after the break, with Craig Hobson miscuing a shot over the bar and keeper Dion-Curtis Henry having to save smartly from Jake Moult and Harry Cain.

After the match, new manager Jim Harvey told a meeting with supporters he wanted to get his injured defenders back in action before deciding if further strengthening of the playing staff was needed.

With other teams at the wrong end of the table also losing, Alty stay five points from safety in National League North.

The Robins have a break from league action on Saturday as Northern League club Morpeth Town visit The J.Davidson Stadium for an FA Cup tie (3pm).

In the FA Youth Cup Altrincham won 4-1 at Vauxhall Motors to earn an away tie at Southport.

ALTRINCHAM: Deasy, Patterson, Doherty, Moult, Cyrus, Goodall, Lawrie, Wilkinson, Hobson, Reeves, Miller. Subs: Deasy, Heathcote, Cain, Hannigan, Hattersley.