ALTRINCHAM'S improved form continued as they made it seven points from their last five games with a well-deserved 1-0 victory at Boston United.

Starting the game without seven injured first-teamers, Altrincham withstood some early pressure from the Pilgrims.

They were pleased to see teenager Harry Vince's shot come back off the post in the 19th minute, before they took a 32nd-minute lead.

The goal came from an astute forward pass by Nicky Clee, which set Elliot Newby running at keeper Ross Durrant and the 20-year-old Barrow loanee finished calmly to record his fourth goal in a month.

Unforced errors by 15th-placed Boston saw them labour as they tried to record their first Saturday home win in the league this season.

Altrincham defended well and with Simon Richman, Gary Jones and Laurence Taylor working hard in midfield, they were lively on the break with Newby, Clee and James Lawrie getting forward with purpose.

The introduction from the bench of tall striker Andy Owens helped to keep the home defence occupied.

And the hosts were further hindered by an injury to Josh Robinson, which left him a virtual passenger for the final 20 minutes with Boston having already used up their three substitutions.

But despite the three points lifting Alty off bottom place, they still need to bridge a gap of 14 points over the final nine games of the season to survive in National League North.

Next up is a home match against the now bottom club, Stalybridge Celtic, on Saturday (3pm).

ALTRINCHAM: Tomlinson, Lynch (c), Heathcote, Cyrus, McWilliams, Taylor, G Jones, Richman, Newby, Lawrie, Clee. Substitutes: Patterson, Goodall, Owens, Reeves, A Jones.