TWO goals in the space of a minute just before half time took even manager Phil Parkinson and his assistant Neil Sorvel by surprise as Altrincham closed in on the Evo-Stik Premier pacesetters with a 5-1 demolition of Nantwich Town at The J.Davidson Stadium on Tuesday night.

A quickfire one-two from Jordan Hulme and John Johnston suddenly turned a slender 1-0 lead into a commanding three-goal advantage, and Sorvel admitted it meant tearing up the script for the half-time team talk.

"Phil and I were thinking the talk would be all about not getting frustrated and continuing along the same lines, then it all changed," he said.

"The first goal only came a few minutes earlier, so suddenly the whole complexion of the game changed.

"It was pretty much game over, and it was great those two lads got their rewards.

"JJ showed what he is capable of, and Jordan is just growing and growing as an Altrincham player all the time. His workrate and hold-up play were fantastic, and that's another goal to add to his tally.

"He and Josh Hancock are closing in on double figures, which is a great effort.

"We would have liked a fifth clean sheet, so the only downside was conceding late on, but, even so, we are delighted to keep the momentum going.

"Tony Thompson is fuming in there at letting one in after so long, but that just shows what a great bunch of lads they are.

"We are looking strong at home and it is important now we continue in the same vein."

With Rushall Olympic visiting on non-league day this Saturday, Alty have been selected as one of only four clubs nationally to be promoted and funded by Fans for Diversity, an organisation supported by Kick It Out and The Football Supporters' Federation, to showcase the occasion.

There are a wide range of events and attractions, while, as usual on non-league day, admission is £5 for Premier League and Football League club season ticket holders.