ALTRINCHAM responded to a call for more urgency to move three points clear at the top of the Evo-Stik Premier Division with a resounding 4-0 win against Lancaster City at The J.Davidson Stadium on Tuesday night.

Leading through a brilliant James Poole strike that lit up a low-key opening half, Alty scored three times in 16 second-half minutes to make it eight home league wins in a row, with 27 goals scored and just three conceded.

It needed a few pointers at half time, though, to secure a victory that lifted Alty clear of Shaw Lane and Warrington, where they drew 0-0 in testing conditions on Saturday.

"The quality wasn't there in the first half, and it was frustrating to watch," admitted assistant manager Neil Sorvel.

"You can't be on it every minute of every game, but our passing wasn't as slick as normal.

"We had a lot of the ball but moved it too slowly. Everything was loose.

"The message at half time was to speed everything up, be quicker and sharper with our passing.

"Move the ball quicker, and if we are getting in behind them, make sure it goes where we want it to.

"It was getting cut out too much in the first half, and they were coming back at us, so it was important we tidied that up.

"You could see the difference in the second half, and there were some nice little moves for the goals.

"It is a little early to be looking at the league table, but we are where we would like to be, and the challenge now is to maintain our level of performance and try to stay there.

"We are there to be shot at now. Everyone wants to beat the top team, but we just have to make sure we are ready for that challenge."

Alty are home to Clitheroe in the FA Trophy on Saturday.

Midfielder Simon Richman will miss the replay, should there be one, or the next league game, after picking up his fifth booking.