ALTRINCHAM maintained their good run of form with a 3-0 home win against Clitheroe in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy on Saturday.

In a wet first half, Altrincham played unto the wind and rain against their Lancashire opponents from the division below them in the footballing pyramid.

The visitors gave as good as they got and won a number of corners but neither side was able to master the difficult conditions in a scoreless first 45 minutes.

Altrincham increased the tempo after the interval but when they took the lead it was in fortunate circumstances.

John Johnston had half turned away after failing to get a lot of power behind his flicked shot in the 54th minute, but Clitheroe keeper Chris Thompson fumbled the wet ball into his own net.

Eight minutes later spectators were left bemused as the referee halted proceedings and showed an immediate red card to Alty captain Jake Moult. It later emerged the midfielder had been dismissed for comments made after he felt he had been elbowed.

Manager Phil Parkinson responded to losing a player positively, bringing on striker Tom Peers rather than a defender to see out the game.

And the bold move paid off as the substitute netted two late goals.

His first, nine minutes from time, was a well-taken header from a James Poole free kick from the right.

And Peers wrapped up the game in added time when he converted Johnston's low cross from the right, which followed excellent work from midfielder Max Harrop.

Alty entertain Buxton at the J Davidson Stadium on Saturday as the Robins seek to consolidate their position at the top of the Evo-Stik Premier.

ALTRINCHAM: Thompson, Jones, Densmore, Bembo-Leta, Harrison, Moult, Johnston, Richman, Hulme, Poole, Hancock. Subs: Walsh, Harrop, Miller, Peers, Deasy.