AFTER failing to win their last three home games, Altrincham were on the road for only  the second time in the past 10 weeks and the change of environment seemed to benefit them as they cruised to a 2-0 win against second-bottom Halesowen Town, who had won three of their previous five matches.

The Robins should have won by a bigger margin but for a series of wayward shots, especially in the second half.

Starting the game without regular goalkeeper Tony Thompson, Tim Deasy proved an able deputy, though he had relatively little to do.

Alty also overcame the loss of centre-back Tom Hannigan to injury during the first half.

By then, however, they were ahead, thanks to an 11th-minute goal by leading scorer Jordan Hulme.

Alty had dominated from the kick off and the only surprise was that it took until the 39th minute for them to double their lead.

The second goal was made by a superb jinking run into the box by John Johnston, from which midfielder Simon Richman netted.

With the vociferous and sizeable away support cheering them on, Alty should have added to their tally after the break but failed to do so.

Nevertheless, their lead at the top of the Evo-Stik Premier table grew to four points ahead of Tuesday night's home clash against one-time title contenders Shaw Lane.

ALTRINCHAM: Deasy, Densmore, White, Hannigan, Harrison, Moult, Johnston, Richman, Hulme, Poole, Hancock. Subs: Peers, Harrop, Merrie, Heathcote, Jones.