ALTRINCHAM clinched the Evo-Stik Premier title with an impressive second-half display at third-placed Grantham that earned them a 2-0 win.

In a goalless first half, played in a difficult gusty wind, Alty survived a couple of early scares despite being without six of their first-team squad through injury.

Before the break, Alty themselves went close through John Johnston but it was after the interval that they stepped up a gear.

Six minutes after the break, Simon Richman, a midfielder obliged to play at right-back because of the injury crisis, got forward and from his cross the ball found its way to Wigan Athletic's teenage loanee, Chris Merrie, and he slotted the ball just inside the post to prompt delight in the strong contingent of Altrincham supporters.

The Gingerbreads showed little of the threat associated with the league's second-most potent attack and were greatly indebted to the heroics of their goalkeeper Kieran Preston.

On at least four occasions he emerged on top from one-on-one confrontations with Alty players, but he was powerless to stop Johnston in just such a situation, 11 minutes from time as Alty's nippy winger slid the ball past him to confirm the destination of the championship.

After the final whistle there were delirious scenes on the terraces as Alty's supporters took delight in a marvellous conclusion to the season after two successive relegations.

Altrincham led the table by 10 points before Tuesday's game against Marine so are assured of a comfortable margin at the top of the table.

ALTRINCHAM: Thompson, Richman, Hampson, Hannigan, White, Moult, Johnston, Merrie, Hulme, Bailey-Jones, Hancock, Subs: Harrop, Davis, Heathcote, Sheridan, Jones.