UNLUCKY Altrincham fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat at York City on Sunday, and left Kit Kat Crescent rueing several missed chances.

Goalkeeper Stuart Coburn, called back into the side at the expense of Richard Acton, kept his side in the match with some fine saves but a goal from York star striker Clayton Donaldson proved to be the difference between the two sides.

The result represents progress of sorts for the Moss Lane Club, given that Kit Kat Crescent was the scene of one of last season's heaviest defeats.

The truth of the matter, however, is that Donaldson could have bagged a hat trick and more, while at the other end, lively play from Colin Little and Joe O'Neill went without reward.

In an action-packed first half, Altrincham gave as good as they got, playing their part in some thrilling end to end stuff.

Donaldson was a constant thorn in the visitors' side and he registered the game's first chance on goal when he fired narrowly over on 13 minutes.

Alty replied less than a minute later with a snap shot from Little from 25 yards out which just evaded Evans' post.

Chances for Steve Bushell and Lewis Chalmers then followed before danger man Donaldson switched to the left, presenting a new set of challenges for the visiting side.

His menace brought other players into the match, with ex-Frickley player Martyn Woolford testing Coburn with a strong shot.

York boss Billy McEwan must have delivered an exceptional half-time team talk, as York came out in the second half with all guns blazing.

Their new-found enthusiasm put them in the lead less than two minutes after the restart, as that man Donaldson rounded off a slick exchange of passes between himself and Woolford with a shot into the top of the net past Coburn.

Alty were hemmed back now as Craig Farrell looked to double the lead but saw Coburn save his low shot.

Coburn was called into action again, later in the half, bravely diving at Donaldson's feet.

Altrincham began to tire against the fitter, full-time York and although they dominated the latter stages of the match, the home side could not add to Donaldson's 47th minute winner.

Altrincham player ratings: Coburn 8; Scott 6, Rose 7, Munroe 7, Peyton 6; Lawton 7, Bushell 7, Chalmers 7, Thornley 6 (Potts 76); Little 7 (McFadden 83), O'Neill 6. Subs not used: Acton, Talbot, Hussin.