AT the fifth attempt this season, Altrincham failed again to win at home and, once more, it was against a team which had arrived at the J.Davidson Stadium in a lower league position than the hosts, Curzon Ashton winning 2-0.

Alty were without injured defenders Conor Hampson, Ben Harrison and Andy White, so midfielder Simon Richman started at right-back with Shaun Densmore moved to the left-back position.

And Altrincham were also without their leading scorer Jordan Hulme, who was suspended after picking up five yellow cards in eight matches, and influential midfielder James Poole was sidelined once again.

Curzon looked the livelier attacking force with Oliver Crankshaw, on the right, giving Densmore a busy time.

And it was from that source the visitors took the lead shortly before half time.

Crankshaw got free and from Alex Samizadeh's cross-shot, which Elliot Wynne parried away, Connor Hughes netted at the back post.

Having picked up a knock, Densmore was replaced at the interval but, although the home side were to improve slightly on their disappointing first-half performance, it was Curzon who scored again in the 58th minute.

Not for the first time this season Altrincham stood off an advancing opponent and paid the price by conceding a goal.

This time it was Crankshaw who advanced before firing an impressive shot past Wynne from outside the box.

Altrincham continued to labour with their nearest threat to a goal being from a John Johnston free kick which hit the top of the bar, deep into added time.

It gets no easier for the Robins who travel to third-placed Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday.

ALTRINCHAM: Wynne, Richman, Densmore, Jones, Hannigan, Moult, Johnston, Williams, Peers, Harrop, Hancock. Subs: Dale, Goulding, Harris, Thompson.