AT the sixth attempt, Altrincham belatedly won their first home National League North match of this season with a deserved 3-1 victory against Alfreton Town.

The game was effectively settled inside the opening 10 minutes, during which Alty scored twice.

They took the lead towards the end of the third minute when Jordan Hulme got the benefit of an offside decision before crossing the ball, low, from the right.

Crewe loanee Owen Dale arrived at the back post to convert the chance from close range.

And, just five minutes later, the score was 2-0 when a well-constructed passing move culminated in Dale feeding Max Harrop and the midfielder fired home from the edge of the box.

With Alfreton causing no problems to the Alty defence, Altrincham made it 3-0 in the 24th minute.

The two earlier goalscorers, Dale and Harrop, interchanged passes before Hulme lashed home the Robins' third goal.

The visitors made a better fist of things in a second half which turned into a disappointing spectacle, punctuated by minor fouls, offsides and debatable refereeing decisions.

Alfreton managed to pull a goal back just after the hour mark when a through ball up the middle led to Richard Peniket getting the better of Alty substitute Liam Goulding before beating Tony Thompson with a low shot to his right.

On Saturday, Alty face a Cheshire derby in the FA Cup as they travel to their league rivals Stockport County with a place in the first round proper, not to mention a prize pot of £25,000, at stake.

ALTRINCHAM: Thompson, White, Hampson, Jones, Hannigan, Moult, Johnston, Williams, Hulme, Harrop, Dale. Subs: Peers, Poole, Hancock, Goulding, Wynne.