JAKE Moult was hailed as the heartbeat of an Altrincham side who continue to go from strength to strength after rising to fourth in National League North with another outstanding performance at Brackley on Saturday.

Full-back Andy White made it 2-1 in the 55th minute, after Simon Richman opened the scoring in the first half, and with skipper Moult directing operations from the base of midfield in masterly fashion, a sixth win in a seven-game unbeaten run in the league never looked in any danger.

"That was probably a big statement today," said assistant manager Neil Sorvel.

"They are the highest-ranked team from last season still in the division, and they won the FA Trophy, so it was always going to be a big ask for us.

"They put us under a bit of pressure in the last 20 minutes without really creating a clear chance and I thought we managed those moments really well.

"We knew it was going to be a really tough game, which it was, but we thoroughly deserved the points and we’re delighted with that.

"Jake Moult does a great job for us, both defensively and offensively, in terms of keeping possession.

"He fills gaps, screens the back four and wins headers, but he gets us playing as well as the link through midfield.

"That holding midfield role gets derided a bit, as I know from playing there myself, but it is valuable to the team.

"Jake is the skipper but really you want them all to lead out on the pitch, and that’s what we’re getting from these players.

"They are a top group and they do all look after each other, which is great to see.

"They are taking on board everything we tell them to the extent it becomes more and more automatic during games and you can see they enjoy the football we are playing.

"It’s going really well at the moment and long may that continue."

James Poole and Sean Williams are still not quite ready to return from injury, as Alty face promotion rivals AFC Telford United at home on Saturday.