ALTRINCHAM progressed to the FA Cup first round with a clinical display of finishing to comfortably beat Southport 3-1 in the Merseyside sunshine on Saturday.

The Sandgrounders had no answer to two impressive strikes from Jordan Hulme, who was also the provider of a superb assist for the second goal.

Hulme delivered an inch-perfect ball from the halfway line, that was picked up by Tom Peers’ perfectly-timed run and while Charlie Albinson did well to parry Peers’ first effort, the ball fell kindly for the Robins striker who steered the ball into the unguarded net from 10 yards.

Substitute Zehn Mohammed’s looping header was nothing more than a late consolation for Liam Watson’s team, who were comprehensively outplayed by a Robins side that has now gone five games unbeaten and manager Phil Parkinson was pleased with the performance and result.

He said: “I was very confident of getting something here and really enjoyed all three goals, particularly the second, scored by Tom Peers, that was set up by a fantastic delivery from Jordan Hulme, who showed with his two goals that he is one of the best box players at this level.

“The biggest thing for me is the progress that we have made since losing here early last month in the league game, particularly with our away form.”

Four of the five games in the current run have been on their travels and in Monday night’s televised draw for Round Two, Alty were drawn away from home for the fourth successive time.

York City at Bootham Crescent was not the draw most Robins fans were looking for as the Minstermen are riding high at the top of National League North and are unbeaten in all competitions this season.

But further progress is certainly within the reach of this team, who are now showing signs Alty fans could be in for another exciting season.