Josh Hancock continued his spectacular goalscoring form as Altrincham closed in on the Vanarama National League North play-off places with a remarkable fifth straight win in the space of 12 days at The J.Davidson Stadium on Tuesday night.

In-form Alty are just one point behind seventh-placed Farsley, with three games in hand, after goals from skipper Jake Moult, Hancock and Tom Peers saw off Blyth Spartans 3-1.

There was little evidence of a demanding fixture schedule taking its toll as midfield mainstay Moult scored for a third time in six games, Hancock followed up his 50th Alty goal at Leamington on Saturday with a 30-yard thunderbolt and Peers headed home from close range before Blyth replied late on.

"It was a fantastic strike by Hanks," said Alty boss Phil Parkinson, who brought Hancock with him from Nantwich when he took over at The J.Davidson Stadium two-and-a-half seasons ago.

"I've had him with me throughout my time in management, so I know what a special player he is.

"He has shown it time and again for Altrincham, and to score 50 goals for a club as quickly as he has is an exceptional achievement. He delivered a special goal tonight, and long may that continue.

"Our one-on-one defending was outstanding against a Blyth side who are very good on the counter, but that wasn’t what made the difference. It was the way we controlled the game and looked such a threat going forward.

"Tom Peers could have had a hat-trick, and that was a Ryan Giggs-esque run by John Johnston that ended with a shot that came back off the post. I thought we were superb. The fans have been fantastic, too. They are like a 12th man, and when you see the numbers turning up at places like Leamington, it drives you on. It really does inspire you."

Alty bid to extend their winning streak at home to Guiseley on Saturday before heading to Spennymoor on Tuesday night and Gateshead the following Saturday.