LEE Sinnott has called for a positive response from his Altrincham players after their four-match unbeaten run was halted by promotion rivals Gainsborough Trinity.

Despite new keeper Joe Collister distinguishing himself with a penalty save less than two minutes into his debut, Alty were second best for most of a 2-0 defeat that left them six points off the play-off places.

The task of making up ground will scarcely be any easier on Saturday, with third-placed Stalybridge Celtic visiting Moss Lane, but Sinnott has urged his players to rise to the challenge.

‘We were on the wrong end of the result at Stalybridge in October, but we must view Saturday as a chance to redress the balance, just as we must when Gainsborough visit our place,” said the Alty boss.

“We simply didn’t get out of the traps last Saturday, but there is still a lot of football to be played.

“What counts is how you react to the pressure, as it starts to build. Teams are starting to bunch up a bit at the top. We are on their coattails, and it is important we begin dictating games again, and playing to our true capabilities, starting on Saturday.

“Joe’s debut could end up being a quiz question, saving a penalty with his first touch. I thought he did really well. He commanded the box and had a presence about him, and he communicated well. He was also extremely annoyed with their second goal, and berated some of our defenders, which is what you want from your keeper.

“The only shame is he didn’t see what we are capable of as a team. Let’s hope we show him on Saturday.”

Sinnott is running the rule over versatile defender Mark Lynch and striker John Miles, who have been training with Alty after being released by Stockport.

On the injury front, keeper Stuart Coburn could be out another couple of weeks, but Simon Richman, Marlon Broomes and Chris Lynch all trained on Tuesday and will be monitored ahead of Saturday.