ALTRINCHAM FC took their fight for National League survival to the last day after an emphatic 5-0 victory over Welling United at Moss Lane.
Jordan Sinnott made the most of a slow first half to race onto Michael Rankine’s header and slot past Marek Rodak in the 33rd minute, before Rankine scored a controversial penalty in first-half injury time.
Alty grew in confidence, scoring two more in 20 minutes in the second half courtesy of James Lawrie and Damian Reeves.
Rankine compounded Welling’s misery with a classy chip over the head of Rodak in the dying minutes.
The result leaves Altrincham a point from safety going into the last game, while Welling are already relegated.
Only a win would do for Alty, who came into the game three points adrift of safety.
Both sides began the game hesitantly, but Sinnott came to life in the 33rd, making an intelligent run behind the defence to slide the ball comfortably into the net.
Altrincham were awarded a controversial penalty for an alleged handball by Ian Gayle after a skirmish in the area.
It was Rankine’s to take, and he calmly drove it into the bottom right.
Welling came out from the break showing a bit of fight, tackling harder and moving the ball much quicker.
But it was Alty who began to find the space to knock the ball around more confidently resulting in Lawrie scoring on the counter in the 50th minute.
Alty then showed the quality they’ve been sorely missing in recent games as Reeves scored a simple header after a lovely, flowing passing attack.
Rankine capped the performance with a cheeky chip over the keeper in injury time to complete the rout of Welling.
Welling, having replaced manager Dean Frost with Mark Goldberg after suffering relegation at the hands of Chester last weekend, showed little signs of improvement.
It ends Altrincham’s run of seven games without a win and three without a goal emphatically.
After a run of only two wins in 22 saw them sink down the table, Neil Tolson’s men now go to Braintree with a chance of retaining their place in the National League.
Teams
Altrincham: Deasy (Williams 74’), Griffin, Moult (C) (Richman 88’), Havern, Leather, Lawrie, Rankine, Reeves (Savill 84’), Ginnelly, Sinnott, Holness.
Subs not used: Heathcote, O’Keefe
Booked: Moult
Welling: Rodak, Porter (Kadell 58’), Lee, Wanadio, Gayle, Taylor, Lokko (C), Corne, Yusuff, Kargbo, Bakare (Caicedo 23’).
Subs not used: McEntegart, Kabba, Nortey
Booked: Yusuff, Porter
Referee: Mr John Busby
Attendance: 1396
By Thom Whyte at Moss Lane
@Thom_Whyte
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