ALTY REMAIN A REAL FOUR-CE

CLINICAL Altrincham produced a smash and grab raid at relegation-threatened Ebbsfleet to boost their hopes of a top-four finish.

-  Stuart Francis

Two goals in four first-half minutes proved decisive as the visitors took full advantage of the few chances that came their way.

At the other end, goalkeeper Ethan Ross had a day to remember as he made a string of great saves.

"It was a gritty away performance," said Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson. "We've played miles better than that and lost.

"I always look at performance but it's a results time of the year so we'll take that away from home.

"We always knew this would be a tough place to come as they haven't been beaten here since Hartlepool in January.