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[Darren]

Alty 3 Salisbury City 1
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by Adam Martell

ALTY secured a vital three points in their battle for survival after a 3-1 win over Salisbury that saw them climb to 18th in the league table - their highest position this season.

The Robins had trailed for fully 40 minutes, after Matt Tubbs had given the visitors a 15th minute lead.

But the game hinged on a tactical switch by Alty boss Graham Heathcote's.

Five minutes into the second half and with the hosts struggling to break down Salisbury, he moved big defender Ryan Shotton up front and the rest is history.

Shotton levelled in the 56th minute after a collision involving Salisbury's Aaron Cook and goalkeeper Ryan Clarke caused confusion in their defence.

And five minutes later he doubled his tally after connecting with a low, threatening cross by on-loan Stockport midfielder Paul Turnbull.

The points were wrapped up after a fantastic dribbling display by Chris Senior saw him power his way through the Salisbury defenders and finish with a superb strike 13 minutes from the end.

"Today I think eventually we got the result we deserved," said Heathcote after the game.

He also gave full compliments to man of the match, Shotton, and said: "He's going to be a good player. He's 19 years of age and he's done fantastic for us."

In the first half, Salisbury had the better of the possession but created very few chances, as Altrincham's defence survived four successive corners after just six minutes of play.

However, they still took the lead on 15 minutes when Coburn saved a shot from Liam Feeney but only into the path of a grateful Tubbs, who tapped in from three yards.

Alty suffered a blow when the injured Ryan Lynch had to be replaced by Senior but seconds later Greg Tansey engineered a training ground move to perfection when his lofted corner was volleyed by Little from 20 yards, only to be deflected wide.

Soon after, Little created a great opportunity when he headed across goal to set up Senior, but the diminutive striker's header was far too comfortable for the goalkeeper.

Both Senior and Little proceeded to miss good opportunities on 38 minutes but the second half witnessed a more decisive Alty side in front of goal.

Within five minutes Heathcote replaced Joe O'Neill with Chris Lane. Lane replaced Shotton at right back so the Stoke City loanee could move up front.

The switch paid dividends when Shotton did the double on Salisbury, scoring two goals in five minutes.

On the rare occasion that Salisbury created a significant chance, Coburn was ready and waiting, and dived to save a low shot from Tubbs, just eight yards out.

Alty were dominating the game and an ecstatic Senior completed the victory on 77 minutes, but the referee duly cautioned him for taking his shirt off during the jubilant celebrations.

Another injury blow saw Turnbull replaced by Gary Scott in the 78th minute, so Shotton moved back into defence and Lane into the centre of midfield.

Salisbury made their own changes, but a late double substitution wasn't enough for them to find a way back into the game.

Altrincham will be on their travels in the remaining two games of the season but will need results elsewhere go in their favour if they are to seal Blue Square Premier survival.

3:25pm Sunday 13th April 2008