ROBINS IN FINE FORM AHEAD OF PLAY-OFFS

PLAY-OFF bound Altrincham signed off the regular season with a routine victory over already relegated Oxford City to finish a record high of fourth in the National League.

Frontman Regan Linney took his tally to 13 for the season with a first half penalty for the Robins as they recorded a fifth win in six to go into their home play-off eliminator with FC Halifax Town on Wednesday night in excellent form.

“It’s another three points, another clean sheet, so there are lots of positives.” said assistant Alty boss Neil Sorvel. “Apart from a ten-minute spell, we were comfortable and should’ve won by more.

“I’m really pleased with how the season has gone. People had written us off earlier in the season following our bad spell, but it just shows the determination of the lads to finish with such a good run.

“And to get the home tie in the play-offs as well, I think is massive. It gives us a great chance, and you never know.”

A tepid first half sprung into life when the superb Elliot Osborne released Justin Amaluzor down the right on 20 minutes, and the winger fed talisman Chris Conn-Clarke in the box, but he could only hit the side netting.

With neither side looking like opening the scoring before the break, Alex Newby was then tripped in the box by Giles Phillips on 43 minutes and Linney stepped up to confidently slot into the bottom left corner.

The visitors improved after the restart and could’ve drawn level just before the hour mark. Some lapse defending allowed Harvey Greenslade to get a snapshot away from close range, but the very dependable Ethan Ross got down well to make the stop.

The Robins should’ve doubled their lead later in the half with two excellent chances for Conn-Clarke. On 61 minutes, Linney raced clear following a City corner and unselfishly squared to the Northern Irishman in space in the box, but he again fired just wide of the post.

And 10 minutes later Alty’s top scorer was denied by a miraculous stop by Tom Watson in goal. Conn-Clarke’s 20 yard freekick was headed right into the top corner, but somehow Watson got his fingertips on the ball to parry it wide and keep the score respectable for Oxford.

The result capped a rather miserable final week for Oxford City, whose chairman of more than 20 years Brian Cox – the longest serving in the club’s history – passed away at the age of 83.

“We’ve come to a team at the top end of the league and done well, so I’m pleased.” said Hoops boss Ross Jenkins. “First half we played some good stuff, and we had chances to win the game, but the second half was tough. Our parttime stature really showed.

“The passion, determination, effort, it was all there. But it’s fine margins at this level – a penalty, which is our own mistake.”