ALTRINCHAM 2, WEALDSTONE 0
An amazing cameo from substitute Ryan Colclough lit up Altrincham’s home victory against Wealdstone which lifted them to the dizzy heights of fourth place in the National League.
While goals from Josh Hancock and Alistair Smith earned the in-form Robins a well-deserved victory, it was Colclough who provided the sparkle as they made it only one loss in the last 10 league and cup matches.
The 26-year-old former Crewe Alexandra, Wigan Athletic and Scunthorpe United winger, displayed the class which showed he would surely be cutting it at a higher level but for well publicised personal issues.
Introduced as a 63rd replacement, Colclough struck the upright within three minutes of making his entrance before creating other openings and making a series of mesmerising runs on a night when Alty could and should have won by a wider margin.
Hancock gave the Robins a deserved 39th minute lead with a free header in the six-yard box from Matty Kosylo’s corner for his sixth goal of the season.
It was no more than Altrincham deserved after a dominant opening period in which took the game to Wealdstone who were on the retreat for most of the half.
The only criticism was they failed to turn massive territorial advantage and chances into more goals.
Hancock had earlier been put clean through only to slot his shot wide of the upright while returning captain Jake Moult – he missed Saturday’s win at Barnet – cushioned a cross with his chest before volleying narrowly wide.
Classy central defender Toby Mullarkey also saw a diving header fly wide whereas the visitors never had a serious goal attempt in the first 45 minutes.
The second half only ignited with Colclough’s introduction as he immediately cut in from the left before striking the inside of the fart upright and watching in disbelief as the ball somehow stayed out.
Hancock had two chances to double the lead in quick succession as he forced a brilliant save from Stuart Moore before striking the crossbar.
Altrincham finally sealed victory with 11 minutes left.
Colclough crossed from the left for substitute Tom Peers to force another super saw from Moore. The ball was immediately played back in from the right for Smith to nick the ball past the goalkeeper from close range.
It was the first goal scored by the Mansfield Town loanee in his 13th game of his spell at Moss Lane.
And like the proverbial buses, Smith almost scored a second moments later when he fired narrowly over.