Dormand: Patrolled his area confidently for his first clean sheet in eight games.8.

Naylor: Never gave an inch as he tackled his heart out and left his mark on several Altrincham players.8.

Clarke: Tidied up effectively at the back and also burst forward to win City’s only corner of the contest.8.

Ayres: Kept Damian Reeves, the league’s top-scorer, quiet throughout with a sterling display.9.

Cartwright: Worked the left flank well, with good distribution, as he put in another solid shift for the cause.8.

Smith: Gave Altrincham a tough time for an hour and linked well with Thorley for the second goal.7.

Elvins: Shielded the back-four with a disciplined display. Emeka Nwadike has a challenge to win his place back.7.

O’Connor: Another superb display in the centre from the captain, combining silky passing with tough tackling.8.

Thorley: Outstanding from start to finish. Controlled the game with his passing and movement, scoring twice.9.

Brown: Won and scored the penalty and also caused the visitors problems with his pace on the break.8.

Carey-Bertram: Provided some much-needed strength in attack but his chances were few and far between.7.

subs: Birley 7 (for Smith 59), Corbett 7 (for Carey-Bertram 74), Edwards (for Brown 84). Not used: Rowe, Sargeant.

Man of the match: Tom Thorley — A display reminiscent of last season’s excellent efforts, capped with two well-taken goals.