ALTRINCHAM'S disappointing league form continued after they succumbed to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Burton Albion at Moss Lane.

Graham Heathcote's side have now taken just two points from the last four games, a run which has seen them slide from a respectable 15th place to their lowest league position this season, 20th, just two points above the relegation zone.

The manager will be encouraged by his team's first half display, but with a crucial game away match at fellow strugglers Kidderminster coming up, Altrincham must surely improve their performance if they are to come away with the points.

The Robins had started brightly enough but failed to capitalise on a number of early chances that came their way, most notably Colin Little who lashed his effort over the crossbar two minutes in.

Burton's backline looked vulnerable in the early stages and were subject to some defensive mix-ups but it was Altrincham who granted them the lead with a mistake of their own on 17 minutes.

Burton full back Gary Rowett fired the ball forward into the path of team mate David Brown only for Alty goalkeeper, Stuart Coburn to clear his lines poorly after colliding with his colleague Gary Scott.

Daryl Clare was left with a simple finish, cooly chipping over the stranded Coburn.

Alty's reply was superb and within four minutes of falling behind they were back on level terms.

After some good work down the right hand side from Robbie Lawton and a beautifully threaded Steve Bushell pass, Val Owen got across his marker Darren Stride with a deft touch and calmly slotted home into the bottom corner.

The goal seemed to galvanise Altrincham for a short period, however another piece of indecisive defending, this time by Steve Aspinall, saw Burton regain the initiative in the game.

It was he, who like Coburn for the first goal, mistakenly found a Burton player when attempting to clear the ball, although nothing should be taken away from the man it fell too, Lee Fowler smashing a 20-yard strike past the fully stretched Coburn.

After an eventful first half the second 45 lacked fluency in the passing of both sides, but it was Burton who increased their advantage five minutes after the restart.

Following a foul by Gary Scott on the edge of the area, the ball was floated into the box towards the Burton skipper Darren Stride who acrobatically hooked it towards the awaiting Daryl Clare to volley into the roof of the net and complete a good afternoon for himself.

Alty's performance faltered from here on in and they could only manage to find consolation in a last minute goal from striker Colin Little, scrambling the ball into the back of the net after it had come back off the crossbar.

Alty player ratings: Coburn 7; Aspinall 6 (Potts 69, 6), Munroe 6, Rose 6, Scott 6 (Thornley 56, 7); Lawton 8, Chalmers 7 (Band 88), Owen 7, Bushell 7, Peyton 7; Little 7. Subs not used: Acton, O'Neill.

Daniel Etchells