BERNARD Taylor never promised to bring cups to Moss Lane. They are a superb added bonus, but the club's main aim has always been to gain promotion.

In fact, Bernard said that if promotion was not achieved this season, he would step aside, and let someone else 'have a go'.

The chances are he will not have to go through with his promise, as it will take a major effort on Guiseley's part to catch up, after their 4-1 defeat at the hands of Blyth, also on Tuesday night. In addition, Worksop are running out of games.

You could have water-skied along the half-way line at Wincham Park before kick-off, but it did not seem to dampen the spirits of the two sides, who immediately got stuck into a traditional blood and guts cup tie, which tends to re-kindle your love of the game.

Simeon Hodson was the first to have a chance on goal which Northwich keeper Lance Key took the sting out of and let it roll for a fruitless corner.

Stroking the ball around in the wet condtions well, Altrincham had the better of the play throughout the game, and apart from a few back passes to Stuart Coburn which did not reach their target, they coped well with an attacking force which has score 55 conference goals this season.

Phil Power netted the only goal of the game on 37 minutes, flicking on Simeon Hodson's cross with his head past Key.

Keith Russell, who seems to have regained full fitness after an injury-dogges season, could have doubled the lead in the second half with a shot on the turn, but the strikers effort came back off the post.

In conclusion, there is good news and bad news to be taken from this game.

As a practice run for Conference football, it was promising to see the side cope with Northwich.

The bad news is that Ricky Harris, always an influential player for the Robins limped off at half-time, and may be doubtful for the final week o the season.

Robins: Coburn, Hodson, Adams, Timons, Ellender, Robertson, Gallagher, Power, Hardy, Harris (sub Kielty 46), Russell.

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