Key defenders Eddy Jones and Lewis Baines have committed their futures to The J.Davidson Stadium in a timely boost that has helped offset the frustration of Altrincham’s promotion push being stalled by two successive postponements.

After last Saturday’s National League trip to Southend fell foul of freezing temperatures, Alty were desperately hoping the weather would relent and allow Tuesday night’s eagerly-anticipated first-ever home derby with Rochdale to go ahead.

But with rain falling throughout the day, their hopes of impressing a live television audience, as well as a bumper crowd inside The J.Davidson Stadium, were finally dashed by a 3.30pm inspection of a waterlogged pitch.

It was a bitter blow for the in-form Robins, but, as they turned their attention to facing Eastleigh at Moss Lane this coming Saturday (3pm), they were boosted by news that left-back Jones and central defender Baines had both signed contract extensions.

Since joining from Chorley in the summer of 2022, Baines has been an ever-dependable mainstay of Alty’s back line, clocking up 55 league appearances to date and scoring four goals, most recently against Barnet earlier this month.

“I’m really happy to have signed a new deal,” said the 25-year old. “These are really exciting times for the club, we’re heading firmly in the right direction and I’m buzzing to be part of it.”

Wales under-21 defender Jones has been a model of consistency since signing from Stoke City on a permanent deal 12 months ago, following two successful loan spells with the Robins.

“The club is only going one way, and that is up,” he said. “I’m glad to have played a part in that, and it was an easy decision signing a new contract, because I love playing for Altrincham and I love playing for the gaffer.

“It has given me a platform to express myself on the pitch, and I feel I have established myself as a player. A lot of that is down to the gaffer for giving me the opportunity and filling me with confidence. He and Sorvs have put in so much groundwork that we’re now in a great position to do something special this season. It’s going to be a challenge, but we’ll do our best to embrace it.”