Gravesend and Northfleet 3 v 1 Altrincham

Nationwide Conference

For more pictures, click on Non-league pictures

SUPER striker Charlie MacDonald scored a brace to sink Altrincham at Stonebridge Road.

The former Crawley man now has five in five games and proved to be the difference against a lacklustre Altrincham side.

The first half lacked any real spark, as both sides worked hard but for little reward.

Gravesend showed the greater attacking endeavour and were unfortunate not to be awarded an early penalty after Mark De Bolla was impeded.

Visiting goalkeeper Stuart Coburn then did well to deny Rob Quinn before Altrincham's first attack ended with Joe O'Neill firing straight at Lance Cronin.

MacDonald, Paul McCarthy and Quinn all went close for Gravesend but the game was still scoreless at the interval.

John Keeling squandered a great chance just after the break but MacDonald finally broke the deadlock in the 58th minute when he found himself in space 10 yards out and slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

Teenager Luke Moore added a second eight minutes later with MacDonald this time the creator, dispossessing Karl Munroe and presenting his strike partner with a simple chance eight yards out.

Visiting boss Graham Heathcote made two substitutions in an attempt to change the game but soon saw MacDonald net Gravesend's third when he poked the ball home from a McCarthy knock down.

Altrincham pulled one back late on when Stephen Aspinall stroked home a hotly-contested penalty but the visitors never looked likely to get back into the match.

MATCH FACTS

FLEET: Cronin, Ricketts, J Smith, R Smith, McCarthy, Slatter (Hawkins, 75), De Bolla, Quinn, Keeling (Coleman, 89), MacDonald, Moore (Sodje, 74).

SUBS NOT USED: Mott, Ekoku.

ATT: 900.