Altrincham

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Altrincham 0-1 Luton

Graham Heathcote's Altrincham were unable to make their home advantage count on Saturday afternoon as they edged out by managerless Luton Town.

The Robins were made to pay for their lack of cutting edge after controlling proceedings for large periods of play.

Luton caretaker boss Alan Neilson has certainly staked his claim for the manager's position after Saturday's victory saw the Hatters claim nine points from their last three fixtures.

Altrincham started the match brightly, winning a series of corners in the opening 15 minutes of play and Luton only managed to register their first shot at goal in the 20 minute.

The Hatters grew with confidence as the match progressed but the score remained goalless at the half-time break.

The hosts piled on the pressure after the break as they went in search of an opener and got the breakthrough they were looking for in the 63rd minute when Aaron Burns was fouled in the penalty area by Luton's Kevin Nicholls.

However, Colin Little fired the resulting spot kick too close to goalkeeper Mark Tyler, who pushed the ball out for a corner with a dive to his left.

The referee took centre stage as he awarded the visitors a penalty just three minutes later.

Nicky Clee was adjudged to have brought down Hatters substitute Ryan Charles in the area and the referee pointed straight to the spot.

Tom Craddock stepped up to take resulting spot kick and made no mistake, firing a low, hard shot into the left-hand corner to make it 1-0.

Luton finished strongly as they went in search for a second by goalkeeper Stuart Coburn kept them in the contest with a string of fine saves.

Altrincham bookings: Clee.

Luton bookings: Gnakpa.

Referee: Richard West (Beverley).

Attendance: 1,762.