THE Blues' in-form striker Chris Ward once again gave notice to League scouts by bragging a brace against an Altrincham side who were just one position higher in the division.

City's fine run of form has coincided with Ward's goal poaching abilities as the Dolly Blues unbeaten run continues to 15 matches.

Although the Giant Axe pitch often resembled a hippo's wallow, the determination and togetherness that the team are now showing proved to be the undoing of their Cheshire opponents.

Altrincham showed in the first quarter of an hour that they had come to make a game of it as Murphy put the visitors ahead with only eight minutes on the clock. The post also saved Mark Thornely's goal and the keeper again kept City in the game with some fine saves.

City got on level terms just before the half hour when a cross from Rigby was met by Welch who slotted the ball past Coburn in the Altrincham nets.

The second half saw the Blues begin to dominate and with just three minutes gone Potts unleashed an unstoppable shot after a great run to put City in front.

It was now time for the Chris Ward show and the striker slotted home his first on 54 minutes and then followed up with his 29th goal of the season on 78 minutes with a neat header to claim all three points and put the match beyond doubt.