United are starting to get their mojo back as they made it two wins in two games with a 1-0 victory at Altrincham today. James Constable's second half header decided the game but from front to back United played with a little bit of their old swagger  and look to be gathering momentum at just the right time as they head  for the play-offs

United started the brighter of the two sides with Sam Deering catching the eye on the left wing and Adam Chapman pinging in three dangerous corners inside the first five minutes. On nine minutes United almost scored a spectacular opening goal as Damian Batt raced to the by-line and crossed to the near post where Franny Green flew through the air for a bicycle kicked' effort which flashed just outside the goal. It would have been goal of the season if it had been a foot further left.

Constable then had two shots in quick succession bravely blocked by his marker Greg Young as the U's tore forward. The excellent Chapman ended a flowing move with yet another shot that was blocked ten yards out and United were playing with confidence and movement in all departments. Midson netted when offside on nineteen minutes, Batt drilled a left footer well wide a minute later and some of the feints and flicks around the box were a pleasure to watch.

Altrincham have the guile of Colin Little (soon to leave the club to manage Manchester United's under 13 side) and the hulking presence of the towering John McAliskey up front and needed some serious watching in an open game, with Damian Batt making a goal saving tackle on 32 as McAliskey flicked on for the galloping Little.

As the game continued at breakneck speed Midson nodded against the bar after Creighton had headed another Chapman corner back across on 33, but the pace of the game and the sweltering spring sunshine (welcome as it may have been) took its toll for the last ten minutes of the half as both teams went from Pietersen-in-full-flow gear to Cook-playing-for-lunch mode.

0-0 at half time but stat lovers might like to know that United had had six corners (Alty none), Six shots on target (Alty none) and five off target (yep, none again).

The second half began in similar style. A Chapman free kick almost killed a man in the Altrincham wall on 49 and then on 53 United took a deserved lead from a predictable source. Chapman's accurate corner, Constable's clever movement in the penalty area and when presented with such an inviting ball in the air and space to work in the deadly Constable planted his header past the stranded Coburn to make it 21 for the season (24 BC*)

The talismanic striker almost got another before we reached the hour with a stinging shot from sixteen yards after one of several flowing moves and yet more intelligent link up play from the hard working Midson, but United were looking relaxed, confident and full of belief; exactly where they should be as we head for the crucial period of the season.

Subs Matt Green and Lewis Chalmers (at his former club) were given around quarter of the game as Chris Wilder looked at all of his options, but the home side hadn't given up and started to win dangerous set pieces in and around the United box and from one on 80 minutes Ryan Clarke needed to make a very brave punch to take the ball from the head of Robbie Williams, denying the centre half the chance to entertain us.

Altrincham pressed hard in the closing stages but United's stubborn defensive streak was there to make it 23 clean sheets for the season; yet another encouraging sign in a very good afternoon's work.

Three home games to come, starting with Cambridge on Tuesday. Be there.

Att: 1356

Away: 368

Report by Chris Williams

See it all in Gallery, see Highlights and video interviews with the key men in Yellow Player

* before Chester