by John Edwards

LEE Sinnott admitted Altrincham were ‘architects of their own downfall’ after failing to capitalise on a dominant first-half display at Kidderminster and ending up with 10 men and a harsh 4-0 defeat.

Building on an encouraging 3-3 draw with Eastleigh on Saturday, Alty travelled to Aggborough on Tuesday night and took the game to the highly-rated Harriers for over half-an-hour. But two goals in quick succession, followed by a second yellow card for midfielder Simon Richman early in the second half, left manager Sinnott lamenting:

"We were the architects of our own downfall. For 35 minutes, we were bright and strong but needed a better efficiency in the final third.

""Then we lose a player straight into the second half, and all the plans for getting back into the game need completely rejigging. I thought it was two yellows for Simon, and after receiving the first, you have to show a bit more nous and tread the line a bit more carefully.

"That said, I thought Kyle Perry was taken from behind in the first 15 minutes, and Jake Moult was on the end of a hefty, high challenge. You have to mind what you say, so I will be diplomatic and leave it at that.

"I was a bit annoyed at the way we went behind, and then conceded again so quickly, but after the way we started, and continued asking questions even with 10 men in the second half, we should have taken something from the game.’

"What a contrast, in terms of finishing, on Saturday, when Alty crafted three outstanding goals, including a spectacular first-time volley by Adam Griffin from Peter Cavanagh’s sweeping crossfield ball.

"You could liken that to Robin Van Persie’s goal for Manchester United against Aston Villa two seasons ago,’ said Sinnott. ‘The ball dropping out of the sky, over his shoulder, and needing just the right connection. A millimetre wrong, and it would have ballooned out of the ground, but he executed it perfectly. It was an immaculate piece of skill by Adam, and it is difficult to imagine you will see a better goal anywhere all season."