Six-hit Pythons make it six league wins in a row

The game was the last before the imposition of the ban due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

The side had endured a difficult first half of the campaign, blighted by injury and bad luck, but have stuck together to string seven successive games without defeat and reach second in their league with three games to play.

The lads started the game, being played on Greensfield's new 3G pitch, confidently and enjoyed early spells of possession. They had the lead inside five minutes, Eithan Balmbra and Jack Grisdale combining to set up Ben Renton, who saw his shot saved by the out-rushing goalkeeper; but Grisdale was on hand to tuck away the rebound.

The visitors equalised after 15 minutes with a cross to the back post which was headed in.

Alnwick replied immediately, however, and a free kick from near the corner flag saw Renton and Grisdale link up again and restore the advantage.

A third followed five minutes before the break when Renton collected his third assist of the day, his corner finding Matthew Straker at the near post, who showed great composure to control and finish over the goalkeeper.

There was time to add a fourth just before half-time with Renton again involved when he was brought down by the goalkeeper as he played around him. A penalty was awarded and Ethan Balmbra netted for a 4-1 interval lead..

The second half was inevitably played at a slower pace but still brought chances at both ends. Carrigan had to be alert once more to tip onto the post, while Bobby Stone went close at the other end.

The hosts wrapped up the three points on the hour mark, man of the match Grisdale completing a superb flowing move to square for Balmbra who calmly finished for his 15th goal in 13 appearances this campaign.

There was still time for a sixth, substitute Thomas Newton, after a good first touch, rifling his shot into the net from more than 20 yards; his first goal of his second spell with the team.