ADAM HINSHELWOOD’s wait for a first win as York City manager will go on, after errors and disastrous defending saw the Minstermen fall to a 6-1 defeat to Altrincham.

Altrincham ran rampant and took advantage of some fragile York defending, with goals from Justin Amaluzor, Jake Cooper, Alex Newby, Chris Conn-Clarke and an own goal from George Sykes-Kenworthy sentenced the Minstermen to a calamitous defeat.

Maz Kouhyar picked up important minutes after his return from Herefore, and marked his comeback with a fantastic consolation strike to have those travelling City supporters briefly smiling.

But a truly disastrous night for the Minstermen sees Hinshelwood’s side in 23rd position of the Vanarama National League table, three points adrift of safety with the now-third worst goal difference in the division.

Altrincham on the other hand have now snuck their way into the play-off positions in a dominant display at the J Davidson Stadium.

Hinshelwood made two changes to the Minstermen side that played out a goalless stalemate with Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday, with Billy Chadwick and Dan Batty both dropping to the bench.

In their place came Alex Hunt and Lenell John-Lewis, with City lining up in an attacking 4-3-3 formation, which included Paddy McLaughlin at left-back and three strikers leading the line.

Altrincham began the match by announcing a signing prior to kick-off, with former Manchester United and Brentford youngster Max Haygarth included on the bench.

The reputable Conn-Clarke started in the number ten role for Alty, with former City shot-stopper Ethan Ross starting between the sticks in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

York’s run of form has been calamitous as of late, on a run of seven matches without a win, but Altrincham found themselves in a similar position with six defeats in their last seven.

Despite that, it wouldn’t be surprising if there had been an assumed difference in divisions between the two sides in a manic first-half.

Just two minutes in, Altrincham took an immediate lead through an error from Sykes-Kenworthy, as Jones cross was spilled by the unchallenged City goalkeeper, who mistakenly pushed the ball into his own net.

Altrincham maintained their fast start with Amaluzor expertly finding Matty Kosylo with a brilliantly threaded through ball, but the former Halifax Town winger couldn’t trouble Sykes-Kenworthy as he lifted his effort over the crossbar.

City managed one shot on target in the first-half, as some battling from Dipo Akinyemi allowed Will Davies the space to sting the gloves of Ross from the edge of the area.

But as York struggled to string together a meaningful opportunity, the Robins took advantage of the fragilities and doubled their lead.

A counter-attack left two City defenders to handle an onrushing four Altrincham attackers, before Alex Newby spread the ball wide into Amaluzor, who bended a cool finish into the bottom right corner.

John-Lewis and Castro both had attempts on goal which failed to trouble Alty, with the latter’s clearing the stand, before Sykes-Kenworthy produced an impressive stop to palm George Wilson’s long-ranged effort over the bar.

Conn-Clarke looked to have his usual impact for the hosts but could only strike the side netting with a ferocious effort from 25-yards out.

But with the half-time whistle fast approaching, Altrincham ended the half as they had started it.

Disastrous defending from the Minstermen saw three consecutive failed clearances drop to Cooper, who brushed home the loose ball via a deflection, in what was a comical way to concede.

York fans would have believed that it could only get better within the second-half, and whilst there were signs of improvement, there would be no sign of a comeback.

Altrincham, who perhaps felt that the game was rightly already won, opted to make a double change at the break with Sam Roscoe and Dan Mooney replacing Kosylo and Banks.

City did however who start the second-half better than they had the first, with Ryan Fallowfield’s cross being glanced goalwards by Davies, only to be smothered by Ross.

John-Lewis saw a strike clear the crossbar before Akinyemi scuffed a potential opportunity, with the Minstermen introducing Kouhyar for his first appearance since returning to the club from Hereford.

The winger would have an immediate impact too, hammering home an unstoppable strike from 25-yards out to perhaps gift those incredible travelling supporters a glimmer of hope.

But just six minutes later, Altrincham quickly restored their three goal advantage with Sykes-Kenworthy making another unfortunate effort to add to a disastrous night for the City shot-stopper.

A long-ranged effort from Newby looked comfortable for the goalkeeper, but Sykes-Kenworthy committed another error after spilling the ball into his own net.

Conn-Clarke went close with a curling strike that dropped narrowly wide of the target, before Ross produced a fine stop to deny Davies.

The Altrincham attacker wouldn’t have to wait long however before he earned a place on the scoresheet, as Conn-Clarke added to his impressive goal tally with a composed finish to add Altrincham’s sixth.

And with time running down, an embarrassing night for York got even worse, as Altrincham added their sixth.

A loose ball in behind the City defence was met by Newby, who raced into the box uncontested before poking a calm finish between the legs of Sykes-Kenworthy.

York will hope to respond in Saturday’s clash with Aldershot Town at the LNER Community Stadium (3pm), as Hinshelwood’s search for a first win stretches on.

ALTRINCHAM: Ross, Banks (Roscoe, 46), Jones, Baines, Cooper, Kosylo (Mooney, 46), Osborne, Wilson, Conn-Clarke, Amaluzor (Haygarth, 73), Newby

Subs not used: Angus, Gould

Goals: Sykes-Kenworthy OG (2), Amaluzor (26), Cooper (45), Newby (71, 86), Conn-Clarke (81)

Yellow cards: Kosylo (24), Ross (84)

YORK CITY: Sykes-Kenworthy 4, Fallowfield 5, Howe 5, Smith 5, McLaughlin 4 (Latty-Fairweather 6, 50), Hunt 5, Woodyard 6, Castro 5 (Chadwick 6, 50), Davies 5, John-Lewis 6 (Kouhyar 7, 57), Akinyemi 5

Subs not used: Watson, Batty

Goals: Kouhyar (65)

York’s star man: The fans. A monumental effort from those travelling supporters, who were unfortunately let down by the performance.

Referee: David Richardson

Attendance: 1554 (269)

Shots (on target): 10 (9) | 3 (5)

Corners:  7 | 5

Offsides: 2 | 0

Fouls committed: 3 | 12