HARROGATE Town's fine start to the Conference North season crashed at Altincham where they lost 3-0.

All the goals came in the second half through Colin Little (2) and Neil Hardy.

Town dominated the firt period with Lee Morris, Marc Smith and James Turley all going close.

Robins' goalkeeper Stuart Coburn had to be at his sharpest early on to deny Morris with defender Steve Aspinall clearing off the line.

Morris set up Smith whose drive was saved at full length by Coburn, who then denied ex-York City striker Turley.

Altrincham produced little of notein he first half, but took control after the break and Little opened the scoring just after an hour and added his second eight minutes later with an overhead kick.

Harrogate lost their way after that and Hardy fired in the third goal.

Updated: 11:41 Monday, September 06, 2004