ALTRINCHAM will be York City's opponents for the Vanarama National League North semi-finals after defeating Chester 3-2 in their elimination round.

Alty midfielder Josh Hancock put the home side in a half-time lead when his long-range strike found the bottom corner on 34 minutes.

Shortly after the restart, the Robins doubled their lead. Striker Jordan Hulme was brought down when going for goal by his former team-mate John Johnston, who was shown a straight red card for his challenge.

The former York forward Elliott Durrell, who left the Minstermen in January after a five-month stay, side-footing the ball home from the penalty spot to further their advantage.

Just before the hour mark, Altrincham scored a third. Durrell was again the scorer after adding the finish to a clinical counter-attack.

Chester registered what looked like a consolation goal prior to the second half drinks break - Anthony Dudley squaring the ball for George Glendon to slot into the bottom corner.

It turned into a nervy final ten minutes when Matty Hughes nodded in a Matty Water cross for Chester.

But Altrincham held on to set up Saturday's semi-final tie at Bootham Crescent (3pm kick-off).

It will be the fourth meeting between the two sides this season, with the Manchester-club able to boast two previous victories away to York.

Two 1-0 wins - on both occasions thanks to Tom Peel goals - for Altrincham at York in November saw the Minstermen knocked out of the FA Cup and the FA Trophy.

Steve Watson's side did though ease to a 3-1 away win when the two clubs met on the opening round of the league season which took place almost exactly a year ago.