ALTRINCHAM'S hopes of Blue Square Premier survival were left hanging by a thread last night as neighbours Northwich Victoria completed their great relegation escape by winning 2-1 at Stevenage.

Goals by Michael Carr (12 mins) and Joel Byrom (59) gave Dino Maamria's men a victory which guarantees they'll stay up.

But Vics' triumph combined with Halifax's 4-0 romp at Crawley was disastrous for Alty, who are now certain to be relegated along with Droylsden unless they can win their last match at Weymouth and the Shaymen lose theirs against Stevenage.

The demoted Bloods missed an opportunity to ensure they avoid the wooden-spoon as they were held 1-1 by visiting Woking after Terry Fearns had given them a 36th minute lead.

Meanwhile, Stalybridge's place in the Blue Square North play-offs was all but assured as promotion rivals Harrogate could only draw at Tamworth.

Relegated Leigh RMI crashed yet again, beaten 2-0 at Southport.