Mark Jones gave the Pilgrims the dream start at The Jakemans Stadium, but Ben Fairclough was quickly red-carded for a challenge on Matt Doughty.

James Lawrie equalised after the break and once Spencer Weir-Daley had been sent off for apparent violent conduct, United were up against it.

Jake Moult and Nicky Clee scored late goals to book Altrincham's place in round one and end the plucky efforts of the nine-man Pilgrims.

Boston had started off in fine form and must be wondering what the outcome may have been if they had kept a full quota of players on the pitch.

Fairclough’s early downward header was miraculously clawed to safety by the evergreen Stuart Coburn, while Nathan Stainfield also headed off target following an Ian Ross delivery.

United’s bright start was rewarded in the 11th minute when JONES lashed the ball home at the second attempt following a forceful run into the box.

The Pilgrims’ joy was cut short when referee Adrian Holmes brandished his first red card two minutes later after adjudging Fairclough to have recklessly challenged Doughty.

Altrincham cranked up the pressure and the usually-prolific Damian Reeves headed over from a Clee cross, before Dan Haystead excelled to keep out a Reeves drive, with Stainfield blocking bravely from Duncan Watmore’s follow-up.

Boston were not without further chances and Stainfield headed across goal and off target following Ross’ right-wing free-kick.

Stainfield was responsible for a terrific block to deny Reeves at the start of the second period, but Altrincham equalised on 58 minutes. Reeves played a neat interchange with LAWRIE, who angled a neat finish across Haystead and into the far corner.

United’s afternoon well and truly fell apart two minutes later when Moult writhed around in agony after an alleged spat with Weir-Daley who was punished with the game’s second red card.

Reeves missed a sitter moments later but it was only a matter of time before Altrincham took the lead and their crucial goal arrived on 70 minutes when MOULT smashed home a swerving shot from distance.

Fresh legs were introduced into the United attack in the form of Korey Dyer-Stewart and Charley Sanders and it almost paid dividends.

From a Ben Milnes corner, Sanders had one shot blocked before arrowing a second effort fractionally wide of Coburn’s far post.

As it was, Altrincham survived and capped their victory when CLEE fired home with a minute to play.

Boston (4-4-2): Dan Haystead; Conor Marshall, Tom Ward, Nathan Stainfield, Gareth Jelleyman; Ben Fairclough, Ben Milnes, Ian Ross (Charley Sanders 76), Marc Newsham; Mark Jones (Korey Dyer-Stewart 76), Spencer Weir-Daley. Subs (not used): Kallum Smith, Scott Dawson, James Reed, Jason Stokes, Ricky Drury (gk).

Altrincham (4-4-2): Stuart Coburn; Shaun Densmore, Gianluca Havern, Danny Hall, Matt Doughty; Duncan Watmore (Danny Mitchley 77), Jake Moult, Carl Rodgers (Simon Richman 59), Nicky Clee (Patrick Lacey 90); Damian Reeves, James Lawrie. Subs (not used): Scott Leather, Ryan Brooke, Jamie Greygoose (gk).

Referee: Adrian Holmes