Sutton took a 19th-minute lead in dazzling fashion as Edward Jones’ half-clearance fell to Jermaine Francis, whose volley from the edge of the area flew past Altrincham goalkeeper Luke Hutchinson.

David Ogbonna and Lewis Simper were narrowly off-target before half-time but Altrincham rallied after the interval, with Lucas Weaver denied by Chris Haigh while Sam Barnes struck against the underside of the bar.

Their persistence paid off when Crankshaw’s 71st-minute free-kick from 20 yards defeated Haigh.

Just two minutes later, Crankshaw had his and Altrincham’s second when he fired home after collecting from Weaver as Sutton’s final game at home this season ended in defeat.