Three first half goals set Carlisle United on their way to a home win in the National League.
Although Altrincham pulled one back in the second half, it finished 3-1 and lifted the Blues up to third, although six points behind York in the automatic promotion place.
Mark Hughes side had gone three games across all competitions without a win and there was relief when David Ajiboye put them ahead on 26 minutes.
Five minutes later it was Ajiboye who was able to tee-up Luke Armstrong for the second Carlisle goal.
Eight minutes of catastrophe for Altrincham ended on 34 minutes when defender Dan Sassi turned an Elliot Embleton corner into his own net.
The visitors were given some hope after 69 minutes when Jimmy Knowles scored but it proved to be only consolation as Carlisle eased over the finishing line.
Charlie Wyke made a welcome return to the Carlisle bench after a long absence and he made a brief appearance, a minute into stoppage time.
There was also a seat on the bench for new goalkeeper Archie Mair who has come in on loan for Morecambe after Carlisle sold number two keeper Harry Lewis to Mansfield Town for an undisclosed fee.
