Phil Parkinson predicted a fight to the finish in the battle for play-off places and vowed to “turn the screw” on Altrincham’s promotion rivals after the Robins turned on the style against Wealdstone on Tuesday night.
Alty dropped out of the play-off places, following a 3-2 home defeat to Gateshead on Saturday, but shot back up to sixth in midweek after turning on the power with three second-half goals that gave them a 4-1 win against a Wealdstone side who had led earlier on.
Others have games in hand, but Parkinson was in bullish mood as he assessed his side’s play-off prospects ahead of a Good Friday trip to Kidderminster Harriers and all-ticket home game with Oldham Athletic on Easter Monday.
“Those who have games in hand have to win them if they want to leapfrog us, so it’s important we keep turning the screw on them,” said the Alty boss.
“All we can do is try to keep winning, and it was certainly imperative we picked up all three points against Wealdstone.
“I’ve a feeling it could go all the way to our last game of the season against Oxford City, but we’re ready to give it all we’ve got.
“Phil Brown has got Kidderminster fighting tooth and nail to stay up, and they look a different animal from when we last played them.
“But we’ve got something to fight for as well. We’re fighting for the play-offs, and it’s going to be a war of attrition, with no quarter asked or given, we’ll be ready for that. We must go there with a positive mindset.”
Isaac Marriott is out until the start of next season, following ankle surgery, but his replacement George Wilson scored his first National League goal against Wealdstone and again shone alongside Elliot Osborne.
“Losing Isaac was a real blow, but George coming in and doing so well, with the help of Elliot, has made it a seamless turnaround,” added Parkinson. “Elliot has taken George under his wing and really helped him kick on.”
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