Phil Parkinson saluted his history-making Altrincham players and called for one last effort this Saturday to try and secure home advantage for their first-ever entry into the National League promotion play-offs.

A hard-fought 2-0 win at Ebbsfleet United last Saturday afternoon, allied to defeat for Aldershot in the teatime kick off, confirmed the Robins’ place in the play-offs, and they will have home advantage in the opening eliminator next Tuesday or Wednesday evening if they finish fourth or fifth in the table.

Three points at home to Oxford City on Saturday (12.15pm) would certainly help, and Parkinson is urging fans to create “a party atmosphere” at what is certain to be a packed J.Davidson Stadium for the final fixture before the play-offs begin.

“We deserve to be where we are, and I’m so pleased with the whole squad because everyone has played a part,” said the Alty boss.

“It’s going to be another really tough game against Oxford, because they’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain in terms of personal pride.

“But we’ve got everything to play for as well. With home advantage at stake in the play-off eliminator, there is a lot riding on the outcome, and we will be doing everything we can to take maximum points.

“Let’s remember what a great season it has been for these players, and let’s make it a party atmosphere on Saturday by turning up in numbers again and really getting behind them. I was blown away by how many travelled to Ebbsfleet and the noise they made. That level of support really makes a difference, and I’m hoping for more of the same against Oxford.”

Reflecting on Alty’s rise to fourth in the table after last weekend’s games and the way the club’s fortunes have been transformed since he and Neil Sorvel took over seven years ago, Parkinson added: “We have always tried to create history here, and I just hope we can now break the biggest of records by taking the club into the Football League.”