Altrincham are showing signs of firing on all cylinders, heading into the new season, after both their main strikers hit the target in their two latest friendly matches.
Summer signing Joe Nuttall underlined the scoring prowess that earned him spells with Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool by marking his Robins debut with a first-half headed goal in a 1-1 draw at Lancaster City on Saturday.
Three days later, strike partner Regan Linney got in on the act with a second-half double, as the Robins followed up with a convincing 3-0 win at Cheadle Heath Nomads.
With Matty Kosylo running from the halfway line to score a spectacular second in between, it was an impressive second 45 minutes for the Robins, who continue their build-up to the new campaign with another away game this Saturday, at Warrington Town (3pm).
Though acknowledging his side will face sterner tests as they advance through their pre-season programme, Phil Parkinson was delighted with how his strikeforce is taking shape and with the contribution of another summer recruit, former Hartlepool United midfielder Tom Crawford.
“There have been lots of positives for us in the last two games,” said the Alty boss, whose side have their first home friendly against Salford City next Tuesday (7.45pm).
“It was great to see Joe getting off the mark at Lancaster and showing what he’ll bring to the table, giving the team a different dimension.
“I’ve been really pleased with his work-rate, which was evident again at Cheadle. His attitude in training has been on-point, and he has been superb around the other players - if all that continues, he’ll do really well here.
“I thought Tom Crawford showed the quality he has, especially with some of the balls he played through to Regan, and overall there has been a really pleasing work ethic from all the players.
“I’m not expecting too much more in the way of signings, but don’t forget we’ve got Olly Crankshaw and Isaac Marriott hopefully back in the fold in September, so we look in good shape.”
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