Altrincham responded in the best possible way to Saturday’s heavy defeat at Sutton United, securing all three points from a 1-0 win at Maidenhead, on Tuesday night, courtesy of James Jones.

He intelligently outfoxed his marker to steer a fine far-post header, from Elliot Osborne’s expertly-delivered free-kick, back across goal and into the bottom corner just after the half-hour mark.

Robins manager, Phil Parkinson saluted his players, who had endured two punishing trips to Surrey and Berkshire, travelling a total of almost 800 miles.

He said: “That was exactly what was asked for and the players delivered. James Jones comes back into the team and scores the winning goal and keeps a clean sheet - what a return.

“We stayed positive whilst licking our wounds over the weekend.

“We reminded the lads who we are and what’s expected from us this season and they showed quality and resilience to execute a well-deserved win.”

The Robins answered their critics in the best way possible, following a tortuous afternoon that ended in a 5-0 defeat in the Surrey heat at Sutton on Saturday.

Parkinson added: “ I was really happy with the first 25 minutes when we more than matched them and got into some really dangerous areas.

“Then 16 minutes of madness with three individual errors cost us the game, which you just can’t do much about from the sidelines.

“We are still work in progress and maybe nursing a play-off hangover subconsciously.

“I know when we click we’ll be the team every one associates with Altrincham - I can see signs of it already.”

Six points from three games equals Altrincham’s best start to a National League campaign for 15 seasons and victory in Saturday’s return to The J.Davidson Stadium, against Eastleigh - the only team still with a 100-per-cent record - would bring the Robins level with the current league leaders.

As it’s a bank holiday weekend, it’s a quick turnaround for all National League teams and on Monday, Alty travel to Gloucestershire to face Forest Green Rovers - another team, like Sutton United, that has returned to the National League from League Two following relegation in May.

Kick off for Saturday’s home game is 3pm and tickets from £1-£20 can be purchased online via the club’s website at altrinchamfc.com.