ALTY’S FAN-TASY

ROBINS HOPE CROWD CAN AID PLAY-OFF PUSH

ALTRINCHAM return to National League action tonight following a gameless weekend, and face a tough test against promotionchasing Hartlepool United at the J.Davidson stadium.

Phil Parkinson’s side were on a barren run of six defeats on the bounce before a 1-0 win over Woking saw them return to winning ways last week, despite being down to 10 men after Tom Hannigan’s red card in the 34th minute.

They are only two points off Eastleigh who occupy the final play-off spot, though they have played two games more than the Spitfires.

Hartlepool, meanwhile, are coming off the back of beating table-toppers Torquay United away from home, putting them level with the south coast side at the league’s summit, alongside Sutton United.

But despite no Saturday game, Altrincham boss Parkinson was not inclined to give his players a full day’s rest, putting on training ahead of a busy schedule.

He explained how rotation will be key ahead of a packed fixture list, saying: “We’ve seen how we need everyone to contribute this season, the rotation has been there, and we have been desperately unlucky with injuries. We won’t cry about it, we’ll use the squad.”

Parkinson also hinted Alty may be looking to bring in players if possible. He said: “We’ll recruit if we are able to recruit. Football is a tight knit family and people will look after each other. Hopefully we will look after these players, the clubs will remember that and when we need a favour again, they will help us out.”