GRAHAM Heathcote looked on proudly as teenage son Sam marked his Altrincham debut with a dramatic winning goal just seconds after going on as an injury-time substitute at The J.Davidson Stadium.

Centre-back Sam went on with instructions to help safeguard a point against high-flying Cheltenham, but ventured forward to fire home a Michael Rankine cross with a first-time shot that sparked scenes of elation in front of dad Graham in the Dunne & Gray Family Stand.

"Just seeing him go on for his Altrincham debut made me proud," said Heathcote Snr, who served as Alty secretary, coach and manager after hanging up his boots as a free- scoring inside-right.

"It was a wonderful moment, given my history with this club, and, like any dad, I was just hoping he didn’t do anything wrong.

"Of course, he did the opposite, and it was great to see the ball hit the back of the net and Sam and the other lads celebrating, right where I was sitting.

"Some women near me were actually crying.

They remember him coming to the ground with me basically from being a baby.

They remember him coming along to the fun weeks as a kid. Now he’s running them with (assistant manager) Neil Tolson. It got very emotional.

"The finish didn’t surprise me. He was a centre-forward at United up to 11 years old, and a decent one at that.

"I’ve seen him score some terrific goals. One of his assets is he does strike a very good ball.

"I had a quick word after and said 'well done, son – just another 152 to go' I don’t know exactly how many goals I scored for Altrincham, but it was somewhere in that region. He needs a few more to catch me up, but it wasn’t a bad start, was it?"

In yet another injury setback, Alty, who are at Wrexham on Saturday then home to Eastleigh next Tuesday, will be without keeper Stuart Coburn for the next few months after what was thought to be a calf problem turned out to be a ruptured Achilles.

It was the perfect response by Alty after they surrendered 3-0 to winless Southport last week.

The under-strength side took the lead just before the hour-mark Ryan Crowther directed a low shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Cheltenham equalised in the 82nd minute before substitute Heathcote landed the winner.

With nine players now on the injured list, physio Alan Ainsley will be busy this week helping to get a fit squad together for the next challenge, away at another team of promotion hopefuls, Wrexham (Saturday 12th, 3pm).