PHIL Parkinson saluted a feelgood factor running right through the club after Altrincham went top of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League with a 3-0 win over Halesowen Town at The J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday.

While refusing to get carried away by his side’s rise to the summit, Alty boss Parkinson acknowledged it was due reward for a brand of attacking football that has yielded 34 goals in their last 12 games, with offensive midfielder Josh Hancock leading the way after reaching double figures against Halesowen.

“It’s great to be where we are, but I’m not reading too much into it,” said Parkinson, who next leads his team in two difficult away games, at second-placed Warrington on Saturday and third-placed Shaw Lane, who are both level on points with Alty.

“It is great for the supporters, because they have had a long time of being in the doldrums, and it gives them something to be excited about. But Neil [Sorvel], myself and the lads know exactly what the job in hand is, what we have to try to achieve and what is expected of us, so while it’s nice to be where we are in the league, I’m not going to get overly carried away with it.

“We are just over a third of the way through the season, and there is still a hell of a way to go, but it is a credit to the lads for the run they have been on. The home form has been unbelievable.

“The lads and myself and the management team, and everyone associated with the club, are really pulling in the right direction, and there is a real feelgood factor at the place at the moment.

“But we’ve got to remember there will be some tough times ahead.

“When winter bites, it’s really testing and pitches become a bit of a leveller, so we have to remain very focused on what we are doing.

“We have to hope the squad stays fit and healthy as well, because the more players at my disposal, the better.”

In addition to their league form, Alty also progressed in the Integro League Cup, beating Ashton United 4-3 on penalties after a 3-3 draw.

Max Harrop, Tom Peers and Mason Walsh scored during the game and, in the shoot-out, Tim Deasy saved two spot-kicks, allowing Tolani Omotola to slot in the 10th penalty to send the Robins through.