TOM Peers continued his recent stateside scoring spree to secure a 1-0 derby win against Macclesfield that Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson described as the perfect rehearsal for the test ahead in the National League North.

Versatile striker Peers, fresh from a successful summer stint in America, pounced in the eighth minute after a Jordan Hulme shot was parried by the keeper, as Alty made it four wins out of four in an impressive start to their pre-season programme.

But while they were largely untroubled against lesser opposition in their earlier outings, Macclesfield provided a sterner challenge that should stand them in good stead for the league campaign, according to Parkinson.

"Results aren’t hugely important at this stage, though I know our fans will be happy about putting one over such historic rivals," said the Alty boss.

"For us, it was a case of could we keep them out, and it was massive that we did it so well because we will be playing a lot of teams like Macc next season – big, strong and, on the night, very direct.

"I thought we limited them to very little and were certainly the stronger team for an hour.

"They had a spell when we made a load of changes, but the lads weathered that superbly and finished the game strongly, which I thought was a great indicator of fitness levels."

In a show of unity with supporters that has typified Parkinson’s time at Alty, the club are throwing open the doors for their team photo session a week on Sunday and inviting fans along to the ground to mix with the players and coaching staff.

The open day, from 12.30pm-3pm, will include a variety of activities and the opportunity for photos with players, as well as chatting with them.

Parkinson said: "You saw how vital our supporters were at the back end of last season when they were sucking the ball into the net at the Golf Road end in the last minute of a crucial game – we wouldn’t have won the league without them."