Former Altrincham striker Marcus Dinanga returned to haunt his former manager and team-mates with a stunning matchwinner for his new club on an Easter weekend of contrasting emotions for Robins boss Phil Parkinson.

After seeing Alty struggle for long periods at Boundary Park on Good Friday but salvage a dramatic 2-2 draw with two late goals, Parkinson was scathing about the performance but delighted with the way his side salvaged a point.

Three days later, after Dinanga’s first-half goal gave Gateshead a 1-0 win at The J.Davidson Stadium, he was full of praise for the Robins’ energy and endeavour but bitterly disappointed with the outcome.

“I was disgusted, disappointed and upset with the performance at Oldham,” he said.

“The first half was probably the worst we have played for a long, long time, and when we lost James Jones for what I thought looked a harsh red card, I couldn’t help thinking everything was going against us.

“We were already 2-0 down, so to turn it round the way we did showed great character. Young Maxi Oyedele really galvanised us when he went on as substitute and got us back in it with a magnificent goal. Much as I didn’t like the performance overall, I was really proud of the effort and never-say-die attitude.

“But I thought the lads were superb against Gateshead, absolutely top drawer. We created enough chances to win three games, but the dice wouldn’t roll for us.

“Their keeper kept them in it, but really they’ve been let off the hook. Their goal was their only real chance, and that is probably the part that stings a bit, that it was Marcus who scored it.

“He was a good player for us without being quite clinical enough, but he has been putting those sort of chances away for them.

“Sometimes, you have to move clubs to find your feet, so good luck to him.

“But I really believe in the lads we’ve got in those positions, and I know they will come good for us.”