Phil Parkinson vowed to handle summer signing Justin Donowa with care after his stunning strike gave Altrincham their first pre-season win at the fourth attempt as they beat Wythenshawe Town 1-0 at Ericstan Stadium on Tuesday evening, writes John Edwards.

The flying winger underlined his match-winning flair with a spectacular long-range effort in the 16th minute as Alty finally registered a victory after following up their opening two defeats with a 4-2 home loss to Stockport County on Saturday.

But Parkinson was mindful of how Donowa missed a chunk of last season through injury at Solihull Moors prior to his recent move to The J.Davidson Stadium.

“It was really important for the group that we got a win, just so they know what it feels like,” said the Alty boss. “I was happy with that, as I was with Justin, who has been a massive positive for us already.

“I’m really pleased with where he is and how he is performing, but the all-important thing for a player like him, after what he went through last season, is managing him properly and keeping him fit for the majority of the season, because you can see what a great contribution he can make when he’s on the pitch.

“Against Stockport and again at Wythenshawe Town, there was pace and power from Justin and Justin Amaluzor on the other wing. It suits us to have two wingers who are able to give us that, and I am really happy with the progress we are making.”

Alty break new ground on Saturday with a trip to Dutch Eredivisie side NEC Nijmegen, and Parkinson added: “I’m looking forward to it, as are the players and our fans, and I’m sure everyone will embrace it.

“It should be a great experience against quality opposition, but I also see it as a team-bonding exercise, which I feel is really important as we head into another season. I want the players to have a good time and to find out a bit more about each other while also remembering they are representing the town of Altrincham.”