GREG Wilkinson provided a reminder of the form that once attracted the attention of Manchester United as Altrincham finally registered their first National League North win of the season at Stalybridge on Saturday.

The former Stalybridge midfielder, who turned 27 five days earlier, ran the show for Alty and rounded off a 2-0 win with an audacious goal from the tightest of angles in stoppage time.

It came as no surprise to manager Jim Harvey, who explained the United link by saying: "When I was Stalybridge manager, I put him in the first team at 17 or 18 years old.

"While I was there Manchester United enquired about him because they wanted to have a look at him.

"That fell through, but all it was doing was recognising that this fella's got talent, which he has, but unfortunately he hasn't played for nearly a year.

"No one has given him a game. He started a job at a bank but couldn't get a club anywhere.

"As soon as I got fixed up here at Altrincham, the first thing I did was ring Greg and say: 'Come on, let's get you playing again'.

"He jumped at the chance and has wasted no time showing what a talent he is.

"It's all down to understanding the player and what he can offer you, if you allow him to do what he is good at.

"In Greg's case, he is very good in possession, driving forward, creating chances for others and himself. For us, at this level, he is exceptional.

"He has an eye for goal, and that was evident more than once.

"Earlier in the second half he bent one just wide of the far post when just a little bit more curl or starting it a little nearer the post and it would have been in.

"He has that ability and I'm delighted we've got him."

Alty switch their attention to the FA Cup on Saturday, with an opportunity to book their place in the first round proper if they can overcome Matlock Town at The J.Davidson Stadium (3pm).