A GOAL by Josh Hancock on the half-hour put a smile on Phil Parkinson's face as Altrincham registered their first Evo-Stik Premier Division win against Whitby Town on Tuesday night.

Summer-signing Hancock hammered home a close-range angled volley for Alty's first goal from open play this season as they turned on the style and created a string of clear-cut chances.

With a second goal proving elusive, they had to endure a nervy final few minutes, but Parkinson was still delighted with his team's overall showing and the level of backing from a vociferous J.Davidson Stadium crowd.

"We should have been out of sight by half time, and it does frustrate me our conversion rate isn't better, but there was so much to be positive about," said the Alty manager.

"The team ethic was superb, the energy and the way we pressed.

"The hunger the players showed was the key.

"They were champing at the bit before the game and were ready to take the changing room door off its hinges to get out there and get started.

"They wanted to get the season up and running, and hopefully they have now.

"Josh Hancock could have had six goals and is beating himself up at missing so many chances.

"The one he scored was probably the hardest of all, but Josh is all about goals and will score plenty for this club.

"He was a constant threat and our match-winner.

"I'm just delighted we've got those three points, for the players, the club and ultimately the fans.

"They have been starved of success here, but they were absolutely amazing tonight.

"That level of support is going to make this an intimidating place for teams to come to but a pleasure for our players to play at.

"The noise was brilliant and I'm just so proud tonight.

"I was beaming with pride at the end when we had got them the three points."

James Jones made an assured league debut in place of the suspended Tom Hannigan, who is available again for Saturday's home game with Coalville.