PHIL Parkinson awarded his Altrincham players top marks after they passed their biggest test of the season with flying colours at National League North side Alfreton on Saturday.

Facing opposition from a division above was seen by Parkinson as the ideal way of gauging Alty's progress so far, and he could not have been happier after two first-half goals set up a thoroughly-deserved FA Trophy win.

"I was thrilled with the performance," said the Alty boss, whose side are away to Warrington Town in the next round.

"In the first half, we footballed them to death. We looked like the team from the higher league, the way we kept possession and the quality we showed, individually and collectively.

"They were always going to have a go in the second half, but we dealt with that superbly and were good value for the win and another clean sheet.

"I said this game would be a bit of a benchmark, and it's great to see we are where we thought we were.

"The squad is fantastic. Sean Miller and Josh Amis are out on loan, and they would walk into any team in the Northern Premier League.

"There is quality like that still to come back in and it's a credit to the board for backing me to build this squad and the supporters for getting behind the team.

"When you get a standing ovation at the end, like we did at Alfreton, it means everything to the players and it shows this club is finally united and moving in the right direction."

Alty went out of the Integro Cup in controversial circumstances at Mossley on Tuesday night.

Leading 3-2 deep into stoppage time, thanks to a hat-trick by stand-in skipper Josh Hancock, they were pegged back by a goal that looked offside and then lost the resulting penalty shootout 5-4.

As they return to Evo-Stik North action at Mickleover Sports on Saturday, Alty await a fitness check on James Poole, who has a slight thigh injury.