PHIL Parkinson insisted he still had 'a bunch of winners' after Altrincham's 16-game unbeaten league run finally ended with a shock 4-3 home defeat to Witton Albion on New Year's Day.

On a pitch made almost unplayable by torrential rain, Alty fought their way back from 2-1 half-time arrears, only to succumb to two late goals.

Though unhappy at their inability to see the game out after going 3-2 up, Parkinson had no misgivings about their determination to make amends when they visit Farsley Celtic on Saturday.

"We made bad decisions throughout, and I'm really disappointed that, after getting back into the game, we couldn't see it through," said the Alty boss, whose side's success towards the end of 2017 earned them the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League team of the month award.

"But it's very rare I've been able to point a finger at the lads, and I've got to give them a bit of credit for the run they've been on.

"They are tearing shreds off each other in the changing room. They are fuming at getting themselves in a good position and ending with nothing, but my message to them and everyone else is we stick together and keep showing the camaraderie and team spirit that has got us where we are.

"They are a bunch of winners, and it was also a big plus point for me to see our fans clapping us off at the end. That shows how far we have come."

Alty's promotion push has been given a double boost after highly-rated defender Andy White signed from Southport and Stockport County left-back Connor Hampson's loan move was turned into a permanent transfer.

Meanwhile, the club are celebrating a major coup after World Cup winner Ossie Ardiles and his ex-Tottenham team-mate Mickey Hazard agreed to appear at a sporting dinner in the Community Sports Hall on Friday, March 16.

Tickets are available from the club on 0161 928 1045.