United approach has paid off for Robins – Parkinson

A scintillating second-half performance capped by goals from on-loan midfielder Chris Merrie and winger John Johnston confirmed Alty as champions in the grand manner as they cruised to a 2-0 win against one of their main promotion rivals.

After celebrating with nearly 400 Alty fans who made the journey and provided non-stop vocal support, jubilant boss Parkinson, whose side will be presented with the trophy at Saturday’s home game against Hednesford, said: "The players have backed Neil Sorvel and myself, as has everyone  – the supporters, the board, everyone associated with the club – and this is what you get when everyone pulls together and is going for the same aim.

"It’s an unbelievable feeling to be able to call ourselves champions, so special.

"When we took over 12 months ago, we made a promise we would try to bring to this club attractive football but winning football, and we have done that.

"It’s worth remembering there were two successive relegations prior to this, and historically clubs dropping into the Northern Premier League have kept going in the same direction.

"We really did face a mammoth task trying to go straight back up, and no one should underestimate the fantastic effort put in by everyone associated with the club to make it happen. I’m so proud of that.

"Our fans were unbelievable. The hairs on the back of my neck were standing up all game, and I’m just delighted we have given them, and the town, something to be proud of. The jewel of Cheshire is back!"

Reflecting on the performance that secured the title, assistant boss Sorvel said: ‘We wanted to win it on our own terms, rather than relying on others slipping up, and it makes it all the better that we’ve done that.

"Some of our football in the second half was a delight to watch, and their management team said at the end we had taught them a lesson. That was great to hear."