Phil Parkinson backed summer signing Ben Pringle to become "a big player" for Altrincham after his second-half introduction turned an eventful first home game of the season in the Robins’ favour at The J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday.

Alty were trailing 2-1 to a lively Dover Athletic side midway through the second half when Parkinson turned to his bench and sent on Pringle and another recent acquisition A-Jay Leitch-Smith.

With Pringle pulling the strings in midfield and Leitch-Smith poaching an equaliser soon after going on, the scene was set for a late bout of Alty pressure that led to an 86th-minute penalty winner by Ryan Colclough.

Ryan Colclough celebrates scoring the winner

Ryan Colclough celebrates scoring the winner

“I think 1,800 Alty fans had value for money there,’ said Alty boss Parkinson, reflecting on a dramatic 3-2 win. “We knew there would be a good gate, and I’m delighted we were able to put on such a positive performance for all those who put their hand in their pocket to support the lads.

“It’s no mean feat to come back from 2-1 down in this league, and I thought we were brave with the substitutions we made and the way we changed the whole face of the team and dynamic of how we play.

“Ben has got bags of quality and should be one of the first names on the team sheet. I think he has had his eyes opened a bit in terms of what is needed off the ball at this level, but, on it, there’s no doubting his ability. He is going to be a big player for us. He did exactly what I wanted him to do, in terms of controlling the play.

“The penalty at the end was a real Ryan Colclough moment, and I’ve given him some praise in the changing room. There was so much pressure, and the keeper went the right way, but Ryan nailed it.

“We expect a lot from him, and it really is all down to how much he wants it, because he can be as good as he wants to be. He’s got so much going for him.”