NEIL Tolson hailed a flash of Duncan Watmore-style brilliance from Josh Ginnelly that helped Altrincham seal a morale-boosting 4-0 win over Aldershot at The J.Davidson Stadium.

Fresh from extending his loan until the end of the season, Burnley winger Ginnelly further endeared himself to the home crowd with a run that started deep inside his own half and ended with a shot through the keeper's legs.

Jake Moult (penalty) and Jordan Sinnott added to Ginnelly's wonder strike, after a first-half opener from Damian Reeves, as Alty climbed out of the bottom four in the National League.

"There was a touch of Watmore about it," said caretaker-boss Tolson. "Josh is one of those players where, when he’s on the ball, you find yourself saying 'keep going, keep going'.

"He certainly did that, and hopefully what happened with Duncan will happen with him, and we will see him playing in the Premier League very soon.

"He has a real rapport with the fans, but that has to be earned.

"He works hard, puts a tackle in and can light up a stadium.

"He is a genuine, lovely lad who listens to what you tell him and is an absolute pleasure to work with."

Tolson called for more of the same at Halifax this weekend and revealed how former Stoke centre-back Danny Higginbotham contributed to Alty’s defensive solidity against Aldershot.

"It will count for nothing that performance and result if we don’t back it up at Halifax, then home to Southport, and I've stressed that to the players," Tolson added. "They have shown the effort and commitment required, but we need that every week.

"Danny came to training after phoning to offer his services.

"He has played under a manager who is possibly the best in the world when it comes to organising defences, in Tony Pulis, and his input was invaluable.

"Me and Matt Doughty took most of the session but Danny stepped in with a few words when he spotted something.

"It’s not long-term or permanent, but he’ll help if and when he can.

"It just shows how much he has the club at heart."