PHIL Parkinson was full of praise for his ‘fearless’ Altrincham players after one of their best performances of the season produced an outstanding 2-1 win at National League North title hopefuls Chester on Saturday.

Chester went into the game as the league’s form team, but they were second-best for most of an absorbing encounter, as Jordan Hulme’s ninth and 10th goals of the season lifted Alty to within two points of the play-off places.

With around 400 travelling fans again making themselves heard, Parkinson was delighted with all aspects of the day’s standout result.

"We knew it would have to be a huge performance to come away with the points, and it really was an outstanding all-round team effort," beamed the Alty boss, whose side are home to York City on Saturday.

"To come here against a side on a roll and play without fear has to be up there with anything we’ve done all season.

"That was the biggest thing for me, how we showed no fear in the first half.

"They’ve got a big, intimidating crowd, but we quietened them very early on.

"That first half was us at our best, the way we controlled things.

"I wasn't happy we switched off for their equaliser, but, after that, you could see us sticking our chests out and playing with real quality.

"I have to say, though, I’ve been really disappointed with a few comments I’ve seen recently, along the lines of we’ve only played x, y or z.

"That’s massively disrespectful to anyone in this league, because they are all good teams.

"We haven’t got the biggest budget in the league by a long chalk, but we are trying to do things the right way, introducing pathways for youth players to come through and giving reserves a fair chance, and I would love it if everyone got behind us now.

"The away support was outstanding again today, and that’s a big reason why the team are buzzing.

"If everyone could do the same, I'm sure they’d find it’s a great journey to be on, so rather than trying to find faults, let’s all enjoy what’s going well at this fantastic football club."