PHIL Parkinson hailed John Johnston's 'ultimate positivity' after Altrincham's livewire winger secured their first victory of the season with a dramatic late winner at The J.Davidson Stadium on Tuesday night.

Alfreton had twice fought their way back on to level terms and were closing in on a hard-earned point until Johnston cut in from the left and hammered a rising drive in to the top corner to seal a 3-2 win.

With left-back Connor Hampson opening the scoring in spectacular style, centre-back James Jones claiming his third goal in four games and Josh Hancock making a welcome return from suspension, there was plenty to encourage Alty boss Parkinson.

He said: "It was a really entertaining, exciting, end-to-end game, and though I would like to have controlled it a bit more, it was ever so pleasing to get that first win under our belts.

"You could feel the relief round the place and a sense we are up and running now.

"It was a stunning goal by JJ to win it, and I thought he showed ultimate positivity to line his man up like that and get the shot away.

"It epitomised a really positive performance by him.

"He has stepped up to the challenge in every game so far, and that is what we are looking for from every single player.

"We are not 100 per cent yet, but it was a superb strike by Connor, James Jones again showed he's got everything you look for in a centre-half, Jordan Hulme was so close to getting on the end of so many chances and Josh being on the pitch was a massive plus, so there were a lot of positives from the game.

"We just need to be a bit more consistent.

"The sooner we find that bit of consistency, the sooner we will go on a great run.

"We're not happy with five points. Our tally should be higher, but we will use that anger and frustration in every game to try to claw back the lost ground."