PHIL Parkinson vowed to turn round Altrincham’s fortunes after being left ‘humiliated’ by a 5-0 beating at Boston United on Monday.

The heaviest defeat of Parkinson’s reign came 48 hours after Tom Hannigan was sent off and keeper Steven Drench carried off with a ruptured Achilles in a dramatic 1-1 draw with Darlington, as Alty finished with nine men and were pegged back by a stoppage-time equaliser.

Centre-back Hannigan, who was also stretchered off with concussion after the challenge that led to his red card, must serve a three-match ban, while influential midfielder Josh Hancock will almost certainly miss this Saturday’s home game with Farsley Celtic, due to a calf problem.

While problems are mounting, Parkinson backed his side to come good but stressed the need for unity.

"I certainly never saw that coming," said the Alty boss.

"Humiliated is probably the word that describes how I’m feeling.

"I said to the players I feel like we are stealing a living after that – picking up a pay packet after a performance like that doesn’t sit well with me.

"Boston were far better than us in every department, especially midfield.

"It’s tough for me to say that, because I think ever so much of that group of players in our dressing room, but there is a lot of soul-searching going on in there, as you would imagine after a result like that.

"The bit I certainly won’t accept is the lack of identity this team has built itself on.

"I’m not one to threaten lads with changes and personnel coming in and out, but, after that, I have to do something.

"I can’t just accept that – it was a performance that didn’t even resemble what we are about.

"I expected it to be tough after Saturday, but the manner of the defeat was simply not acceptable and won’t be tolerated.

"We always celebrate the good times but for me a club is judged on how it comes together through the rough times as well.

"Hopefully we’ll repay the great support we’ve had sooner rather than later."