PHIL Parkinson hailed his ‘cut-throat’ Altrincham players after they responded to two successive away defeats with their biggest win of the season at The J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday.

Beaten 5-0 at Boston United and 2-1 at Southport, Alty look to be back on track in National League North after hammering Leamington 5-0, man-of-the-match Josh Hancock leading the way with two goals.

"It was certainly the reaction we were looking for," said Alty boss Parkinson.

"It was an extremely controlled, really good all-round performance, and the players were cut-throat in the way they executed everything we asked them to do.

"That’s three wins on the bounce now, and while we know our away form has to pick up, that can be the catalyst for us to kick on.

"The build-up to the goals was the most satisfying aspect. We looked calm and composed, and when we are like that, we are very difficult to stop.

"Josh was always likely to get man-of-the-match for his goals, but Ash Hemmings was outstanding as well. At times, he was running the game on his own.

"It’s great for Tony Thompson and the back four that they’ve notched up a clean sheet.

"That has been coming, and I’m probably more pleased with that than scoring five.

"I’m absolutely delighted for all the players and for those fans who have stuck by us and been really patient.

"I’m so pleased we’ve been able to give a return to those loyal supporters.

"The crowds have been great, but I would like to think we have given value for money with our home performances."

There was concern when on-loan winger Yusifu Ceesay pulled up in full flight with a hamstring problem and had to be stretchered off, but Parkinson eased fears of a lengthy lay-off.

"It looked worrying, but thankfully it’s nothing worse than a grade two injury, and we think he should only be out a couple of weeks," he said.

"He’s never done anything like this before, and he’s a very fit lad, so we expect him to be back in two-three weeks."