Josh Hancock is being tipped to become an Altrincham legend after adding another entry to his catalogue of spectacular goals in a hard-fought 2-0 win at Kettering Town’s Latimer Park on Tuesday night.

Taking aim from 20 yards, Hancock curled an unstoppable left-foot shot into the top corner in the 34th minute to set the tone for a win that made light of a heavy, bobbly pitch and lifted Alty back into the Vanarama National League North play-off places.

"It was a moment of brilliance from Josh," said Alty boss Phil Parkinson. "I shouted 'hit it' just before he did, and he delivered superbly.

"It was an exceptional strike - with his weaker foot, at that - but we have come to expect that from Josh.

"When we first brought him here, people questioned who he was, but by the time he has finished at Altrincham, he will be an absolute legend. People will be talking about him long after he has retired.

"I told the players their mental resilience would be tested on a pitch where an upset could have been on the cards.

"It wasn’t a night for the purists and we had to battle and play percentage football, which you wouldn’t normally associate with us. But we adapted to the conditions superbly and were good value for the win."

Alty sealed their victory with a second goal before half-time and almost added a third with a blistering effort from on-loan midfielder Josh Lundstram that just cleared the bar.

"That would have been goal of the season," said Parkinson.

"Josh is going from strength to strength and is really thriving, playing alongside Jake Moult.

"I thought the forwards were inspiring, the midfielders workmanlike and dynamic and the lads at the back did their jobs, too – it was a top performance all round."

Alty now face a double-header with AFC Telford United, with Saturday’s trip to Shropshire followed by a home game against the same opponents at The J.Davidson Stadium on Tuesday night.