Tom Peers was credited with providing the spark for another Altrincham comeback as the Robins dented Eastleigh’s play-off hopes with a 1-1 draw at The J.Davidson Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Alty striker laid on a 78th-minute equaliser for Ryan Colclough, shortly after going on as substitute, and almost won it with literally the last kick of the game, as his shot-on-the-turn whistled narrowly wide.
It followed a similar impact as substitute on Saturday, when he hauled Alty level at 3-3 late on prior to Josh Hancock scoring an even later goal in added time to seal a dramatic 4-3 win over Yeovil Town.
Colclough celebrates with Tom Peers
Alty round off an eventful return to the Vanarama National League at home to Torquay United on Saturday, and Phil Parkinson has been delighted with his players’ response to having fans back in the stadium.
“We’ve really given them something to shout about, and they have been fantastic, the way they have got behind the team,” said the Alty boss.
“I thought we were really positive in the second half, with our forwards coming alive and the substitutions working a treat. The subs really made a difference, and Tom Peers is like a man possessed at the moment.
"He looks like he is going to score every time he gets the ball. That’s the type of role he has in the team, going on and giving us that spark and belief that we can get a goal late on.
“As the game wore on, there was only one team who looked like winning it, and we so nearly did when Tom swivelled brilliantly and hit that shot right at the end. I thought it was in. I think the fans can appreciate how much effort the players are putting in, now they can see from close up. They are going hell for leather and fighting for every ball, as well as playing the Alty way, which is possession-based and building from the back.
“Saturday was the first game I have enjoyed all season, with fans back in, and I enjoyed it even more tonight. I just hope we can get 1,000-plus in for Torquay and give them something to cheer again.”
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