Phil Parkinson backed Joe Nuttall to come good and add a scoring touch to his other attributes after the striker’s search for an elusive first Altrincham goal continued at Yeovil Town on Saturday.
Alty boss Parkinson admitted his side were not at their free-flowing best at Huish Park as they ground out a point from their second long away trip in the space of four days.
But there were positives from the 0-0 draw, not least the impact made by second-half substitute Nuttall, who is still to get off the mark for the Robins after joining on a season-long loan from Oldham Athletic during the summer.
“Joe made a difference for us when he came on,” said Parkinson. “He gave us an outlet and showed a real willingness to get involved, and that’s what we need from him.
“It’s obvious that he provides a physical presence, but he gives us much more than that. People question his work-rate, but his work-rate has been unbelievable. He runs in behind, comes short to pick balls up and closes down defenders, and it’s only a matter of time before the goals start coming for him.”
Alty have two home matches coming up, against Boston United, on Saturday, and Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesday night, and Parkinson viewed it as welcome respite for his travel-weary players.
“Going to Barnet on a Tuesday night and then Yeovil on the Saturday takes its toll, physically as well as mentally,” he said. “It’s completely draining, and you fear the worst for what might be left in the legs and how mentally sharp they will be.
“It was important we bounced back at Yeovil and took something from the game, after seeing a point slip away in stoppage time at Barnet, and making it four clean sheets already this season was a positive.
“I’m really excited about what lies ahead. This group of players is really strong, and travelling on the road with them, they make you believe you are going to win matches. That is so important - it keeps me going.”
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