Tom Crawford’s first goal for Altrincham helped remove a “big question mark” that had been hanging over them as the Robins finally ended a three-match winless run at The J.Davidson Stadium on Tuesday night.

Stung by a calamitous finale last Saturday, when 10-man Boston United overturned a two-goal deficit to head home with a 2-2 draw, manager Phil Parkinson admitted his side were under scrutiny, going into the visit of Dagenham & Redbridge.

They successfully saw the game out, safeguarding the 2-1 lead summer signing Crawford gave them with his 71st-minute strike, and Parkinson heaved a sigh of relief.

He said: “Everyone was feeling really frustrated after the last couple of games, particularly Saturday’s, so it was really important we got the win against Dagenham.

“The big question mark in the early stages of the season has been over game management and whether we can see games through.

“We are learning from past mistakes in that regard, and we showed with this win that we can get over the line.

“I knew it was only a matter of time before we started addressing that and getting it right, and it’s important now that we back it up and start building some momentum.

“I thought the players were superb against Dagenham and got their just rewards.”

Alty were off to a flyer with a goal from Regan Linney after 28 seconds and were heading for a welcome three points when Crawford opened his account after signing from Hartlepool United in the close season.

“We made a really positive start with that early goal,” added Parkinson.

“And it was a great finish from Tom, the type that was one of the reasons we brought him here.

“He won’t necessarily be a prolific scorer, but he does get into the 18-yard box.

“He was top of the charts for doing that at Hartlepool last season, and if he can make enough of those runs for us, he has the technique and timing to deliver more goals.

“I’m hoping we see that from him.”