Phil Parkinson urges Altrincham to build on impressive win over York

Altrincham boss Phil Parkinson challenged his team to use their FA Cup exploits to good effect in the National League North, after the Robins toppled York 1-0 at Bootham Crescent.

York midfielder Andy Bond missed a second-half penalty before Tom Peers snatched the game’s only goal late on to seal progress to the second round and end the hosts’ 19-game unbeaten run.

“We’re delighted with the win,” Parkinson said.

“To come to an unbeaten team and get through is brilliant, especially after conceding the penalty.

“The message to the players is that as happy as we are with this cup win, we’ve a lot of catching up to do in the league.

“It would be fantastic if we can go again and get through to the third round but we’ll have to wait and see.”

Meanwhile, York manager Steve Watson admitted that too many of his high-flying squad were guilty of having off-days.

He said: “We didn’t create anywhere near enough with the ball. If you miss a penalty then you get the feeling that it isn’t going to be your day.

“I take the FA Cup very seriously but from a selfish point of view as a manager, I’d rather have our first defeat come in the cup. It’s a tough season.”