Words Harry Stratton | Interview Laurence Howarth

Alty boss Phil Parkinson described his side’s second-half performance as ‘outstanding’, despite suffering a defeat to Southend United in the Vanarama National League.

It was a tough first half for Alty, conceding two goals and struggling to make their mark on the match. 

The second half was much improved, with Regan Linney finding the top corner with a brilliant left-footed strike. Unfortunately, Alty were unable to find an equaliser and travel back to the North West empty-handed.

“Obviously we're always disappointed when we don't get a win,” he said. “I thought the first half we were diabolical. We were talking about making four or five changes at half-time, but we wanted to give them five or 10 minutes.

“It was right to do that because then they settled and they got in the rhythm. Second half the lads were outstanding.”

The gaffer was full of praise for the goalscorer Linney.

“I've got the best player in the division in my opinion in the front ranks,” he said.

“When we were so bad he still gives us that little ray of light that we can get something. He’s that outstanding.”

The boss also had a message for the fans who travelled down to support the Robins.

“I'm eternally grateful for the support that our fans give us travelling all that way, backing us, clapping, waiting at the end. They didn't just steam off as well, which I know fans can have a tendency to do. Not our fans, they wait for us, they appreciate us and we appreciate them. So I can only say thank you.”