Phil Parkinson admitted Altrincham had been “beaten by the better side” after defensive lapses cost them a 2-0 Vanarama National League defeat against FC Halifax Town at The Shay on Monday.

Penned back for most of the 90 minutes, Alty could have few complaints about failing to build on their opening-day win at Torquay United as they conceded two second-half goals to a dominant Halifax side.

But there was a sense of frustration at contributing to their own downfall, as skipper Jake Moult slipped to let Halifax in for the opener and substitute Ben Pringle misdirected a header inside his own area to inadvertently set up the second.

“We were beaten by the better team, and much as I don’t want to keep repeating it, the full-time element showed again,” said Alty boss Parkinson.

“You could see the difference, in terms of preparation and due diligence in how they are going to play.

“That is how we want to be – having time with the players to ensure that understanding is there every week, which is essential in a league as tough as this one.

“Their work-rate was second-to-none, and when you add the quality they’ve got, it gives you an indication of where you need to be.

“We weren’t at that level. Tom Hannigan and Tony Thompson were, but, after that, I’m struggling to think of too many who reached the standard they are capable of and have set themselves.

“We have to get everything right at this level to win games, and we didn’t, so it was a really disappointing day.

“We wanted to please the fans, because they were brilliant, making themselves heard throughout and clapping us at the end. That showed what a fantastic football club this is.”

READ MORE: Altrincham fans to see J Davidson Stadium's new pitch.

As he prepared for their first game on the brand new pitch at The J.Davidson Stadium, against Dover on Saturday, Parkinson added: “The players will be hurting, and I’m sure they will want to put matters right.

“We are all looking forward to it.”

Dover, who began the season on -12 points, have lost their opening two matches of the campaign after going down 1-0 at home to Boreham Wood on Monday.

Last season the club had their results expunged after not playing beyond January, also being fined £40,000.