ALTRINCHAM changed their formation at half-time to earn a deserved point against second-placed, North Ferriby United. Having been distinctly second-best in the first forty-five minutes, manager Lee Sinnott brought on Tom Marshall at the interval and adopted a back three set-up.

The change of set-up prompted Altrincham to get forward with more impetus and consistency after the interval.

The Robins had fallen behind in the fifteenth minute of the game when Ryan Kendall managed to poke the ball over goalkeeper Coburn as Gianluca Havern attempted to clear the ball. The goal had come following a freekick, in the Humberside club's half, by goalkeeper Nicklin.

The game had to be suspended for 12 minutes during the first half when the match referee, Scott Oldham, suffered a leg injury. Remarkably, it was the third time this season that Altrincham had been involved in a game in which the referee had been unable to complete the ninety minutes.

Though Premiership referee Anthony Taylor was in the crowd, he was unable to take over due to his commitment to officiate in a game the following day. So, 15 year-old Jordan Crossley, a qualified official, took over a linesman's flag, whilst assistant referee, Mr Muhall, took the referee's whistle.

Altrincham had been caught offside time and time again during the game but they should have taken a 74th minute lead when Kyle Perry headed over the bar from a James Walshaw cross. However, substitute Greg Wilkinson did much better five minutes later when he cracked home a loose ball after Marshall had nodded on a freekick.

Following away games at Oxford City on Tuesday, and Stockport County on Friday (7.45pm), Altrincham are at home to Vauxhall Motors on Easter Monday (3pm).

Altrincham: Coburn, Densmore (capt), Griffin, Rodgers, Havern, Leather, Lawrie, Moult, Perry, Walshaw, Clee. Subs: Saunders, Doughty, Marshall, King and Wilkinson.