Last gasp defeat for Alty (From Messenger Newspapers)

Solihull Moors 2 Altrincham 1

10:18am Sunday 28th October 2012 in Sport

WITH two minutes of normal time remaining at Solihull on Saturday, Altrincham were on the verge of taking all three points and recording their first clean sheet away from home in a league match since April 2011.

But, minutes later, they had lost 2-1 and could have been beaten 4-1 as another shot cannoned off the bar and a further effort went narrowly wide.

In a fairly even first half it was Alty's Stuart Coburn who had to make the best saves; a double stop from close-range shots. But it was Altrincham who took the lead after 19 minutes. Damian Reeves was pulled back as he got in a shot at goal and, from the resulting freekick, Shaun Densmore found the corner of the net from just outside the penalty area.

Alty, who started the game without injured centre back Danny Hall and midfielder Carl Rodgers, also lost wingman Nicky Clee at the interval.

But they looked set to take all three points until an 88th minute corner allowed Solihull to equalise when Dior Angus headed the ball on for Junior English to hook it into the net from close range.

Altrincham went to pieces as, first, Beswick's shot from 25 yards smacked againt the visitors' goalpost, then Angus netted an improbable winner with the game into added time. To make matters worse, as captain Shaun Densmore questioned the linesman about the goal, referee Radford came across. After a brief exchange, the referee produced a straight red card, to leave Alty with 10 men.

And, there was still time for another Moors' effort to threaten a further goal before the final whistle sounded. Alty's supporters left the ground stunned by the way the game had been turned on its head in those final minutes.

The Robins will look to get their league form back on track on Tuesday at home to second-place Guiseley, before travelling to League Two Burton Albion in the FA Cup next Sunday (3pm).

TASC is running a supporters' coach to Burton; it leaves The Vine, Sale at 11.40am, The Hare & Hounds at 11.50am, Altrincham Leisure Centre at 11.55 and Moss Lane at noon. Book your place by ringing the club on 928-1045.

ALTRINCHAM: Coburn; Densmore (capt), Havern, Leather, Doughty; Watmore, Mould, Richman, Clee; Lawrie, Reeves. Subs: Greygoose, Brooke, Lacey, Mitchley