LEE Sinnott saluted his Altrincham players’ stamina and steel after they went the extra mile to prise a point off promotion hopefuls Forest Green Rovers at The New Lawn on Saturday.

With barely four days’ breathing space after Tuesday night’s long trip to Woking, Alty dredged up reserves of resilience and made light of going behind early on to force a 1-1 draw with a superbly-struck second-half equaliser from centre-back Tom Marshall.

It gave them a creditable haul of eight points from a run of games against Grimsby, Wrexham, Kidderminster, Woking and Forest Green.

"The New Lawn is a difficult place to go to, so it was pleasing to come away with a point, particularly after the week we had," said Sinnott.

"After finally getting back from Woking, the players got to bed at about 4.30am on Wednesday and were up again for work three hours later.

"Factor in the rigours of the game, and they must have felt tired throughout Wednesday, probably the following day and maybe even Friday as well.

"It all goes into the melting pot, so full credit to them for responding so well at Forest Green and securing what was a deserved point.

"Our passing game was ok, but could have been better, but looking at the big picture, with all the travelling, you can’t fault the players for character. They showed it in abundance."

Scott Leather is available after suspension, but winger Nicky Clee and keeper Stuart Coburn both face late tests ahead of Saturday’s FA Trophy meeting with Macclesfield at The J.Davidson Stadium, kick off 3pm.

"It is going to be eagerly-contested again, just like the league game, and we are all looking forward to it," added Sinnott.

"There was a great atmosphere when they came here at the end of September, and it could have gone either way before we edged it with James Lawrie’s goal late on.

"They have picked up again, with some good form and results of late, so we know we are in for another tough test, but the players are all looking forward to it."