ALTRINCHAM drew their third league game in succession as they once again struggled to overcome a team lower than them in the National League table as they earned a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw with Torquay United.

The Gulls had recently appointed a new manager and they started the game far more brightly than their hosts.

Once again Alty were without five first-teamers through injury and they struggled in the first half to produce much in the way of coherent football. Passes went astray, corners and free-kicks were poorly taken, players' first touches were indifferent and, too often, balls were launched forward in hope rather than expectation.

So it came as no surprise when the visitors took the lead in the 24th minute, though the goal itself was a little scrappy.

Full-back Hurst got through the Alty midfield and fed the lively Tyrone Marsh. As defender Scott Leather and keeper Tim Deasy closed in on the Torquay striker the ball seemed to ricochet into the net from close range.

The second half saw a much improved performance from Altrincham, though it took them some time to get going after the interval.

The introduction of Ryan Crowther as a 63rd minute substitute proved the catalyst. Three minutes after his arrival, from a corner won by a Crowther run, the ball was cleared out 30 yards from goal.

Alty midfielder Jake Moult launched a tremendous shot which flew into the top corner of the net, clipping the inside of the keeper's left upright as it went in.

Torquay almost went ahead in the 71st minute when it took a superb save from Tim Deasy to beat away player-manager Kevin Nicholson's free-kick.

But the hosts then dominated the game and received an unexpected boost eleven minutes from time.

Referee Johnson stopped the game and, to the surprise of the spectators, showed a straight red card to Torquay's Marsh. It later emerged that Marsh had raised his hands against team-mate Butler and the referee had deemed it violent conduct.

However, Altrincham were unable to take advantage of their one-man superiority and had to settle for a single point.

Next Saturday, Alty entertain League One Barnsley in the FA Cup Round One. This is an all-ticket match and tickets can be bought from the club during the week; see altrinchamfc.com for details or ring 928-1045.

ALTRINCHAM; Deasy, Sinnott, Leather, Havern (capt), Griffin, Moult, O'Keefe, Richman, Lawrie, Bowerman (Crowther), Reeves. Unused subs: Davis, Heathcote, Stouppis, Crowther, Swift.