ALTRINCHAM seemed set for a winning start to the new National League North season until Darlington FC 1883 denied them with a leveller deep into added time.

Alty led 2-1 thanks to an 89th-minute penalty from Jake Moult, awarded after the visitors' keeper had brought down substitute Simon Richman.

But in the last of four added minutes, a foul on the visitors' captain Burgess allowed the Quakers to equalise from the spot through Terry Galbraith.

There was still time for Altrincham to survive a further, strong penalty appeal before the final whistle.

Earlier, after a succession of Darlington corners, Altrincham had taken a 14th-minute lead when James Lawrie looped a header into the net from a left-wing cross by Sam Patterson, one of seven debutants in Altrincham's new-look starting XI.

Despite not being at their best, Altrincham retained their lead until the 80th minute when Darlington levelled.

A corner by Galbraith from the right was met by a strong header by Burgess.

But Altrincham regained the lead in the 89th minute. A well-taken free kick from the left by Lawrie was diverted by a defender onto his own post. In attempting to gather the ball, goalkeeper Jameson conceded a spot-kick, which Moult confidently converted.

Disappointing though it was, the late equaliser was no more than Darlington deserved.

ALTRINCHAM: Dawber, Heathcote, Cyrus, Hannigan, Patterson, Goodall, Lynch, Moult, Miller (Richman), Lawrie, Reeves (Hobson). Unused subs: Preston, Menagh, Garner.