AFTER the first scheduled game of Altrincham's Christmas season had been postponed at Moss Lane last Saturday, the Robins travelled to a very wet Stalybridge for their Boxing Day fixture.

Altrincham were without injured wide man Nicky Clee but centre-back Luca Havern had recovered from a pre-match injury doubt and midfielder Simon Richman had returned to the squad after illness.

After they had kicked off, it took Celtic just 43 seconds to take the lead, as striker Jack Laird got behind the Alty defence before striking a firm shot past Stuart Coburn.

With the rain pouring down, the game was entertaining but lacking in first-half quality. However, Altrincham levelled the scores when Duncan Watmore scored a fine solo goal, latching onto a feed from Jordan Sinnott before surging through the Celtic defence to score with a firm shot past keeper Cairns, midway through the first half.

And, it was Watmore who also put Altrincham ahead, just seven minutes into the second half, scoring from close range after a corner kick worked its way to him at the near post. Just as in every one of their previous 15 away games this season, Altrincham had gained the lead. But for the fifth time in their league matches this campaign, they failed to take all three points.

In an end to end second half, a Celtic equaliser arrived just after the hour mark when unmarked striker, Jack Laird, was allowed to convert a cross from the right with a well directed header past Stuart Coburn. Though Altrincham finished the more strongly, they could not find a way through the home defence for a third time.

But, overall, a draw was a fair outcome to a game played in difficult conditions.

ALTRINCHAM: Coburn, Densmore (capt), Havern, Hall, Leather, Sinnott, Moult, Rodgers, Lawrie, Watmore, Reeves. Subs: Reid, Lacey, Brooke, Doughty, Richman