ALTRINCHAM completed their sequence of three testing away games at clubs in the top five last night with a hard-earned point at Yorkshire club, Guiseley.

They started the game without the ill Nicky Clee and by half time had lost striker Duncan Watmore and midfielder Simon Richman to injury.

Nonetheless they matched their robust opponents and should have won the game against a side reduced to 10 men for nearly half an hour.

But the golden chance to take all three points was wasted when substitute Ryan Brooke's 87th minute penalty was saved by the man who had conceded it, Guiseley keeper Stephen Drench.

It was the Robins' eighth penalty miss this season.

Altrincham had been the better side in the first half until they fell behind in the 37th minute, when the referee's use of the ‘advantage’ rules allowed Josh Wilson to advance into the box and beat Stuart Coburn with his shot.

Earlier, Altrincham had failed to convert several half-chances, coming closest when Jak Moult's well-struck effort hit the post.

Just before the break Duncan Watmore went off with a groin injury and Simon Richman was unable to come out for the second half after being kicked in the eye by an opponent.

The game became feisty for a while in the second half and, when former Alty winger Kevin Holsgrove waded in after a challenge on a team mate, he deservedly saw a red card in the 64th minute. Alty finally got level after 78 minutes when James Lawrie's left-wing corner was cleared out to Jake Moult, to the right of goal. He rifled home an impressive shot.

When Drench brought down Lawrie, after good work from Damian Reeves, referee Coy awarded a late penalty to the Robins.

But Brooke's effort was too close to the keeper, who saved his shot and left Altrincham with a single point, which could so easily have been all three.

Nevertheless, Altrincham had played well, especially given their injuries.

They will now look to retain a place in the play-offs as they entertain Bishop's Stortford at Moss Lane on Saturday (3pm) before they travel to Bradford Park Avenue next Wednesday.

A supporters' coach to this game will be operated by The Altrincham Supporters' Club; book your seat by ringing the club on 928-1045.

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