Alfreton Town 1 Altrincham 1

ALTHOUGH it took a late goal to secure Altrincham's first away point of the season, this was a game that they should have won, such was their dominance, particularly in the second half.

It has become an unwanted pattern already in away games for Altrincham to have the better of the early stages but fail to score and then concede a goal to opposition more lowly placed than themselves. Here, James Lawrie went close before Damian

Reeves hit the post in the 28th minute.

But, with Altrincham on top, there was then a six minute stoppage when Alfreton's Hicks suffered what seemed to be a dislocated shoulder after he had fallen awkwardly. The pause in the game seemed to benefit the home side who came back into

contention.

And three minutes before half time, Alfreton took the lead when Joe Ironside twisted and turned on the edge of the box before firing at goal. Though goalkeeper Parton got a hand to the shot it went in off the underside of the crossbar.

Altrincham switched to a back three midway through the second half and kept Alfreton hemmed back for periods. Just when it looked like nothing would come of the pressure, Gillespie won a corner which he took himself. Perry rose at the near post tohead it home for a deserved leveller.

It was Alfreton's first point in eight outings and, though a point for Altrincham was ultimately welcome, it was a game which should have brought a bigger reward for the visitors. Next up is a visit from Eastleigh, the well funded Southampton club, on Saturday 3pm.

Altrincham: Parton, Leather, Havern, Marshall, Griffin, Lawrie, S Williams, Cavanagh (capt), Richman, Perry, Reeves. Subs:Coburn, M Williams, Moult, Wilkinson, Gillespie