LEE Sinnott was full of praise for his Altrincham players after they came within seconds of their best result this season at high-flying Gateshead on Saturday.

After going behind early in the second half, Alty stunned their promotion-chasing hosts with two goals in quick succession from former Gateshead striker Michael Rankine and substitute George Bowerman.

An injury-time equaliser robbed Sinnott's side of a notable win but couldn't take the shine off an excellent performance in an entertaining 2-2 draw.

"I'm really pleased with my players, and if we continue like that, we will be fine," said Alty boss Sinnott.

"I thought we looked a lot more industrious than against Kidderminster. There was much more to the performance, and I was proud of them.

"You look for a reaction, if you go behind, and I thought ours was great. We are one point better off than at this stage last season, and when you consider the disruptive start we've had, that's fair enough. It's ok, but there is more to come from these players.

"It took self-belief to keep passing the ball around and sticking to our principles after going behind, but they are always encouraged to do that. I thought we played through some good phases, with Jimmy Lawrie and Josh O'Keefe finding some nice pockets."

Alty are in FA Cup action against Chester at The J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday (3pm), while the following Saturday's home game with Torquay is followed by another instalment of the hugely-popular Meet The New Recruits series, starting at 6.30pm in the Community Sports Hall.

A two-course meal prepared by renowned local chef Richie Bentley and the chance to fire questions at summer signings Michael Rankine, Josh O'Keefe, George Bowerman and Tim Deasy are the highlights of an evening that costs just £15 per person.

More details from the club on 0161 928 1045 or office@altrinchamfootballclub.co.uk.