NEW boys Elliot Newby and Andy Owens helped Altrincham secure a first National League North point since early October in their 1-1 draw at FC United of Manchester on New Year's Day.

With Sam Patterson joining Simon Richman, Craig Hobson, Alan Goodall and Sean Miller on the casualty list, Altrincham had brought in winger Newby and striker Owens ahead of the game and both added some zip to the Robins' performance.

The new year got off to a wretched start, though, when the hosts went ahead after just 38 seconds.

Altrincham failed to deal with an advance on the FC United right and striker Jason Gilchrist netted with a fairly routine shot.

Alty continued to look uneasy in defence with a mix-up between Shaun Densmore and Tim Deasy leaving the keeper stranded near the touchline and United in possession, but Tom Hannigan did well to clear the danger.

With the Robins slowly improving, Owens got through the middle and, although his first effort was blocked by the keeper, he managed to poke home a 20th-minute equaliser.

Altrincham then enjoyed the better of the remainder of the first half but both sides were reduced to 10 men just before the interval.

Harry Winter's fierce tackle on Jake Moult prompted him to react and, after a melee involving more than a dozen players, the Alty midfielder and FC's Luke Ashworth were sent off.

The second half saw FC United having the better of things but Altrincham produced some threatening moves on the counter attack, with both Owens and Newby getting into the opposition box before being halted.

Altrincham entertain Gloucester City in the league on Saturday.

ALTRINCHAM: Deasy, Densmore (Heathcote), Cyrus, Hannigan, Brownhill, Moult, Jones, Clee, Newby, Reeves (Wilkinson), Owens (McWilliams). Unused subs: McDonald, Lawrie.