Altrincham continue to battle against being sucked into the Conference relegation zone with two draws in a week.

The home game against Crawley was disappointing and the two goals in the 1-1 draw were in stark contrast to the stuttering, overall poor quality on display.

Having gone a goal down the home side responded within a minute when Lewis Chalmers drove home a spectacular 25-yard equaliser which many thought would not arrive.

It was a suitable way for Lewis to celebrate his call up to the England semi-pro side.

The Robins then exerted strong pressure until the final minute - the nearest to a winner came when Thornley's delightful back-heel allowed Bushell to cross into the area.

The resultant shot was pushed away by the visiting keeper.

Crawley will soldier on until their fate is decided in early December following a creditor's meeting.

The visit to Essex on Saturday was a very wet affair featuring a torrential second half downpour.

After weathering early pressure a second long distance strike in a week put the Robins ahead. This time it was Val Owen firing home for his first of the season in fine style.

Stuart Coburn was in splendid form but could not prevent a home equaliser on 67 mins from the impressive Oli - a hardy sole even if robbed of his strike partner Stan ("well I couldn't help it").

Let's hope that goal doesn't result in another fine mess they got us into.

Next up are Burton Albion at Moss Lane in a game facilitated by the exit of both clubs from the FA Cup.

A home victory would take the biscuit and cause a case of Brewers' droop!

Monday (November 27) will see the draw for the first round of the FA Trophy and a home tie would make a pleasant change.

Finally there was a hope of a New Year windfall with the news that Ian Craney - sold to Accrington with a 50 per cent sell-on clause - had joined Swansea City on loan until the New Year.

It is the Swan's intention to make the arrangement permanent in the January transfer window and that should produce some much-needed cash if it happens.

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