PROMOTED Altrincham had to settle for a 2-2 draw in their National League North opener against Leamington, who had only just avoided relegation last season.

After a bright opening to the game, Alty fell behind, slightly against the run of play, in the 28th minute.

A foul by Max Harrop gave the Brakes a free kick on their right, from which Matt Stenson's header hit the post and Jack Edwards converted the rebound.

Alty then endured a rocky few minutes with Leamington hitting the post and the home side picking up bookings for both Harrop and Connor Hampson.

However, it took Alty only two minutes of the second half to draw level.

A looping cross from the right was headed in at close range, near the back post, by last season's leading scorer Jordan Hulme.

But, only a minute later, Leamington re-established their lead when Alty failed to clear a free kick from goalkeeper Tony Breeden and Callum Gittings scored from 18 yards with a fine, low shot.

Alty made it 2-2 six minutes later when John Johnston advanced and Josh Hancock threaded the ball through for Hulme to score with a firm shot which went in off the inside of the upright.

Despite then spending long periods in the visitors' half, Altrincham were unable to break through for a winner.

It is now five years since the Robins won an opening-day league fixture.

ALTRINCHAM: Thompson, White, Hampson, Jones, Goulding, Moult, Johnston, Harrop, Hulme, Hancock, Daniels. Subs: Williams, Peers, Harrison, Richman, Wynne.