Altrincham 1 Grimsby Town 1

AFTER a disappointing exit from the FA Cup, last Sunday, and defeat at the league's bottom club in midweek, Altrincham bounced back with an impressive performance againt Grimsby Town on Saturday. In contrast to the home side's recent form, The Mariners arrived at the J. Davidson Stadium on the back of five successive league wins since they had been held to a draw, by Altrincham, at their Blundell Park ground.

Altrincham started this match more brightly than their visitors. But early play was interrupted, more than once, by the moronic hurling of smoke bombs onto the pitch by one or more of the visiting fans, who had travelled in large numbers.

But, despite winning a succession of corners, Altrincham did not achieve a breakthrough in their opening fifteen minutes of dominance. After that period, Grimsby came into the game, forcing a couple of saves from goalkeeper Coburn.

The second half started with the sides cancelling out each other's efforts but, after both teams had made a double substitution, Grimsby took the lead midway through the second half. Nathan Arnold, one of the visitors' best players, seized on a misdirected pass by Alty midfielder, Simon Richman. The Grimsby man powered a tremendous shot from almost 30 yards past a powerless Stuart Coburn in the 67th minute. This came just after Alty's keeper had made a magnificent save from the same Grimsby player.

To their credit, Altrincham did not crumble after falling behind.

Instead, they regrouped and the final fifteen minutes were virtually one-way traffic towards the visitors' goal. However, as it seemed that time had run out, a corner in the 90th minute was cleared out by Grimsby's Parslow to Alty's Sean Williams. His cross from the left was turned home by Alty central defender Scott Leather for a much deserved equalizer.

A free kick deep into added time gave Altrincham a chance to take all of the points. But captain Shaun Densmore's well-taken freekick just cleared the bar. Alty remain eighteenth in the table before they visit Wrexham, next Saturday (3pm). Supporters' transport will be operating to that game. Anyone interested in booking a place should call 0161 928-1045.

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