Stourbridge 1 Altrincham 1 - Report

Having survived an early let-off when Alty defender Tom Hannigan fired wide in front of goal, the Glassboys went onto shock the leaders by taking a 12th minute lead when Luke Benbow netted direct from a sublime curling free kick.

Chris Gallagher threatened to weave his way through Alty's defence only to be tripped by defender Shaun Densmore on the edge of the box and Benbow stepped up to slot home.

Chances proved at a premium from that point as Stourbridge defended for all their worth.

It looked as though Alty would level on the stroke of half time when former Salford City striker Jordan Hulme finally pierced Stourbridge's stubborn defence but lobbed his effort the wrong side of the post.

The second half saw Stourbridge get 10 men behind the ball everytime Alty threatened and effectively snuffed out any danger with defenders Darryl Westlake and Stuart Pierpoint in fabulous form.

But the chances began to mount, Brad Birch clearing a Densmore run and cross from the right off the line while a wicked cross from the dangerous John Johnston flew across the face of the Glassboys goal.

Stourbridge's dogged defending finally ran out of luck when Birch was judged to have brought down Simon Richman and referee Simon Brown pointed to the penalty spot with 16 minutes remaining.

Glassboys goalkeeper Matt Gould pulled out all the stops to save Johnston's penalty, but the ball rebounded back out for Jake Moult to level matters when he fired the ball back with a first time shot.

Stourbridge pressed forward in the closing stages and could have snatched a second goal when the impressive Westlake broke down the right and saw his shot deflect off goalkeeper Thompson and continue towards goal, only for Hannigan to get back and boot off the line.