Nantwich Town 1 Altrincham 1

NANTWICH were denied a first victory of the season by former Dabber John Johnston’s late penalty.

David Forbes had given the hosts a half-time lead at Weaver Stadium, but Johnston’s 86th-minute spot kick ensured a share of the spoils for Alty.

Former Dabbers boss Phil Parkinson, now in charge at Altrincham, had an early return to the club and included seven former Nantwich players in his starting line-up.

It looked like being an unhappy return when Dave Cooke’s side took the lead when a cross from the left was headed home by Forbes 10 minutes before the break.

Alty were then reduced to 10 men when Tom Hannigan was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Dabbers held on for most of the second half despite intense pressure from the visitors until Johnston was hauled down in the area with four minutes remaining.

Johnston picked himself up and converted the spot kick despite Dabbers keeper Fabian Speiss getting a hand to it.

Cooke’s side host Workington on Saturday, kick off 3pm, before a trip to Stourbridge on Monday night, kick off 7.45pm.

Nantwich: Speiss (Burzynski), Bourne, Morgan, Stair, Mullarkey, Hall, Hughes, Forbes (McDonald), Clayton, Bell, Davies (Jones). Subs not used: Baxendale, Evans.