ALTRINCHAM coach Graham Heathcote generously heaped praise on Droylsden after they'd spoiled his side's preparations for a vital holiday programme.

The Bloods were just 13 minutes away from a shock win when Kevin Hulme struck to salvage a point for Alty in one of only a handful of northern games to beat the weekend freeze.

Heathcote said: ''I thought Droylsden played very well and fair play to them, although, to be honest, we looked a jaded side.

''But our lads have had four tough months and we're carrying a lot of knocks.

''At least we've got something out of a game we never dominated but to go into a busy period with the injuries we've got is going to be difficult.''

Hulme gave Altrincham a dream start when his second-minute shot was deflected in off Droylsden's assistant-manager, Aeon Lattie.

But it was Lattie who later headed the battling Bloods in front after David Kerr had equalised on the stroke of half-time.

Droylsden boss Dave Pace said: ''We answered a few questions with that performance and the fact I'm gutted we didn't win shows just how far we've come since our recent slump.''

Altrincham missed a chance to gain ground on UniBond premier division leaders Burton, whose player/boss Nigel Clough scored in the dying seconds to earn them a 3-3 draw at Accrington.

Alty are now faced with again having to patch up their walking wounded for their home Boxing Day duel with Hyde, now staring into a relegation abyss following Friday's 2-1 defeat by Barrow.

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