Words Alex Birch | Pictures Jonathan Moore

Altrincham 0 FC United 0

Altrincham put in a dominant display but couldn't find a winner as FC United of Manchester held firm at The J.Davidson Stadium to force a replay in Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying.

The first half belonged to Alty as Neil Gibson's side kept possession well while pinning FC United back inside their own half.

Leo Farrell, on his full debut, almost managed to tee up Aidan Barlow within the opening five minutes, but the visiting defence managed to hold firm.

Tom Crawford and Sam Taylor both tested the reactions of Dan Atherton in the away goal as Alty passed and probed their way into decent attacking positions as the half went on.

Barlow found Jimmy Knowles in the area only for the Robins' top scorer to be denied a clean sight of goal by a block. Barlow himself then had a shot deflected wide, as the pressure mounted but the away goal remained intact.

The same pattern emerged in the second half; Alty pushing their Northern Premier League opponents onto the back foot from the off.

Aidan Barlow and Otis Khan both had efforts cleared and blocked in quick succession, before Tom Crawford first had a curling effort tipped away by Atherton, then a second attempt cleared off the line.

Attacking reinforcements arrived, included a debut for fit-again Kristian Dennis after injury, but FC United still wouldn't buckle.

Harry Isted, who'd been largely a spectator in the Alty goal, was called upon to save from Adam Le Fondre on 74 minutes as the visitors showed a little more attacking intent.

The veteran forward then almost stole the game for FC United in the last minute, but his effort when clean on goal through was well held by Isted.

The four minutes of injury time produce no further chances, with the tie now heading for a replay on Tuesday evening.

Man Of The Match Otis Khan

Altrincham Isted; Banks, Khan, Barlow, Knowles, Kosylo, Taylor, Crawford (c), Kirk (Dennis, 86'), Barnes (Lopata-White, 76'), Farrell (Weaver, 76'). Subs not used: Jones, Hinchy, Breckin, Firth.

FC United Atherton; Thomson, Devine, Wisdom, Hayes-Green (Sudworth, 52'), Evans (c), Grivosti, Atkinson (Donohue, 58'), Le Fondre, Grewal (Fearnley, 81'), Watson (Chimalilo, 71'). Subs not used: Leliendal, Finney.

HT 0-0

Goals None | None

Yellows Kosylo 34', Crawford 87' | Watson 63', Le Fondre 89', Donohue 90'

Reds None | None

Referee Michael Barlow

Assistants Wayne Gray & David Middleton

Fourth official Jack Churchill

Attendance 3,005 (1,017 away)

Next Up

An Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying replay at Broadhurst Park on Tuesday evening - kick-off 7:45pm. Full admission details to be announced very soon.

Our GoCardless Cheshire Senior Cup tie at home to Warrington Town will now be rearranged.