Words Alex Birch | Pictures Jonathan Moore

Colwyn Bay 2 Altrincham 2

Altrincham began their pre-season match prep in the heat of North Wales, fielding separate elevens in each half as they took on Cymru Premier side Colwyn Bay.

The home side were quick off the mark, striking first on just five minutes when Adam Davies' free-kick flew through a crowd of players and into the far corner of Owen Evans' net.

Alty's response was swift as Anthony Forde scored from a 20-yard free-kick on 12 minutes, beating the outstretched hand of Mark Halstead on the way in.

Debutant goalie Evans had to be alert to make a great save from a close range header soon after, while at the other end, Forde was close to a second with another long range shot and Kristian Dennis forced Halstead to save well.

Alty's second half eleven went to work and grab the lead on 58 minutes when Charlie Kirk's cross was expertly put away by last season's top scorer Jimmy Knowles.

Captain Tom Crawford forced Halstead into another smart save as the visitors went in search of number three, before Jack Hinchy also made the former Radcliffe keeper work.

That looked to be that, but with two minutes to go a handball was given in the Alty box and Jordan Davies converted as the Seagulls claimed a slightly fortuitous draw. 

Colwyn Bay Halstead; Sirrell, Forde, Bratley, A.Davies, Robles, J.Davies, Hill, Astles, Poole, Edwards. Subs used in second half: Roberts, Hart, Peate, Kenny, Issa, Osment, Uniss, Hughes, Downes.

Altrincham Evans (Fallon, 46'); Banks (Kosylo, 46'), Jones (Taylor, 46'), Cooper (Olson, 46'), Khan (Breckin, 46'), Humbles (Crawford, 46'), Dennis (Knowles, 46'), Barlow (Hinchy, 46'), Weaver (Reddin, 46'), Bailey (Barnes, 46'), Forde (Kirk, 46').

HT 1-1

Goals A.Davies 5', J.Davies 88' | Forde 12', Knowles 58'

Next Up

We're closer to home for friendly number two - Wythenshawe Town our hosts on Tuesday evening at 7:45pm. Match night details available here.