Accrington Stanley had to settle for a share of the points at Altrincham last night.

The UniBond Premier Division leaders made a strong start and made the most of their advantage with an early goal.

Stanley winger Rory Prendergast opened the scoring on 24 minutes with a low drive from outside the box that deceived Altrincham keeper Richard Acton.

The home side took time to find their feet and they were fielding two newcomers in Paul Robertson and Steven Clegg.

Alty settled better in the second half and began to exert some pressure on the league leaders.

They finally gained their reward when Ian Craney ended a fine run with a superb shot from 22 yards beat Stanley keeper Jamie Speare, six minutes from time.

While Reds boss John Coleman may view it as two points surrendered, Stanley's rivals for the title are making heavy weather of making up ground.

Fifth-placed Worksop, with three games in hand on Accrington, failed to make the most of Stanley's slip as they themselves were beaten 4-2 at home by Frickley Athletic.

ALTRINCHAM...1 ACCRINGTON STANLEY...1

THIS season's Lancashire FA Marsden Challenge Trophy Final will be played at Accrington Stanley's Crown Ground on Wednesday, April 16.

Stanley won the competition last year but were defeated last month in the semi-final by UniBond Division One side Kendal Town, who will now take on Leigh RMI of the Nationwide Conference.