Ten-man Stockton Town twice came from behind to earn a point at home to FC United.
The Kick-Off was delayed until 4,15pm due to traffic issues affecting FC United of Manchester team coach.
The situation was grim at the break after Adam Sudworth had given FC United of Manchester the lead and the Anchors were down to ten after Stephen Thompson was shown a straight red card.
But the Anchors showed spirit and levelled from the penalty spot through Josh Scott. They fell behind again when Adam Le Fondre scored a penalty at the other end with only minutes remaining. But in the closing stages Adam Nicholson, as he has done year after year, came up big with another equaliser to secure a point.
There was one change to the Anchors line-up from the Bury win as Harley Dawson came in for his debut in place of Paul Rooney.
The early chances went the way of the visitors. Jordan Buckley had two efforts which were blocked, Matthew Grivosti also went close.
The biggest opportunity came on the quarter hour mark when the ball was threaded through to the advancing Niall Watson but he blazed wide.
The visitors had a deserved lead when Adam Sudworth glanced a corner from the right into the bottom corner of the net.
The Anchors had some half chances as they looked to get back into the game. Jake Petitjean sent a freekick wide, and later he had a clipped effort turned away by Dan Atherton in the FC goal.
Stockton Town’s afternoon was made worse when Stephen Thompson was shown a straight red for a late challenge.
Half-Time: Stockton Town 0-1 FC United of Manchester.
Michael Dunwell made a double switch at the break as Ryan Barrett and Owen Gallacher replaced Harley Dawson and Frank Nouble.
The Anchors saw more of the ball, but were limited to only half chances
Stockton Town were given the opportunity to level when Owen Gallacher was fouled after he burst into the box Josh Scott showed composure to convert past Atherton.
The Anchors pushed and had the FC United backline scrambling but they just about stood firm.
At the other end, FC United were given the chance to retake the lead when they were awarded a penalty after Buckley went down.
Nathan Harker went the right way but substitute Adam Le Fondre’s penalty had too much for him.
Still the game was not done there. A well-crafted Anchors move ended with the ball presented inviting for Nicholson to head towards goal. FC United thought they had done enough to clear it, but the referee awarded the goal.
Full-Time: Stockton Town 2-2 FC United of Manchester
A draw that in some ways feels like a win. It’s back to action again on Tuesday with a trip to Lancaster City.
