Stalybridge Celtic 1, Bradford Park Avenue 1

AVENUE maintained their unbeaten start in National League North with a second draw on the spin – despite finishing with ten men at Stalybridge.

There was almost a dream Avenue debut for Nicky Walker as the former Rotherham United winger was picked out by Alex Mather and looked set to tap in from close range. He went to ground but the referee gave the free-kick the home side's way.

Both sides had chances as the half continued but the hosts had to wait until the 34th minute to break the deadlock. Big centre back Jack Higgins went forward for a long throw-in and he steered a header past keeper John Stewart.

Avenue rallied and a Michael Potts shot was deflected onto the bar before they levelled five minutes before the break. It was Potts again as he converted Mather's cross for his third goal of the season.

The second half was just as pulsating, with good play from both sides and hearts-in-mouth moments for Avenue as the Celts maximised the long throw-in.

Luke Dean picked up a yellow card just three minutes after the break and was dismissed, after a harsh-looking second yellow, with more than 20 minutes remaining.

Meanwhile, GUISELEY earned their first three points in the top tier of the National League as they beat Lee Sinnott's Altrincham.

The Lions created some good chances in the first half but their former player Damian Reeves missed a glorious opportunity to give Alty the lead.

Rob Atkinson netted the only goal of the game after just 16 minutes when he converted a corner with a well-placed header.

It continued to be end-to-end in the second half and Sinnott's men had a strong penalty appeal waved away after a strong Danny Lowe tackle inside the area.

Elsewhere, hosts LIVERSEDGE won the Toolstation Northern Counties East League derby 2-1 despite visitors THACKLEY taking an early lead.

Craig Bentham gave the Dennyboys a tenth-minute advantage but Andy Wood quickly levelled and netted the winner two minutes into the second half of the Premier Division contest.

Tomorrow sees ALBION SPORTS back in action and they will be looking to maintain their 100 per cent start with a home win over visitors Rainworth MW, who last 3-2 at Garforth Town on the opening day.

In the North West Counties League top tier, SILSDEN travel to promoted AFC Darwen with both teams looking for their first points of the new campaign.