SLACK defending cost Alsager dear on Saturday as they droppped two home points by conceding a late equaliser against Chadderton.

Alsager were 2-1 up with 20 minutes to go of their league clash, but a defensive error allowed Chadderton to make it 2-2 with 15 minutes left on the clock.

The draw extended Alsager's unbeaten run to four games, and they were back to full strength for the visit of Chadderton.

Alsager took the lead in the 21st minute at the end of a move started by striker Ben Biddulph and winger Chris Nicklin.

Biddulph pulled the ball back for the onrushing striker Darren O'Toole, who scored from eight yards.

Alsager lost Biddulph with a shin injury four minutes later, and keeper Chris Bell kept Chadderton out with a tremendous save from a 35th minute drive.

Chadderton put the ball wide from five yards out, and an unmarked player headed inches wide of the Alsager post two minutes before the break.

Chadderton broke through in the 63rd minute with a goal from close in, but Alsager fought back to regain the lead six minutes later.

The Chadderton keeper tried to clear the ball, but it was charged down by striker Gareth Rowe, and rebounded off him into the met.

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