Some matches just don't live up their their billing, and though Altrincham versus Macclesfield clash was a prime example, a last-minute Robins goal settled matters.

James Lawrie was Alty's match-winner, looping a stunning goal beyond Rhys Taylor's grasp moments from the end.

The return of the fixture, the first since 1997, started off at something approaching a frantic pace – for all of 10 minutes – but once Chris Holroyd and Adriano Moke had fired wide for Macc, and Alty blew a chance from an eight-yard indirect free kick the game fizzled out frighteningly early.

Holroyd was also wasteful when he hurtled onto a loose ball but the best chance of the first period came to the Robins' Damian Reeves, who blasted over from 10 yards after Sean Williams nodded down for him.

Arthur Gnahoua twice went close for the visitors late in the half but he was first thwarted by Alty keeper Stuart Coburn and skied his second finish when his control let him down.

An end-to-end blood-and-guts classic this was not and the second period didn't even have the relative highlights of wayward shots to redeem it, and although the atmosphere at Moss Lane was spirited, neither set of supporters was given much to shout about.

That was until Lawrie popped up with that superb volley on the turn a minute from time.

A flare and a pitch invader only delayed the inevitable from that point and Macc were made to suffer a second straight defeat.