MAKE NO mistake about it, Motors' dismal run of results is behind them on the evidence of this superb battling display coupled with last Tuesday's 3-0 mauling of Rossendale United in the UniBond League Cup.

The Motormen now face three big home games in the next 11 days, starting with tonight's replay in the FA Trophy, following Saturday's 1-1 draw at Alfreton.

Beaten 5-1 at the same ground in the league just two weeks ago, the soft centre that afternoon was replaced by a significantly harder shell this time around as Motors refused to be muscled out.

They almost took a shock second-minute lead when a huge kick from Motors' new keeper Mike Kinsella put Paul Robertson in possession inside the home penalty area. But his well-struck effort with the outside of the right foot went inches wide.

The hosts, though, took the lead on 29 minutes in what initially looked like another poor defensive slip by the Motormen. It later became apparent just why tall striker Mark Sale headed home an unchallenged effort from Chris Bettney's corner - the strong, low sun had caused his marker Kevin Lynch to completely lose the flight of the ball.

But the visitors were never out of contention. A number of scuffles showed the intensity of the tie before Peter Cumiskey saw his free kick flash just the wrong side of an upright.

On the resumption, the Motormen upped the tempo and had Alfreton struggling for any sort of decent possession, although Town's Mark Blount had a half-volley cleared off the line. It was no surprise to see them rewarded with an equaliser.

They had four corners in quick succession, all taken by Hugh McAuley, and after the first three were fired into the near post, the fourth was pulled back outside the area where Robbie Lawton produced a fierce drive that flashed through the crowded box and found its target.

It was the midfielder's second goal in two games, following his switch inside to a more central role.

McAuley, Carl Nesbitt and Robertson all had opportunities to turn the screw on the home side, but equally, Alfreton also went close.

Manager Owen Brown commented: "We showed a lot of character and commitment at a place where we were beaten 5-1 just a couple of weeks ago and make no bones about it, Alfreton are a good side and unbeaten on their own pitch, so it was always going to be difficult.

"Kevin Lynch lost their headed goal in the sun in the first half, so there was nothing we could do about that, but we battled well.

"Robbie Lawton has now scored two in a week - I always thought he had the potential to be a good goalscoring midfielder, playing in the middle, because he strikes the ball well.

"When he goes out wide, he wasn't getting those opportunities.

"It's a decision we've made and it's come off so far. But there is no celebration, because we want to finish the job off tomorrow in the replay."

New signing Carl Macauley is still awaiting his debut as none of the substitutes were used.

The last time Macauley was involved in a Trophy tie, he was lifting the magnificent trophy to the skies, having captained Burscough to an extraordinary triumph at Villa Park against Conference-bound Tamworth.

VAUXHALL: Kinsella, Spellman, McDermott, Robinson, McAuley, Lynch, Nesbitt, Lawton, Fearns, Robertson, Cumiskey. Subs (not used): Macauley, McCann, Griffiths, Whelan, Rey.

Following tonight's replay, the Motormen face two important home league games, both against decent opposition - Hucknall (on Saturday) and Worksop (December 13) - as they look to regain lost ground in the UniBond Premier Division.

Motors' league form, plus their cup commitments, has seen them slip back to 17th place in the table.

With a Conference North place up for grabs, Vauxhall need to get back to their customary ratio of points over the remainder of the campaign to ensure they do not miss out on this wonderful opportunity.