Play-off clash

Montrose with a blistering run into the area; with only the last-ditch block of centre-half Chris Smalley denying Haughton a wonder goal to pull the hosts level.

But the Ammies were on equal terms just moments later. Gannon has rued his side’s inability to see out ties through making “basic errors” – and Saturday afternoon proved no different, as Allen was able to skip past Duxbury into the penalty area, and cross for the tall frame of Nottingham, with Sam Minihan forced into clumsily bringing down the right-back for a penalty.

Allen stepped up to dispatch the spot-kick past Hinchliffe with ten minutes remaining, and the hosts were confident of grabbing a late winner after applying plenty of pressure to Gannon’s steadfast side.

Substitute Kaine Felix, on to replace goalscorer Lloyd in a move aimed at resting County’s leading man for Tuesday night’s clash with AFC Fylde (as the Express went to print), had spurned two glorious opportunities to double The Hatters’ lead just prior to Allen’s leveller, with another indicator of Gannon’s displeasure at his “developing” side’s inability to seal the three points.

Courtney Meppen-Walters and Mark Ross both entered the fray following the equaliser to sure up The Hatters’ back line as time ticked on – but, despite Simon Grand heading inches over the crossbar, County could have snatched a late win themselves.

Duxbury’s long clearance towards Felix was brought down by the York City loanee, and as Felix advanced towards goal, he appeared to be hauled down by Billy Priestley in front of the baying County supporters in stoppage time – although referee Michael Wild controversially waved play on.

With only Darlington winning in the top seven of the National League North on Saturday, Gannon later reflected on what was almost definitely a point gained for County, as the push for promotion continues – after Tuesday night’s scheduled trip to tabletopping Fylde, The Hatters play host to play-off rivals Tamworth at Edgeley Park on Saturday.