From Hatters

from Tranmere got onto the end of a Connor Hampson pullback, but Stephenson could only blaze hopelessly over the Cheadle End crossbar.

In perhaps a sign of the growing frustration around Edgeley Park, Gannon became embroiled in a late row with Avenue assistant boss Danny Boshell, as the former County midfielder held onto the ball with The Hatters looking to take a quick free-kick.

Gannon and Boshell were both given a final warning by the referee as emotions spilled over, with a number of players from both sides wading into the touchline spat – and, whilst Boshell later laughed off the scuffle, Gannon admitted he had hoped to see “the same kind of passion” from his players, in search of a late winner.

The remaining chances of the afternoon all fell to the visitors – and, with two of the 90 minutes remaining, they hit the County woodwork after substitute James Knowles glanced a header goalward from a Johnson corner; only to see his effort strike the crossbar.

And in added time, both Jamie Spencer and Boyes missed sitters when put through one-on-one with Hinchliffe – as County clung onto their now fifteen game unbeaten run at Edgeley Park, in a streak which dates back to the 19th November 2016; when The Hatters were coincidentally beaten 2-1 by the same opposition.

Gannon’s struggling side, who still sat just one point outside the play-off positions after the stalemate despite what Gannon referred to as a “mediocre” start to the campaign, were due to host high-flying Southport on Tuesday night as the Express went to print.