A 1-1 draw was the result at the J.Davidson Stadium as Pools battled well particularly in the second half to defend with ten men despite taking the lead.
The game started with Pools on the front foot, Luke Molyneux certainly the creative spark and he brought the first real chance on 20 minutes. The forward cut inside and had an effort on goal but his shot was wide.
The biggest chance at 0-0 came on 23 minutes. Oates did well to drive down the left hand side and put the ball into the box where he found Armstrong who swiveled and shot but hit the post.
The game turned on its head just a minute later. A late challenge from Lewis Cass saw a straight red card for the defender as Pools go down to ten men.
Dave Challinor's men continued to attack and on 34 minutes and they found the breakthrough! Molyneux got to the byline and put it across for Oates who had the simple task to put the ball in the back of the net to make it 1-0.
Pools were all men behind the ball for the rest of the first half and thought they were going to go in level until the last moment. Colclough cut inside and had a shot on goal that wasn't held by Killip and the home side made it 1-1 at the break.
The second half started in the same pattern. Backs against the walls for Pools as Altrincham attacked.
On 55 minutes, the hosts had the ball in the back of the net but the linesman already had his flag up to deny Altrincham.
Pools were able to counter attack throughout the game and it was Luke Molyneux who got forward and drew a save from Thompson.
Despite the continuous attacking from the hosts, Pools were able to hold on for a point ahead of Saturday's game at The Vic.
CARDS. RED- CASS YELLOW- FERGUSON
SUBS: Odusina for Oates, Holohan for Armstrong, Bloomfield for Molyneux.