The game got off to a slow start with neither keeper being tested in the opening 10 minutes. It was Consett though who got into their stride the quickest and Andrew Thompson created the game's first real chance with a shot into the side netting from just outside the area. Just after the quarter hour mark a powerful header forward from the half way line by Jeff Sugden was flicked on by Thompson and Chris Hodgson broke free of the last defender to leave himself one on one with the visiting keeper, however Gareth Powell made a fine block.

In the 21st minute it was the Terriers who drew first blood, somewhat against the run of play with their first meaningful attack. John Milner was set free down the right flank and his square ball was turned home by Anthony Chapman from 6 yards. Bedlington almost extended their lead 10 minutes later when a superb header from Milner was safely collected by Stuart Kelly.

Consett finished the half stronger though and Colin McLeod went close when he slid in on the end of a Darren Grimes free kick forcing Powell into another good save.

Chris Hodgson wins a header

Two minutes before half time Consett's cause was helped when Bedlington's former Newcastle United star Ian Bogie was sent off for a second bookable offence. Having earlier been booked for dissent, he rather foolishly kicked the ball away following a free kick award and the referee, maybe a little harshly, brandished a second yellow card.

Half Time: Consett 0-1 Bedlington

Bedlington started brightly in the second half and, in the 49th minute, following a right wing corner, the ball dropped kindly to Christian Graham who slashed his shot horribly wide. However, following this early flurry, it was Consett who made the advantage of the extra man pay and dominated the second period.

The fog. Before it got worse.

Andrew Thompson came close on 56 minutes when, having been forced wide, he floated a lob to the back post which just skimmed past the upright with the keeper beaten. Three minutes though later the Steelmen deservedly levelled the scores. Neil Lowdon shot from the edge of the area and although the Terriers defence blocked the effort, it ricocheted into the path of Chris Hodgson who prodded the ball home.

Still Consett surged forward and their best move of the match ended with McLeod laying the ball off to Scott Wilson whose measured effort went narrowly over. Mid-way through the second half a delightful one-two left Thompson clean through but he blasted the ball high and wide. Notwithstanding this effort, Thomma was easily Consett's best player on the night.

As the second half wore on the fog thickened and there was a serious concern that Consett might be involved in an abandoned match for the second time in four days. Had the conditions in the last 20 minutes prevailed at the outset the game may not even have started.

In the latter stages Colin McLeod had a turn and shot go just past the post, while at the other end Consett had a late scare when Milner headed narrowly wide from a Chapman free kick. However both teams seemed to have settled for the draw some time before the end and thankfully the full 90 minutes were completed despite the near farcical conditions .

Full Time: Consett 1-1 Bedlington

JPH