Consett gave a battling performance on their trip to Guisborough and for long spells, particularly in the first half, were the better team, but once again their defensive frailties were exposed as the home team took the points with two second half strikes.

The Steelmen could not have made a worse start as they conceded the opening goal after only four minutes. Hinchley’s left wing corner went beyond the back post but man mountain Outhwaite was there to head the ball home.

Shortly after that, referee McCarten picked up an injury and had to be replaced by one of his assistants, and there was a lengthy delay while somebody was found to run the line.

When play restarted the home side had an opportunity to double their advantage almost immediately when Mowbray found himself in on goal but his underhit effort was comfortably saved by Stuart Kelly.

The longer the half went on the more Consett came into the game and they equalised on the half hour. A good run to the by-line by Chris Hodgson caused problems for the home defence. He played the ball in to Colin McLeod who worked an opening and shot across the keeper into the far corner. Three minutes later a dipping shot from the edge of the area by McLeod was well held under his bar by Gill.

The Steelmen were on top at this stage with Gareth McKenna and Lee Suddes causing problems for Guisborough down the right. Five minutes before the interval Consett were denied what looked like a certain goal. Darren Grimes’ cross from the left was headed back across the box by McLeod for the incoming Suddes, but his powerful header was brilliantly saved at close range by Gill.

Consett were almost caught out on the stroke of half time, however, when Ritchie’s ball into the six yard box should have been converted by substitute Walker but he missed his kick with goal at his mercy.

Half Time Guisborough 1-1 Consett

There was an even start to the second period, but Town went close after 56 minutes when Hinchley’s free-kick went narrowly wide of the far post. Consett had looked comfortable in the game but they were undone just after the hour. Ritchie was given the opportunity to swing over a right wing cross and Walker came in at the far post to head home despite Kelly getting a hand to the ball.

Consett were still in the game though, and after 68 minutes a great cross from Scott Wilson found Hodgson but his effort at the far post was blocked and cleared for a corner. Unfortunately the corner led to Guisborough’s killer third goal. A poorly taken corner by Ian Davison saw Town break away quickly. Walker ran onto the ball and eluded Wilson’s tackle, Kelly came out and seemed to have claimed the ball but under Walker’s challenge the ball ran loose giving the forward an easy opportunity to score.

The Steelmen kept plugging away and almost reduced the deficit with two minutes left. Hodgson ran through the defence but his shot was blocked with Suddes’ follow up effort going straight into the keeper’s arms.

Full Time Guisborough 3-1 Consett

ANDREW PEARSON