Consett moved six points clear at the top of the table with this win in difficult conditions. The Belle Vue Park pitch had a covering of snow on it and the game only went ahead after committee members, supporters and the manager had cleared the lines. But their efforts were rewarded with The Steelmen keeping their title hopes alive with this victory over the relegation threatened visitors.

Kenny Lindoe was forced to make two changes to the side that had beaten Spennymoor four days earlier. David Pounder returned to the line-up in place of the injured Jonjo Dickman while Paul Robinson replaced Chris Scott who was unavailable because of work commitments.

There was controversy after only three minutes with the outcome leaving the visitors feeling aggrieved. David Scorer headed the ball back to keeper Jack Norton who in attempting to gather the ball slid just outside the box. As the ball rolled loose, Town striker Chllingsworth shot goalwards but Norton blocked it with his hands, still outside of the area. Chllingsworth then fired the rebound into the empty net. But in the meantime the assistant referee had flagged for handball and the referee had blown the whistle before the ball entered the net so the goal was not allowed. The crowd then anticipated a red card for the home keeper but he was only shown a yellow much to the consternation of the visiting contingent. The resulting free-kick came to nothing.

After 14 minutes Town keeper Clements was called into action when Adam Emson turned and shot but the keeper blocked at point blank range.

Seven minutes later Northallerton almost took the lead when Shardha set up Hodgson in a good position but Norton made a good block with his body.

Consett had the ball in the net after 27 minutes when Robinson’s shot was saved and Gary Ormston put in the rebound but the goal was disallowed for a push by Ormston.

Full Time: Consett 0-0 Northallerton

After an even opening period, Consett started the second-half like they meant business and almost broke the deadlock in the opening minute. Robinson’s pass released Carl Piecha whose well struck shot from 15 yards hit the outside of the upright.

But three minutes later The Steelmen took the lead when Emson ran onto a throughball and slotted the ball through the advancing keeper’s legs.

As Consett continued in the ascendancy, Robinson hit a 25 yard effort straight at the keeper. Then Robinson set up Richard Logan who cut in from the left. His shot was saved by Clements who then pushed the ball away from the danger zone just as Emson was about to pounce on the rebound.

But on the hour Consett doubled their advantage. Logan was felled just inside the left edge of the penalty area by Roberts and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. Logan’s well struck spot kick gave Clements no chance as it nestled in the bottom corner of the net.

Emson had a chance to put the game beyond doubt with 21 minutes to go but he shot wide from a good position as the keeper narrowed the angle.

Northallerton, who hadn’t been seen as an attacking force in the second period to this point, created an opening on 76 minutes but McNichol blazed over from a good position.

Consett seemed to sit back in the closing stages and almost paid the price with four minutes left, but Norton made a good diving save to deny Shardha and three more points were in the bag.

Full Time: Consett 2-0 Northallerton

ANDREW PEARSON