Consett picked up a hard won point against a Spennymoor side that sat at the top of the table at the start of play.

It is always difficult to come away from the Brewery Field with some reward so despite a less than first class performance The Steelmen were happy to take the point.

Manager Kenny Lindoe made three changes to the side that were beaten by North Ferriby in the FA Cup in midweek. Youngster Josh Moody replaced Paul Gilmore in goal while Carl Piecha came back into the defence in place of John Ewart. Steven Johnson who missed the Cup tie because of injury resumed his place up front instead of Adam Emson.

There was little to excite the crowd in the early stages as the teams sized each other up. But after 17 minutes Moody was called into action to comfortably save Clarke’s header.

After 26 minutes Consett’s Stephen Brown drifted a 30 yard free-kick well wide. But he went much closer nine minutes later when his 25 yard shot, that was heading for the bottom corner, was turned round the post by home keeper Finch.

A minute later Steve Johnson shot wide of the home goal after David Pounder’s free-kick was half cleared. At the other end Moody had to back peddle to turn Ruddy’s dangerous looking cross over the bar.

Two minutes before the interval Ruddy’s cross was met by Richards at the far post but Moody dealt comfortably with his header. Just before the interval Mattie Moffat cut in from the left but his curling shot went well over.

Half time: Spennymoor 0-0 Consett

The Steelmen almost took the lead in the opening minute of the second period. Gary Ormston played the ball into Johnson whose quick turn opened space for a shot that Finch got down well to save at the foot of the post.

A few minutes later Moors came even closer to scoring. Ruddy, who caused problems for the Consett rearguard all afternoon, pulled the ball back to Clarke whose shot was saved one handed by Moody. From the rebound Clarke’s spectacular overhead kick hit the post and rebounded into the arms of the young keeper.

Just before the hour Brown set up Moffat but his shot went straight at the keeper. Neither side was able to create much after that with defences on top and a goalless draw looked on the cards.

But with six minutes to go substitute Emson set up Brown but again the shot was too close to the keeper. In the end, however, a draw was a fair result.

Full time: Spennymoor 0-0 Consett

Andrew Pearson