A tremendous win for the Steelmen which means that they take their title challenge into the last week of the season with a precious two point lead at the top of the Northern League. It looked like being a different story at 3:20pm with Consett a goal down and news coming through that leaders Spennymoor Town were already 2-0 up at home at Whitley Bay. However a sensational turn around in both games means everything is set up for a grand finale in the next few days.

Ken Lindoe had a fairly straightforward job in his team selection, opting for the old managerial adage of not changing a winning team. Consequently it was the same starting eleven as that which came from behind twice to beat Billingham Synthonia seven days earlier.

Consett made a very bright start, and should have taken the lead in the eighth minute, as three chances fell in rapid succession to Richard Logan, none of which were taken. First, Logan dispossessed Liam Atkin in a dangerous position, however Allotment keeper Steven Mundy came out quickly to block the effort. The ball came back out to Logan again, who sent in a firm drive from the edge of box which Mundy could only parry up into the air, but he was able to grab it at the second attempt.

Richard Logan fends off his marker

David Pounder heads forward

The Steelmen continued to dominate though and could have been level within four minutes when Pounder’s 25 yard strike forced Mundy to push over the ball over the bar. Then midway through the first half another Pounder shot from distance went just over.

Celtic were always a threat with their strong running and on 27 minutes a typically swift attack ended with Andrew Carr’s fierce hit from the corner of area bringing a good save out of Jack Norton.

As the first half wore on, Consett’s play became a bit more ragged and their early promise started to fade. Nevertheless they were still the only side creating chances and in the 33rd minute Carl Piecha’s towering back post header from Chris Scott’s free kick went across the goal and wide.

Then three minutes later yet another long-range attempt from the ever-positive David Pounder caused alarm in the home defence, but passed wide of the goal.

The visitors appeared to be running out of steam though and Celtic had three good chances to extend their lead before the hour mark. On 52 minutes, David Potts nodded a left wing cross down for Paul Watson who sent a good drive just over.

Five minutes later a Watson free kick almost caught Norton off his line, but he was able to get back and tip it away for a corner. Then on the hour mark a long clearance over the Consett back line found Mark Minto, who beat the offside trap to find himself clean through on goal. His firm mid air shot though was straight at Norton.

Things were looking bleak for Consett, however the game took a dramatic turn in two minutes midway through the second half.

In the 64th minute Carl Piecha’s miscued cross found its way to Logan on the edge of the area whose superb volley brought an equally fine one handed save from Mundy. From the resulting corner though Scott’s great delivery found Steven Johnson who scored with a glancing header despite the defender’s effort to clear off the line.

Steven Johnson takes on a defender

Carl Piecha clears a corner

Despite their numercal advantage Consett were struggling to make any headway in turning one point into three, however the introduction of Adam Emson ten minutes from time proved to be the masterstroke.

Seven minutes from time Emson played a through ball to Steven Johnson whose clever touch down set up Jonjo Dickman. The substitute’s first time hit wasn’t clean, but had enough power to find the bottom corner and give Consett a 2-1 lead.

A spirited Celtic threw on a couple of late substitutes in an attempt to try and salvage something from the game but Consett finally made it safe two minutes into stoppage time. Emson broke away down the left and despite the tight angle he got in a shot which cannoned back off the post, however the rebound fell to Dickman who gleefully lashed it into the roof of the unguarded net.