Consett’s first home game for 11 weeks saw them come back from 2 goals down to earn a point, although The Steelmen could quite easily have won the game as they hit the woodwork three times when the scores were level.

Manager Ken Lindoe was forced to make two changes to the side that had beaten Esh Winning in midweek. Graham Irving came in at centre-half in place of the injured Michael Coulthard and Gavin Parkin replaced the unavailable Dan Olusoga in attack.

Defensive frailty though saw the home side go behind after nine minutes. Flockett ran through the defence onto a throughball, his shot was acrobatically saved by Dan Staples but the ball fell for Whensley to fire home the rebound.

Consett almost replied within seconds of the restart when Jonjo Dickman played in Brian Dodsworth but his shot was saved by the legs of visiting keeper Wiggan.

John Ewart replaced the injured Matthew Gowland after 21 minutes and two minutes later Parkin headed wide from Steven Huggins’ cross.

But Billingham doubled their advantage on 24 minutes with a goal strikingly similar to their first. Flockett ran through again, just beating the offside, Staples again did well to save his shot but this time French was on hand to tap the ball home.

Parkin shot narrowly wide four minutes before the interval, then Dickman shot just wide from 18 yards. But The Steelmen got a foot hold in the game when they pulled a goal back two minutes into stoppage time, Parkin shooting home after his first effort was blocked.

Half time: Consett 1-2 Billingham

Four minutes after the break David Pounder shot just past the post following a lay off by Gary Ormston. The same two players combined after 56 minutes as the home side drew level, Ormston glancing a header home from Pounder’s free-kick.

Consett should have taken the lead after 63 minutes when a good move involving Ormston and Parkin saw Huggins hit the post when he should really have scored.

Although Consett were having the greater possession, Town looked dangerous on the break and Staples had to be alert to push away a shot from French.

Consett were unlucky not to go in front with ten minutes to go. Young substitute Liam Hubbuck set up Ormston whose shot hit the upright and was cleared.

Two minutes later Pounder’s 30 yard free-kick clipped the top of the bar but Billingham almost took the points when a quick break saw Flockett set up French but he shot wide from a good position.

Full time: Consett 2-2 Billingham

ANDREW PEARSON