Consett made the long midweek trip to Penrith and came back with a hard earned point from a game that either side could have won but in the end a share of the spoils was probably a fair outcome.

Manager Ken Lindoe made five changes to the side beaten at Billingham Town in the previous game a fortnight earlier. Peter Jameson returned in goal after recovering from injury with skipper Carl Piecha also back in action after missing the Billingham game through suspension. The cup-tied David Molloy also returned with Michael Pearson and Ryan Bell also starting.

The first half was a low key affair with few chances created by either side. The best of those chances though fell to Consett's Michael Mackay after 23 minutes. After running onto a Dale Burrell pass Mackay cut in from the left and attempted to place his shot into the far bottom corner of the net but Penrith keeper Holland got down well to his left to save.

Consett lost left-back David Brown through a shoulder injury after 37 minutes with youngster Daniel Reeves coming on in his place. Reeves took up a central midfield role with Bell switching to left back.

Penrith went close to taking the lead two minutes before the interval when Jackson had a shot from the edge of the area go narrowly wide.

Half time: Penrith 0-0 Consett

The Cumbrians made a double substitution at the start of the second half, introducing attackers Coleman and Jones and they galvanised the home side.

Three minutes into the second period Paul's 20 yard shot forced Jameson to save and then four minutes later Jones broke clear, played the ball into Allison who shot over as Jameson came out.

Coleman brought Jameson into action again to save his free-kick from just outside the box and then at the other end Gavin Ross shot wide under pressure after running onto David Scorer's head forward.

The best chance of the game came after 64 minutes and it was The Steelmen who created the opportunity. Reeves' great pass released Mackay down the right and his pull back gave Molloy the chance to put his side ahead but his shot screwed back off the post.

The dangerous Coleman had a shot held by Jameson with ten minutes left, then a minute later the same player set up Wood who shot inches wide.

After that though neither side really threatened and in the end both were happy enough to settle for a point apiece.

Full time: Penrith 0-0 Consett

ANDREW PEARSON