Northallerton have had selection headaches all season with a large strong squad, however this one picked itself, only 13 available through injury, illness, Uni & family commitments.

10 outfielders and 3 GKs donned the Black and White stripes for the final time this season. Thanks to the dry spring the ground was rock solid and the glorious sunshine added to testing conditions.

Several players asked to play a different role as several experienced and seasoned midfielders and attacking players were missing.

Town enjoyed the lions share of possession with most of the first half played in the Richmond half, despite several promising attacks and a series of threatening corners the first 45 ended goalless.

Half Time - Honours even 0-0.

Second half was much the same, as the lack of subs and heat took its toll on both teams the game opened a little more but Towns dominance continued.

On 55 mins the dangerous duo of Stephenson and Bowe combined to take the lead, Stephenson providing and Bowe converting with a shot to the top right corner, 1-0.

Richmond had a couple of chances, seemingly beating the offside trap but young GK Rachel Whitaker made two great 1v1 saves.

More chances came Towns way with the best being Bowe again with a surging run from inside the Town half to the Richmond box after quick build up play, a cruel bobble just as she got her shot away sent it high and wide.

On 70 mins Richmond got lucky with the ref missing one of their many offside runs, the Richmond striker just beating Whitaker this time to make it 1-1.

Town looked to be robbed of a winner when one cleared “off the line” despite the stretching gk ending up in the back of the net as she scooped it forwards.

No VAR or Goal line technology at this level.

Full time Richmond 1 Northallerton 1

Richmond celebrated the draw like they’d won the cup, testament to how good Town have been this season. Town felt hard done by with two decisions going against them but another performance and season to be proud of, every player putting bodies on the line and pushing themselves to be better week in week out.

Managers Player this week goes to Hannah Stephenson, asked to step into the CM role due to players missing, showed all the attributes of a great player, a fierce intensity, a never say die attitude, amazing fitness covering every inch of the pitch and transitioned from defence to attack with blistering pace. A top drawer performance capped off with an assist; unlucky not to score herself.

Well done Hannah!

Hannah is sponsored by LLF Turf & Amenity, and Corr Plumbing & Heating.