Again, they often impressed with the quality of their build-up play but failed to make the most of some good early chances. This was a hard-fought encounter on a heavy pitch that sapped some of Town’s intensity in the second half, the home side claiming all three points through clinical finishing.

Liam Darville made a welcome return as skipper after being given the medical all-clear to resume his career following a knee injury. He replaced the suspended James Coatsworth and fellow midfielder Lee Hume was back on the bench after completing his three-match ban.

Jacob Crowle replaced the injured Matty Calvert in goal.

The visitors made a strong start, with Will Kitching having a shot saved for a corner in the first minute. They almost took the lead in the 23rd minute when centre-forward Harry Croft hit a post following a nice turn.

Midfielder Luca Sartini brought another save out of Easington ‘keeper Keaton Marrs five minutes later. But it was the home side who went ahead in the 39th minute. A deep free-kick by winger Dylan Elliott found centre-forward Aiden Stanton, who produced a good header to beat Crowle.

Northallerton only occasionally threatened their opponents’ defence in the second half, despite manager Deano Browne using all five of his substitutes. The home side made sure of the points when Reece Kenney scored their second goal in injury time.

Easington Colliery: Marrs, Barnett (Agnew 37), Ord, Kenney, Bott, Nelson, Pearn (Wright 62), Elliott (Fairley 72), Stanton (Tapping 81), Hennis, Adamson (Eltringham 90+2).

Northallerton Town: Crowle, Cullen, Haase, Darville, Allen, Rudd, Sartini (Kirokiro 75), J Kitching (Hume 58), Croft (Raitt 65), W Kitching (Stapley 58), Harker (Martin 88).

Att: 150.