They were undone by two unlucky deflections that led to the decisive goals but can be proud of their efforts against the Priorymen, who have dropped only two points from their 14 league matches at the King George V Stadium this season.

Missing leading scorers Alistair Banks and Harry Croft through injury and fellow striker Joe Dixon with illness, manager Deano Browne had to be resourceful. He brought James Coatsworth back into midfield after suspension and again deployed Will Kitching as the sole central attacker.

They were on the back foot from very early in the game after conceding in the ninth minute through their first slice of misfortune. ‘Keeper Jacob Crowle did well to block Elliott Beddow’s initial shot but had no chance when his follow-up effort cannoned off skipper Liam Darville into the net for an own goal.

Northallerton rallied well and always looked dangerous on the break as Guisborough failed to make the most of their possession on a heavy pitch. The visitors got the equaliser they deserved a minute from the break – and it was a training-ground move that proved decisive.

Darville stole in unmarked to head a corner past ‘keeper Ryan Catterick and haul the visitors very much back into the contest.

Parity lasted for only five minutes, however, as Guisborough retook the lead, again in fortuitous circumstances. Joe Ferguson’s free-kick from outside the box deflected off the Northallerton wall, wrong-footing Crowle as the ball looped into the net for a second own goal.

Town continued to press for a second equaliser, with all five substitutes joining the fray, but Guisborough defended well to preserve their lead over Shildon at the top of Ebac Northern League Division One.

Manager Browne said: “We knew this would be a very tough game and we were really unlucky to concede two own goals. I thought we were the better team in the first half and for long periods in the second half.

“But when you’re down where we are you don’t really get the breaks. No teams are really breaking us down and that’s testament to how hard the lads are working.

“It’s important that we don’t get too downhearted because we’re still a work in progress and can take a lot of positives despite this defeat.”

Guisborough Town: Catterick, C Martin, McAvoy, Ferguson, Frazer, Errington (McHugh 71), Waller, Bailey, Willshaw (McNeill 45), Beddow (Townsend 89), Doherty.

Sub not used: Birtles.

Northallerton Town: Crowle, Rudd, Haase, Hume, Allen, Sartini (Cullen 70), J Kitching (Elgie 89), Darville, W Kitching (Coatsworth 76), Stapley, Harker (Raitt 61).

Sub not used: J Martin.

Att: 604.

Man of the Match: Harvey Rudd.