It was their first win in four months after a tough run of defeats and gave a fascinating glimpse of the potential of this promising young side if the core of the squad can be retained. Town took the brakes off and played entertaining football in one of their best performances of a testing campaign.

With nothing resting on the outcome, interim management team Dion Raitt and Matthew Calvert adopted a bolder game plan with greater emphasis on attack. It was a good watch and they produced two quality goals.

Teenager Jackson Raitt was handed his second start in an advanced role, Joe Martin replaced James O’Brien at left-back and Harry Croft returned in central defence to replace Jacob Wilson. It was refreshingly competitive for an end-of-season contest and both sides had chances in an even first half.

Raitt fizzed a shot just wide and home ‘keeper Jacob Crowle made a good save from Horden top scorer Philly Angus. It was four minutes into the second period that Northallerton made the breakthrough.

Luca Sartini, who has blossomed in his role as skipper, floated a deep free-kick into the box that was headed on by Harvey Rudd to fall invitingly for Town’s leading scorer, Alistair Banks. He reacted quickly to slip the ball past Horden ‘keeper Robert Dean for his 11th goal of the season.

Crowle did well again to protect Northallerton’s lead before Jack Stapley doubled their advantage in the 55th minute. Matty Kirokiro dribbled through the defence before unleashing a shot that Dean could only parry, and Stapley gleefully converted the rebound.

Martin skimmed the bar with a long-range shot soon later as Town kept up the pressure. They were able to see out the game comfortably but the closing stages were not without drama.

Kirokiro was sent off in stoppage time for what the referee deemed violent conduct – Northallerton’s fourth red card in five matches, although Croft’s red against Guisborough was rescinded on appeal.

“We set out on the front foot with an aggressive style of play, understanding that we could leave ourselves more open at the back,” said caretaker manager Raitt. “We showed a lot more energy and the lads took to the system really well.

“This is a very promising young team that could look really good in the years ahead if the core of the squad can be kept together.”

Northallerton Town: Crowle, Rudd (Dunn 85), Martin, Croft, Grundle, Sartini (Coatsworth 85), Stapley, Short, Banks (86), Raitt, Kirokiro.

Subs not used: Coulson, Jamie Wilson.

Horden Community Welfare: Dean, Gales, Mason, Purdy (Lavan 57), Galbraith, Flint (Elliott Wilson 76), Angus, Wallace, Pounder, Campbell, Blackburn (Doughty 58).

Subs not used: Hackworth, Henderson.

Att: 243.