Ally came agonisingly close to sharing the spoils with well-drilled Birtley, prompting loud cheers from their supporters as they left the field after an undeserved defeat.

The result was rough justice after a performance full of heart and desire, crunching tackles and goalmouth drama that unfortunately ended in frustration. This was a massive improvement on their 4-1 thumping at Penrith the previous weekend and if they can reproduce this form in their remaining five league matches, they must have a good chance of preserving their Ebac Northern League First Division status.

Four players were recalled to the starting line-up following the Penrith defeat - leading scorer Alistair Banks resumed up front, Jack Stapley and James Coatsworth were back in midfield and Joe Martin was named at left-back. The home side started well but suffered an early setback when they conceded after 13 minutes.

Sam Hedley found Charlie Aitken on the edge of the box and the Birtley forward converted what proved to be the winner with the defence overstretched.

Skipper Luca Sartini fizzed a piledriver narrowly wide and centre-forward Harry Croft headed agonisingly off-target as Northallerton piled on the pressure. At the other end, ‘keeper Jacob Crowle was again in fine form to make several good saves.

Northallerton’s attacks increased after the break and they put the Birtley defence under sustained pressure right up to the final whistle. Stapley forced ‘keeper Ryan Hammer into a vital save and set up Niall Short for another effort that was just wide.

Colin Myers emptied his bench to freshen up the team and Northallerton remained camped in Birtley’s half deep into injury time. But despite their valiant efforts, the visitors held firm.

“The players gave everything for me tonight and I feel heartily sorry for them,” said the manager. “We’ve got to take the positives from this performance to motivate ourselves for next Tuesday’s home North Riding Senior Cup semi-final with Yarm & Eaglescliffe.

“If we keep playing like that, our luck will change and we will definitely start winning games.”

Northallerton Town: Crowle, Rudd, Martin, Jacob Wilson, Myers (Kirokiro 60), Coatsworth (Hughes 85), Stapley, Sartini, Croft, Banks (Raitt 85), Short (Spears 85).

Sub not used: Grundle.

Birtley Town: Hammer, Lancaster, Exley, Stafford (Young 66), Hedley, Hailes (Havelock-Brown 66), Wharton, Proctor, Ward, Aitken (Heap 90+2), Harrison (Thear 60).

Sub not used: Armin.

Man of the Match: James Coatsworth and Luca Sartini (shared).

Att: 119.