Thornaby recovered from a two-goal deficit and rattled the woodwork on several occasions. But it was Town who ground out the three points with a full-blooded performance full of heart and desire.

With seven players injured or unavailable, manager Jamie Poole handed a debut to Freddie Beasley at right-back, redeployed James Coatsworth in midfield and recalled Joe Martin on the left wing. Ben Fairless replaced the suspended Oli Swan in goal.

Northallerton got off to the best-possible start with one of the fastest goals ever seen at the Calvert Stadium. Centre-forward Harry Healy scored after 12 seconds, straight from kick-off, with a direct run through the middle culminating in a skilful finish.

They made it two after 21 minutes when centre-back Norton Tomlinson scored his first goal for the club from a Dale Hopson free-kick, powering a header past Thornaby ‘keeper Sam Taylor.

Fairless made a couple of good saves to thwart the visitors but they got back into the contest on the half-hour after Tomlinson brought down winger Aaron Bell in the area. Centre-forward Spencer Walker converted confidently from the penalty spot.

Thornaby’s pressure paid off when they equalised in the 68th minute. Bell put a ball across the box that ricocheted off a defender before Lucas Casson rifled it into the corner.

Northallerton refused to give up and were rewarded for their endeavour after 77 minutes when player-coach Hopson latched on to an intelligent pass from Jack Stapley to fire the winner. They threw bodies on the line to protect their advantage before being cheered from the field by their delighted fans.

“I can’t be prouder of the lads,” said manager Jamie. “The shift they put in was unbelievable.

“That was a performance full of character and determination. It was full throttle and you couldn’t have asked for a better derby game.”

Northallerton Town: Fairless, Beasley, Myers, Coatsworth (Townsend 34), Littlefair, Tomlinson, Stapley (Mason 90+4), Sartini, Healy (Taylor 90), Hopson, Martin (Kitching 78).

Sub not used: Khadir.

Thornaby: Taylor, Cullen, Gray, Mills, Booth, Thompson, Sayer, Casson, Walker, Kennedy, Bell.

Att: 366.