It’s becoming a habit for Jamie Poole’s young side after they battled back to draw with Horden from a similar position in their previous home match. Their never-say-day spirit also saved the day against Thornaby a month ago, when again they found second-half redemption.

Freddie Beasley and coach Paul Roddam were recalled to defence and Eddie Thomas was fit to resume his place in attack, with teenagers Frankie Alderson and Lucas Bramley reverting to the bench following the midweek defeat at Penrith.

The comeback might have been unnecessary had Northallerton managed to cash in on a host of early chances. Thomas went close three times in the first seven minutes, forcing ‘keeper Alfie Gordon to tip one shot over the bar and save another two efforts.

Lively winger Jack Kilpatrick also had an effort saved in an entertaining opening in which Beasley also cleared off the line at the other end.

Birtley went ahead in the 28th minute after the home defence had blocked an initial shot. Liam Wotherspoon picked up the loose ball and found the net via a deflection.

Northallerton kept battling and Lewis Martin headed over the bar from another promising attack before Birtley doubled their lead in the closing stages of the half. James Proctor found space on the edge of the box to convert a well-placed effort.

It’s a tribute to the home players that they never let their heads drop and managed to pull a goal back five minutes after the restart. Thomas produced a powerful header from a Dale Hopson corner that lifted his team-mates and Northallerton supporters.

The balance swung back in their favour, with Gordon making another good save from Martin and Kilpatrick hitting the bar. Then Northallerton deservedly pulled level after 67 minutes.

A right-wing cross was knocked down by Martin and there was Hopson to drill the ball home from close range.

Birtley ‘keeper Gordon had to retire injured 15 minutes from the end to be replaced in goal by an outfield player, Owen Lancaster, who proved an excellent shot-stopper as Northallerton pressed for a winner. Birtley also had chances to seal all three points, with Matthew Ward shooting wide when well placed during a thrilling finale.

Northallerton Town: Fairless, Beasley, Littlefair, Boucher, Wilson, Roddam, Creamer (Naylor 58), Hopson, L Martin, Thomas, Kilpatrick (Alderson 62).

Subs not used: Bramley, Mason, Poole.

Birtley Town: Gordon (Hailes 75), Lancaster, Harrison, Burrell, Wharton, Wetherspoon, Proctor, Havelock-Brown, Aitken, Ward, Paterson (Dinsley 69).

Subs not used: Exley, Bateman, Croft.

Att: 176.