Time had almost run out when the midfielder found space on the edge of the Blue Star box and expertly angled his shot out of ‘keeper Will Anderson’s reach into the far corner. Town secured the point their dogged performance deserved and can look forward to two successive away games with increased confidence.

With player-coach Dale Hopson suspended and several other players injured, manager Jamie Poole brought Luca Sartini back into midfield and Pickering dual-registration players Charlie Thompson and Blake Drury started for the first time. Paul Roddam returned as one of three centre-backs.

'Keeper Ben Fairless produced another stand-out performance, making a series of top-class saves to deny the visitors in the early stages.

Creamer fired an early effort off-target but it was Blue Star who carried the greater threat in the first half. Fairless made a great stop from Jakub Zych and an even better one from Leon Burke to keep it level, only for Northallerton to concede in unfortunate circumstances just before the break.

Josh Follin’s shot deflected off Roddam, giving Fairless no chance as the ball ballooned into the top of the net.

Town brought on Lewis Martin at the start of the second half and the striker’s strength and muscle was an asset as they sought the equaliser. He came close to finding it himself in the 67th minute when ‘keeper Anderson bravely dived at his feet as he shaped to shoot.

But persistence paid off for the home side in the 90th minute when Boucher grabbed the equaliser.

Northallerton Town: Fairless, Wilson (Kilpatrick 75), Drury, McNamara, Roddam, Sartini, Creamer (46 L Martin), Boucher, Thomas, Thompson, Littlefair (Crooks 59).

Subs not used: Beasley, Bramley.

Newcastle Blue Star: Anderson, Harrison (Richardson 75), Abrahart, Orrell, Scott, Armstrong, Follin, McClen, Zych (Ogidan 81), Burke, Kilic (Anderson 64).

Sub not used: Potts.

Att: 258.