That prospect looked unlikely after they went three goals down just 14 seconds after the restart. But they showed tremendous spirit to snatch control of the game cheered on by their vocal travelling supporters.

Eddie Thomas brought managerless Northallerton back into the contest with a double strike and although they remain bottom, results will surely improve if they can solve their long-standing frailties in defence.

The visitors were without key men Lewis Martin, Dale Hopson and the suspended James Boucher in this first match following Jamie Poole's departure. Luca Sartini was back to captain the side against his former club after a month-long injury absence, Thomas returned to lead the attack and Callum Wilson was restored at right-back in a flat back-four.

Town faced an uphill task after going two goals down in the first seven minutes. Former Guisborough top scorer Kurtis Howes did the damage on both occasions, drifting unseen through the defence to claim his first and then finding space at the back post to head in the second when unmarked.

Northallerton replied positively and had three chances in quick succession to cut the first-half deficit. First, Thomas had an effort saved by ‘keeper Sam Taylor, then Reece Littlefair headed wide from a corner and next Charlie Thompson had an effort cleared off the line.

Thornaby caught the visitors cold when Euan McBride scored their third straight from the restart but from then on it was Northallerton who took the initiative. Thomas skilfully headed in a deep free-kick from Sartini after 49 minutes and then claimed his second in a goalmouth scramble 20 minutes later.

Substitutes Lucas Bramley and Tom Alngohuru came on to give the side fresh energy as the formation changed from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3. Thornaby also had to reorganise after midfielder Lucas Casson was sent off for two yellow cards.

Town poured forward in search of an equaliser during the last quarter. New signings Liam Love and Jake Stott put in tremendous shifts as Thornaby clung on, and no doubt the hosts were relieved to hear the final whistle.

Thornaby: Taylor, Cullen (Bennett 89), A Gray, Lawrence, Drummond, J Thompson, J Gray, Casson, Parnaby, Pickett, Howes.

Subs not used: Booth, Van Doorn.

Northallerton Town: Fairless, Wilson (Alngohuru 64), Littlefair, Sartini, McNamara, Drury, C Thompson (Bramley 71), Davies (Harnett 87), Thomas, Stott, Love.

Subs not used: Alderson, Beasley.