During that time, Blue Star scored an equaliser, missed a penalty and then bundled in a controversial winner to leave Town devastated.

The visitors had repelled everything the Tynesiders could throw at them up to that point after taking a first-half lead through James Boucher. They made vital blocks and tackles and man-of-the-match Ben Fairless was imperious, making a series of super saves.

But they couldn’t legislate for the key decisions that sealed their fate in that amazing climax.

Northallerton looked much stronger in defence for the inclusion of coach Paul Roddam at centre-half and new signing Joe Eason at right-back. Roddam, formerly of Guisborough and Billingham Town, used his years of experience to marshal his young colleagues and was vocal and communicative.

Boucher returned to midfield after missing the midweek defeat at Shildon and scored his first senior goal for Town six minutes before the break. He intelligently dispossessed a Blue Star defender high up the pitch before applying a cool finish.

The home side tried everything to get back on terms but Town’s defenders threw their bodies on the line to frustrate them. Fairless will wonder if he’s ever had a better game, coming to the rescue brilliantly time and again.

Stand-out moments include an acrobatic stop to prevent a Cameron Brewis free-kick creeping into the top corner and his penalty save from Jakub Zych.

Yet before Blue Star got back on terms, Northallerton could have doubled their lead after 87 minutes. Substitute Lucas Bramley challenged ‘keeper Will Anderson and the ball span loose towards the home goal before a defender made a crucial goal-line clearance.

The equaliser came in the first minute of injury time through substitute Collins Unareokpa as home pressure finally paid off. Just a minute later, the ball was on the spot – and cue what was actually a double save from Fairless, as he also beat out Zych’s follow-up effort.

And so to the winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time. More Blue Star pressure. Town still resisting fiercely.

Fairless collects the ball at the second attempt from a left-wing corner. Footage from Blue Star’s own camera behind the Northallerton goal shows the ‘keeper has both hands on it.

It appears as though the ball is headed from his hands - and Dean Armstrong claims the decider. Despite Town’s vehement protests, the goal is allowed to stand . . . and they leave the KD Stadium stunned and with no reward for their impressive efforts.

Newcastle Blue Star: Anderson, Eggleston, Abrahart (Coulthard 64), Armstrong, Scorgie (Unareokpa 72), MacLeod, Anderson (Follin 65), Brewis, Richardson, Zych, McClean.

Sub not used: Rye.

Northallerton Town: Fairless, Eason (Beasley 74), Crooks, Boucher, Tomlinson, Roddam, Creamer (Stapley 78), Hopson, Thomas (Healy 86), Sartini, Naylor (Bramley 61).

Sub not used: Taylor.

Att: 300.