It yielded no points, but Jason Newall’s side could return from Teesside very proud of their efforts to stifle runaway Rangers, who look certain to be challenging for championship honours.

Although the visitors were missing several key players, they shocked Boro by taking the lead against the run of play in first-half injury time.

And what a goal it was, made and delivered by two players who have been at the club less than a month. Jordan Blinco did the hard yards down the right before delivering a sweet cutback for James O’Brien to slot in a shot just inside the post for his first Northallerton goal.

Town had started strongly, forcing several corners, before the balance of play swung in Boro’s favour. But the hosts could find no way past a goalkeeper in incredible form.

Callum Dobson made a string of acrobatic saves, one from the league’s leading scorer, Stuart Rose, and then several from team-mates. Matthew Lovatt shot wide when well placed and Callum Hickman smacked an effort against the bar - and still, Town’s defence held firm.

The second half saw Town make a determined attempt to protect their advantage. But it seemed only a matter of time before Rangers would have their say.

They levelled after 69 minutes through Rose and went in front courtesy of Lovatt six minutes later. In the third minute of injury time, Rose doubled his tally to put the result beyond doubt.

Town can now enjoy a well-earned rest before the visit of Bedlington Terriers in the FA Vase on Saturday September 21.

Boro Rangers: Norton, Keenan, Turner, Burns, Dillon, Lovatt (Hall 85’), Hickman, Thompson (Lamb 88), Rose, Lofts (Clarkson 89’), McCarthy (Guy 70’).

Sub not used: Evans.

Northallerton Town: Dobson, Darville, Cocks, Parnaby (Myers 72’), Harwood, Costello, O’Brien, Walker, Blinco (Kavanagh 63’), Banks, Nicholas. Subs not used: Chidanyika, Dixon, Moncur.

Man of the Match: Callum Dobson.