Manager Jason Newall made three changes from the side that lost 3-1 at Boro Rangers last time out, with James Coatsworth returning in place of Kieron Parnaby in midfield, Josh Allen replacing James Costello in defence and Jack Stapley back for Tafari Nicholas on the wing.

Northallerton made a strong start, forcing the pace from the whistle with player-coach Jamie Harwood heading narrowly over the bar from a Coatsworth free-kick in the first minute. Then Alistair Banks and James O’Brien had shots saved by visiting keeper Matty Wilkinson.

But it was Whickham who took the lead against the run of play after seven minutes when Jordan Lavery converted confidently from the penalty spot. Inspired by their new manager, Tony Fawcett, they belied their lower-table position and threatened again after 26 minutes when Cam Brewis fired wide.

Town found a way through, however, 12 minutes from half-time when centre-forward Jordan Blinco showed great close control before firing the equaliser past Wilkinson.

In a tough-tackling, physical battle, both sides had chances to take the lead in the early stages of the second half. Liam Darville supplied Stapley, who used his dancing feet to twist and turn inside the Whickham box before having a shot charged down, and at the other end Callum Munro shot wide when well placed.

But the longer the match wore on, the more Northallerton began to exert control. It was Stapley who looked most likely to break the deadlock. He fired narrowly over the bar after 55 minutes and 10 minutes later Darville picked him out with another lovely pass.

The winger went round keeper Wilkinson only to be denied by a super block by left-back Jack Moody.

Town rang the changes from the bench, with new signings Jack Raper and Nathan Stephenson both making their second debuts, the latter against his old club. It set the scene for a storming finish as Northallerton tried everything they knew to grab a winner.

Adam Walker headed over from a Raper corner, Stephenson shot over the top and Darville fired one narrowly over the bar. It provided drama for the fans right to the end of a full-blooded contest.

Northallerton Town: Dobson, Darville, Cocks, Coatsworth (Stephenson 65’), Harwood, Allen, Stapley, Walker, Blinco (Dixon 73’), Banks, O’Brien (Raper 60’).

Subs not used: Costello, Moncur.

Man of the Match: Stapley.

Whickham: Wilkinson, Haplin, Moody, Moan (Hardy 67’), Nelson, J Lavery, Munro (L Lowery 67’), Cooper (Errington 67’), Hall, Johnson, Brewis.

Subs not used: Agnew, Lennox.

Att: 171.