A stoppage-time goal by substitute Luke McCormack – his first for the club – raised hopes that Northallerton might salvage something from this contest. But they had provided little threat up to that point when they were trailing to two clinical strikes by Bay.

Injuries and unavailability forced manager Jason Newall into two changes from the team that started their 4-1 midweek win at West Allotment, with Jack Stapley returning in place of Tafari Nicholas at right wing-back and new signing Joe Lamb making his first full start in midfield.

Workaholic midfielder Adam Walker was drafted into an unusual position at centre-back to partner player-coach Jamie Harwood and Josh Walker.

Defences were on top in the early stages, with Nathan Stephenson off-target with a long-range effort and Bay centre-forward Kyle Cockburn blazing wide when well-placed.

The deadlock was broken in the 38th minute when Bay midfielder Josh Stewart fired in a low shot that beat a scrambling Callum Dobson, despite his valiant attempt to keep the ball out.

Dobson was alert to foil a couple of dangerous attacks early in the second half. And at the other end, Stapley shot over the bar.

Manager Newall made three changes from the bench in an effort to sharpen up Northallerton’s attack but Bay made victory certain with a second goal five minutes from the end. Substitute Matty Griggs was left unmarked to convert past Dobson.

Town pulled one back in the second minute of injury time when substitute McCormack fired in from close range. But they couldn’t prevent Bay from leaving with all three points.

Northallerton have a full week’s rest before their visit to Shildon next Saturday.

Northallerton Town: Dobson, Stapley (Banks 58’), Raper, Darville, Harwood, Allen, Lamb, Walker, Blinco (Sims 69’), Stephenson, Dixon (McCormack 69’).

Subs not used: Dryden, Coatsworth.

Whitley Bay: Gladstone, Brady (Paterson 86’), Christie (Parkinson 86’), Stewart, Scott, Robson, Cockburn (Griggs 59’), Kanda, Forster (Parker 78’), Larmouth, Djalo.

Sub not used: Crawford.

Man of the Match: Joint-winners Adam Walker and Nathan Stephenson.

Att: 171.