Jason Newall’s side have played three play-off contenders in as many weeks and taken points from all of them – a promising sign for the future if they are able to strengthen in key areas.

Blyth were unable to break down Northallerton’s dogged defence, in which goalkeeper Callum Dobson was outstanding. But this was by no means a backs-to-the-wall performance from the visitors.

They broke forward dangerously to cause Blyth problems and looked the stronger side in the closing stages.

Both sides had chances in an even start. Northallerton skipper Liam Darville drove forward to plant an inviting delivery across the face of goal, but unfortunately none of his colleagues was able to get a touch.

Then Dobson, who has come of age as one of the league’s top ‘keepers, made an incredible point-blank save from Blyth forward Ben Franklin. The home team, seeking to cement their place in the top five, hit the side netting just before the break and Darville was just wide with a shot in stoppage time.

Northallerton started the second half on the front foot, with Nathan Stephenson shooting narrowly wide after 55 minutes. Then Dobson made further good saves from Dan Wilson and Cameron Gascoigne to chalk up his 10th clean sheet of the season.

Making a rare start, Alistair Banks was narrowly off-target midway through the half as Northallerton finished in the ascendancy. They still lack the cutting edge to kill teams off but that is a project for Newall and his staff to address in the summer.

Blyth Town: De Jesus, Forster, Fogarty, Gibson (Sayer 38), Fell, Fil, Giles, Gascoigne, Wilson (McCarthy 86), Franklin, Johnson.

Subs not used: Richardson, Walker, Cooper.

Northallerton Town: Dobson, Dale (Kitching 89), Cocks (Galbraith 46), Darville, Harwood, Allen, Stapley, Walker, Banks, Stephenson (Tew 74), Hume.

Subs not used: Croft, Ryan.

Man of the Match: Callum Dobson.