After starting as first-choice centre-forward last July, the former Harrogate Railway striker has spent long periods out of the picture. But his impressive man-of-the-match performance against Easington has surely forced him back into manager Jason Newall’s thinking.

Town have reserved some of their best form for the final two months of this campaign and are determined to achieve their target of 50 points. They will need to beat Carlisle City on their own turf next weekend to achieve that landmark feat on their way to celebrating their best campaign for many years.

Croft was simply too hot for the Easington defence to handle. He fired a warning shot after 26 minutes with an effort that fizzed wide following a good pass from Lee Hume.

And he made the Colliers pay when four minutes later he received the ball on a plate from Alistair Banks, who showed great strength to hold off his marker and deliver a super cross.

Northallerton’s celebrations lasted just two minutes, with Easington’s Chris Tewick scoring the equaliser from a Garon Garside cross. But big Harry was far from finished.

A minute before half-time, midfielder Matthew Tew found him in the box and the striker produced a lovely turn before hammering home a quality strike.

Easington, one of the league’s most improved sides, fought hard to get back into the contest but were unable to break down Town’s hard-working defence. Banks was always a threat with his speed on the break and threatened the Colliers’ goal on a couple of occasions.

Northallerton fans clearly appreciated another stirring performance and gave their team a rousing send-off at the final whistle.

Northallerton Town: Dobson, Dale, Galbraith, Darville, Harwood, Allen, Banks, Walker, Croft (Coatsworth 65), Hume, Tew (Nicholas 65).

Subs not used: Cocks, Kitching.

Easington Colliery: Marrs, Barnett, Ord (Elliott 62), Garside (Foster 72), Nelson, Trewick, Pearn, Kenney, Hird, Fairley, Ford.

Subs not used: Charlton, Hopkinson, Taylor.

Man of the Match: Harry Croft.