With recent signings adding valuable strength in depth, manager Jason Newall was able to name a strong squad to face a Birtley side who sit below them in the table. But it was a night when little went right for the visitors.

This was a feisty, bad-tempered encounter that came to a head with the double sending-off of influential player-coach Jamie Harwood and Birtley midfielder Sam Dinsley in first-half injury time following a flare-up. Both sides were forced into a reshuffle, with Adam Walker plugging the gap in the visitors’ central defence.

It was an unwanted extra problem following the withdrawal through injury of Terry Galbraith, who had been named on the teamsheet, shortly before kick-off.

There was little to choose between the sides in an even start, with in-form Jordan Blinco curling a shot just wide after 20 minutes. Birtley went ahead after 27 minutes – and it was a soft goal to concede.

A long throw was headed towards goal and led to an uncharacteristic fumble by keeper Callum Dobson. Benjamin Shodeinde took advantage by applying an easy tap-in.

Birtley had to work hard to protect their advantage, clearing off their line as Northallerton attacked strongly. Home keeper Alfie Gordon also made some excellent saves.

It was visiting keeper Dobson who became a hero for the visitors in the second half with several eye-catching stops. But Birtley doubled their advantage after 77 minutes through Sam Hedley following a corner.

Six minutes later, Northallerton had a lifeline from the penalty spot. Nathan Stephenson, on as a substitute, drove a firm shot into the corner of the net.

Any hopes of grabbing a point were quashed, however, when Birtley scored a third through James Proctor after 87 minutes.

Birtley Town: Gordon, Strassheim, Exley, Hedley, Lancaster, Dinsley, Wharton, Proctor (Boyd 90+1), Heslop, Ward (Stoker 77’), Shodeinde (Dougherty 90+1).

Subs not used: Turnbull, McGuire.

Northallerton Town: Dobson, Darville, Cocks, Coatsworth (Stephenson 51’), Harwood, Allen, Stapley, Walker, Blinco (Dixon 68’), Banks, Raper (O’Brien 56’).

Sub not used: Parnaby.

Man of the Match: Shared, Liam Darville and Adam Walker.