Team Northumbria’s late, late show sealed a precious point after the newly promoted side bagged a 1-1 draw at West Auckland.
It was a game fought on the back foot for TN after they went 1-0 within the first minute - only to clinch the equaliser in the 91st minute.
“We’d conceded three goals in successive games so we wanted to address that,” said coach Derek Forrest.
“However, we had a horrific first minute. West played the ball up the channel, they shot and our goalkeeper Stefan pulled off a good save to keep them out.
“That was about 30 seconds in. From the resulting corner, Stefan jumped, parried the ball, caught it and dropped it into his own net.
“So, despite talking about being tighter, stiffer and harder to beat we were 1-0 down within the first minute.
“To be fair, from there we recovered well and made a good couple of chances in the first half.
“Matty Lowrie made a magnificent run from defence and played the ball through to Andrei Ardelan but he ended up scuffing his shot right at the keeper.
“We had to work hard defensively to keep them out. They were talented, their centre forward gave us problems all afternoon, so we were pleased with our work going into half time at 1-0.”
Despite creating a number of chances, Northumbria still found it difficult to convert in the final third.
It wasn’t until stoppage time in the second half that Northumbria would find a breakthrough.
“We kept going and kept going and sure enough we got something,” added Forrest.
“The ball got played over to Lewis Shorrock and we know he’s got shooting ability. He didn’t hit his shot perfectly but it got deflected and went in right at the death.
“It’s a great point because they’re big spenders in the league with good, experienced players.
“Another test of character passed, this result tands us in great stead for our Wednesday game against Benfield. I think we’ve got a real opportunity there for three points.”
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