Team Northumbria secured a crucial point in North Yorkshire after a testing week for the league leaders.
Manager Colin Stromsoy acknowledged his side were not at their best during a 2-2 draw with Northallerton but felt they deserved something from the game.
“It’s been a hugely demanding few weeks for the lads,” said Stromsoy. “They’ve played a phenomenal amount of football in the past few weeks, so it’s been difficult.
“Northallerton is the furthest away trip we have so Derek (Forrest) and I were always concerned about how we’d fair in this fixture.
“We played very well for 25-minutes in the second half but we were poor in the first half and I think that’s where we lost it.
“Fortunately, Andrei Ardelean scored a great goal for us from Sam Reid’s cross which kept us in the game.
“We scored with the only shot we had in the first half but we had an honest discussion in the changing rooms and we’re well aware of the difficult week the lads have had.
“But we went out and scored another great goal thanks to some impressive combinations, which was really pleasing to see. “
It’s been an injury plagued season for TN and Stromsoy admitted the players returning to the squad are going to be crucial in the final few games.
“Sam has come back from injury and been superb for us in his last few games – he was probably our best player in the first half,” he added.
“He’s one of the players who’s very purposeful in his play and is always looking to move the ball forward – he’s going to be important for us going into the final run of games.
“We expect to make a couple more signings over the next few weeks to give us a little bit more depth and cover but we’ve got a big, strong squad and the guys have done exceptionally all season to meet the fixture demands.
“The draw at Northallerton was a fair result after the week we’ve had and in that context, it isn’t a bad result either.
“We’re still unbeaten since the loss to Blyth Spartans – it’s a credit to the team and the way they conduct themselves.”
.jpg_62276aa9abc9d.png)
