WITH the exception of one change, Northallerton boss Paul Burton kept faith with the side which beat Alnwick Town 2-0 in midweek for last Saturday's tricky away game at unbeaten Washington.

This meant that leading scorer John Outhwaite and David Onions were again on the bench, while Micky Waller, unavailable in midweek, was brought back in for the unfortunate David Cooke.

Also included on the bench was new signing John Ryan, a striker signed from Guisborough Town earlier in the week.

With the advantage of the wind at their backs Washington, who were relegated from the first division at the end of last season, made the better start. But Town defended well and clear-cut chances in the early exchanges were few.

The first real chance came in the 20th minute when a free kick from Washington's Scott Oliver was met by Dan Haley, who was unlucky to see his superb header crash against the bar.

Two minutes later, Washington full back David Miller made a strong run through the inside right channel but, with only keeper Sam Dobbs to beat, he hit a poor shot wide of the post.

Town came more into it as the half progressed and they shocked the home side by taking the lead in the 43rd minute through Anthony Roberts, who ghosted in at the far post to head home in great style following a left-wing cross from recent signing Steve Cochrane.

Northallerton made a promising start to the second half and missed a great chance to increase their lead in the 53rd minute when a wayward back pass from Miller was collected by Roberts.

He played it across the face of goal to Ross Foreman who, faced with an open goal, missed the target.

Nine minutes later, a left-wing free kick from Andy Swalwell was met at the far post by Foreman, who was unlucky as his header from a tight angle went into the side netting.

Washington hit back to equalise in the 65th minute with a fortunate goal from striker Tony Hanson, who appeared to foul keeper Dobbs when they both went for a high, swirling ball into the area from Haley.

Dobbs clearly caught the ball, but the challenge from Hanson forced him to drop it and the Washington striker took advantage to slot home. Despite protests, the referee allowed the goal to stand.

Town brought on Ryan in the 74th minute and three minutes later he produced a great cross field pass to Dominic Gamble. His fine drive from the left beat home keeper Stafford, but drifted just wide of the post.

Northallerton are at home tomorrow, when league newcomers North Shields make their first visit to the Calvert Stadium, kick-off 3pm.