Newcastle Blue Star 1 Northallerton Town 1

A WICKED deflection off Craig Winter in the 60th minute denied Northallerton Town victory over Newcastle Blue Star, who were reduced to ten men five minutes later.

Chances were rare for both sides in a generally even, but dull, first half before David Onions, who is having a lean time by his standards in front of goal this season, put Town ahead in the 27th minute.

The striker pounced on a mistake by home keeper Paul Bennett, who miscued his attempted clearance from a back pass by full back Lewis Tait to leave Onions with the simple task of rolling the ball into the net from ten yards.

The second half was a much livelier affair, with both sides creating chances. Blue Star made the stronger start as they attacked Town from the kick-off.

Lee Ludlow went close in the 52nd minute with an angled drive which went inches wide of Northallerton keeper Darren Poole's right-hand post. Three minutes later, a left-wing inswinging corner from Andy Elliott was pushed away from under the bar by Poole.

Blue Star continued to press and they equalised with a fortunate goal on the hour. A long-range shot from Michael Fenwick took a wicked deflection off central defender Craig Winter to leave the wrong-footed Poole, who was going to his left, stranded.

The home side were reduced to ten men in the 65th minute when winger Elliott was sent off by referee Michael Finn after he retaliated to a reckless challenge from Anthony Roberts, who was cautioned.

Town then came more into it and created two great chances within the space of two minutes. Firstly, in the 70th minute, Roberts made a brilliant run into the Blue Star box, but Bennett made a great save as he blocked the well-struck shot. The rebound fell to the unmarked Darren Paul, who fired over the bar from the edge of the area.

Roberts went close again two minutes later when made another fine run into the area but, after beating two defenders, he fired just over the bar.

But Blue Star almost grabbed all three points at the death when substitute Richie Bond made a good run on the Town goal, but Poole made a great save at the striker's feet before brilliantly tipping over a 30-yard drive from Dean Gibb.

Right on the final whistle, Blue Star's Michael Cunningham was just off target with a 20-yard drive which flashed just wide of the post following a short free kick from Andy Smith.

Northallerton, who have not won in five games and have slipped to seventh place in Division Two, should get back to winning ways tomorrow when second-bottom Whickham are the visitors, kick-off 3pm.

On Wednesday, they are at home to Kennek Ryhope CA in the Northern League Challenge Cup, kick-off 7.30.

Town, who reached the fourth round of the FA Vase last season and have been exempt until now, have been given an attractive home fixture in the second round against Warrington Town from the first division of the North West Counties League on Saturday, November 22.