Washington Nissan 2 Northallerton Town 0

NORTHALLERTON Town manager Paul Burton introduced new signing, midfielder Steven Cochrane, son of former Middlesbrough and Northern Ireland international Terry Cochrane, for last Saturday's division two game at Washington Nissan.

But Burton caused a shock by relegating last season's leading scorer, David Onions, to the substitutes' bench.

Nissan, with the wind at their backs, had the better of the early exchanges, but Town defended well in what was generally a scrappy opening spoilt by the strong wind blowing directly down the ground.

The home side's first real chance came in the tenth minute when a long-range, wind-assisted low drive from Glen Moan almost deceived Town keeper Sam Dobbs, who managed to block the shot with his legs before Micky Waller cleared.

Nissan continued to press and they were rewarded in the 30th minute when Gavin Cogden headed home from inside the six-yard box following a left-wing cross from Neil Jackson.

But Town hit back as they finished the half the stronger, winning two successive left-wing corners in stoppage time. From Ross Diamond's second flag kick, John Outhwaite headed just wide of the far post as Town threatened the Nissan goal for the first time.

With the wind now in their favour, Town pressed at the start of the second half, but without success, and Nissan came back into it as the half progressed.

They created the better chances through Jamie Farrell and Cogden, who both had shots blocked by the Town defence.

But they had a great chance to increase their lead in the 64th minute when Cogden made a brilliant run into the Town area and was brought down by a challenge from keeper Dobbs, who could consider himself lucky to escape without punishment.

A penalty was awarded, but Dobbs redeemed himself by making a great double save. He went the right way to save Farrell's spot kick and then saved again as Cogden followed up.

Town replied by winning a right-wing corner, but Dominic Gamble's flag kick was headed just over the bar by Darren Paul.

New boy Cochrane, signed from Peterlee Newtown earlier in the week, then went close with a 25-yard dipping shot which just cleared the bar.

Washington Nissan made certain of all three points in the 87th minute. Paul Milner made a superb 40-yard run into the Town area before hitting a low 15-yard drive which crashed against the foot of the post, but the alert Cogden followed up to score with a simple tap-in.

Town substitute David Cooke almost pulled one back in the last minute, but his shot on the turn went just the wrong side of the post.

Northallerton are at home tomorrow when Crook Town are the visitors in a Carlsberg FA Vase tie, kick-off 3pm. On Wednesday, Town entertain Alnwick Town in a league game, kick-off 7.30.