Spennymoor 1 Nantwich Town 1.

Spennymoor manager Jason Ainsley was delighted with his team’s performance in their 1-1 draw with fellow play off hopefuls Nantwich at the Brewery Field on Saturday – but he was furious with the referee.

Moors were leading thanks to a Shane Henry thunderbolt until midway through the second half, when referee Rebecca Welsh awarded a corner from which Nantwich equalised, and grabbed a point that leaves Moors in fourth place in the table.

“We were furious that she awarded a corner when their lad completely mishit a shot wide,” said Ainsley. “Even their players were preparing for a goal kick to restart the game.

“Having said that, we should have dealt with the corner from which they scored. The ref, whom I think is one of the better referees in this league, admitted after the game that she had made a mistake – she held her hands up, and I appreciated that.

“I thought we were outstanding throughout the game against a very good side. I thought we played better than our last two home games, in front of a good crowd as well. One team wanted to win the game, the other was delighted with a point.”

Shane Henry gave Moors a perfect start with an excellent half volley from just outside the area on 7 minutes, then Graeme Armstrong was off target when he was put clean through.

James Curtis then had a good header saved by Danny Gyollai, Glen Taylor had an effort cleared off the line, and Kallum Griffiths went close. At the other end, Moors keeper Dan Lowson saved at the feet of Tom Peers.

Nantwich levelled on 62 minutes from the disputed corner, that Ben Harrison nodded down for Curtis Jones to turn in.

Moors could have won the game after that, but Curtis was just off target from a corner, and Armstrong was wide with another effort.

As Moors piled on the pressure late in the game, they had a couple of penalty appeals turned down.

Moors; Lowson, Griffiths, Mason (sub Tait), Chandler, Baldwin, Curtis, Ramshaw, Henry, Taylor, Armstrong (sub Dowson), Anderson.

Subs not used: Mitchell, Fisher, Johnson.

Attendance 602.

Moors now have a busy week. They’re at Matlock on Tuesday, and then possibly at home to Ilkeston on Thursday. There are doubts over whether Ilkeston will finish the season, as they didn’t have enough players to raise a team for their trip to Workington last Saturday, and so the game was postponed. The league wants re-assurance from Ilkeston that they will finish the season.

Blyth are within sight of promotion after winning 1-0 at Stafford Rangers, Sean Reid scoring the winner just before the hour.

Whitby collected a point from a 1-1 draw with Coalville, Kieran Weledji scoring a last minute equaliser.