Ebac Northern League Division Two

Northallerton Town 4 Tow Law Town 1

NORTHALLERTON TOWN, under new manager Danny Mellanby, survived a second half scare to ease to a comfortable victory over Tow Law Town last Saturday at the Calvert Stadium.

After first half goals from Town's Andy Ramsbottom and Ben Darville, the visitors rallied after the break with a free kick from Shaun Ryder. But late goals from Aaron Ramsbottom and Craig Perry ensured a first win in charge for Mellanby.

Town got off to the perfect start with a goal after just five minutes; Andy Ramsbottom slotting home after a good cross from Darville. It was very nearly 2-0 soon after when a free kick from Jimmy Muir came back off the crossbar, but Mellanby's side did double their lead just before the break.

This time it was Darville with the finish after bursting past two challenges and hitting a first-time shot from the edge of the penalty area.

But Tow Law threatened a comeback after the resumption. Just three minutes into the second half, a free-kick from Ryder beat Town goalkeeper Matty Calvert and it was game on again.

Spurred on by that goal, the visitors pressed forward and only a great save from Calvert and a goal-line clearance from Danny McLachlan prevented Tow Law equalising. But Town weathered the storm and sealed the points with two goals in four minutes. Aaron Ramsbottom volleyed home in the 66th minute to make it 3-1 before Perry smashed the ball past goalkeeper Bryan Potts after a goalmouth scramble.

The margin of victory could have greater in the closing stages as Potts did well to deny Aaron Ramsbottom before producing a fine double save from substitute Damon Reaks.