NORTHALLERTON Town put in a spirited display on their travels away at Newcastle Benfield on Saturday, but lost 3-1.

Benfield opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Town 'keeper Mike Roxburgh parried two shots before being beaten by an effort from Cameron Gascoigne from about ten yards.

Midway through the half, there was a moment of drama when one of the assistant referees was injured and Alan Young took over, falling over a barrier in his haste to join the action.

Benfield stayed one-goal ahead until the 88th minute when substitute Abu Salim shot from distance and the ball skidded off the wet pitch and deceived Mike Roxburgh, for 2-0.

Town pulled a goal back in the 90th minute when a ball into the area was met by Nat Skidmore, whose venomous shot flew in past a static 'keeper, however in added on time Dennis Knight scored a third for Benfield from close range to make sure of all three points.

Northallerton Town team: Mike Roxburgh, Tom Marron (c), Shaun Hudson, Matt Crust, George Whiteoak, Andrew Shepherd, Cieran Jackson, Mick Rae, Gary Mitchell, Nat Stephenson, Lewis Rees. Subs: Nat Skidmore, Jack Stapley, Harry Donachie, Dan Jones, Cameron Wilson