Report

Consett and Ossett United shared the points for the second time this season as they drew 1-1 at Belle View Stadium today.

The Steelmen, missing eight players, will consider it two points dropped after leading for more than an hour and having chances to wrap up a win.

They took the lead in the 26th minute when ex-Hartlepool striker Scott Fenwick chested down an excellent long diagonal pass from Daniel Smith and finished from 10 yards, pictured top.

Eight minutes before the break they almost doubled their advantage when Jake Orrell played in Nathan Greenwood, but this time keeper Paul Cooper was quickly off his line to save.

On 57 minutes Greenwood’s pass found Calvin Smith in space, but the midfielder’s well-struck half-volley rattled the crossbar with Cooper beaten.

Ossett had more of the ball after that, but Consett’s makeshift back four – consisting of the outstanding Dan Capewell and three midfielders, kept the visitors at bay with some determined defending.

The growing pressure almost told in the 79th minute when Ossett’s lanky striker Alex Peterson headed a good chance wide.

But the visitors got an equaliser to make sure it ended honours even when sub Nathan Curtis netted from close range with three minutes remaining.

The result leaves Consett in the same 14th position they occupied before kick-off, but wins for Brighouse Town, Shildon and Carlton Town mean the gap between the Steelmen and the relegation play-off places is now just four points.

Elsewhere, Worksop Town were crowned champions with seven games to spare after beating bottom side Tadcaster, as second-placed Hebburn lost at Long Eaton.

Consett’s next game is next Saturday, 25 March, away at Grantham Town, who dropped into the bottom two for the first time this season after their game away at Dunston was postponed.

• Full match report and more pictures to follow.