Report

Consett scored early in both halves of their latest friendly at Birtley Town – but had to settle for a 2-2 draw after their hosts posted quick replies each time.

Jason Miller’s men were hoping to build on back-to=back wins at Crook Town and Billingham Town as they travelled to the Arrowmark Home Improvements Stadium.

And they got off to an ideal start against their opponents, who finished 10th in the Northern League 1st Division last season, scoring inside the first two minutes.

Isaac Walker got the ball out on the left, beat a defender and teed up Oli Thompson, who confidently slotted home from six yards for his second pre-season goal.

Birtley took only seven minutes to level, and it was a Consett old boy who got the goal, Dale Burrell rising unchallenged to meet a cross from the left and head into the top corner.

Consett almost regained the lead in the 12th minute when brilliant play down the right by Matty Todd set up Thompson again, but this time he fired over with the goal at his mercy.

Birtley went close again when Ward lobbed Harry Moss with his back to goal, but the ball dropped just over the bar, and right on half-time the Consett keeper saved with his feet from the home No 11, to ensure it remained 1-1 at the break.

Consett regained the lead just 42 seconds into the second half, when Todd’s excellent through ball set Isaac Walker away, and he kept his composure to slot into the bottom corner for 2-1.

Birtley were soon level again, this time within two minutes, as ex-Steelman Kaleb Young’s run and pass found Reece Harrison, whose shot squeezed past Consett keeper Harry Moss.

Consett had further chances through Walker twice and Eddie Thomas, while Birtley almost snatched a winner when Nick Marley latched onto a poor backpass and rounded Moss, but a poor touch allowed the keeper to reclaim the loose ball, and it finished 2-2.