Report

Consett had to settle for a 0-0 draw with Crook Town in their latest behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly at a sun-drenched Belle View.

Terry Mitchell’s side were missing five attacking players for a variety of reasons, so it was no surprise they struggled to break down a well-organised visiting side.

Michael Mackay and Lewis Green had shots on target in an evenly-matched first half, but didn’t trouble keeper Ronan Makepeace, while Jamie Tumilty had Crook’s best attempt with a 25-yard free-kick.

The second half saw both sides make a multitude of changes, and one of Consett’s subs, Nick Allen, went close with an effort which Makepeace saved well down at his near post.

Keeper Kyle Hayes was twice called into action as Crook showed the attacking prowess which took them to third in the 2nd Division before last season was declared null and void.

But the best chance of all fell to young centre-back Simon Jakab, who rose highest to meet a right-wing corner in the 63rd minute, but powered his header straight at the keeper, pictured top.

In the end the game fizzled out into a goalless stalemate, and Consett will be hoping more of their attacking options are available when their preparations step up a gear with games against Northern Premier League opponents Pickering Town and Morpeth Town.

CONSETT: 1 Joe Atkinson (sub Kyle Hayes 46), 2 Jermaine Metz, 3 Darren Holden (sub Nick Allen 46), 4 Matty Slocombe (sub Max Russell 46), 5 Kieren Aplin (sub (Simon Jakab 46), 6 Ross Wilkinson (captain) (sub Adam Male 46), 7 Lewis Green (sub Daniel Marriott 46), 8 Calvin Smith (sub Matty Slocombe 63), 9 Michael Mackay (sub Thomas McAloon 63), 10 Thomas McAloon (sub Carl Lawson 46), 11 Ali Alshabeeb (sub Darren Holden 63).

CROOK TOWN: 1 Ronan Makepeace, 2 Harrison Scott, 3 Dale Eltringham, 4 Jordan Fielding (captain), 5 Matty Crossen, 6 Trialist, 7 Trialist, 8 Trialist, 9 Jamie Tumilty, 10 Trialist, 11 Calum Johnston. Subs: Alex Wilson, Lee Hume, Jordan Hillerby, Jay Wilson, Joey Smith, Nathan Stephenson, Dan Maddison.