The black and whites started the better and only some good defending by Rothbury prevented Chris Cooke and Max Sansom from scoring.

Despite having all the possession Alnwick couldn't break down a well organised Rothbury defence. Joe Threlfall made some good moves down the left but the final ball into the strikers just wasn't quite getting there.

Against the run of play it was Rothbury who came closest to scoring, a long range effort was well struck which beat everybody except for the post.

A close shave but it didn't seem to wake Alnwick up. Rothbury started to get back into the game and were placing pressure onto Max Clark and Kieran Hedley who had to step up their game to prevent goal scoring opportunities.

Half time 0-0.

It wasn't quite clicking for Alnwick so Ray Smith and Mike Openshaw introduced Nick Robertson into the mix and he impressed with his constant work rate throughout the game.

After half-time, Alnwick started to dominate once more, however, another long range effort from Rothbury forced a magnificent save from Kieran Moffat, who tipped the shot onto the post.

Alnwick thought they had finally broken the deadlock when a scramble in the box was knocked in by Max Sansom, but it was adjudged to be a foul on the keeper and was disallowed.

Rothbury defended brilliantly and Alnwick could not find a way through despite Ben Lawther making some great runs down the right hand side with the ball.

Ewan Lowes was also thrown on and he also played well.

With time ticking it looked set for a very frustrating goalless draw.

However, there was to be some late drama when Lawther was fouled just outside the box. Lawther put a fantastic ball towards the back post which was volleyed in by Nick Robertson. Robertson showed great awareness and timing to meet the ball and place it home, Town players were ecstatic, with the subs running on the pitch to celebrate with their team mates.

Rothbury can feel very hard done by as they put in a great team performance.

Man-of-the-match: Nick Robertson.
Match sponsor: Barresdale Triple Diner