Marske United were forced to settle for a point after a close battle with play-off chasing Newton Aycliffe at the Ashcourt Group Stadium.

The Seasiders took the lead shortly after the half hour mark when Harry Brumwell turned the ball past his own shot-stopper.

Aycliffe spurned a series of chances in their search for a leveller, before Andrew Nelson prodded home at the back post to restore parity in the closing stages.

A bitterly cold evening in County Durham, it was unsurprisingly the play-off chasing hosts who made the brighter start.

Charlie Dawson shouldered much of the early responsibility. He twice saw an effort blocked, whilst Harry Brumwell nodded over the bar from close range.

Jake Dobinson was the first to draw a save from Mike Algie - albeit routine. Sam Johnson broke free following a defensive mistake, though was well thwarted by a sliding Tom Marron.

Marske eked out a foothold in the contest come the half hour mark.

Kenzie Harker tried his luck from range, but fired wide, before Harry Brumwell turned the ball into his own net in an attempt to clear Dom Joynes’ in-swinging corner.

That momentum stayed with the Seasiders when play resumed for the second half. Charlie Watt twice came close to doubling the lead, once denied by the outstretched leg of Tom Shanley.

Leo Robinson pulled the strings. He found Finn McKittrick on a quick break, only for his first touch to strike the upright.

From one end to another, Newton Aycliffe began to enjoy the majority of possession, with little to show for it.

Sam Johnson was again denied, whilst Charlie Dawson fired high and wide. Andrew Nelson prodded home a loose ball to restore parity with quarter of an hour to play.

Aycliffe were perhaps the closer to snatching the spoils in the latter stages. Jack Clarkson rattled the near post, whilst James Rowe reacted well to clear Andrew Nelson’s effort off the line.

Leo Robinson lead a counter charge at death, though sliced his effort high and wide of Tom Shanley’s near post.