Whitehaven failed to score at home for the first time this season at a blustery Focus Scaffolding Sports Complex on Saturday.

But it could have been worse for the hosts in their Northern League Division Two clash as Newton Aycliffe squandered two excellent chances in the first two minutes of the game.  Using the strong wind, they failed to make the most of confusion in the Whitehaven defence, and Paul Stout fired wide.

The same player rose superbly from a corner kick to head over the bar as the visitors sought to make the most of the conditions.

Whitehaven seemed to wake-up following their narrow escapes, and Kev Connelly saw his effort fly past the post with 'keeper Richardson a spectator. 

Then Craig Robson went on one of his typical runs, only to lose control at the vital second with the goal at his mercy.

The home side had to reshuffle their attack when David Dustin had to leave the field following a robust tackle, and Mike Farrer entered the fray.

Whitehaven's pace out wide seemed to be unsettling the visitor’s defence, and both Robson and Darren Donald put quality balls into the area that failed to find a foot or head to direct the ball goalwards.

Richardson made a good save from a Connelly effort on 37 minutes, and the ball somehow stayed out of the net just before the break as Farrer and Donald couldn't steer a Robson cross home.

With conditions not much easier in the second half, Whitehaven began to press the Newton Aycliffe defence back, but Wood at full back, and Tarling in midfield toiled tirelessly for their cause and broke up several promising moves.

It has to be said that some of the home passing went astray, too, in the strong wind which frustrated the home support.

Connelly had an effort booted clear on 56 minutes, and Robson fired over the top as it seemed the hosts looked sure to score, but the vital goal eluded them.  Newton Aycliffe also had their spell when they looked sure to score, but Wood saw his shot beat Brian Miller only to hit the outside of the post, then Tarling saw his effort sail over the bar from a free kick.  Back came Whitehaven, and Gary Hodgson hit the post with a header from a corner, and once again a Robson chance was somehow scrambled away to safety.

It was Whitehaven with the whip hand as the game finished, but a point was enough to ensure they maintained second place in the League , however disappointed the home team were.

"It was disappointing to draw, but the positives were that we kept a clean sheet, didn't get frustrated and lose our shape and discipline, and saw the game right through to the end," said manager Martin Harris.

"That's now gone, and it's on to Crook on Saturday."

Whitehaven's visit to Crook Town on Saturday gives them a chance to consolidate their position, as Crook are just below them in the league with games in hand.

Team: Miller, B. Fowler, Johnson, Lewis, Hodgson, McGrady, Donald, Holliday, Dustin, Connelly, Robson. Subs: Farrer (12)  G.Hewitt ( 72) Shaw (72)

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