Last updated 17:35, Thursday, 21 August 2008

Due to the temporary closure of the Wentworth field, Hexham were grateful that Haydon Bridge allowed them to use their facilities to take on Forest Hall in the Northern Alliance.

Hexham 1, Forest Hall 1

Even after the heavy rain midweek, the pitch was in excellent condition for the fixture.

Forest Hall were an unknown quantity as they have just moved up from the Tyneside Amateur but it was soon evident that there was not a lot between the two sides.

In a close first half Hexham were restricted to only one chance when Paul McLean sent Iain Strachan clear, but the chance was not converted.

At the other end, Carl Robinson was again in excellent form as he made two great saves to ensure the teams were level at the break.

Craig Nesbitt, making his debut for Hexham, had a tricky winger to deal with but soon found his feet, and showed signs that he will soon get to grips with the pace of the league.

The second half continued much the same as the first with nothing between the sides.

The best chances probably fell to the home side but on every occasion they failed to take any advantage.

It took a change of personnel to break the deadlock.

Off the bench came Kevin Baldwin for the visitors, and he was on hand to score from close range.

After a header from a corner was saved, the ball dropped invitingly to Kevin, who made no mistake.

This was unfortunate for Hexham as the back four had looked solid with Gavin Cox again commanding his defence well.

Hexham had to react and they did immediately with Callum Nesbitt and Scott Robson entering the fray.

This almost had an immediate effect with Robson having an effort which only just cleared the bar.

Another attempt was easily saved by Graham Morton in goal for Forest Hall, but he should have been made to work harder for the save.

Hexham were going all out for the equaliser as Forest Hall dropped back to protect the one goal advantage.

This was perhaps their undoing as this left more space for the Hexham midfield.

As the game entered the closing moments, Scott Coates produced the spark which gave Hexham the share of the points.

Cutting in from wide on the right, he left his markers behind and drilled a low shot across the face of the box which nestled in the far corner of the goal.

This was really deserved as both teams were worthy of a point.

Scott has started the season well with two goals in two matches and he will hope to carry on this good form as the team travel to Wallsend tomorrow. Also in good form is Carl Robinson who followed up last week’s man of the match performance with another award which was well deserved with some fine saves at vital times which cemented the point for Hexham