Penrith earned another vital point last night in their fight to pull clear of the Northern League Division One relegation zone.
Yet it could have been even better as with 10 minutes left at Northallerton Town they led 3-1, only to concede twice in the closing stages. The equaliser, in fact, coming in the 92nd minute.
The Cumbrians had led 2-1 at half-time and looked to be heading towards the win when Jamie Armstrong added a third.
Chairman Billy Williams said: “Everyone who was there from Penrith was absolutely delighted with the performance. I think we had seven or eight teenagers in the squad, young lads who have stepped up from the Reserves and the Academy.
“We had been hit by injuries and unavailabilities, with two of the experienced defensive lynchpins Kyle May and Grant Davidson both missing. So it was great to see the youngsters come in and do such a good job.
“I know Chris (Humphrey) was really pleased with the contributions the lads made, several of them on debuts, and it will be interesting to see what he does on team selection this week-end.”
Penrith travel to Prestwich Heys in the first round proper of the FA Vase and two or three of the missing players at Northallerton may be ready to return.
Matthew Moynan had given Penrith the lead on 14 minutes but Northallerton, a point better off than the Cumbrians, levelled eight minutes later through Michael Rae.
Adam Main re-stored Penrith’s lead after 33 minutes and when Armstrong grabbed the third midway through the second-half Humphrey looked to be heading towards his first win as Penrith manager.
Northallerton were given late hope when Nathan Stephenson scored their second on 84 minutes and agonisingly, in the second minute of time added on, Jack Stapley scored the equaliser.
