Ryton & Crawcrook Albion dropped two points after surrendering a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Chester-le-Street United on a frustrating afternoon at the Ford Hub in Sunderland.

Harvey Walsh gave Albion the perfect start from the penalty spot after 8 minutes before he doubled the advantage three minutes later.

The hosts pulled a goal back through Keallan Huddleston five minutes before the break and then levelled with Taylor Campbell’s free kick 20 minutes from the end.

There were chances for both sides to nick it in the remaining time – with the best of them falling to Walsh, who blazed a 77th minute penalty over the bar. But the spoils would be shared, much to the away side’s frustration as they lost the opportunity to close the gap to Sunderland West End to one point in the race for Northern League survival.

Nathan Beckham’s side, who have eight games remaining including two in hand over the Wearsiders, travel to Brandon United on Wednesday.