Nuneaton dropped two more crucial points in their battle for promotion from the Conference North with a draw against lowly Blyth Spartans on Saturday.

Luckily other results were favourable, but the draw must be seen as a missed opportunity to take advantage and build a four point gap above sixth place in the race for the play-offs.

Boro started brightly at Liberty Way, and went in front courtesy of a sweet strike from recalled full back Connor Franklin. The home side pressed for much of the half but couldn’t add to their lead, something that never boded well.

Blyth had much more of the game in the second half, and punished their hosts with a goal just after the hour mark. They gained a penalty, that was converted by Williams. Boro, as on a few occasions this year, were let down for tying to sit on a lead at half time.

Despite the disappointment of the result, there was a positive to be bought out of the game. Mark Noon started his first match for over a year, as he replaced Carl Palmer in midfield. If he can have the impact we all know he can, he may add that extra creativity needed for a successful play-off campaign.