City cast off their Blue Monday form with a performance of greater vigour and creativity and will perhaps be disappointed not to have snaffled all three points.

Manager Gary Roberts preferred Steve Gentle at the expense of John Frendo, the rest of the line up being the same as the one that underperformed against Hemel on Monday evening. Despite some speculation, there were no new faces from north of the A14, City these days operating on a squad of 15.

The Pitmen have enjoyed a decent run of late, tasting defeat just once in their previous 10 games, so City knew they would be in for hard match. Rested and restored, the Lilywhites started the game with a point to prove and with better finishing and the rub of the green could have scored at least once in the opening ten minutes.

Ashley Fuller blasted over and wide twice in the first six minutes, Tony Burke looked a good bet to score when he bore down on goal only to fail at the final hurdle and Neil Midgley shot straight into Stuart Brock’s midriff when put through. Four decent efforts but nothing to show.

It wasn’t all one-way traffic, however. Zac Barrett was called into action on ten minutes when he did well to keep out Tyrone Barnett, who had left the City back four for dead. Four minutes later, the home team grabbed the lead when following a softly conceded free-kick Paul McMullen rose about the defence to head back across goal and past Barrett.

In the distant past, City being behind might have been an insurmountable challenge, but as was shown on Monday evening, this is a team that will always seek an equaliser or winner. City’s came when Burke scored having completely hashed up his first attempt. Fortunately, he had enough time to steady himself for a second, successful attempt.

Two goals in a minute brought the second half to a boil. City had enjoyed possession and territory but this counted for nothing when an attacking move was broken up, Jagielka playing through an excellent ball than split the Lilywhites’ defence apart. Ross Dyer latched onto the ball and finished well to give his side the lead on the hour.

City’s reply was almost instant. Burke’s cross found Fuller, who from 20 yards showed what happens when he strikes the ball well. His fire cracker left Brock feeling more like a damp squib than a crackerjack, the shot a real sparkler, finding the net like a rocket. Two-all and game on.

Although City didn’t completely dominate the last hour, they did enough to win the game. Midgley’s back header hit the bar, Nightingale’s volley was well saved and endless chances came and went. The Pitmen played on the break and also threatened – but neither side could make the break through.

A special word of praise to the referee Mr Hollidge and his assistants Messers King and Pare (which brings back bad memories of my last two visits to the crease…). They officiated in an unobtrusive manner, kept the yellows to a count of just one and let the game flow.

City had the better chances, but ultimately couldn’t make them count. A point is always welcome, but I suspect, not half as welcome as the performance that secured it.