The Moorsiders were without Sarjo Chamso so re-shuffled slightly and played a 4-5-1 formation.

Kirkby started the brighter with Alex Strickland having a 20-yard effort saved and Daryl Rivis heading just wide from a corner.

Teesside responded with experienced winger Dale Mendum looking dangerous and putting in some dangerous crosses.

But the Kirkby defence stood firm with Aaron Rivis dominant in the air.

The game developed into a midfield battle with neither keeper being seriously tested although the Moorsiders had a scare on 30 minutes when Darren Collier was unable to deal with a corner and as the ball came back in Tom Ellis was well placed to head off the line.

The second half opened with a few more goalscoring opportunities and Daniel Drazdauskas was off target for Athletic before Shaun Walker headed over from a corner for Kirkbymoorside.

Uhi Ehima then went close for the visitors but his shot was well saved.

As the game entered the last 15 minutes, Alex Strickland had an effort from 30 yards over the bar and for Teesside James Kesterton headed wide of the post.

The game seemed to be drifitng towards stalemate and a hard earned point for the Moorsiders but with only a minute remaining a corner from the left was headed straight up in the air and amid confusion Kesterton pounced to head into the corner of the net.

With sevent minutes of added time awarded Kirkby went in search of an equalier and forced a series of corners but it was not to be their day and the hosts held firm.