RADCLIFFE Boro braved freezing North East temperatures to hold out for a point against fellow strugglers Gateshead.

Although Kevin Glendon's side were put under intense pressure, a resilient defensive display was enough to earn a vital point heading into the Boxing Day clash with Ashton United.

Adam Carden made his debut for Boro, and they almost earned a dream start when Andy Heald hit the post after only ten minutes.

Gary Sampson also brought a great save out of the Gateshead keeper before the tide turned.

Andy Johnston, in the Boro goal, was in magnificent form to twice deny Gateshead before the break, although he was helped out by his woodwork on two occasions.

Left-back Luke Smith and striker Adam Johnston were the unlucky parties as Smith sidefooted against the far post and Johnston struck the inside of the post.

After the break, Adam was twice denied by namesake Andy before Gateshead almost clinched victory late in the game.

Paul Thompson brought a full length save from Johnston with a diagonal drive and the experienced Boro keeper kept his best for last with a superb injury-time save from Johnston's close range volley.

Having gained a point from the North East on a rock hard and icy pitch against Gateshead, manager Glendon was satisfied with his team's performance.

He said: "I thought the players worked extremely hard on a very difficult pitch for playing football and were determined not to be beaten.

"Before the game I stated the teams around us should not be beating us and how important it was that they didn't benefit from the game against ourselves.

"In the first half, especially the first 30 minutes, I thought we played well and were unlucky not to take the lead.

"In the second half I thought we defended very well against a physical and strong Gateshead side and kept our discipline with some inconsistent refereeing in relation to the number of free kicks given against us.

"Andy Johnston pulled off some excellent saves late on in the game and, in general, I thought we worked very hard for our point.

"Going to any ground in the UniBond League is always difficult and Gateshead are no exception. Colin (Richardson) has his teams fired up and they are very direct and strong and will make life very uncomfortable for any team visiting them."

The match also saw the return of defender Steve Hill who played his first 90 minutes since last season and produced an outstanding performance and certainly pleased manager Glendon.

"Steve's performance was excellent and the balance he gives to the team, not to mention his physical presence is something we have missed all season. Hopefully, he will have no reaction and he can start his season off in December!"