However, there were encouraging signs in the opening 50 minutes and the squad is determined to improve in key areas as they prepare for another stern challenge.

No one is under any illusions about the size of the task awaiting them at Longbenton, but the focus this week has been on taking the positives from that strong first half while learning lessons from the closing stages of the game.

After several weeks of minimal changes, there are a number of alterations to the side making the trip north.

The front row remains unchanged, with Tom Stead, Adam Williamson and Anthony Harvey once again packing down together.

There is a 1st XV debut in the second row for Kenzie Fortune, who made his senior bow with the 2XV at Peterlee & Horden last weekend. Kenzie is another product of Andy Wray’s Academy side, a strong ball carrier with plenty of promise who will embrace the chance to make his mark.

With Rylie Lang and Jon Carney both unavailable, there is also a first start for Fortune’s Academy teammate Bobby Keers, who lines up on the blindside. Keers has mainly been introduced from the bench since the turn of the year and will relish his opportunity in the starting XV.

Captain David Chester shifts from number eight to open side, while Max Filby returns to the forwards after missing last weekend’s defeat and takes the vacant number eight shirt.

In the backs, Josh Walker is unavailable, meaning Keagen Thomas returns to the side at scrum-half. Antony Lawrence also comes back into the squad at full back with Dylan Thomas moving to the wing.

Karl Mann and Mark Mcmanus have been the corner stone of the 2XV pack all season and both receive their first call up to the 1XV. Dean Ryan is recalled and completes the trio of replacements.

1XV Squad:

1. T Stead, 2. Williamson, 3. Harvey (vc), 4. Fortune, 5. Cooper, 6. Keers, 7. Chester (c), 8. Filby, 9. K Thomas, 10. Clarke, 11. Dean Ryan, 12. L Wilson, 13. Mclurg, 14. T Wray, 15. D Thomas

Reps: 16. Mann, 17. Mcmanus, 18. Dean Ryan