NANTWICH Town started 2016 with just one point from two games this week.

The 1-1 draw with fellow high flyers Salford City on Tuesday night was hard earned, Matthew Bell’s 30th minute strike being cancelled out by Gary Stopforth’s response early in the second half.

But a chance to further narrow the gap on Evo-stik Premier Division leaders Blyth Spartans, four points ahead of second-placed Dabbers with three games in hand, was missed on Saturday when Phil Parkinson’s men fell 2-1 at home to struggling Whitby Town.

That was despite a penalty from Elliot Osborne and chucking the proverbial kitchen sink at the visitors.

Osborne netted his 15th goal in all competitions just six minutes after half time but it proved not to be enough.

Parkinson rang the changes with Darren Thornton not being in the 16, as he was rested, while Osborne returned to the bench following a couple of games out and Jon Moran was back after sitting out the Buxton game. Moran replaced Ben Harrison in the heart of defence.

Whitby took the lead on 16 minutes when a long ball forward looped over Nantwich keeper Krystain Burzynski, who had come out of his area to try and intercept the ball, but it went over his head and left a simple tap-in for Michael Roberts.

Moran had to be on hand to clear off the line as Roberts looked to double the lead.

ASteve Jones free kick was whipped through, but straight to Whitby keeper Shane Bland, as Dabbers sought a leveller.

Then disaster struck for the Dabbers five minutes before half time.

A corner was cleared to Ryan Brobble, who cut inside before unleashing a powerful shot from outside the area beating Buryznski all ends up for 2-0.

A free kick from Sean Cooke went just over the bar and Jones shot wide before the teams turned around.

Nantwich, with Ben Harrison replacing Mat Bailey at the back, were flying at the start of the second half.

When Jones was brought down in the area up stepped Osborne to reduce the deficit.

Liam Shotton was brought on for Matt Bell as Nantwich went all out for the victory.

Liam Shotton had an effort cleared off the line by Nathan McGinley but chances were few and far between, despite Nantwich dominating possession.

Kosylo fired the ball just wide and an impressively struck Sean Cooke shot did similar.