Newcastle Town welcomed fellow Newcastle borough side Kidsgrove Athletic to The Red Industries Stadium for a Bank Holiday league fixture.
Newcastle got off to the worst possible start, as Kyle Diskin’s cross was unfortunately diverted in by Luke Dennis for an own goal.
The visitors had a chance to extend their lead on 17 minutes, but Kieran Knapper could only head into the side netting.
The home side tried to get back into the game, but Kidsgrove was dominating possession and not allowing Newcastle any space to build.
The host’s best chance came late in the half, as Ethan Vale’s free kick was delivered to the right zone, but Askey could not get it off his hips and deflected wide.
Kidsgrove then had their best chance since their goal, as Kinglsey Adu-Gyamfi’s attempt to chip Joe Slinn just trickled wide.
Newcastle made two changes at the break with the returning Nathan Morley coming back into the Newcastle Town first team, and Newcastle hit back immediately after the break.
Ethan Vale delivered a freekick into the box James Askey was able to head across Booth to bring the game level.
Newcastle then built their strongest period of pressure, with a series of excellent build-up play but not quite bringing a clear goalscoring chance.
Tommy van der Laan had a shot blocked, while Nathan Morley could not find space to shoot from the centre.
Kidsgrove managed to get back into the game, and it needed excellent defensive work by the hosts and confident keeping from Joe Slinn to keep them out.
Newcastle managed a flurry in the last few minutes, with Vale blasting a shot over following good work by Morley and Oliver Ritchie.
However, in the last minute of stoppage time, Lovatt was played in on goal but was fouled by the advancing Tom Booth, who was shown a straight red by the referee for the challenge.
The free kick on the edge of the area was in prime range for Vale, but he could not beat the wall and Kidsgrove were able to wind the clock down.