After Tuesday night’s results, Morpeth Town find themselves in the relatively unknown position of second place.

North Shields moved top – albeit having played more games – with a 5-1 win at Seaham Red Star. But The Highwaymen will be out to reclaim their spot at the top of Division One when they face Marske United at Craik Park tonight (7.45pm). 

SNAPSHOT PREVIEW

FORM: Marske United will be one of the toughest tests of the season so far as they sit fourth in the league table with a perfect away record. Four wins from four is top form but they have conceded only twice on their travels also, averaging nearly three goals per game scored. They have games in hand on Morpeth and will see this as an ideal chance to bridge the gap to their hosts tonight.

Morpeth’s 1-1 draw with Bishop Auckland was the second time they have dropped points in four games. Although unbeaten in seven, such are the fine margins at the top that even draws are proving costly. However, Craik Park should be dubbed ‘The Fortress’ after no losses in eight in the league and six wins during that period. No-one has scored more at home than the league-high 25 Morpeth have amassed.

LAST GAME: Morpeth battled their way to a point in their last outing, at home to Bishop Auckland on Saturday. The Highwaymen had taken the lead in the 36th minute through a Stephen Tobin own goal but Andrew Johnson replied for the visitors, levelling matters with 12 minutes to go as both sides were forced to settle for a point.

Marske United continued their run of five consecutive wins with an impressive victory at Shildon. Billy Greulich-Smith gave Shildon the lead on 50 minutes but Marske responded strongly by turning the game on its head. With seven minutes remaining and after missing a string of chances, things looked bleak. But Marske’s James Fairley scored straight from a corner before scoring a spectacular 45-yard free-kick in the fourth minute of stoppage time to seal the win.

ONE TO WATCH: James Fairley has an eye for show-stopping goals and will look to damage from midfield tonight. With the ability to create, he can also take chances and displayed that skill on Saturday with a fortunate first prior to a brilliant second goal. Keith Graydon and Co will need to keep Fairley shackled.  

WHERE TO WATCH: Craik Park, Morpeth, Northumberland.

SAT NAV: NE61 2YX