Jordan Fry was Morpeth Town’s equivalent of Santa as he delivered three points at the end of their Boxing Day clash at Ashington.
A scintillating first half simply blew away their local rivals as the midfielder netted a hat-trick to deliver a knockout blow before the halfway point of the contest.
His first goal arrived on 12 minutes as The Highwaymen got off to a quick start at Woodhorn Lane, before a Joe Walton header doubled their lead 10 minutes later.
The day, though, belonged to Fry as he scored his second on 34 minutes thanks to a header before completing his hat-trick two minutes later with a near identical effort as Morpeth ran riot.
The visitors sent their hosts into the interval stunned and shell-shocked, but Ashington came out for the second half a more disciplined and organised outift. That saw them reduce the deficit partially, giving their supporters something to cheer about on a bitterly cold December afternoon.
Tony Stevenson was the man to score from the spot in the 71st minute, following Wayne Phillips’ challenge in the area, as Ashington made it 4-1 with 19 minutes to play.
Town could have added further goals in the closing stages but enjoyed an impressive victory nonetheless as they moved 12 points clear courtesy of this win and Marske United’s postponed game at home to Guisborough Town.
Morpeth are next in action when they welcome Seaham Red Star to Craik Park on Saturday, December 30th (3pm). Make sure you’re there to cheer on the lads in their final game of 2017.
MORPETH TOWN: Dryden; Forster, Danny Carson, Reid, Phillips; Taylor (Elliott 70), Sayer, Graydon (capt), Walton; Henderson (Davison 45), Fry (David Carson 57).
SUBS NOT USED: Turner, Moorcroft.
GOALS: Fry (12, 34, 36), Walton (22)
ASHINGTON: Grant; McAndrew, Hornsby, Henderson, Christensen, Buchanan (capt), Pearson, Bowey, Stevens, Stephenson, Salmon.
SUBS: L. Scott, Williamson, Downey, Carr, C. Scott
ATT: 430
