Midfield maestro Paul Robinson netted a brace as Morpeth Town picked up a 3-1 victory over West Auckland Town at Wanted Stadium.
The Highwaymen’s top scorer opened the scoring on 33 minutes after latching on to a Luke Carr set piece, before Michael Chilton doubled the advantage before the break.
West Auckland new boy Adam Preston reduced arrears on the hour mark, however, Robinson’s second of the day secured the three points.
The victory makes it three wins in a row for Morpeth, with a trip to Sunderland RCA on Saturday next up for Nick Gray and Dave Malone’s side.
Morpeth dominated the opening minutes of the game, with the first chance coming 30 seconds into the piece. Ben Sayer broke down the right, crossing for Chilton to guide goal-wards, Gareth Shaw making a fine save as the flag was raised for offside.
Chilton thought he’d given the visitors the lead on 22 minutes when Carr played a sublime through ball into his path, but the striker’s shot was once again saved splendidly by Shaw.
At the other end, Preston tried a speculative effort from inside the penalty area, Dryden up to the task with a comfortable save.
Liam Henderson had a flurry of chance over the next five minutes, but was unable to find the back of the net. His best was a thunderous 25-yard strike that was parried away by a fantastic diving stop by Shaw.
With the pressure building on West Auckland, ‘Peth were awarded a free-kick on the right wing. Carr stepped up to take it, finding the run of Robinson who’s majestic flick lobbed the ‘keeper, the ball nestling in the back of the net.
Carr and Stephen Forster both went close with efforts from range in the minutes following the goal, as Morpeth turned the screw.
The second soon followed, a short corner routine allowing Ben Sayer to cross dangerously, Chilton in the right place at the right time to make it 2-0 with a finish typical of the talismanic striker.
West Auckland began the second half strongly, and caught Town napping on a number of occasions.
However, it was the visitors who mustered the first opportunity after the break, Damen Mullen’s long range effort palmed away by Shaw.
On the hour mark, the hosts pulled a goal back, and what a goal it was.
Catching the Highwaymen on the break, Shaw’s long kick saw Forster and Preston fight for the ball. The latter turned his man before lashing home a 20-yard effort into the top left hand corner, a sublime effort.
The goal proved to be a wake up call for Morpeth, and normal service resumed immediately, with the visitors taking charge of the game once more.
The introduction of Steven Anderson proved to be vital with just nine minutes remaining. After a wonderful move, the forward picked out an unmarked Robinson in the penalty area with a fantastic through ball, ‘Robbo’ calmly finishing to secure the victory.
Morpeth now face trips to Sunderland RCA and Ashington over the next six days, with points vital to keep apace with Shildon at the top of the tabel.
Morpeth: Dryden, Forster, Mullen, Sayer (Fondato, 75 min), Hall, Reid, Carr, Graydon, Henderson (Anderson, 75 min), Chilton , Robinson (Novak, 87 min)
Subs Not Used: Provett, Grieve
West Auckland: Shaw, Garton (Rose, 76min), S.Hudson, Brackstone (Parvin, 45 min), Marron (c), Nelson, Gardner, M.Hudson, Preston, Burnicle, Edwards
Subs Not Used: Rundle, Knight
Goals: 1-0, 33 min, Robinson; 2-0, 39 min, Chilton; 2-1, 59 min, Preston; 3-1, 81 min, Robinson.
Referee: J Matthews
Assistants: J Wood and G Mann
Attendance: 152
Photo: Chris Chambers/ CJC Photo (Official Morpeth Town F.C. Photographer)
