Morpeth Town’s unbeaten run came to an abrupt end on Wednesday evening thanks to a Martyn Coleman first half hat-trick as Penrith defeated the Highwaymen 3-0.

The striker’s trio of goals put the hosts in a commanding position at the break, with Morpeth’s Paul Robinson missing a penalty in the first period.

And despite a lot of second half possession, Town were unable to force themselves back into the game, suffering their first defeat since a 3-2 reverse against Newcastle Benfield.

The visitors started the brighter, and went close on 6 minutes. Robinson firing from the angle of the penalty area, his effort turned behind by Johnny Jamieson.

A series of corners ensued, Ben Sayer the provider, his right wing corner finding the head of Chris Reid, Jamieson again on hand to save low on the line.

Damen Mullen was next to try his luck for the visitors from long range, his 25-yard half volley sailing just over the bar.

The hosts then took the lead a minute later. A long punt from a goal kick by Jamieson was headed on by Andrew Murray-Jones towards Reid and Coleman.

The striker battled with Reid in the penalty area, turning his man before firing low left footed, Dryden unable to keep the ball out at his near post.

The second came in an equally disappointing manner, a right wing corner from Jake Smith failed to beat the first man but Morpeth were unable to clear, the ball eventually falling to Coleman who swivelled on the spot to fire home across goal.

The third could be described as calamitous, Town losing possession in the middle of the field, a long ball over the top allowed Coleman to beat the offside trap with ease..

He attempted to round Dryden, but the ‘keeper got the ball away with a diving stop at his feet, however, Coleman regathered possession, turned a defender inside out and fired low into the net from the left edge of the six yard box.

The Highwaymen received a lifeline on the brink of half time, Sayer’s through ball found Stephen Forster who was taken down by William Paul.

Robinson stepped up, but his effort was poor, straight at the ‘keeper who barely had to move to his right.

The visitors started the second half strongly, Sayer’s free-kick from the right agonizingly over the head of Chilton at the back post.

However, within a minute, the visitors should have added a fourth. Another errant pass in the middle of the park allowed Penrith to break down the right. A low left wing cross was played into the path of an unmarked Coleman six yards out, but his mishit effort was cleared by a recovering defender.

Despite controlling the majority of possession for the second half, and playing some excellent one touch football, the damage was already done, Town unable to create more than one or two clear cut opportunities.

One occasion Morpeth did go close saw Liam Henderson shoot from closer range after a low cros from the right, but Jamieson made a fantastic point blank stop to deny the striker.

A night to forget for the team in amber and gGold, who now turn their attention to the Emirates FA Cup and an away trip to Croft Park to take on Blyth Spartans on Saturday.

Morpeth Town: Dryden, Forster, Novak, Sayer ©, Grieve, Reid, Mullen, Fry (Graydon 54), Anderson (Henderson 54), Chilton, Robinson.

Unused: Fondato, Hall, Swailes

Penrith: Jamieson, Lawson, Paul, Davison ©, Bowman, Street, Bell (Faustino), Jackson, Coleman, Murray-Jones (Connelly), Smith (Veitch).

Unused: Moynan, Newton

Goals: 1-0 Martyn Coleman, 13; 2-0 Martyn Coleman, 23; 3-0 Martyn Coleman, 37.

Referee: Nathaniel Cox

Assistants: Peter Leonard & Liam Marshall