Morpeth Town manager Craig Lynch lamented a cruel ending as the Highwaymen slipped to a 2-1 loss at Hebburn Town, courtesy of a 94th minute goal in the Pitching In NPL Premier Division.

Morpeth had endured a rollercoaster afternoon, struggling to contain high-flying Hebburn in the first half before levelling matters in a much improved second half.

However, the late drama would ensure nothing to show for their efforts.

“A really disappointing one to take on Saturday,” said Lynch after the contest.

“Conceding in the last minutes, which first looked like a great goal however on second look the ball has come back out off the post and hit Issac on the back before going back in, just shows that bit of luck isn’t on our side.

“The first half wasn’t a true reflection on how we’ve played in the last six weeks and Hebburn could have maybe been a few up at half time.

“But we’ve stayed in the game and done brilliantly to get back to 1-1 with us probably edging the second half.

“We’ve been on a great run but the squad wins games, not the 11, and Hebburn have a great squad at the minute, injury free and results are showing that.

“In the last two weeks we’ve lost Mitch Hancox (loan expired), Frankie Coulson (loan expired), Luke James (injury), JJ Hooper (transfer), Billy Gordon (injury), plus Sam Hodgson (injury) and Danny Barlow (injury). Joel Holvey played 90 minutes as well as Nic Bollado, who have both not featured due to illness and injury.

“It probably showed where both clubs are this season with the impact and energy of the subs for the last 15-20 minutes.

“We have named Dan Langley as an outfield sub and had to bring him on last couple of minutes when chasing the game which at this level is crazy to think that.

“It has been a tough few weeks. I said to the lads after the game that no one will feel sorry for us, and rightly so, but we have to stick together and when called upon have to give everything each game.”

Town return to action on Tuesday when travelling to Newcastle Benfield in the Newcastle Flooring Senior Cup Quarter-Finals (7.30pm).