The Highwaymen welcome Guiseley for the first time to Craik Park in what is sure to be a fascinating encounter in the Pitching In NPL Premier Division.

Neither side will be keen to look back after an opening day defeat for both teams put them on the back foot. Instead, all eyes will be on getting the ball rolling for the season with three points on Tuesday night.

Morpeth have developed a street-wise part to their game having adjusted to life at this level of English football, while Guiseley are still acclimatising to this division after relegation on the final day of the last National League North campaign.

LAST TIME OUT

The Highwaymen: In the baking heat of Warrington, Morpeth’s performance deserved so much more than it got. Composed on the ball, disciplined in position and rarely troubled, they successfully navigated the first 89 minutes of their 2-0 loss before two late strikes from Isaac Buckley-Ricketts and Jordan Buckley gave the hosts victory.

You’ve got to score while on top and Morpeth squandered a few clear chances at goal which could have changed the course of the game.

The Lions: A bizarre start to life in this division saw Guiseley not just beaten but beaten well on the score-line front. Recording the biggest defeat on opening weekend, the Lions, starting off at home against newly promoted Marine, were a goal down heading into the final stages before conceding twice more to ensure a miserable start and a 3-0 defeat.

The fact they conceded twice late on, with a red card also impacting matters, suggests the game wasn’t as disastrous as the score-line might suggest.

But it will be a shock to their system, with their reaction to a tough trip away on a Tuesday night indicative of how their season may unfold.

THE GAFFER

Morpeth Town manager Craig Lynch picked out plenty of positives from the game on Saturday, despite the final outcome. He believes it bodes well heading into a game where Morpeth could enjoy some home comforts.

He said: “The performance gives a bit of momentum heading into Tuesday night. At home, there’s a little bit more pressure on us. There’s no excuse for us not to get the ball down and play at home.”

THE OPPOSITION

Guiseley manager Danny Ellis was less than impressed by his side’s defeat at the hands of a well-drilled Marine side, insisting more was required on Tuesday night at Craik Park.

“It’s a reality check for some of the players. There are not many positives to take from that. The lads know they have let themselves down.

“I sensed this might happen and it has happened. We can put it right on Tuesday.”

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets are available online – click here to purchase – and also on the gate on the day (cash only):

Adults – £12

Concessions – £8

Kids – £4

Under-5s – Free