The Highwaymen are back on the road when they journey to Sunderland RCA on Tuesday night (7.30pm KO).

After a difficult few away days – including a 3-0 loss at Seaham and a 2-2 draw at Guisborough – Town will be determined to end a stuttering run of form away from home quickly.

SNAPSHOT PREVIEW

FORM: Sunderland are the epitomy of a mixed bag having won three of their six home league games to date, with a marginally positive goal difference. Include league and cup and they have been on a testing run of form, losing their last four while being dumped out of the FA Cup at the second qualifying round.

Morpeth are by no means in free-flowing form on the road, losing at Seaham Red Star 3-0 before more recently drawing 2-2 with Guisborough in the most deflating of circumstances. Town’s management duo Nick Gray and Dave Malone have called for an instant reaction from their squad on Tuesday night.

LAST GAME: Sunderland lost at home to Shildon for the second time in four days as Cameron Fenton struck decisively in the 59th minute of the contest. The visitors’ cause was further aided by the dismissal of Adam McGuinness for two yellow cards as Shildon secured a 1-0 victory at Meadow Park.

Morpeth had been looking at a welcome three points on their travels heading into stoppage time at Guisborough Town. Leading 2-1, a late Lewis Maloney free-kick – with the last kick of the game – hauled the Highwaymen back and ensured they left with only a point. This came after Lee Bythway had given the hosts the advantage just after the interval. But Liam Henderson and Wayne Phillips turned the game around in the 58th and 60th minutes before a cruel ending.

ONE TO WATCH: Nathan O’Neill has eight goals to his name already this season. Responsible for nearly half his side’s tally to date, the former Ryhope striker will be a talismanic figure for the home side with his ability to hold the ball up and bring others into play. A key target man, O’Neill will need to be stifled by the Morpeth defence.

WHERE TO WATCH: Meadow Park, Beechbrooke, Ryhope, Sunderland.

SAT NAV: SR2 0NZ