Despite a disciplined away performance, Morpeth Town fell to a 2-0 opening day defeat at Warrington Town in the Pitching In NPL Premier Division.

Facing last season’s play-off finalists, Morpeth made the long journey south in baking hot conditions as temperatures topped 32 degrees.

Neither side really dominated in a competitive, even contest up until the 89th minute when Isaac Buckley-Ricketts broke the deadlock from inside the area before, with the Highwaymen pushing for the equaliser, Jordan Buckley strode clear to lash home the second deep into stoppage time.

Morpeth started brightly enough, with Jack Foalle shooting off target within 60 seconds before Dale Pearson turned a shot goalward that was tipped wide by a fine Tony Thompson save in the Warrington goal.

Luke Duffy bumbled an effort across Dan Lowson’s goal on 18 minutes for the hosts, but the Highwaymen continued to impress in the early stages with Ben Sayer driving straight at Thompson after fine build-up play down the left hand side.

Warrington may have felt aggrieved at not heading in at the break ahead when Josh Amis made a hash of a headed effort before Duffy drilled across goal, forcing a smart stop from Lowson.

Chances continued to arrive for both sides in the second half, with Sayer blazing over at the near post on 48 minutes and Sean Williams forcing a good save from Lowson four minutes later.

Connor Pani, making his competitive debut on loan from Gateshead, then won the ball well in midfield before releasing Liam Noble. But his low drive from a central position was pushed clear by Thompson.

But on 64 minutes, the best chance of the game for the visitors would fall the way of Pearson. He was gifted possession on the edge of the box by an atrocious clearance by Thompson. With time to compose himself, Pearson found the grasp of the Warrington keeper who was given a significant reprieve.

With half-chances coming and going without disturbing the score-line, decisive moments arrived in the 89th and 96th minutes, both for the home side.

Buckley-Ricketts reacted quickest to a ball into the box, shooting on the turn and in off the far post to break Morpeth hearts.

With Town pushing for an equaliser, they were left exposed deep into stoppage time, allowing Buckley to race clear before lashing a shot into the roof of the net.

Not getting the result their performance deserved, Morpeth are next in action on Tuesday night when they host Guiseley at Craik Park. Tickets are available online now.

WARRINGTON TOWN: Thompson, Seary, White, Hannigan, Gumbs, Harris, Buckley-Ricketts, Williams (McDonald 90’), Amis (Buckley 67’), Dixon, Duffy (Mols 74’).

SUBS NOT USED: Putnam, Speare

MORPETH TOWN: Lowson, Robson (Wombwell 73’), Reid, Sayer, Henderson, Turner, Foalle, Noble, Pearson (Scott 79’), Pani (Ramsey 59’), Thomson.

SUBS NOT USED: Geliher, Harvey