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Morpeth Town were on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline as the Highwaymen fell to defeat at Stalybridge Celtic in the Pitching In NPL Premier Division.

A frantic spell midway through the first half saw Morpeth trail, then equalise only for them to fall behind once again, all within three minutes, before the hosts extended their advantage just after the half hour mark.

On a disappointing evening in Greater Manchester, the hosts started brightly but couldn’t find a breakthrough until the 23rd minute, when a long ball over the top deceived the Morpeth back-line, allowing Lewis Salmon to race through and slot between the legs of Dan Lowson.

The Highwaymen responded in the best possible fashion by equalising 60 seconds later; Jack Foalle was the man to pull his side level with his looping side-foot volley finding the back of the net.

The parity lasted all of two minutes as the hosts once again took the lead, Scott Sephton scoring on 26 minutes to give the home side a 2-1 lead.

A one-goal advantage was doubled on 33 minutes, Matty Markinson smashing home from close range to put Stalybridge further in front.

Despite changes in personnel and formation, the Highwaymen couldn’t find a way back into the game, with Callum Harris striking the bar for Celtic moments after half-time with a free-kick.

The game ended 3-1, as the Highwaymen made it two defeats in four days in the Pitching In NPL Premier Division.

Morpeth are next in action when they host Whitby Town on Saturday (3pm) in the FA Trophy. Tickets are selling fast and you can buy them online through our website.

STALYBRIDGE CELTIC: Stewart; Helliwell, Ellison, Sephton, O’Halloran, Makinson, Ustabasi, Doyle, Salmon (Hawley 70), Harris (Freedman 70), Evangelinos.

SUBS NOT USED: Barlow, Sass, Prifti

GOALS: Lewis Salmon (23), Scott Sephton (26), Matty Makinson (33)

MORPETH TOWN: Lowson; Forster, Reid (Andrew Johnson 52), Sayer, Hutchinson, Turner, Oliver (Williams 60), Hodgson, L.Henderson, Finnigan (Liam Noble 52), Foalle.

SUBS NOT USED: Mohammed, Leonard

GOALS: Jack Foalle (24)