NORTHERN PREMIER LGE

CRAIG Lynch praised his Morpeth Town players after they came from two goals down to claim a 3-2 win against Stalybridge Celtic.

The Highwaymen’s concerns over a possible relegation looked to be heightened as the visitors took command at Craik Park with a Dan Lowson own-goal and a neat volley from Dormaine Rouse.

A red card shown to visitors winger Theo Bailey-Jones handed the initiative to Morpeth and they roared back to claim the points thanks to second-half goals from Fenton John, Ben Sayer and Ryan Donaldson.

Speaking after the game, Lynch said: “We just kept probing, we kept getting the ball into good areas and we scored three great goals.

“It was a massive win and I am delighted with the lads.

“Our home form, we have to make use of it and start on the front foot but I can never say anything bad about these lads. We could have thrown the towel in but we kept going and going.”

South Shields gave a major boost to their hopes of securing the Premier Division title as they claimed a narrow win at promotion rivals Hyde United.

The difference between the two title contenders when the final whistle was blown was a fine strike from Mackenzie Heaney after he fired into the top corner after Dylan Mottley-Henry had a shot blocked.

There was further good news for the region at the other end of the table as Marske United claimed a vital three points in their home game with Matlock Town with a 2-1 win thanks to a goal in each half from Connor Smith and Andrew May.

East Division play-off challengers Stockton Town and Hebburn Town both suffered defeats but remained in second and third place respectively.

Goals from Mohammed Qasim and Jack Boyle helped Brighouse Town to a 2-1 win at Stockton, despite Stephen Thompson giving the Anchors some hope in the final minute.

And Hebburn also emerged pointless from their visit to Long Eaton United after a spirited comeback went without reward.

Tom Cursons and Jamie Walker put the hosts in a commanding two-goal lead at the interval but the Hornets roared back thanks to goals from Daniel Moore and Olly Martin.

However, there was a sting in the tail for Moore’s side as a late goal from Walker gave their visitors all three points.

Shildon’s push for safety received a massive boost as Alex Hutchinson’s injury-time strike gave them a 2-1 win at Lincoln United and North Shields moved into the top ten after Cam Cunningham gave the Robins a 1-0 home win against Sheffield.

Injury-ravaged Consett were denied a fine win in their home game against Ossett United after Scott Fenwick’s goal was cancelled out by a late equaliser from Nathan Curtis.