Morpeth Town scored twice in two minutes to secure a third straight win at Craik Park, at the expense of Lancaster City in the Pitching In NPL Premier Division.
A 2-0 win, off the back of victories over FC United and Atherton Collieries, made it nine points from a possible nine in recent weeks, reviving a campaign that had threatened to wobble alarmingly after four straight defeats.
But Town are in form and pressed home their advantage with two goals in quick succession midway through the second half to secure three points.
The Highwaymen made an enforced change as Will Dowling served his one-game suspension for a red card in the win over Atherton Collieries. Andrew Johnson came into replace him.
Chris Reid remained absent, serving the second game of his ban.
Both sides started brightly without creating too much by way of chances. Neat and tidy in possession, neither side was able to fashion an opening until Danny Barlow, instrumental throughout with his all-energy display, blazed well wide and well over the top on eight minutes.
Brad Carroll, who had the clearest sight of goal for the visitors, flashed a header over the top on 12 minutes, but it wouldn’t threaten Dan Lowson’s goal, a keeper who was on top of his game in this one claiming the majority of aerial deliveries with comforting reassurance for his defence.
He’d come to the fore in the 18th minute when somehow denying Carroll from close range, when the midfielder had the goal at his mercy.
Nic Bollado had an effort comfortably gathered by keeper Thomas Stewart before Jack Foalle cut inside on 28 minutes, only to drive over the top with an effort.
Michael Turner saw a header fly past the far post, and Sam Hodgson had a shot blocked in added on time, as Morpeth finished the half strongly.
The second period immediately promised much, with Town in the ascendency. Foalle had a shot pushed behind on 48 minutes before Turner’s header found Stewart on 51 minutes.
Then came the clearest chance of the game for Morpeth on 59 minutes for Johnson. The winger’s first touch was exquisite, controlling a raking cross-field pass, but his finish was lacking as he bent his shot narrowly over the top.
A bizarre moment on the hour-mark nearly handed the visitors an ill-deserved lead as a delivery into the area caused confusion, with keeper and defender leaving it for each other. Jeff Henderson ended up deflecting it behind but more by luck than design.
Then came the opener from Foalle. With acres of space down the right, and the visitors failing to learn the lesson, Foalle was able to gallop forward and place his shot beyond the on-rushing keeper to give Town the advantage.
They’d double it almost immediately through Johnson’s 12th goal of the season. The winger popped up in space on the penalty spot to rifle a Foalle cut-back into the back of the net and effectively end the contest.
By this point, Morpeth were rampant and should have had a third on 66 minutes when Hodgson blazed wide of the target after the ball fell invitingly in the penalty area.
On 77 minutes, Foalle was denied at the near post once more as he continued to get in behind unopposed down the flank.
Carroll was denied by two strong hands from Lowson with nine minutes to go before substitute Vinnie Steels bent a shot just past the far post on 83 minutes.
Hodgson was also denied in the closing stages as Town eased to three points and a third-straight victory at home.
They are next in action when they travel to Radcliffe on Tuesday night.
MORPETH TOWN: Lowson, Wombwell, Turner, Barlow, Henderson (c), King (Robson 40’), Foalle (Donaldson 82), John, Hodgson, Bollado, Johnson (Steels 72).
SUBS: Boyd.
LANCASTER CITY: Stewart, Bailey (c), Brownhill, Sloan, Barnes, Cowperthwaite, Evangelinos, Carroll, Lawson, Norris (Connelly 70’), Jarvis (Hill 70’).
SUBS: Ikpakwu.
ATT: 417
