Morpeth Town put in a superb performance on the road to secure all three points with a 1-0 win at Ashton United in the Pitching In NPL Premier Division, writes Ross Jackson.

A victory dedicated to supporter Josh McCormack, who tragically passed away earlier in the week, the Highwaymen put in their best showing of the campaign away from home to triumph at previously unbeaten Ashton.

An emotionally charged afternoon started with the Highwaymen settling into their task despite missing skipper Jeff Henderson and fellow centre-back Josh King, both suspended, and another centre-back in Nathan Buddle, who broke his nose in the win over Emley in the FA Cup.

A makeshift defensive line started confidently, with a third minute deflection off Rhys Evans forcing Dan Langley to smother as the only moment of panic.

Midfielder Will Dowling struck the frame of the goal on four minutes with an inswinging corner that nearly caught debutant keeper Jordan Eastham out.

But Town were quick in the transition and causing problems at the other end. Nic Bollado, a strong and direct runner throughout, shot straight at Eastham on seven minutes before a more dangerous effort on 23 minutes when his effort was tipped over the top.

Darius Osei, who was well marshalled by an impressive Ryan Wombwell, saw his best effort at goal strike the inside of the post on 27 minutes but Morpeth kept causing a menace on the front foot.

However, they were indebted to the profligacy of the Robins on 32 minutes when a Nathan Lowe shot was saved, only for James Hardy to sky the rebound.

Still Morpeth came forward and they’d strike the woodwork once more on 37 minutes, with Foalle narrowly missing the target after Bollado’s free-kick was pushed clear.

Ashton started the second half with a renewed impetus and hit the post with a driven effort from distance just moments after the restart.

An ineffective Jason Gilchrist skied a cross over the top on the stretch on the hour-mark as his quiet game was compounded.

But Town were playing well and continued to create chances, Dowling dragging a 61st minute effort wide of the target before Luke James just failed to connect at the near post soon after.

Jordan Hickey arched a shot wide of the target after an enterprising 81st minute dart forward, but the biggest moment, the decisive moment, would arrive in the sixth minute of added on time.

With tiring legs, Bollado dinked an inviting ball over the defence. James, a willing runner throughout, wriggled clear of Sean Newton and cut it back for Foalle to seal matters and spark jubilant celebrations.

That one was very much for Josh, a loyal supporter and a great bloke who followed us home and away.

The Highwaymen are next in action when they host Hebburn Town on Tuesday night in Craik Park (7.45pm).

ASHTON UNITED: Eastham, Cowan, Doherty, Newton, Burke (Massey 90’), Baird (Bjork 59’), Lowe, Hardy, Gilchrist (Denton 69’), Osei, Couto (Bryan 75’).

SUBS: O’Keefe.

MORPETH TOWN: Langley, Evans, Robson, Dowling, Wombwell, Hickey, Steels (John  66’), Barlow, Foalle, Bollado, James.

SUBS: Whitfield, Chater, Davison, Griggs.

ATT: 263