Morpeth Town suffered a third straight defeat as their season struggled to get going after a 4-0 loss at Basford United in the Pitching In NPL Premier Division, writes Ross Jackson.

They trailed after 10 minutes when Ashley Chambers struck from close range before Jordan Hallam scored just after half-time. Two late Kane Richards goals capped off a difficult afternoon on the road.

The Highwaymen struggled to settle in the opening stages on a 3G surface that should have suited them, with Craik Park also boasting a similar surface.

They’d find themselves behind on 10 minutes as Chambers struck, the forward finding space at the back post to sidefoot home a shot across Dan Langley at the back post. This came after Nic Bollado had pulled a shot wide on eight minutes.

A ball in from the right flashed across the Basford goal as Morpeth threatened an equaliser, but they should have been 2-0 down when Chambers, clean through on goal, dragged a shot wide of the near post.

Morpeth’s first chance didn’t arrive until the 27th minute when Luke James’ header dropped into the grasp of reserve keeper Saul Deeney.

Will Dowling then forced Deeney into an awkward save two minutes later, from distance, before James, when trying to get on to a 42nd minute Rhys Evans delivery, appeared to be fouled.

The second half started with a smart Dan Langley stop to deny Basford a second goal. Then came Morpeth’s best few chances of the game.

On 54 minutes, Bollado struck wide before, seconds later, cutting back for Sam Hodgson, who blazed over the top from 10 yards.

But the hosts would punish Morpeth’s profligacy three minutes later with a brilliant second goal; Hallam found the net with a superb shot into the top corner, off the inside of the post.

Clear sights of goal came and went for the visitors, with James cutting in and shooting straight at the keeper, before Nathan Buddle headed into the side-netting at the back post.

Bollado had the clearest view of the opposition net, but saw his near post effort deflected behind by Deeney on 68 minutes.

There was still time in the closing stages for Richards to net his brace as the scoreline, although flattering, underlined an afternoon to forget for Morpeth.

Morpeth are next in action when they host Stockton Town on Tuesday (7.45pm) at Craik Park. Tickets are available on the gate with cash and card accepted.

BASFORD UNITED: Deeney, Ridgley, Wilder, Barnes, Aideyan, Stewart, Dacres, Butterfield, Chambers, Hallam, Revarnelle.

SUBS: Mancinelli, Richards, Goddard, Irvine, Uveges.

MORPETH TOWN: Langley, Evans, Steels, Dowling, Henderson, Buddle (King 76’), Bollado, Hickey (Barlow 76’), Hodgson, John (Robson 64’), James.

SUBS: Davison, Wombwell.

ATT: 236