The Highwaymen were made to pay for a poor performance as Cleethorpes Town completed a seasonal double over Morpeth.
Dan Lowson slid the ball into his own net after only 3 minutes before Jordan Fry levelled for the visitors on 14 minutes. However, it was to be substitute Danny North who grabbed the winner for the hosts on 88 minutes.
The Owls were in hospitable mood as they gave the Champions, a guard of honour onto the field but that was where their kindness stopped. If anything it was the Highwaymen who were more charitable in the opening stages.
A long ball over the top released Brody Robertson who rounded Dan Lowson. Whilst the angle was tight, the winger looked to square the ball and Lowson slid the ball into his own net as he attempted to cut out the cross.
Morpeth did respond and on 12 minutes, Ben Sayer worked some space on the edge of the area but his strike from the edge of the box was comfortably gathered by Theo Richardson.
Parity was restored only 2 minutes later when Jordan Fry rifled the ball home after the returning Danny Carson crossed the ball.
The home side should have regained the lead on 21 minutes when Robertson who despite looking yards offside was deemed to be level before he volleyed his effort well off target.
On the half hour, Morpeth had strong appeals for a penalty turned down when Joe Walton was bodychecked in the box by Laurence McKay. The referee who would later take centre stage was not interested in the appeals.
Walton was involved again on 36 minutes when he wriggled free in the box and with the angle against him, he struck the far post with a firm strike. The rebound came back to Walton but he couldn’t pick anyone out in the box.
Morepth started the second half in the way that they ended the first on the front foot and it was David Carson who could have put the visitors into the lead. He got through one on one with Richardson and instead of opting to lift the ball over the ‘keeper or round him, Carson tried to slot the ball through his legs but Richardson blocked the effort.
After 53 minutes, neat interplay between Joe Walton and Ben Sayer ended with the former crossing for Jack Foalle but the striker could only glance a header into the arms of Richardson.
With 20 minutes remaining, the Owls reminded Morpeth of the threat they possessed. A free kick from Craig Disley was met at the back post by Paul Walker and the defender powered his header into the turf before being claimed by Lowson.
Morpeth responded and with Keith Graydon on the field in place of Ben Sayer, it was the veteran midfielder who crossed for Foalle but again the striker could only head at Richardson.
With 10 minutes remaining, the officials took centre stage. Craig Disley fouled Joe Walton 25 yards from goal but the referee initially gave a second yellow to Walker and despite checking with his assistant, he kept his original decision much to the shock and surprise of fans and players alike.
With a player advantage, the Highwaymen pushed on in search of the winner. Graydon forced a fantastic fingertip save from Richardson. From the resultant corner, Liam Henderson headed over from 10yds whilst unmarked.
Despite being the better side, Morpeth were caught cold with 2 minutes left. A cross from McKay picked out substitute Dan North who was unmarked and he volleyed home with aplomb.
The referee blew the final whistle not long after to a cacophony of boos from the home side who despite taking the points were furious with the decision to send off Walker.
Morpeth are back in action on Easter Monday when they face Marske United at Craik Park. They will also receive the league trophy on Monday.
Cleethorpes Town: Theo Richardson, Oglesby, McKay, Disley, Walker, Donald, Boswell (Jack Richardson, 54), Flett (c), Vernon (Batty, 74), Collins (North, 74), Robertson.
Subs not Used: Sibbick, Bloomer
Goals: Lowson (OG) 3’, North 88’.
Morpeth Town: Lowson, Danny Carson, Turner, Sayer (c) (Graydon, 73), J. Henderson, Reid, David Carson, Fry, Foalle (Taylor, 80), Potter (L. Henderson, 65), Walton.
Subs not Used: Forster, Hodgson.
Goals: Fry 14’.
