The Highwaymen gained a measure of revenge for their League Cup defeat here earlier in the month with a comprehensive and well deserved three points. A hat trick from Liam Henderson and a solo strike from Sean Taylor sealed a 4 – 1 scoreline despite Glen Butterworth getting Marske back on level terms.
A sunny afternoon in Teesside greeted the sides as they emerged and the football didn’t disappoint either.
The first chance of the game fell the way of the Highwaymen on 3 minutes and Liam Henderson took advantage of some slack marking to head home. A delightful free kick from Ben Sayer was clipped into the box and Henderson got in front of his man to head past Robert Dean.
On the quarter hour mark, Markse equalised through their first real opportunity in the game. A long throw into the box from Liam O’Sullivan was only half cleared and Glen Butterworth lashed the ball home from the edge of the 18yd box.
Markse then went into the ascendency for a period of 10 minutes without creating any clear cut opportunities.
Sean Taylor came more into the game as he switched flanks and started to torment Callum Martin. Taylor came within inches of restoring the lead when his chipped effort from 25yds only just cleared the bar.
On 28 minutes, former Stockton striker Jamie Owens was unable to direct a header goalwards as Marske threatened once more.
Taylor then went close again with another lofted effort but again his effort cleared the crossbar.
However, he made no mistake on 36 minutes when he majestically brought the ball down and beat the final defender before curling a delightful effort into the bottom corner with ‘keeper Robert Dean well beaten.
Town fans could be forgiven for wanting to see the game through to half time with a one goal advantage but it was to get even better for those that had travelled from Northumberland.
Sayer and Taylor were again instrumental in the build up play before the ball came inside to Henderson who turned his marker with ease and rifled a strike across goal and into the far corner.
Markse came out more determined in the second half and no doubt with a rocket still ringing in their ears.
Craig Gott tried his luck from 30yds with a free kick but it cleared the wall and the bar with Dan Lowson nothing more than a spectator.
Lowson was called into action minutes later when Brad Plant turned on a sixpence and fired a strike away from just inside the penalty area but it was straight at Lowson.
There were strong claims for a penalty when Taylor after beating Martin stood a cross up to the back post where captain Wayne Phillips was poised to head home but he seemed to be eased out of position in the air from Joshua Rowbotham. The referee waved played on and Markse were able to clear.
On 71 minutes, Liam Henderson completed a well deserved hat-trick as he scored with an acrobatic volley. After being afforded the freedom of the 18yd box, Henderson finished with aplomb with the help of the underside of the bar following a knock down.
There was to be no further chances as the Highwaymen returned to winning ways with an emphatic victory over their local rivals.
Morpeth are next in action on New Years Day when they host Tadcaster Albion on New Years Day. Kick off is at 3pm at Craik Park so start the year as you mean to go on by getting down and supporting your local football team who remain top of the table.

MARSKE UNITED: Dean, Martin, Rowbotham, Butterworth, May (Fairley, 61), Wheatley, Liddle (Round, 61), Gott, Plant, Owens (Waters, 82), O’Sullivan.

SUBS NOT USED: Owen, Hillerby.

GOALS: Butterworth 15′

MORPETH TOWN: Lowson, Walton, Turner, Sayer, J. Henderson, Reid, Taylor (Foalle, 84), Hodgson, L. Henderson, Phillips (c) (Graydon, 75), David Carson (Potter, 70).

SUBS NOT USED: Forster, Petrache.

GOALS: L. Henderson 3′, 40′, 71′, Taylor 36’.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Liam Henderson