Morpeth Town squandered a lead as they slipped to a 2-1 loss at home to Ilkeston Town on a rain-soaked evening at Craik Park, writes Ross Jackson.

Leading seconds into the second half after Luke James’ opener, they found themselves behind by the end as Harvey Kirby-Moore levelled on 61 minutes before Jamie Walker’s effort sealed victory for the visitors on 80 minutes.

Although both sides sought to play the ball on the deck, the monsoon style conditions were clearly having an effect on the play with the players attempting to navigate a difficult night weather-wise.

Ilkeston started to come to prominence with two half-chances in quick succession, the latter of the two from Tom Cursons flashing well wide of the target on 26 minutes.

Dan Langley was the hero on 34 minutes when he somehow kept out a point-blank Sam Parker header to keep the scores level.

Sporadic efforts just before the break saw Ilkeston happier with their half’s work than the hosts.

Needing a fast start, Morpeth delivered just that seconds after the interval. James was the scorer, latching on to a ball down the right channel before guiding an effort into the far corner, a moment of brilliance from the loanee.

But this seemed to stir the visitors into action as L’Varn Brandy blasted a glorious chance well over on 56 minutes before they equalised through a brilliant Kirby-Moore strike that left Langley grasping at thin air.

Cursons should have done much better on 71 minutes when driving straight at Langley, but the visitors would have their second goal nine minutes later.

Walker, playing in an unfamiliar left-back position, guided an effort from a corner towards goal. It may have take a few deflections on the way in but it would be the decisive moment as Morpeth fell to defeat.

The Highwaymen are next in action when they welcome Whitby Town to Craik Park (3pm) on Saturday.

MORPETH TOWN: Langley, Evans, Robson, Dowling, Henderson (c), Buddle (Bollado 87’), John, Hickey (Greaves 46), Foalle, Barlow, James (Wombwell 72’).

SUBS: King, Griggs.

ILKESTON TOWN: Yates, Minkley, Walker, Dixon, Wilkinson, Parker (c), Brandy, Meikle, Cursons, Kirby-Moore, Stevens (Hutchinson 88’).

SUBS: D.Errat-Thompson, Wafula, K.Errat-Thompson, Daniel.

ATT: 258