A superb Morpeth Town display saw them take another step forward in the Emirates FA Cup after a 3-0 win over National League North Southport in the Second Qualifying Round.

Craik Park was hopeful, but not expectant, as they welcomed a side from the division above in Southport who had enjoyed a significant upturn in fortunes since former Morecambe boss Jim Bentley took charge.

The visitors had won three in a row after winning none of their first six to reignite their season and looked vibrant in the early stages.

But Morpeth have a confidence about their play having started their home season without defeat from five matches.

That too came to the fore as both sides looked to press and probe, with Danny Barlow’s effort well off target the only breakthrough of note before the first goal of the game on 15 minutes.

Sam Hodgson was the man to benefit, sneaking in at the back post to nod Liam Noble’s free-kick in from close range and give the hosts a deserved lead.

Southport could, and should, have equalised on 26 minutes when Niall Watson was played clean through. But Dan Lowson sprung off his line and made himself big to deny the winger, who was unable to convert the rebound.

A crucial spell in the match, Town then went down the other end and scored an important second goal through Jenkins.

The midfielder, a tireless worker in the middle of the park, received a 28th minute pass from fellow South Shields loanee Hodgson before lashing a shot across goal. Taking a nick off a defender, it nestled into the far corner and pushed his side further clear.

Watson again got in behind on the stroke of half-time, but the offside flag and Lowson denied him a goal to reduce the deficit.

Southport manager Bentley must have had some words for his side as they came out quickly in the second half but found themselves under pressure when Hodgson’s shot was blocked on 50 minutes with Barlow blazing over the second chance on the follow up.

Jack Foalle volleyed over four minutes prior to the award of a penalty after David Morgan clearly handled in the box. Hodgson doubled his tally for the day by converting from the spot in the 59th minute.

Michael Turner then had a glancing header clawed away by keeper Chris Renshaw and Foalle flashed a ball across goal that Andrew Johnson just couldn’t connect with as Morpeth threatened a fourth.

Lowson still had to be alert to deny a stinging drive in the 73rd minute before producing an even better save to deny the low driven follow up.

But, in truth, the Highwaymen never looked like giving up their lead as they moved in the Third Qualifying Round.

MORPETH TOWN: Lowson, Robson (Wombwell 79’), Miller, Jenkins, Henderson, Turner, Foalle, Noble, Hodgson (Thomson 83’), Barlow (Donaldson 72’), Johnson.

SUBS: French, Sayer, King, Nkunku.

SOUTHPORT: Renshaw, Flowers, Anson (Evans 5’), Watson, Morgan, Carver, Quansah, Sass, Heath (Mariette 59’), O’Neill (Walton 59’), Holmes.

SUBS: Thomson, Bainbridge, Costello, Mariette.

ATT: 272