A classy attacking display from Morpeth Town ensured three routine points at Billingham Synthonia as Mark Davison’s hat-trick helped the side at the top of Division One outclassed their struggling hosts.

The Highwaymen eased to victory as they inflicted league defeat number 21 on struggling Billingham, who had plenty of effort and endeavour but little cutting edge.

Ben Sayer and Joe Walton capitalised on a strong Morpeth start to put the visitors two-up inside 21 minutes. A similar beginning to the second half put Town four to the good within seven minutes of the restart; Davison and Sean Taylor finding the back of the net before the former scored a second on 63 minutes and added a third in stoppage time.

Town welcomed Keith Graydon back from injury, with the former Spennymoor man slotting into central midfield as he returned as captain.

Other than that, there were few changes with new signing Sam Norris settling for a place on the bench following his midweek move from Blyth AFC as Stephen Elliott sat out the game through injury.

Morpeth got off to a dominant start and grasped the initiative early on, with Walton slicing a first minute effort well wide before Davison forced an excellent save from James Dawson in the Billingham goal with a fifth minute header.

Chris Reid then bundled a back-post effort off target before Sayer’s 12th minute opener. The midfielder sent a low effort into the bottom corner from the edge of the box after Graydon’s long range delivery sent Danny Carson free down the right flank.

The Highwaymen doubled their advantage nine minutes later with Walton netting the easiest goal he will score this season. The forward had the simple task of rolling the ball into an empty net from six yards after Taylor had played him in from the left.

It took until the 27th minute for the hosts to create a clear chance but they found Dan Lowson in no mood to concede as he tipped over a Benjamin Jackson shot on the turn.

Morpeth entered half-time with a comfortable lead, and they duly extended that just four minutes into the second period through Davison’s tap-in after Walton’s effort hit the post. Three minutes later and Town were 4-0 ahead thanks to a moment of magic from Taylor.

The winger flicked a long ball to his feet past the defender before charging toward goal unopposed. He then sent the keeper the wrong way as Morpeth turned on the style.

They added to their lead on 63 minutes from the boot of Davison, the striker slotting his shot into the net when unmarked after Walton’s ball into him.

A demoralised Synthonia couldn’t stem the tide as Town went in search of more goals at Norton Sports Complex. They could have had a sixth but for a great save from Dawson in the 78th minute from Davison’s spectacular bicycle kick attempt.

Sayer had an 88th minute drive pushed around the post, with Graydon’s similar effort going the same way, before Davison completed his hat-trick by deflecting a corner into the back of the net in the 90th minute.

Town are next in action on Wednesday when they welcome Willington to Craik Park for a League Cup third round encounter (7.45pm).

BILLINGHAM SYNTHONIA: Dawson; Nelson, Gavin, Dinsdale (capt), Rowe (Tunstall 69), Gaston, Garton, Hood, Travers, Jackson, Kelly.

SUBS NOT USED: Wilson, Stevens, Beblowski.

GOALS:

MORPETH TOWN: Lowson; Danny Carson, Reid, Coppen (Fry 77), Turner; David Carson, Sayer, Graydon (capt); Taylor (Phillips 74), Davison, Walton (Norris 67).

SUBS NOT USED: Coombes.

GOALS: Sayer (12), Walton (21), Davison (49, 63, 90), Taylor (52)

ATT: 78