Morpeth Town were forced to settle for a point following a 1-1 draw at home to Belper Town in Evo-Stik East.

The hosts were solid on the ball in the opening half hour before breaking the deadlock through Jack Foalle on 31 minutes. But George Milner levelled matters on 69 minutes as Belper left Craik Park with a share of the spoils.

Morpeth started brightly enough, without creating the first chance of the game, a milestone that went the way of the visitors. However, Dan Lowson was more than a match for George Milner after the striker attempted to guide his 11th minute shot across goal and into the far corner.

Although dominating possession, the Highwaymen weren’t creating anything to trouble Belper keeper Leigh Overton. That was until the 20th minute, but Wayne Phillips’ rising drive at the near post flashed over the top.

But Morpeth would receive a reward for the dominance in possession in the 31st minute, with a goal from Foalle. The striker, netting his third in three games, flicked a low Ben Sayer free-kick over the keeper and into the back of the net. It looked like it was destined for the car park, but Foalle’s flick dropped under the bar before nestling into the back of the net.

In game of decent quality, but lacking in clear chances, the Highwaymen could have doubled their lead on 47 minutes, but Keith Graydon’s effort arrowed just past the top corner.

Foalle, bang in form at present after his first goal made it 20 goals in 20 games this season, should have added another on 52 minutes, but his effort, from a tight angle with a defender sprawling and the keeper nowhere, struck the side-netting.

It would prove costly for the hosts as Belper equalised on 69 minutes, Milner sending a looping header into the corner after the home side failed to clear a ball into the area.

Sayer sent a near-post strike inches past the post as Morpeth sought a winner, but, ultimately, they would have to settle for a point.

Morpeth are next in action when they welcome Brighouse Town to Craik Park for a 7.45pm kick-off on Tuesday night in the Integro Cup second round.

MORPETH TOWN: Lowson; Fry, Petrache, J.Henderson, Reid; Potter, Hodgson, Graydon (Moan 68), Phillips (capt); Sayer; Foalle.

SUBS NOT USED: Turner, Parker, Walton, Tsapolos.

GOALS: Jack Foalle (31)

BELPER TOWN: Overton; Hough (Sturgess 79), Clark, Paylor, Peterson (capt), Assenso, Nelthorpe, Robson (Gordon 88), Milner, Crouz, Curtis.

SUBS NOT USED: Hancock, Esmaeily, South.

GOALS: George Milner (69)

ATT: 438

SPONSOR’S MAN OF THE MATCH: Sam Hodgson