A resilient Morpeth Town showed grit, determination and composure to seal three crucial points at Ossett United.

The latter had sat fifth in the Evo-Stik East table, on a run of four wins from five, heading into the clash, but it was the Highwaymen who triumphed on a combustible afternoon in Yorkshire.

In a game of physical challenges, both sides traded early headed chances without breaking the deadlock, with the hosts shading things without causing too much concern.

It was to prove the pattern of the first half, as Tom Potter had an effort for the visitors with Aidan Chippendale going close for the home side.

If the first half had simmered on a low heat, then the second half turned up the heat on a gloriously warm Yorkshire day.

The major talking point came in the 71st minute when Adam Priestly was dismissed for the hosts, after two yellow cards in quick succession, the second of which a needless off the ball incident in the area following the clearance of a home corner.

Then, with the game finely poised, Chris Reid struck. Five minutes after seeing a red card flashed in front of an Ossett man, the home crowd had to witness a crucial Morpeth winner. Ben Sayer, a regular deliverer of chances (this was his 25th assist of a sparkling campaign), sent an inch perfect free-kick in from the right which was powered home by the head of Reid, the left-back celebrating his second goal of the season wildly with his team-mates.

It was a decisive moment and one that would seal the three points. As the final whistle blew, there was a huge sense of relief and joy as the Highwaymen won away at one of the best teams in the division.

What characterised the display? Defensive brilliance in the face of a tough test as the back five, and Sam Hodgson, excelled, with the midfield and striker running themselves into the ground for the cause.

Town will be hoping to continue their excellent form when they welcome Spalding United to Craik Park on Saturday (3pm). Be there to cheer on your Morpeth Town.

OSSETT UNITED: Souter; Burke (Basic 61), Chantler (Khan 81), Gay, Knowles, Gregory, Priestley, Monkhouse, Greaves (Corner 61), Vann, Chippendale.

SUBS NOT USED: Foley, Jones.

GOALS:

MORPETH TOWN: Lowson; Forster (Foalle 75), Turner, Sayer, J.Henderson, Reid, Carson, Hodgson, L.Henderson (Fry 78), Phillips (capt), Potter (Walton 59).

SUBS NOT USED: Graydon, Petrache.

GOALS: Reid (76)

MAN OF THE MATCH: Each and every single Morpeth Town player.

ATT: 638