'Outstanding' - Morpeth Town boss Craig Lynch shares pride as purple patch continues with Consett win

Morpeth Town continued their fine run of form in the NPL East with a 2-1 victory over Consett AFC on Tuesday evening.

The Highwaymen extended their unbeaten run to five league matches - and made it three wins from three at Craik Park - thanks to an early strike from Harry Gardiner, a second-half effort from Jarrett Rivers, and a vital penalty save from goalkeeper Dan Langley.

The result leaves Town joint-top of the table alongside Liversedge FC, with both sides having amassed 22 points from their opening dozen fixtures. Beneath them, Bradford Park Avenue are just one point adrift of the summit, having played three games fewer.

But with no match this coming weekend, Morpeth will now head into mid-October in a strong position, and speaking after the final whistle on Tuesday night, manager Craig Lynch expressed his pride at the manner of his side’s latest victory.

He said: “I'm absolutely delighted, but first of all I think it's an unbelievable advert for non-league football tonight. I would have paid to watch it - and there's not many times I would have said that in the eight years I've been here! I thought it was just a fantastic game.

“Three goals... Could have been many more goals, and what a penalty save from Langers as well. End-to-end, I think we've probably had more shots and entries tonight than we have done [in previous weeks], and they have as well. I think their front four is one of the best in the league, the way they change and the way they move the ball and inter-link.

“We knew what to expect tonight and the lads just listened to me, did it to a T, and I'm absolutely so proud of them tonight.”

Reflecting on Morpeth’s recent purple patch, Lynch continued: “Honestly, there aren’t enough words to describe what the lads have given me over the last month. We’re unbeaten in September - four wins, two draws in the league - when was the last time I could say that? An outstanding September, but it's a nice place to be in...

“This gives us a good platform to build on... We've just put ourselves in a good position and we need to try and build on that now. We've shown over the last couple of weeks that we're a resilient team as well, which is nice to see. We've got to rest up and we've got to then kick on again.”