MORPETH went down to a late goal in their last match of the Arngrove Northern League Division One season.

They were up against a Northallerton side that needed to win to avoid relegation and in an even first half it was the visitors who took the lead when Callum Holbrook fired wide of Barry Poskett in the 24th minute.

But the home side responded strongly after the break and created a number of chances, although none were taken.

The inspiration to draw level came from Assistant Manager Kevin Henderson, who scored an excellent long-range free kick on 69 minutes giving their keeper no chance.

Morpeth pressed for the victory but were stung by Northallerton substitute Lee Court as he hit the winning goal with just a few minutes left.

The result meant the away side survived and Bishop Auckland were relegated to Division Two.

Morpeth finished in eighth place with 64 points, but this game was indicative of the main problem this season as they only won nine home matches and lost nine, with most of these defeats suffered at the start of the season.

The away form, however, was excellent with nine wins, seven draws and just five losses.

There was disappointment in being knocked out early on in the FA Cup and FA Vase, but Morpeth made a good effort of defending the Northumberland Senior Cup.

They were unlucky to lose out 2-0 to Blyth Spartans at Craik Park in the Semi-Finals in a repeat of the 2007 Final, which Town won 3-2.