Sam Hodgson scored both goals for Morpeth Town as Atherton Collieries were beaten 2-1 in the North East in NPL Premier Division on Saturday.

Hodgson’s brace came after a penalty from Enock Lusiama had initially put David Chadwick’s side in front.

In a game that took a while to truly ignite, the only real chance of the first half-hour came in the form of a Nic Bollado shot fired straight at Colls keeper Tom Donaghy.

Things would spring to life, however, in the final 10 minutes before the break.

First, the Colls took the lead, after Lusiama was bundled over in the box.

The striker picked himself up to take the resulting penalty, and calmly sent the home keeper the wrong way to make it 1-0.

That goal marked Atherton Collieries’ first at Craik Park in four attempts, but the visitors’ elation after a goal of both historical and contemporary significance would prove shortlived.

That was because on-loan South Shields striker Hodgson would go on to level the game just minutes later, firing a shot high into the top-left corner.

The Colls’ travelling contingent, who remained vocal throughout the 90 minutes, would again see their celebrations curtailed after the break, as what looked to be a second goal was ruled out for a foul.

Instead, it would be the home side who found themselves 2-1 in front, as Hodgson headed home his second of the game to complete the turnaround.

That was not the end of the drama, however, as the Highwaymen found themselves down to 10 men late on after Will Dowling was shown a second yellow card.

That numerical advantage opened the door for one last push for the Colls, and that push almost yielded results, with Jack Evans seeing a header clear the bar by a matter of inches.

Colls are on the road again tonight when they visit Bamber Bridge in the league (7.45pm).