Ash Chambers opened the score in the first half, before a second half stunner from Jordan Hallam and a late double from Kane Richards sealed off a great way to get the first three points on the table.

Neither team could muster any chances in the opening stages despite a frantic atmosphere. It looked like both teams could score at any minute as attacks came quickly on both goals, but it was the Ambers who eventually capitalised on the open start as a brilliant cross at the face of goal from Hallam met Chambers, who was able to knock the ball in at the back stick to give Basford the lead after 10 minutes.

The chaotic action continued throughout the half but either side were able to muster a dangerous shot with the Ambers defending well against the Highwaymen’s aggression. Another golden chance came Basford’s way however as Kacy Butterfield’s shot was cleared off the line before Chambers’ rebound was met by the keeper. It remained that way until the blow of the whistle with the Ambers one goal to the good.

There was nearly a perfect start to the second half as a short corner saw the ball once again fall to Chambers, who despite having several players on him managed to muster a low shot that was only stopped by the keeper’s outreached leg.

Morpeth responded well to the early pressure with chances of their own as Sam Hodgson overhit his shot over the bar from eight yards. The Ambers however hit back in a spectacular way as Hallam took aim from 25 yards with a curling effort, and Dan Langley could only watch in goal as it flew into the top corner off the post and into the net, doubling the lead impressively in the 58th minute.

Saul Deeney was much to credit for Morpeth not getting what looked like a certain goal back as Nic Bollado found himself one on one, but the keeper won the battle to deny him. The drama continued as Rev James found himself one on one at the other end, and after a huge defensive jumble in the box he couldn’t find his feet to tap the ball home as a foul went the other way.

The Ambers began to feel comfortable in the match as more chances from James and Chambers came close. The latter was involved once again as the Ambers struck once again, as he flicked the ball from a corner towards Richard who made no mistake from close range to make it three in the 88th minute.

With the game now in added time, the Ambers put the final nail in the coffin as a poor pass back gave Richards another golden chance, which he took calmly to get the fourth in the 95th minute, confirming a fantastic afternoon at the Avenue.

STARTING XI: Saul Deeney, Harvey Ridgley, Henri Wilder, Josh Barnes, Nelson Aideyan, Ethan Stewart, Tyler Dacres (69' Prince Mancinelli), Kacy Milan Butterfield, Ash Chambers (89' Stern Irvine), Jordan Hallam (77' Kane Richards), Rev James, (88' Joe Uvegas)

SUBS NOT USED: Harry Goddard

MOTM: Jordan Hallam