Humiliation for Consett as they went down to their heaviest defeat of the season at Morpeth's Craik Park. As the battle with Prudhoe for First Division survival intesifies, so Consett's form is deserting them faster than a fleeing Iraqi General. It's difficult to see how Consett can bounce back from this loss, with only away games at West Auckland and Shildon remaining.

With Darren Grimes and Rod Butler unavailable through work commitments, Steve Smith injured and Gareth McKenna suspended, Colin Carr was forced into another re-shuffle. David Hagan was drafted into a back three, with Neil Lowdon and Mark Lee operating as wing backs.

Lee Suddes battles for the ball

Right from the start Consett were under pressure as Morpeth created chance after chance. After just 5 minutes Beavers lifted the ball over the bar when he was left with only Platten to beat, then two minutes later Johnson went on a long run down the left flank which ended when Platten saved low at his near post. The home side did take the lead in the 13th minute though when a cross from Johnson was cleared to McAndrew who hit a sweet right foot volley into the top right hand corner of the net.

Neil Lowdon tackles McAndrew

Three minutes later it was 2-0. A through ball from Walker was cleverly chested into the path of McAndrew by Caldow, and the Morpeth number 11 got his second by calmly lobbing Platten.

Still Morpeth poured forward and Beavers should have done better when he found himself in the clear again, but this time he shot well wide. Midway through the first half Consett got their first shot on target when a flick on from McLeod found Green in the left channel, he squared to Suddes 6 yards out who forced a breathtaking reaction save out of Fairbairn.

It was only a brief respite though as the relentless stream of Morpeth attacks continued just a minute later, Platten having to be alert to save a firm drive from Johnson. Morpeth's third eventually came four minutes before half time as Caldow, who appeared to be coming back from an offside position, flicked a header into the path of McAndrew who slammed the ball home to completed his hat trick. Consett's rearguard had no answer to McAndrew's pace, and his brilliant first half performance culminated in an assist for the fourth just before half time, his blocked shot falling at the feet of Caldow close in who made no mistake.

Half Time Morpeth 4-0 Consett

Any hopes that Morpeth might ease off in the second half were soon dispelled when, just three minutes after the restart, Walker controlled the ball on his chest before sending a dipping volley narrowly wide.

Morpeth should have continued to add to their tally as the second half progressed and Consett disappeared out of the game as an attacking force altogether, however they failed to convert a number of chances.

In the 57th minute more excellent work from McAndrew resulted in a left wing cross being headed against the bar by Caldow. Seven minutes later the home side had the ball in the net when Riches broke down the right before shooting at Platten who parried the shot. Substitute Neil Green nodded the rebound home but was offside.

David Hagan clears

McAndrew once again caused havoc 20 minutes from time when his cross from the right wing was diverted goalwards by Johnny Brown, but the Consett defender was spared the embarrassment of an own goal by the post. This proved to be McAndrew's last meaningful contribution to the game as he limped off injured shortly afterwards. However far from being a relief for the visitors, Morpeth stepped up a gear despite being down to 10 men.

Lowdon on the run

Eleven minutes from the end Johnson went on a run down the right wing. His right wing cross was only half cleared before falling to Beavers 25 yards out who struck a low drive in off the post for Morpeth's fifth.

In the 81st minute Consett got a rare effort on target, Green's cross being headed goalwards by Chris Hodgson however the keeper gathered easily. Moments later though the Steelmen were on the back foot again as Caldow played Neil Green in who attempted to lob Platten, but he saved at full stretch.

Green only had to wait four more minutes to get on the scoresheet though. A ball over the top found him in acres of space, and although after rounding Platten he dallied over his finish to allow Brown to get back onto the line, he nevertheless slammed Morpeth's sixth home emphatically.

So, even though they are only two points from safety things look bleak for Consett now. Even if Prudhoe lose all of their last four games, Consett will still need three points from their two remaining fixtures, which are both away from home. Given that their previous 18 away league games this season have gleaned just six points it may well prove to be too much for them. On this evidence, Consett staying up is about as likely as Saddam Hussein returning to power.