ALTHOUGH Witton Albion twice came from behind, they conceded a match-winning third goal after Morpeth Town had been reduced to 10 men.
Carl Macauley's side, playing their first game since the 3-1 loss at Ashton Town on February 8, hit back with goals from Isaac Baldwin (27mins) and debutant James Hooper (57) to leave the game on a knife edge.
Albion, who featured Nick Ryan at centre half and Kyle Sambor up front, were also grateful to goalkeeper Chris Renshaw for having saved a penalty at 1-1 after Cesaire Lingouba was deemed to have fouled inside the box.
When Wayne Phillips was shown a red card six minutes after the second equaliser fortunes were going Witton's way.
But in the 65th minute Stephen Forster added a third goal to earlier efforts from Sean Taylor (8) and (49) and despite Witton's best efforts to force a third leveller it wasn't to be.
For the Witton goals, Baldwin fired home with a low shot while Hooper, brought in on dual registration from Altrincham, cashed in after connecting with a through ball from Danny McKenna.
Former Everton and Cardiff City defender Tyrone Duffus joined Hooper in at last pulling on the Witton shirt, their debuts having been delayed by a succession of postponements due to waterlogged pitches.
They will be better for the run-out if they are called on again on Tuesday when Witton host neighbours 1874 Northwich in the semi-finals of the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup, kick-off 7.45pm at Wincham Park.
Admission prices have been reduced for this fixture: Adults £8, concessions £4, students/16-21 £2, under 16s £1.
Memberships and season tickets are not valid for this fixture, admission will be via cash at the turnstiles only.
Witton: Renshaw, Duffus, Baldwin, Wardle, Ryan, Smart, Lingouba, McKenna, Sambor, Hooper, Foley. Subs: Owens, Booth, Byrne, Neild.
Meanwhile, Witton Albion's home BetVictor NPL Premier Division fixture against Basford United, originally planned for February 29, has been rearranged to be played on Tuesday, March 31, kick-off 7.45pm.
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