Newton Aycliffe slipped to a third consecutive away defeat as they failed to hold on to a one-goal lead at Morpeth and suffered a 2-1 defeat.
Tom Atkinson’s deflected strike was all Allan Oliver’s men had to show for a dominant first-half display, which could have seen the visitors five goals up.
But the hosts responded in style in the second period, with goals from Michael Chilton and Adam Forster completing a surprise victory.
Aycliffe, who handed new signing Kerry Hedley, were almost ahead within 90 seconds as Jamie Owens’ header from a Stuart Owen corner crashed back off the post.
Soon after, Atkinson rounded the goalkeeper just to see his goalbound effort cleared off the line, before Owens fired over from the edge of the area after winning possession deep in the Morpeth half.
Aycliffe had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down in the 15th minute as Paul Broom was upended in the area.
But the travelling Newtonians did not have much longer to wait for the breakthrough. Owens releases strike-partner Atkinson whose shot was turned into his own net by David Hiftle.
Hedley then beat his marker out wide and crossed for Atkinson, who saw a header blocked before Broom fired over from the rebound.
But the home side were a different team after the break and set about getting back into the game.
Steve Anderson’s cross picked out Chilton in the area, who headed past Andrew Spence just before the hour mark.
And Aycliffe were denied a point in the dying stages when Forster burst into the area before firing past Spence from close range.
The defeat followed on from a disappointing 3-2 defeat at Billingham Synthonia, in a game which saw Aycliffe lead twice, with two goals from Atkinson.
A run of four consecutive away games which has seen the club pick up just three points and slipped to 15th in the table, but back-to-back games at Moore Lane Park – where the Royal Blues have lost just once in the league this season – could see them return to the top 10.
On Saturday December 7, Aycliffe host struggling Billingham Town at MLP, with kick-off 3pm. Before Christmas, Marske United – complete with former Newtonians Danny Lambert and Danny Earl – make the trip to the Sports Club on Wednesday December 18, with Ashington the visitors the following Saturday, December 21.
Admission for all games at MLP is £6 adults, £4 concessions with all under 12s free.