Market Drayton Town manager Simon Line was quick to defend his men after this defeat left them without a point to show for their Evo-Stik League South efforts in three matches.

“Not for the first time this season the better team lost,” he said, insisting: “We’re playing well but just not getting the rub of the green at the moment.

“It’s hard to stomach when that happens, especially when it’s now extended over three games but we’ll keep our confidence and commitment in the knowledge that results will come.

“There’s no question about that – they’ve got to, the way we are playing.”

In strictly statistical terms, Town ended this Bank Holiday derby duel in the relegation zone while Newcastle finished up joint leaders of the division, with maximum points from three games.

But for most of the game the roles looked reversed. After a slow start in which Newcastle enjoyed more possession without creating any real chances Drayton played the better football.

And they were equally dominant for much of the second period, Mark Grice twice going close before impressive Newcastle midfielder, Michael Douglas got the better of a pack of markers to lift a looping 56th minute header over keeper Andrew Pryce.

Drayton deservedly equalised with a near carbon copy goal minutes later, Grant Goodhead rising out of a ruck of players at the far post to head home a fine free kick from Steve Jagielka.

After that Town stepped up a gear in their hunt for all three points.

But they were caught out by a sucker punch decider when an intended pass down the left was headed back into an uncontested midfield and then on to Matthew Bell, who capped a sharp run with a cracking shot into the far corner.

Substitues Tom Rogers and Nicky Porter – rested with a leg strain – added punch and fire to Drayton’s search for another equaliser and keeper Pryce even appeared at the far post for a last minute corner but the rub of the green wasn’t with them.