Morpeth Town travel to Newton Aycliffe on Saturday (3pm) knowing they need to build another unbeaten run of form if they are to keep their title rivals at bay. With Marske United holding nine games in hand in EBAC Northern League Division One, all The Highwaymen can do is win their games in pursuit of the league crown.
SNAPSHOT PREVIEW
FORM: Newton Aycliffe are solid – unbeaten in their previous eight league outings – but unspectacular as they picked up three league victory in that stretch. They haven’t lost in the league since November, a run including eight games, but too many draws means they can’t quite shake off the bottom three, with Jarrow and Penrith (hovering in and around that zone) earning more victories than The Newtonians’ seven so far. Only Ashington can beat Newton Aycliffe’s 10 draws this campaign but recent form suggests they are starting to string a run of form together.
Two defeats in 30 league games ensures Morpeth are one of the in-form teams in Division One. Away from home is where those two losses have taken place but 11 wins is a statistic only Whitley Bay can equal. The best scoring record on their travels (45) and the fourth best defensive stats (18) make The Highwaymen a dangerous prospect for any potential host.
LAST GAME: Newton Aycliffe were in impressive form as they overcame Shildon at Newton Aycliffe Sports Club. A 2-1 victory extended their unbeaten league run to eight and ensured they head into Saturday’s encounter full of confidence.
Morpeth Town, playing on a difficult pitch at Craik Park, managed to overcome Penrith with a 1-0 success. Sean Taylor flicked a sublime 26th minute Chris Reid pass towards goal and then fired past Bonny Blues keeper Stuart Dixon, a moment of magic which proved the difference between the two sides.
KICK OFF TIME: 3pm
WHERE TO WATCH: Newton Aycliffe Sports Club, Moore Lane, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham
SAT NAV: DL5 5AG
