Morpeth Town, fresh from the disappointment of two postponed fixtures during midweek, travel to Ryhope CW for a vital EBAC Northern League Division One contest at Recreation Park (3pm). The game takes on significance for many reasons, not least The Highwaymen’s pressing need for points in the title duel with Marske United but also to capitalise on the latter’s loss at West Auckland earlier in the week.
SNAPSHOT PREVIEW
FORM: Ryhope are absolutely flying of late, with only West Auckland able to better their return of five wins in their previous six league outings (on goal difference). It is a run of form that has pulled them well clear of any relegation scrap; a timely set of results which sees them 14 points clear of the bottom three. Their last four games have been borderline unbelievable as they have netted 21 goals in that time – including a 9-1 hammering of Washington and, more impressively, a 6-1 thumping of Consett – which is nearly a third of their season’s total of 64 so far. At home, only four teams have won less than their five games to date. Their encouraging form appears to show more consistency on the road (nine wins from 17).
Morpeth’s recent away form isn’t ideal, with one win in five outings in Division One. But that’s surely a blip after amassing 12 victories from 19 away days. No-one scores more on the road than Town; they’ve nudged past the half-century mark for the season and will be looking to add to that tally at Recreation Park.
LAST GAME: Ryhope CW have been moving in multiples of three in terms of scoring, winning 3-1 at Jarrow Roofing, before battering Consett 6-1 and then dismantling Washington 9-1 most recently. They couldn’t ask for more heading into the game with Morpeth, who last journeyed to Marske United on a Thursday night and lost 4-1. A Stephen Elliott consolation strike late in the second half was a highlight on a frustrating night at the GER Stadium.
WHEN: Saturday, April 14 2018
KICK-OFF TIME: 3pm
WHERE TO WATCH: Ryhope Recreation Park
SAT NAV: SR2 0AB
