Morpeth Town were knocked out of the League Cup as a late penalty decided their quarter-final clash with Stockton Town.
Morpeth got off to a flier through Mark Davison’s fifth minute opener before Jamie Owens’ 49th minute strike levelled matters. Parity was restored for a matter of seconds though as Ben Sayer expertly placed an effort into the bottom corner one minute later. The scoring wasn’t done there though as Fred Woodhouse headed home on 69 minutes to set up a tense finish before Nathan Mulligan’s 79th minute spot-kick decided matters.
Town, following a guard of honour for their visitors to recognise their FA Vase exploits, started brightly and hit the front after five minutes through Davison. The striker glided in at the near post to glance a Sayer corner across goal and into the far corner. It was simplicity in itself but effective nonetheless.
Both sides looked to settle into things after the goal but it all turned nasty in a split-second following David Carson’s regaining of possession. The midfielder held off Fred Woodhouse, but as both fell to the ground, the latter aimed a hand at Carson, connecting with the back of his head while the Morpeth midfielder was on the floor. Inexplicably, the referee only showed the yellow card.
The Highwaymen were enjoying strong periods of possession but were creating half-chances, as opposed to clear-cut ones. The latest of these came in the 24th minute when Stephen Elliott just couldn’t guide a header at the back post on target before lashing a near post effort over the top, on the run, seconds later.
Morpeth were growing in stature as the game wore on and created a great chance just before half-time. Davison was looking dangerous but couldn’t guide his near-post shot on target after strong play from Michael Turner down the left flank.
Then came a hectic period of the game which saw the two sides trade goals within 60 seconds of each other. The first was an equaliser for Stockton as the visitors latched on to a scuffed Karl Dryden clearance before Owens thundered a low 49th minute effort into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Play had barely settled before Morpeth responded in perfect fashion; with a goal of their own. Sayer was the man to deliver, jinking in off the right flank before sending a low curling left-footed shot into the bottom corner. It was just what The Highwaymen needed as they sought to steady the ship after conceding an unexpected equaliser just seconds before.
Morpeth had the ball in the back of the net six minutes later but the assistant referee had his flag up after Chris Reid’s brilliant overhead finish. One to watch on the highlights for sure.
The hosts had regained their composure by this point and were seeking a crucial third goal. Many thought they had it in the 60th minute, but Sayer’s curling free-kick just didn’t bend enough and struck the side-netting.
The Highwaymen went close once more on 66 minutes when Elliott sent a blistering strike inches past the post from range, but Stockton were by no means out of this one and were offering a threat on the counter and found themselves back level on 69 minutes through Woodhouse.
The striker arrived at the near post to glance a free-kick in from the right past Dryden and level things up for the second time. But they wouldn’t have to wait long to take the lead for the first time in the game with 11 minutes to go, as Mulligan slotted a penalty into the bottom corner after Woodhouse was brought down in the box.
It was enough to separate the sides at full-time as Morpeth bowed out of the League Cup at the quarter-final stage.
Morpeth are next in action when they host Consett at Craik Park (3pm) on Saturday in Division One.
MORPETH TOWN: Dryden; Forster, Danny Carson, Reid, Turner; Graydon (capt), David Carson, Sayer; Elliott (Phillips 74), Davison, Taylor.
SUBS NOT USED: Walton, McDonald, Henderson, Coombes.
GOALS: Davison (5), Sayer (50)
STOCKTON TOWN: Jordan; Garbutt, Risborough, N.Mulligan, D.Mulligan, Coulthard (capt), Hayes, Craggs, Woodhouse, Owens (Coleman 89), Stockton (Carter 65).
SUBS NOT USED: Nicholson, Ward, Cossavella.
GOALS: Owens (49), Woodhouse (69), N.Mulligan (79)
ATT: 125 (not including a whole host of juniors who are allowed in for free after training on the common next door)
This report is proudly sponsored by Jimmy Anderson, on behalf of Aggregate Industries, a part of LafargeHolcim.
