Match Report Sponsored by Northumbria Print
Morpeth rescued a point in Lancashire on Tuesday evening as they came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Giant Axe writes Sam Donovan
Rhys Turner opened the scoring for the hosts before that lead was doubled through David Norris. Liam Henderson halved the arrears early into the second half but were unable to find an equaliser.
The hosts opened the scoring on 7 minutes through Rhys Turner. A long ball was played up to Matty Blinkhorn who was able to chest the ball down to Turner who was able to advance and drive the ball home.
Things went bad to worse on 11 minutes as the Dolly Blues went 2-0 up through David Norris. Christian Sloan was able to tee the ball to Norris and the striker made no mistake from 6 yards as he rifled the ball into the roof of the net.
Despite the slow start to the game, it was the Highwaymen who looked the most likely to grab the next goal. There were appeals after 23 minutes for a goal as a corner was touched towards goal by Jeff Henderson but the officials ignored the appeals.
A minute later and Liam Noble looked to repeat his scoring feat from Saturday but his attempt on this occasion was over the bar.
Just before the half hour mark, Morpeth had a double chance with Jack Foalle forcing a save from the ‘keeper who parried the ball away. The rebound fell the way of Andrew Johnson but his effort went narrowly wide of the far post.
As the game ticket towards half time, Sam Hodgson had two opportunities to get Morpeth back into the game but his attempts were straight at Sam Ashton in the Lancaster goal.
Blinkhorn had the first opportunity of the second half but his chipped effort on 49 minutes went wide of the post.
Morpeth responded and Foalle saw his header come back off the inside of the post and hit the ‘keeper before it was bundled behind for a corner which was eventually cleared.
Liam Henderson did reduce the arrears on 53 when he slid home following a cross by Foalle.
Ashton was forced into another save with Johnson curling an effort towards the top corner but the ‘keeper was able to push it behind for a corner.
On 70 minutes, Blinkhorn reminded the Highwaymen that the hosts were still a threat as he shot from a tight angle but Dan Lowson was equal to the effort and made a comfortable save.
Just when you thought that the game was going to trundle to a close, there was handbags in the 88th minute. Sam Hodgson prevented a free kick being taken so was kicked by Paul Dawson who was dismissed. In the ensuing melee, Wayne Phillips was also given his marching orders.
Morpeth grabbed a dramatic equaliser in added time as Carl Finnigan nodded home to grab a deserved point for the Highwaymen who were the better for long periods of the game.
There was still another chance for Morpeth to take all 3 points but Foalle saw his effort saved by Ashton.
Morpeth are next in action on Saturday when they face Southport in an FA Cup tie.
STARTING XI: Lowson, Forster (Williams, 90’), Phillips (c), Sayer (Finnigan, 70’), J. Henderson, Turner, Foalle, Hodgson, L. Henderson, Noble, Johnson (Walton, 70’).
SUBS NOT USED: Mohammed, Leonard.
GOALS: L. Henderson 53’, Finnigan 90+2’.
