Match Report brought to you by Northumbria Print

Morpeth progressed to the 4th qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday as they cruised past league rivals Radcliffe. It’s the first time in 23 years that the Highwaymen have reached this stage of the competition and are potentially 90 minutes away from the 1st round.

Goals from Michael Turner, Liam Noble and Joe Walton scored for the Highwaymen with Andy Owens grabbing a late consolation for Radcliffe at the Neuven Stadium writes Sam Donovan. 

Jack Foalle had shown a sign of what to come in the opening 2 minutes when he netted but the referee had already adjudged Foalle to have used a high foot and gave the home side a free kick. 

Liam Noble was instrumental for the Highwaymen; it was his corner that lead to Micahel Turner crashing home a header off the underside of the bar on 13 minutes. 

Morpeth looked to extend their lead but Jack Foalle headed wide of the post before Cameron Belford was called into action to push away a fierce effort from Andrew Johnson. 

The home side rarely threatened but their best chance in the first half came the way of Bobby Grant but he went with his boot instead of his head and diverted the ball high over the bar. 

Liam Noble doubled the lead on 40 minutes when his inswinging corner was left at the near post by a defender and Belford with the ball sneaking into the back of the net. 

Town made it three before the interval as Joe Walton was given too much time and space to pick his spot as he shot across goal and found the bottom corner via the far post. 

The second half was a more tepid affair as both sides struggled to fashion any chances. The best chance in the opening stages of the half fell the way of Liam Henderson but he couldn’t direct his header into the bottom corner and it drifted narrowly wide of the post. 

On 74 minutes, Ryan Donaldson sent a dipping half volley over the bar as Morpeth looked to put the seal on an emphatic victory.

Liam Henderson was once again denied by Belford who produced a stunning stop to deny the striker after Ben Ramsey had seen an effort blocked to the edge of the area. 

Radcliffe pulled a goal back on 83 minutes as Andy Ownes was able to head a corner via the inside of the post. 

There was still time for Morpeth to almost grab a fourth as Ben Ramsey hared down on goal but he was hauled down by Tom Miller just outside the area. The referee gave a yellow to the Radcliffe man with the free kick sailing over the bar to end the game. 

The Highwaymen deservedly made progress with a commanding display over their league rivals and controlled the game from beginning to end which extended their unbeaten run to 5 games. 

The two sides will lock horns again on Tuesday evening but this time at Craik Park. Kick off is at 7.45pm. 

Radcliffe: Belford, Gomes (Dawson, 36’), Miller, Lenighan, Thornley (Carroll, 46’), Cummings, Hall, Crothers, Owens, Grant, Orlando – Young (Ngongo, 63’)

Subs not Used: Oldham, Valentine.

Goals: Owens 83’

Morpeth Town: Lowson, Walton, Turner, Sayer (Phillips, 73’), J. Henderson (c), Morris, Foalle (Forster, 86’), Noble, L. Henderson, Donaldson, Johnson (Ramsey, 66’).

Subs not Used: Walker, Reid.

Goals: Turner 13’, Noble 40’, Walton 44’