Match Report sponsored by Northumbria Print
Morpeth Town ended with nine men but claimed a 1-0 home victory against South Shields in the Pitching In NPL Premier Division.
Morpeth had taken a second half lead through Liam Noble’s 10th goal of the season just before the hour-mark. Although that was the end of the scoring, there was still time for two red cards in two minutes as Carl Finnigan and Noble were both dismissed.
The game started decently enough for both sides, with Town stopper Dan Lowson tipping an early effort up before gathering at the second attempt.
Town though were bright going forward and created moments of panic, with Noble’s inswinging delivery forcing a Shields defender to head past the far post.
The visitors then had one cleared off the line before Andrew Johnson’s free-kick from the edge of the box was saved by Boney, who had been booked for bringing down Foalle in a tussle on the 18 yard line.
It was a cracking start to the game with plenty of energy and high tempo from both sides, who were keen to take an early lead.
The game settled a touch, but Foalle’s attempt to chip the keeper was saved by Boney before Nathan Lowe dragged an effort past the far post in the 27th minute.
Morpeth would create their own clear chance in the 35th minute through Oliver, as he was played in down the right side of the box before lashing a near post shot goalward that was pushed clear by Boney. Lowson then smothered at the feet of Hodgson as a slick counter saw the forward played in behind the hosts’ defence.
The game was an even contest for long spells and the second half started in similar fashion to the first, with neither side grabbing the initiative but both looking calm on the ball and eager to get on the front foot.
However, it would be Town who would hit the front from the spot in the 59th minute. Noble was the man to slot home after Jeff Henderson was clearly hauled down in the area by Jack Bodenham.
With the wind in their sails, Morpeth were pressing quickly and causing problems, with Liam Henderson so nearly doubling the lead in the 67th minute.
The striker, latching on to a long ball from Jeff Henderson, raced clear but his shot was pushed up and on to the post by keeper Boney.
Then came a crazy two-minute spell which saw Morpeth reduced to nine men, as Finnigan was shown a straight red for a lunging challenge on Jordan Hunter before Noble was shown a second yellow card for a stretching challenge while trying to prevent a quick Shields counter-attack.
Stephen Forster cleared off the line in the fifth minute of added time as the nine men of the Highwaymen held on for an excellent win.
Morpeth are next in action on Saturday when we travel to York City in the FA Trophy Fifth Round. Tickets are available online through York’s website, as well as on the gate on the day. Bus places are still available by contacting admin@morpethtownafc.com
MORPETH TOWN: Lowson, Forster, Turner, Sayer, J.Henderson, Oliver, Foalle (Walton 82’), Noble, L.Henderson (Finnigan 71’), Phillips, Johnson.
SUBS NOT USED: Morris, Ramsay, Taylor.
GOALS: Noble (59’ PEN)
SOUTH SHIELDS: Boney, Hunter, Adams, McGowan (Rose 71’), Morse, Bodenham, Osei, Lowe, Hodgson, Briggs, Jenkins.
SUBS NOT USED: Shaw, Tee, Rossiter, Kempster.
GOALS: N/A
ATT: 1,571
