The aim for the final two league games is clear. Morpeth Town need at least four points to beat their record points league finish and points total, writes Matty Hunter.
In the 2021/22 campaign, the Highwaymen finished in 10th place with 61 points and beating that record is there for the taking.
“It has been a great campaign both on and off the pitch”, manager Craig Lynch told the club website.
“We have one of the smallest squads in the division, yet every player has put in a shift all year and that is why we are so close to beating the record as a team.
“We have picked up some big results this year and that is testament to the squad. I am immensely proud of the lads”, Craig said.
The Highwaymen have only suffered four defeats in 18 matches since the turn of the year with two of those being against the league tables top two sides in Worksop and Macclesfield.
“I say it a lot but the effort that our lads give is admirable and that answers for our form this year.”
Morpeth are also on an unbeaten streak stretching back to five matches now, since the Macclesfield defeat and aim to keep that intact in the final two games of the campaign.
This afternoon’s fixture is the second match in three days, and that is tough scheduling for everyone, especially at this level. Just two days ago on Good Friday, Morpeth travelled just 50 miles down the round and earned a well-fought draw against play-offs-bound Stockton Town.
“It was a fair result on Friday, and we had chances to win it against a very good side this year,” the gaffer reflected.
“Stockton had won five on the bounce before playing us with five clean sheets too, so we knew to expect a tough game, but we held our own very well against an outstanding outfit. Credit to them because they deserve to be in the position that they are in the playoffs after just coming up to this league, and I wish them the best,” he continued.
Just nine days ago, in our penultimate home game, the Highwaymen were held to a 2-2 draw at the hands of now relegated Basford United.
“I thought that we played some good football, especially in the first half, and we were disappointed not to get the three points. It was a crazy game that unfolded with Basford ending with nine players, but we still had to stick at our game and get a result.
Ultimately, it was just some poor decision making in the final third that cost us, but we have learnt lessons since then.
“We really want to finish our home campaign on a high this afternoon and send home our loyal supporters with three points to celebrate before our last game of the season at Warrington Rylands, and then the cup final against Heaton Stannington at St James’ Park in three weeks time.”
On the final, Craig offered his comments ahead of the match.
“I am delighted for Heaton and Dean Nicholson, who I know from a short time at Seaham years ago, to reach the final. They have had a brilliant couple of years and it will be a great occasion that both clubs will be up for in search of silverware”, he said.
