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Morpeth Town host third in the table Gainsborough Trinity in a much-anticipated clash at Craik Park on Saturday (3pm).
The Pitching In NPL Premier Division clash is a chance for the Highwaymen to move clear of the drop zone and for the Holy Blues to close in on top spot.
FORM GUIDE
Morpeth: The Highwaymen have lost five of their last six but ended that sequence with a credible draw at Matlock last time out.
Gainsborough: The Holy Blues have won three of their last five, losing just once in that time. They’ve won their previous two games heading into Saturday’s encounter in Northumberland.
LAST TIME OUT
Morpeth ended a run of six games without a goal and six straight losses with a much-improved 2-2 draw at Matlock Town.
The visitors took the lead thanks to Sam Fishburn’s close range finish, after great work from Andrew Johnson down the left flank. That lead lasted until 10 minutes into the second half when Karl Demidh equalised, scoring on his debut.
The drama was far from over as five minutes later Jack Foalle was shoved over while bearing down on goal. With a penalty awarded, and Barnett shown a second yellow card and a red, Connor Thomson confidently slotted home from 12 yards to give his side the lead for the second time.
The Gladiators raised their game with 10 men and equalised through captain Ryan Qualter with seven minutes to go. There was still time for opposition manager Martin Carruthers to be sent off for protesting the denial of a late penalty shout as the game ended all square.
Gainsborough head into this one with renewed confidence after coming from 3-0 down with half an hour to go to beat Stafford Rangers 4-3.
Trailing after conceding goals from Tom Tonks, Luis Morrison-Derbyshire, and Kaiman Anderson, the Holy Blues rallied incredibly, with George Hornshaw and Hayden Cann reducing the deficit before Liam Waldock and Clayton Donaldson scored in the final 10 minutes to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
THE GAFFER
Morpeth boss Craig Lynch is wanting his side to rise to the occasion when hosting Gainsborough at Craik Park.
“I do feel it is the type of game we need at the minute,” said the Morpeth boss.
“Saturday’s draw at Matlock gave us the confidence to pick up the points and score goals. We have got to build on that.
“Gainsborough are a team doing really well this season with a lot of good players.
“They have shown in their games a lot of fight, typified by their last game at Stafford Rangers. To win after being three goals down is a great achievement, especially in this division.
“I would like to think though that the Matlock result will help us to play with a bit more freedom.”
Gainsborough assistant manager Darryn Stamp was full of praise for his side after the 4-3 win on the road last time.
“That just shows the character of all of them, every single one of them,” he said.
“As soon as that first goal (for Trinity) went in, a lot of teams could have said that was a consolation goal.
“But no, get that ball out of the net, get it back and let’s go and get another. Then the second, then the third. Honestly, I almost couldn’t believe it when the fourth one went in and there was still 10 minutes to go!
“It’s crazy, a mad game of football but we’ve come away with three points and it is a great victory for us.”
TICKETS
Tickets are on sale on the day, on the gate (cash only) with the following categories:
Adults – £12
Concessions – £8
Kids – £4
Under-5s – FREE
