Morpeth Town slipped to a narrow opening day defeat to FC United at Craik Park, thanks to EFL journeyman Adam Le Fondre’s strike just before the hour mark, writes Matty Hunter.

In a game which was close-fought, it was the 37-year-old’s slotted finish, rounding Dan Langley, that separated the two sides.

The Highwaymen had a few chances but failed to really test the visitors’ goalkeeper, ensuring the Red Rebels started the season with a clean sheet and three points to take back to Manchester on their longest away day of the season.

Town boss Craig Lynch opted to start all seven of his summer signings, but former FC forward Nic Bollado started on the bench.

The first 20 minutes of the game saw both sides trying to settle into the game, and they showed their opening day nerves by both having periods of stand-off-ishness.

The first notable chance of the afternoon arose when, after quarter of an hour, Dontai Gabidon was found cleverly by captain Michael Donohue – he controlled it before firing it low at Morpeth debutant goalkeeper Langley.

Five minutes later, the hosts had a chance of their own when Fenton John collected the ball well on the edge of the area before playing in Sam Hodgson who managed to get a shot off but it was dragged narrowly wide of the target.

On 30 minutes, Morpeth were let off the hook massively and were very fortunate when two shots hit the woodwork from FC. The period of play started when Donohue looked for a cross in the box but opted to shoot himself, forcing a good save from Langley. Then, the ball fell to Le Fondre who hit the crossbar, before another opportunity presented itself for Gabidon who could only direct his header onto the top of the woodwork.

Langley, who impressed throughout, was called into action again, when the visitors drove a shot low at the 23-year-old who was forced into an instinctive save.

Straight from kick-off for the second period, Morpeth showed their intent and started with a renewed spirit.

Langley was again tested, denying Gabidon with a smart stop on 47 minutes but arguably Morpeth’s best chance came on five minutes later, when Jack Foalle collected the ball on the right wing before driving at the left-back who was looking vulnerable to Morpeth’s pressure on that side; his shot hit the side netting after shooting from a difficult angle.

Moments before the hour-mark, the deadlock was broken through Le Fondre. The striker battled to win the ball before a short backpass was gathered by the former Hibernian man. He had the presence of mind to then round Langley and slot into the empty net.

Morpeth’s best chance of the match came after 65 minutes when Nathan Buddle found himself completely unmarked in the box, but his side-footed effort was saved well by Oliver Byrne from point-blank range.

After 82 minutes, the hosts had a chance to equalise but substitute Liam Miller couldn’t keep his effort down and saw it fly over the top.

For the Highwaymen, it was a disappointing start to a long season which is sure to provide many twists and turns ahead. Their next test sees them travel to Gainsborough on Tuesday night (7.45pm); live commentary will be available from 7.40pm on our Mixlr page, which is free to listen to.

MORPETH TOWN: Langley, Evans, Steels, Dowling (Miller 76’), Wombwell, Buddle (c) (King 82’), Foalle, Hickey (Barlow 62’), Hodgson, John, James (Bollado 62’).

SUBS NOT USED: Boyd.

FC UNITED: Byrne, Ferguson (Palinkas 90+3’), Hall, Donohue (c) (Ennis 72’), Oliver, Evans, Fitzmartin (Preston 82’), Munro, Le Fondre (Rawsthorn 75’), Lindley, Gabidon (Gribbon 62’)

SUBS NOT USED:

ATT: 564