Match report proudly sponsored by Northumbria Print
Words by Matty Hunter
Morpeth Town missed the opportunity to go five points clear of the drop zone after a narrow defeat at Craik Park on Saturday.
Max Cane’s second half opener proved the difference, with the result completing a double over us for FC United, who had beaten the Highwaymen 4-2 at Broadhurst Park in October.
Manager Craig Lynch made three changes to the side that was defeated by Warrington Town in midweek, with Josh King, Jack Foalle and Ben Ramsey replacing Josh Robson, the injured Michael Turner and Fenton John.
The opening half-hour was frantic, with several chances for both sides.
Ten minutes in, Keegan Hartley attempted to chip Dan Lowson but the experienced goalkeeper parried the ball up in the air before seeing it cleared behind by the scrambling defence.
Morpeth’s first opportunity came from Ben Sayer sending an inviting ball through to Foalle but his effort was deflected wide.
A minute later Chris Reid was sent through the heart of the defence, but his shot was lifted over the crossbar. Then, a very similar effort followed as Ryan Donaldson sent his shot over the crossbar.
The visiting goalkeeper Dan Lavercombe was forced into action when he denied Ben Sayer next, following a great run down the left wing by the midfielder. Then, Andrew Johnson registered his first opportunity of the afternoon but sent a curling effort wide of the far post.
The best chance of the game so far arose on 24 minutes, when Lowson was called into action, shovelling a header off the line from close range. The Morpeth custodian made two important saves in quick succession soon after, keeping the scoreline level.
Morpeth had penalty appeals waved away by referee David Pill on the stroke of half time, when Foalle’s cross into the area made connection with the visiting defender’s outstretched arm.
The second period started in slow fashion compared to the first, but it was FC United who enjoyed the majority of the play and tested the Morpeth back line on several occasions. On 57 minutes, the Reds took the lead and got the goal that their recent efforts deserved. It was Cane who notched, when the striker sent an effort past the despairing Lowson into the far corner of the net, much to the delight of the travelling supporters congregated behind the goal.
The Highwaymen’s first notable chance of the half to equalise came fifteen minutes from full time, when Sayer cleverly switched the play out to the wing to substitute Matty Cornish who saw his effort deflected twice before going narrowly wide of the target.
Substitute Cornish had two more chances before the final whistle. The first was a header which was glanced just wide and the second an effort from range but it was straight down the throat of the keeper.
In the 90th minute, Reid had a gilt-edged opportunity to equalise as he was left unmarked for a free header but unfortunately steered the chance straight at Lavercombe.
The final chance of the afternoon was for FC United in stoppage time, but Lowson was on hand to deny with a superb one-handed stop.
The games come thick and fast, with the Highwaymen next in action on Tuesday night when they visit high-flying Bamber Bridge. Highwaymen Radio commentary will be live from our Mixlr page from 7.40pm.
MORPETH TOWN: Lowson, King, Pye, Sayer, Henderson (c), Reid, Foalle, Chiabi (Fishburn 77’), Ramsey (Cornish 66’), Donaldson, Johnson.
SUBS: Anderson, Morris, Robson.
FC UNITED: Lavercombe, Wollerton, Hall, Griffiths, Palinkas (Dodd 52’), Jones (c), Gabidon (Da Costa 52’), Potts, Cane, Hartley (Van Wyk 69’), Barugh.
SUBS: Willan, Vaughan.
ATT: 541
