Match Report sponsored by Northumbria Print

Morpeth kept alive their playoff ambitions as they deservedly beat FC United of Manchester at Craik Park on Saturday writes Sam Donovan. 

The only goal of the game came on 11 minutes with Andrew Johnson burying his 22nd goal of the season. 

On 8 minutes, Liam Noble delivered in a corner that was headed over the bar by Johnson. 

He made amends for that miss on 11 minutes after good work from Joe Walton and Jack Foalle. Walton sent a cross into the area where Foalle forced Dan Lavercombe into the save but the loose ball was picked up by Johnson and he made no mistake as he bent it into the far corner. 

United were struggling to create attacking opportunities but they had a dangerous freekick on 17 minutes but it was claimed by Dan Lowson. 

Morpeth continued to come forward and on 25 minutes, Johnson whipped in a low ball that was turned behind at the far post by Adam Dodd. The corner was met by the head of Jeff Henderson but he floated his header wide of the post. 

A minute later, Ben Ramsey pinched the ball off Aaron Morris in the area but his shot was denied by Lavercombe. 

Liam Noble stole the ball in midfield and advanced forward but his clipped effort dropped wide of the far post with Lavercombe looking on after 29 minutes. 

Just before the interval, Ben Sayer saw a volley blocked in the area as Town looked to stretch their lead. 

FC United came out sharper in the second half and Dan Lowson was forced into a stunning save less than a minute into the half as he tipped a header over the bar from Regan Linney. 

Jack Foalle continued to provide an outlet for Morpeth and his non-stop running created chances. He shot straight at Lavercombe after cutting infield. His next opportunity saw him chase a long ball and beat Lavercombe to the ball but was denied by Curtis Jones who made a fantastic challenge to block the ball. 

FC United continued pressed in the final 10 minutes as they looked to force an equaliser. Luke Griffiths shot straight at Lowson. 

Noble sent an effort inches wide of the post on 82 minutes as the Highwaymen looked to seal the points. 

Foalle could have secured the win on 85 minutes but he saw his effort plucked out of the air by Lavercombe after he had raced away from halfway. 

Ewan Bange had an even better chance for the visitors as he rounded Dan Lowson but he was thwarted by Jeff Henderson who got a touch on the ball to divert it off the line. 

Morpeth were able to see out the rest of the game without any further scares and claimed a valuable three points to keep their playoff hopes alive. 

Morpeth Town: Lowson, Walton, Turner, Sayer, J. Henderson (c), Morris, Foalle, Noble, Ramsey (Forster, 71’), Donaldson (Oliver, 80’), Johnson. 

Subs not Used: Reid, Phillips, Wombwell. 

Goals: Johnson 11’

FC United of Manchester: Lavercombe, Donohue, Dodd, Smith (Griffiths, 60’), Morris, Jones, Waddecar (Bange, 46’), Potts (Galloway, 71’), Linney, Ennis, Askew. 

Subs not Used: McGee, Taylor. 

Goals: N/A