Match report proudly sponsored by Northumbria Print

Picture: George Davidson

Words: Matty Hunter

Morpeth Town rounded off their season in the best fashion as they lifted the Techflow Marine Senior Cup for the fourth time, defeating holders Blyth Spartans at St. James’ Park.

A goal in both halves was the difference over the Northumberland neighbours with club captain Jeff Henderson opening the scoring after just six minutes before Jack Foalle doubled the scoreline in the second half.

The Highwaymen lifted the 139-year-old trophy in front of a crowd of 2,324 at the home of Newcastle United, rounding off the campaign in style.

En route to the final, Morpeth edged Newcastle Benfield 1-0 at Sam Smith’s Park in the quarter-final whilst Blyth defeated North Shields 2-1 at the Daren Persson Stadium at the same stage. In the semi-final, Morpeth cruised into the final defeating Whitley Bay 5-0 at Craik Park, and Blyth overcame Heaton Stannington 1-0 at Grounsell Park. Craig Lynch made six changes to the side that snatched a dramatic point last time out, with Andrew Johnson amongst those named on the bench. Blyth Spartans also made several changes, fielding a weaker lineup as their focus was arguably on survival in the National League North.

The match started in very lively fashion, with Morpeth immediately on the front foot. The first chance came after four minutes when Ryan Donaldson’s effort struck the post and went agonisingly close, with many supporters thinking that it crossed the line.

On six minutes, Morpeth took the lead as skipper Henderson towered over the Blyth defender to power home his header into the bottom right corner, giving his side the advantage.

After quarter of an hour, Connor Thomson drove into the box from the left-hand side before crossing the ball invitingly into the path of Donaldson who struggled to get his shot away after pressure from the defender.

Michael Richardson had the first chance for Blyth, as his effort blazed over the bar from 25-yards. Then, there was a penalty shout turned away for Morpeth, with referee Kirk Freeth uninterested in the claims.

Sunderland loanee Connor Pye drove forward from left back next, but he was fouled by Finn Cousin-Dawson, who was shown the first yellow card of the evening.

Two chances within quick succession followed for the Highwaymen, with Foalle seeing his effort from 20-yards out deflected over the crossbar followed by some great buildup play between Donaldson and Thomson, with the latter unable to test Alex Mitchell in the Spartans net.

Blyth had a couple of chances next both through JJ O’Donnell , as he forced a save from Dan Lowson at the back post before he was unable to steer an effort moments later on target, slicing the opportunity over the upright.

On the 40 minute mark, Morpeth almost scored an identical goal to the first, as Liam Noble swang in a cross towards Henderson who fired a header goalwards, but this time Mitchell denied the defender well.

Three minutes after the restart, Morpeth deservedly doubled their lead through Foalle! It arose from a free-kick being delivered into the area which saw the ball fall to the midfielder, who volleyed the effort into the bottom corner before celebrating in front of the supporters.

Foalle helped make another chance for his side next, as he combined well with Ben Sayer down the right flank before bringing out a good save from Mitchell at his near post.

It was Blyth who had the next opportunity, as good play from the Spartans saw Richardson pick out Sunderland loanee Michael Spellman with a sliding pass, only to be intercepted by Josh Robson’s outstretched tackle.

The best chance of the game for Blyth came on 67 minutes, as Jay Errington pounced upon a defensive mishap by Morpeth, as his shot was parried by Lowson before his teammate McGowan fired the rebound wide.

Blyth had one final chance to pull a goal back in stoppage time as Richardson forced a reflex save from Lowson, as the experienced keeper tipped the strike over the woodwork.

The final whistle blew shortly after, with the trophy win drawing the curtain on a rollercoaster of a season for the Highwaymen.

MORPETH TOWN: Lowson, Robson, Pye, Sayer (King), Henderson ©, Reid, Foalle, Noble, Fishburn, Donaldson, Thomson (Ramsey)

SUBS: Turner, Ramsey, King, Johnson, Thomson

BLYTH SPARTANS: Mitchell, Richardson, O’Donnell (Livermore), Round, Gillies (Evans), McGowan, Elsdon, Dopson, Errington, Cousin-Dawson, Spellman

SUBS: Evans, Liddle, Lees, Main, Livermore

ATT: 2,324