Match report proudly sponsored by Northumbria Print
Liam Noble and Sam Fishburn scored in a decisive four-minute second half spell as Morpeth came from behind to beat Stafford Rangers 2-1 at Craik Park.
In a game between sixth and second in the Pitching In NPL Premier Division, there was a sense of anticipation around the clash that failed to really take off until the second half.
Town brought Noble back into the starting line-up following a groin injury, at the expense of Connor Pani, with Michael Turner and Ryan Wombwell once again paired together at the heart of the defence while Jeff Henderson served the second game of his three-match ban.
Both sides started with no lack of effort and endeavour, but there was little in the way of cutting edge in attack as they struggled to break each other down.
The deadlock would be broken on 14 minutes through Derek Ubah’s header, which, somewhat predictably, came from a Tom Tonks long throw into the box. With the ability to get the ball into the middle of the six-yard box, he did just that and found the towering Ubah. The defender did the rest, climbing head and shoulders above everyone to nod home.
The game meandered its way through the first half, with Chris Reid’s 30th volley slamming into the ground before looping up for Cameron Belford to gather, while Stafford had a shot deflected comfortably wide.
Foalle lashed a 33rd minute effort well over, but forced a save from Belford at the back post with a 44th minute header that failed to bring Town level before the break.
Whatever was said at half-time by manager Craig Lynch certainly did the trick as Morpeth came out a more incisive side.
They came close to levelling on 51 minutes but Reid’s header clipped the outside of the post before going behind.
Seconds later and Dan Lowson was called into action to deny John Atherton, but Morpeth would have their equaliser 60 seconds later.
Connor Thomson latched on to possession in Stafford territory before threading a through ball for Foalle to get on to, behind full-back Joseph Dunne. The latter bundled the attacker over in the box for a penalty which Noble struck decisively for his third goal of the season.
With Morpeth buoyed by the goal, they turned the game on its head with a second goal four minutes later from the impressive Fishburn.
The on-loan Carlisle United striker, who was a thorn in the side of the visitors’ defence throughout, ran on to a lofted ball in from Noble. The forward controlled expertly with his first touch before volleying a superb shot across the keeper with a second touch that was all about technique.
Lowson needed two strong hands to push clear a Jack Baxter drive at goal on the hour-mark, but Stafford created very little from then on as they searched for an equaliser that wouldn’t come.
The win moves Morpeth up to third in the table and sets them up nicely for the second of a home double-header when they welcome Whitby Town to Craik Park on Tuesday night (7.45pm). Tickets are available online and on the gate on the day (cash only).
MORPETH TOWN: Lowson, Robson, Reid, King, Wombwell, Turner, Foalle, Noble, Fishburn (Pearson 90’), Donaldson (Pani 85’), Thomson.
SUBS: Morris, Harvey
STAFFORD RANGERS: Belford, Burns, Dunne, Baxter (Massanka 75’), Stewart, Ubah, Kenton (White 68’), Tonks, Anderson, Harvey, Atherton (Kiwomya 59’).
SUBS: Smith, Willis
ATT: 407
