Match report proudly sponsored by Northumbria Print
Morpeth Town fell to a 3-1 defeat at Radcliffe in the Pitching In NPL Premier Division.
The Highwaymen trailed at the interval courtesy of Jude Oyibo’s debut goal for the hosts on 42 minutes, before the lead was doubled – through Gareth Evans’ 69th minute strike – and then tripled – Luca Navarro netting in the 74th minute – prior to Connor Thomson scoring a consolation with five minutes to go.
With a raft of former full-time pros in their ranks, Radcliffe was always going to be a tough away trip for any side in the division.
So it proved for Morpeth, but they were relatively comfortable for the first 41 minutes, with Oyibo firing over the top in the 11th minute and Ben Ramsey having a 27th minute close range shot blocked as both sides matched each other stride for stride.
The game would swing in favour of the hosts in the space of 60 seconds on 41 minutes as Morpeth were denied a penalty, with Dale Pearson being wrestled in the six-yard box. Then came a long ball downfield that had Town on the backfoot, to such an extent that Oyibo picked up on a loose ball before progressing to the left side of the area and drilling a low shot into the far corner.
The Highwaymen could have equalised on the stroke of half-time, but Michael Turner’s header to the far post flew inches past the upright.
The home side started the second half stronger and would have doubled their lead 11 minutes in but for a fine one-handed save from Dan Lowson to deny Navarro.
Substitute Thomson fired over the top from inside the area on 63 minutes, before Lowson once again denied Navarro with an outstanding low stop.
But he couldn’t prevent Radcliffe scoring a second on 69 minutes when Rick Smith’s header from a corner struck the bar before dropping for sub Evans who thumped a shot into the turf that looped over everyone and into the far corner.
Two became three five minutes later when Navarro twisted and turned before rifling a shot into the roof of the net from eight yards as Radcliffe stretched clear.
Morpeth would reduce the deficit with five minutes to go when Thomson latched on to a poor back header from Olly Thornley, showing composure to steady himself and fire into the bottom corner.
Despite Josh Robson’s flicked header being tipped over by Radcliffe keeper Tom Stewart in the 90th minute, Town would suffer defeat on the road.
The Highwaymen are next in action when they welcome Lancaster City to Craik Park on Tuesday night. Tickets can be bought online by clicking here or on the gate on the day (cash only).
RADCLIFFE: Stewart, Evans, Fitzpatrick, Joyce, Smith, Thornley, Oyibo, Adams (C), Thompson, Navarro, Karacan.
SUBS: Carter, Grant, Crothers, Evans, Rodrigues-Ferreria
MORPETH TOWN: Lowson, Wombwell (Robson 76’), Turner, King, Henderson (C), Morris, Foalle, Donaldson, Pearson (Fishburn 58’), Pani (Thomson 58’), Ramsey.
SUBS: Reid, Sayer
ATT: 843
