Match report proudly sponsored by Northumbria Print
Words by Ross Jackson
Morpeth Town put in a defensive masterclass as they earned a point with a 0-0 draw at Stafford Rangers in the Pitching In NPL Premier Division.
The Highwaymen were everything you’d want from an away side – resolute, disciplined, and well organised, and had to deal with the imposing presence of the inform Nathan Blissitt up top.
The game started in fairly even fashion with both sides competitive in midfield and both defences standing up to early challenges.
Chances were at a premium, before Jack Baxter’s 23rd minute effort that was bent well wide. Morpeth responded almost immediately with the best chance of the game.
Connor Thomson did well to whip an inviting ball into the ball and Connor Pye rose highest to nod over the bar at the back post, with Kaiman Anderson slipping as he tried to challenge.
Baxter had a more threatening attempt on 42 minutes, after Morpeth failed to clear a ball into the box, but Baxter sent a rising drive over with keeper Dan Lowson seeing it on its way.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with chances at a premium and neither defence looking like giving up an opportunity.
Morpeth’s defensive work was exemplary once more, a back five faultless with a midfield working diligently and effectively across the park.
It resulted in a goalless draw, the first of the season for the Highwaymen, but a welcome point on the road as Morpeth left their longest away day of the season with a share of the spoils.
STAFFORD RANGERS: Belford, Burns, Dunne, Harvey (c), Morrison-Derbyshire, O’Neill, Anderson, Baxter, Blissitt, Willis, Saunders (Kiwomya 61’).
SUBS: Onyeka, Boucher, Ubah, Morgan.
MORPETH TOWN: Lowson, Robson, Reid, Sayer, Henderson (c), Turner, Foalle (Ramsey 37’), Donaldson (Chiabi 67’), Thomson, Johnson (Fishburn 84’), Pye.
SUBS: Anderson, King.
ATT: 718
