When the draw was made for the Techflow Group Senior Cup semi-finals, two teams stood out.
They score for fun in their respective divisions, they have a raft of star players who other teams would welcome with open arms. They both want success and are setting about achieving it with style and a swagger this season.
Ahead of the local derby clash between Morpeth Town and Blyth Spartans, there was only one man who could take a look at the team in green and white stripes and that is former Spartan, and current Morpeth Town, midfielder Stephen Turnbull.
Unfortunately sidelined with a long-term knee injury, sustained in the game with the other Blyth team, Blyth AFC, Twinny will be watching on knowing first-hand the threat posed by the next team in the away changing room at Craik Park. After playing for the majority of last season in their double winning squad, Turnbull left for a job at sea before returning to join Morpeth.
The South Shields born player will forever be remembered fondly by supporters of the Spartans, particularly for his free-kick against Hartlepool United in the famous FA Cup victory at the latter when they were a league side.
“They’re a very dangerous team in attack; that’s their strength,” said Turnbull.
“They have players like Robbie Dale who can tear you apart. Dan Maguire should be playing at a much higher level of football. Jarrett Rivers and Dale Hopson are there too. If you look at the results this season they have won games 4-2, 4-3 and 5-1. They can score goals so it will be a tough game for Morpeth.”
To read more of Stephen Turnbull’s thoughts ahead of the game, don’t forget to pick up your copy of The Highwaymen match day programme, which is available at the ground.
