Facing a true test of their title credentials, Morpeth Town welcome Shildon to Craik Park on Saturday (3pm).
Few sides have kept pace with The Highwaymen but Shildon are one side who can get within reaching distance of their next hosts which should make for a cracking Northern League encounter.
SNAPSHOT PREVIEW
FORM: Shildon’s away record is exemplary and unblemished as they have claimed seven wins from a possible seven on their travels. Averaging over three goals per game on the road, the Railwaymen have conceded a meagre five goals highlighting their defensive strength. Only eight points adrift of Morpeth, and with two games in hand, Shildon could take a huge stride towards the top of the league with victory at Craik Park.
Town, however, are the in-form side in Division One at present with five wins from six. They haven’t lost in that time and have shipped only six goals. No team has left Morpeth with three points this campaign. With Shildon’s perfect away record and Town’s dominant home form, something has to give when the two clash.
LAST GAME: Shildon were in action during midweek, winning 4-0 at struggling Penrith. The Railwaymen were three to the good by half-time courtesy of goals from Adam Burnicle, Billy Greulich-Smith and Jack Blackford. Dan Groves added a fourth in the second half.
Morpeth last played on Saturday in a wind-affected encounter with Team Northumbria. Despite the testing conditions, Sean Taylor and a late Mark Davison header ensured Josh Bynoe’s equaliser was nothing more than a consolation as the visitors left Coach Lane Campus with a 2-1 win.
ONE TO WATCH: Billy Greulich-Smith is a forward at the top of his game this season. A physical presence who links the play superbly, Greulich-Smith is much more than a big lad up front. Only a handful of players have registered more than the nine league goals he has this campaign. After scoring on Wednesday at Penrith, he is a man in form.
WHERE TO WATCH: Craik Park, Morpeth, Northumberland.
SAT NAV: NE61 2YX
