Preview is proudly sponsored by Northumbria Print
Morpeth Town host FC United of Manchester in a hugely important Pitching In NPL Premier Division clash at Craik Park.
The Highwaymen need three points to move themselves further clear of the dropzone, while FC United are seeking to close a 10-point gap between themselves and the play-offs.
FORM GUIDE
Morpeth: Nine of Morpeth’s 12 league victories have arrived at Craik Park and they’ll be hoping to make that double figures on Saturday. They’ve won four of their last six at home, a source of strength ahead of a home cleash with mid-table FC.
FC United: Only two sides can better FC United’s tally of eight wins on the road in the league. It’s win or bust for FC away from home as they’ve drawn once in 18 outings on their travels.
LAST TIME OUT
A harrowing evening unfolded at Craik Park on Tuesday night as they were outplayed by a superior Warrington Town side. Trailing 1-0 at half-time after Connor Woods’ goal 11 minutes before the break, Declan Walker’s free-kick made it two before Evan Gumbs and Josh Amis scored 60 seconds apart to seal a 4-0 victory for the Yellows.
FC United needed to come from a goal down to beat Marske United 2-1 at Broadhurst Park last Saturday. Jason Kennedy opened the scoring for the visitors just before half-time, but Max Cane equalised on 72 minutes, before James Vincent put his side ahead three minutes later.
THE GAFFER
Highwaymen boss Craig Lynch wants his side to learn from their loss on Tuesday night and use it as a motivating factor on Saturday.
“We’ve got to work hard as a group, we’ve got to look at it,” he said.
“It’s done now, we got beat, end of story, and on Saturday we need to put it right.
“I’ve got to have a look at what we can do with the players that we’ve got to get the most out of us.”
FC United Neil Reynolds admitted his side were lacklustre in the first half of their win over Marske but enjoyed their response.
“We looked a side that was desperately short of energy and desperately short of motivation,” he said.
“First half, we didn’t work hard. I needed half-time. I said some really choice words, some of the excuses I heard in there…we just didn’t run.
“We put a performance in in the second half and I’ve got to congratulate them for it.
“We want to go there (Morpeth) and win. Let’s go and take 18 from 18 [including win over Marske]. Why not dream big? I want the squad to finish strongly.”
TICKETS
Tickets are on sale on the day, on the gate (cash only) with the following categories:
Adults – £12
Concessions – £8
Kids – £4
Under-5s – FREE
