Morpeth Town welcome Penrith to Craik Park on Saturday (3pm) for a clash which throws together two of the more in-form teams in EBAC Northern League Division One.

The Bonny Blues have been revitalised since Kyle May took charge in November and although they have only risen one place in the standings, their points tally has been boosted significantly. They will seek to add to that number when they travel to face The Highwaymen, who beat them 6-0 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

SNAPSHOT PREVIEW

FORM: Morpeth Town had been on an outstanding run of 12 games unbeaten before a rare loss at West Auckland ended that. Only their second loss in 29 league games, Town have been imperious at Craik Park and are yet to lose on home soil in league and cup this season. Just looking at their home league form, 12 victories and two draws means two thirds of the division have tried and failed to take three points from the home of The Highwaymen. No-one has scored more at home than Town’s 41 goals and no-one can get near their stingy 15 goals conceded at Craik Park either. 

Penrith are on the move themselves and have won four of their last six league matches after only claiming three victories in their first 18 Northern League games. The turnaround in their fortunes is impressive considering their start and it is clear they are looking up rather than down. Two thirds of their nine league wins have come on the road despite a poor scoring record which has resulted in just 17 goals in 15 away days. They’ve won their last four on their travels in Division One, conceding a single goal in the process. This only highlights the impact player-boss May has had on the squad.

LAST GAME: Morpeth Town were 3-2 down by half-time in a game with West Auckland Town which finished with the same score-line. Nathan Fisher and Daniel Parker turned the game around after Curtis Coppen had stooped to head Town in front on 17 minutes. Chris Reid equalised on 43 minutes with another header from a set-piece but Amar Purewal ensured three points, despite Town banging on the door for most of the second half, for the hosting West Auckland.

Penrith haven’t played since January 30th when they travelled to Whitley Bay for a League Cup third round tie. After a stalemate at the end of open play, the Bonny Blues won 4-3 on penalties to progress to the next round of the competition.

KICK OFF TIME: 3pm

WHERE TO WATCH: Craik Park, Morpeth, Northumberland.

SAT NAV: NE61 2YX