Match Report proudly sponsored by Northumbria Print

Morpeth suffered heartbreak in added time again for the third time in their last five games as they conceded a late equaliser at Hyde United. 

The Highwaymen were looking good value for the three points based on an assured 2nd half display that had seen them dictate long passages of play. Ben Ramsey had scored with his first touch on his debut in the 90th minute before Tom Pratt equalised for Hyde United in the 95th minute. 

There was one change to the side that beat Atherton Collieries on Tuesday evening with Sean Reid making way for Sean Taylor. 

Morpeth started the game on the front foot and Liam Noble saw a shot on 6 minutes blocked as he worked some space in the box.

The hosts almost capitalised on a defensive error with 8 minutes on the clock; Dan Turner tried to become the beneficiary but his effort towards was clawed off the line by a scrambling Dan Lowson. 

In a game that swung from end to end next saw Joe Walton try his luck. Great play between Walton and Noble ended with the former stinging the palms of Luke Mewitt at his near post.

Halfway through the half, the game had settled into a comfortable rhythm for both sides but it was our hosts who had the next effort on goal. Firstly, Turner smashed an effort wide of the near post before Paddy Lane took advantage of some slack play from Morpeth to cut inside but his curling effort was straight into the midriff of Lowson.

The Tigers should have taken the lead on 35 minutes when they countered at speed and the captain Tom Pratt drove into the area but on his weaker foot he pulled his shot across goal.

As we entered stoppage time at the end of the half, Jacko Hardacre forced Lowson into a save when he cut across the ball and it spun towards the top corner. Lowson not wanting to take any chances tipped the ball behind to keep the scores level.

Morpeth came out for the second half full of endeavour and looking to play football 10yds higher up the pitch. 

Five minutes into the half, Sean Taylor looked to nip in ahead of Mewitt but the ‘keeper was sharpe off his line and cleared the ball to safety. Mewitt was called into action a minute later when Wayne Phillips was invited to cut inside which he did but his shot was parried away.

On 65 minutes, both sides were inches away from opening the scoring as Jack Dyche as unable to get his head on a cross from Turner before Chris Reid drilled in a low cross that evaded Tom Potter at the far post. 

Potter was having a good game and tested Mewitt on 72 minutes but the shot lacked power and it was comfortable for the home custodian. 

As the game entered the business end of the half, Morpeth produced possibly their best bit of football as substitue Sean Reid and Sean Taylor combined on the edge of the are but Taylor saw his shot blocked by the imposing figure of Luis Morrison.

WIth 84 minutes played and the game still goalless, Liam Tongue drove forward from midfield and lashed the ball towards goal but Lowson was able to claim the ball. 

Most fans could be forgiven for thinking that there was to be no late drama after a fairly tepid game but they were wrong. 

Dyche was given his marching orders on 88 minutes after picking up a second yellow card for hauling back Jeff Henderson. 

From this free kick, Noble floated the ball into the area, it was headed away but from the throw by Michael Turner; it dropped kindly for substitute Ben Ramsey who smashed the ball across goal and into the corner of the net with his first touch on his debut.

With 5 minutes of added time played, Hyde levelled. Jordan Fagbola won an aerial ball and it fell kindly to Pratt who was able to hook ball home from 8 yards out. 

There was barely a chance for the game to restart as Morpeth suffered their 4th 1-1 draw in the last 5 league games. 

Morpeth return to Craik Park on Saturday when they face Mossley in the FA Trophy. Kick off is at 3pm.

Hyde United: Mewitt, Hardacre, McConville, Tongue, Morrison, Fagbola, Pratt (c), Noble, Turner (Crawford, 79’), Dyche, Lane.

Subs not Used: Benns, Winterbottom, Olowabi, McCombe.

Goals: Pratt 90+5’.

Morpeth Town: Lowson, Walton, C. Reid (Ramsey, 89’), Noble, J. Henderson, Taylor, Hodgson, Foalle (S. Reid 72’), Phillips (c), Potter (Giles, 90+4’).

Subs not Used: McKeown, Thackray.

Goals: Ramsey 90’.

Attendance: 413

Man of the Match: Jeff Henderson.