Match Report proudly sponsored by Northumbria Print
Morpeth and Basford United played out an entertaining 1-1 draw on Saturday at Craik Park.
Ben Harmison was cast as hero and villain as he scored on the stroke of half-time was also given his marching orders. James Reid levelled for the visitors 10 minutes into the second half after Harmison had followed Courey Grantham off the pitch.
Both sides started the game with attacking intent but failed to test either ‘keeper. First, Sean Reid missed his kick as he tried to volley the ball at goal before Kane Richards attempted to lift the ball into the back of the net but it cleared Dan Lowson and the crossbar.
On 12 minutes, the visitors had a half-hearted penalty appeal turned down before the ball to their captain Josh Thornhill who sliced his shot wide.
With 22 minutes on the clock, Nathan Watson had the first shot on target but it was tame as he curled an effort from 18yrds straight at Lowson.
Jack Foalle should have opened the scoring when he was released on goal by Liam Noble; unfortunately Foalle saw his placed effort blocked by Kieran Preston in the Basford goal.
Dan Lowson was the busier of the two ‘keepers and he made a superb stop to deny James Reid who saw his effort heading into the top corner. From the corner, there was an almighty scramble in the area which saw Lowson make a fantastic reaction save before Morpeth threw their bodies on the line.
Ben Harmison had a great opportunity to open the scoring in the 38th minute when he headed an effort wide from 8yds out.
Harmison made amends to put Town ahead on the stroke of half-time when he rifled the ball home after Noble had floated a free kick into the box. Harmison and Chris Reid both went up for the ball and with no challenge it feel kindly for Harmison who made no mistake.
Both sides came out for the second half fired up with Morpeth looking to build on their lead and Basford trying to get back into the game.
The game that had been played in a great spirit throughout boiled over on 51 minutes; Michael Turner conceded a foul and in the aftermath of complaints to the referee, Courey Grantham was shown a straight red card for saying something to the official.
Just when Town thought they had been on the receiving end of some luck it evaporated. Two minutes later, Ben Harmison was shown a second yellow card for a challenge in the area which resulted in a red card and a penalty to Basford. James Reid made no mistake from the spot as he levelled for the visitors.
The two red cards sucked the momentum out of the game as both looked to adjust their formations to try and give themselves the edge.
The dangerous Nathan Watson turned on the edge of the box before firing over the bar on 69 minutes.
With a shade under 20 minute remaining, Noble worked space 25yds from goal but his dipping effort didn’t dip enough to go under the bar.
As the game approached full time, Morpeth won a couple of corners and free kicks in dangerous positions but the ball just wouldn’t drop to a player in black and gold and Basford were able to clear to safety.
In the end a point was a good result coupled with a point on Tuesday evening has seen Morpeth take points off teams who had previously occupied 2nd and 3rd place in the league but could also have won both games.
The Highwaymen are in action on Tuesday evening when they entertain Atherton Colleries at Craik Park. Kick off under the lights is at 7.45pm.
Morpeth Town: Lowson, Thackray, C. Reid (Phillips, 73’), Noble, J. Henderson (c), Turner, Walton, Hodgson (McKeown, 78’), Harmison, S. Reid (Potter, 67’), Foalle.
Subs not Used: Mohammed, Giles.
Goals: Harmison 45’.
Basford United: Preston, Bateman, Wilson, Thornhill (c), Gascoigne, Galinksi, Richards (Carr, 61’), Chettle, Grantham, Watson (Walker, 85’), Reid (Hearn, 55’).
Subs not Used: Law, Thomas.
Goals: Reid (p) 55’.
Attendance: 625
Man of the Match: Jeff Henderson
