Match Report proudly sponsored by Northumbria Print
The Highwaymen suffered defeat at the seaside on Boxing Day as they went down 1-0 to Scarborough Athletic at the Flamingo Land Stadium.
The only goal of the game came through James Walshaw when he fired home just before the hour mark, the best chance for Town came in added time when Carl Finnigan saw a spectacular overhead kick clip the crossbar.
Boxing Day games are often played out with players being a bit sluggish and the game not offering much but this was a different matter. It simmered along for the majority of the game and threatened to boil over on several occasions as both sides tested the referee.
Morpeth started the game brightly and created the opening opportunity on 9 minutes, it came through Stephen Forster who was allowed to gallop forward before cutting in and forcing Tommy Taylor into a save.
The next chance again fell to Town who were close to taking the lead. Carl Finnigan did the work himself as he seized on a defensive error; he chased the ball across goal before turning inside the area and forcing Taylor to push the ball away. Liam Henderson was lurking for the rebound but the ball was cleared off the striker and it bounced the wrong side of the post.
The hosts did respond and they had a giltedge opportunity through Walshaw just before the half hour mark. A poor clearance gave the ball to Walshaw on the edge of the area but despite working some space he lashed his effort well over the bar.
Scarborough continued to press but their chances were not clear cut as some wayward finishing and great defending prevented the hosts from edging the half.
Athletic began the second half in the ascendency as Ryan Watson saw his shot poked onto the post by Walshaw before the latter drilled a low cross through the box and Connor Thomson was inches away from getting a touch on it.
The hosts took the lead in the second half and it was through Walshaw. The striker worked some space in the penalty area and he finished into the bottom corner giving Dan Lowson no chance.
The second half proved to be less fractous and also fewer chances were created. Carl Finnigan was within inches of equalising when a loose ball dropped his way in the area but his acrobatic effort clipped the top of the crossbar before going out of play.
Morpeth will look to bounce back on New Years Day when they play host to Whitby Town at Craik Park. It is a traditional 3pm kick off so get yourself along to Craik Park and cheer on the lads.
Scarborough Athletic: Taylor, Johnson, Brooksby, Barrett, Coates, Assenso, Watson, Davidson, Walshaw, Coulson (c), Thomson.
Subs not Used: Fishley, Morgan, Merris, Lofts, Dawson.
Goals: Walshaw 57’
Morpeth Town: Lowson, Williams (Robson, 76’), Reid, Noble, J. Henderson, Forster, Walton (Sayer, 64’), Hodgson, L. Henderson (Foalle, 74’), Finnigan, Phillips (c).
Subs not Used: Turnbull, Mohammed.
Goals: N/A
Man of the Match: Chris Reid.
Attendance: 1207
