Sat 22nd October 2011 Newcastle 1st v Morpeth 2nd
Newcastle 0 – 1 Morpeth
Scorer: King
M.O.M: Craggs
The eagerly anticipated top of the table clash between Morpeth 2s and Newcastle 1s. Frank words exchanged, intelligence gathered, the 2s prepared to do battle and settle old scores…
The first half saw Morpeth start strong. Consistent play throughout the pitch applied pressure to the Newcastle defence from both flanks- the type of play you would expect from a team as yet unmatched in the league.
As the half progressed Newcastle found some confidence and began closing off options, compressing play and forcing the visitors to play passes that lacked either accuracy, pace or purpose. Fortunately however the work rate and shape was maintained and the Morpeth ‘D’ (or Circle- which ever you prefer) went largely untroubled. After a deathly quiet and further goal-less last five minutes the half time whistle sounded.
The 2s entered the second half with renewed vigour, however the first 15 minutes sustained pressure saw Morpeth take camp in their own half and repel a flurry of Newcastle moves. A series of fouls by the home side allowed the Green Men to exercise more control and ultimately break away more often. Mooney and Murgatroyd made good use of space spreading the play right, succeeding in getting more ammo to high men Gilmour and King. James, Minty and Craggs stretched the pitch on the left exploiting gaps in midfield and defence.
The moment came, fifteen minutes before time Gilmore showed a touch of class to spin his man on the right, quickly playing the ball forward to King. King showed great composure to feed the ball to the marauding Mooney, his vision picking out Craggs on the left, a quick ball back to James and the moment was at hand. King who had sneaked in to the D let out a call of “BACK POST” that must of been heard back in Morpeth, James’s pin point pass found King for the tap in, cue wild celebrations and a collective sight of relief!
More opportunities presented themselves in the closing stages with umpire Coultas (exercising admirable control over very tense game) waving away a close penalty flick appeal, but later seeing good reason to show yellow to Newcastle for repeatedly hitting the ball away.
Newcastle, down heartened by conceding a goal never looked particularly threatening in the last couple, but tensions still ran high until the final whistle blew…
Notable moments included stand in keeper Tordoff executing his duties well, but thankfully running out of steam before reaching the end of the ‘D’…
Morpeth 2s showed discipline and strong character to remain at the top of the table, something which others would do good to take note of. Ultimately this ‘closer’ encounter should reinforce the necessity of hard work and commitment, and coupled with the 2s standard flair and creativity will continue to see them progress well throughout the season.
Well done boys, it was a hard one but we did it!
