By Andrew McDonnell (@AndrewSJourno)
Liam Henderson’s second-half consolation earned Morpeth Town their second record in as many games as they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Newton Aycliffe in the final game of the 2016-17 season.
Matthew Pennal’s cross was tapped home by Jamie Owens on 10 minutes, while Keith Graydon’s penalty was saved by James Winter two minutes later.
Ben Trotter doubled the hosts’ advantage three minutes after half-time before Owens bagged his second of the game just after the hour mark.
Henderson bundled Ben Sayer’s cross home two minutes later for Morpeth’s 136th goal of the campaign, breaking the record for most goals scored in a 42-game season.
Trotter received his marching orders 10 minutes before the end for a two-footed challenge on Henderson.
It has been a brilliant year nevertheless for Nick Gray and Dave Malone’s side, and captain Graydon was presented with the Northern League runners-up trophy after the game.
More to follow…
Newton Aycliffe: Winter, Harrison, Howes, Trotter, L.Browne, A.Browne, Banks, Raby, Pennal (Brassell, 86), Owens, Oliver
Subs Not Used: Mellanby, Wilson, Mitton, Wood
Morpeth Town: Dryden, Forster, Turner, Sayer, Grieve (Novak, 75), Hall, Taylor (Morris, 75), Graydon, Walton, Henderson, Anderson (Robinson, 83)
Subs Not Used: Doninger, Provett
Goals: 1-0, 10 min, Owens; 2-0, 48 min, Trotter; 3-0, 64 min, Owens; 3-1, 66 min, Henderson
Referee: Derric Wade
Assistants: Antony Pattison and Jack Stephenson
