Penrith is the next step for Morpeth Town as they seek to build on a memorable midweek night at Craik Park.
With Joe Walton’s goal of the season contender clinching a thrilling 3-2 win against Marske United, The Highwaymen must now refocus as they head to Cumbria in search of another crucial three points.
SNAPSHOT PREVIEW
FORM: Morpeth moved back on top of the league courtesy of their sensational win at home to Marske. Albeit at home, they are still proving a difficult challenge on their travels after conceding only eight goals in six appearances away from Craik Park. Only five teams can boast a better defensive display on the road. Fourteen points from a possible 18 have kept their rivals just behind them, but Town will know – facing three away days in succession – they need more displays like that at Newcastle Benfield (won 3-1) to continue their reign at the summit of Division One.
Penrith have been a much stronger opponent at Frenchfield Park this season compared to on their travels, claiming two wins from a possible five in the league, while also beating West Auckland in the FA Cup at the start of the season. As Morpeth fans will testify, that is no mean feat. But their most recent win at Washington last time out was their first win in six and only their third victory in 13 league games. Struggling for form in general, they will have been boosted by a midweek break as their Cumberland Senior Cup Second Round tie with Crown Newlaithes was postponed.
LAST GAME: Morpeth were part of a humdinger of a Northern League game on Wednesday night when they beat Marske. After Adam Wheatley gave the visitors the lead on the stroke of half-time with a header, the hosts responded emphatically, equalising through Liam Henderson’s dipping 54th minute effort before taking the lead on 79 minutes courtesy of a rocket from the boot of Keith Graydon. That advantage lasted seconds as the visitors scored again, Craig Gott sending a stunning 40-yard effort past Morpeth keeper Karl Dryden. Amid a frantic finale, Town had the final say as Walton brought the ball down with his first touch before volleying, on the turn, into the back of the net. A remarkable goal to win a remarkable game.
Penrith picked up a morale-boosting win on Saturday when they journeyed to fellow strugglers Washington. The latter, boasting former Spurs defender Pascal Chimbonda in their ranks, took a 10th minute lead through Shaun Pickford, but couldn’t hold on as Penrith equalized through Jonathan Murray in the 70th minute before he added a second moments later.
ONE TO WATCH: Jonathan Murray may be part of a struggling team but that only highlights how impressive his tally of six goals is. To put that into context, that is over a third of his side’s goals so far this season in Division One. Morpeth may be making headlines for scoring spectacular goals, but it’s their defence which will need to be at their best to deny Murray.
WHERE TO WATCH: Frenchfield Park, Penrith, Cumbria.
SAT NAV: CA11 8UA
