Match Report brought to you by Northumbria Print

The Highwaymen continued their scintillating form as they came from behind to win at Basford United on Saturday, writes Sam Donovan.

With 6 players unavailable due to injury and illness it was always going to be difficult for Town to come away with everything but they showed grit and determination at Greenwich Avenue to take all three points. Paddy Webb scored his first goal for Basford as he fired home on 39 minutes but Callum Morris turned the game on its head as he grabbed a brace in the second half. 

Basford started the game well with the wind at their backs and were awarded a soft penalty on 7 minutes after Rev James and Wayne Phillips came together in the box. After hesitation, the referee pointed to the spot, Matt Thornhill took the penalty but Dan Lowson guessed the right way to make the save. The rebound came straight back to Thornhill but he blazed it over the bar. 

On 12 minutes, Liam Noble had the first opportunity for the Highwaymen but his effort from distance was straight at Kieran Preston in the Basford goal. 

Jack Foalle should have opened the scoring in the 15th minute after some good work from Liam Henderson. Foalle skipped inside the challenge of Mitch Tait but dragged his effort wide of the post. 

There was to be no real further chances of note until the opening goal arrived on 39 minutes. A low cross was deflected into the path of Paddy Webb on the edge of the area and he hit a half volley that found the back of the net. 

There was a lengthy stoppage in play on the stroke of half time as Sam Hodgson required some treatment. He wasn’t able to continue and was replaced by Ben Sayer. 

The home side should have extended their lead on 48 minutes but James skied his effort over the bar from 6yds after being teed up by Kieran Wells.

Morpeth seemed to be invigorated as the game wore on, Liam Noble slipped Ben Ramsey into left channel on 60 minutes but the winger hit his effort high over the bar when well placed. 

On 63 minutes, Ryan Donaldson tried to find the top corner with a curling effort but it was straight at Preston. 

Morpeth leveled on 70 minutes through Callum Morris. A corner was swung in by Liam Noble and glanced on by Jeff Henderson for Morris to smash home via the post. 

Town began to turn the screw in an effort to take the lead and they did on 79 minutes. Ben Ramsey tried to work some space on the edge of the box but only saw his strike go behind for a corner. Noble was again on set-piece duty and he curled in a delightful ball that was glanced home by Morris for his second. 

Despite 5 minutes being added on, Morpeth were able to secure the three points despite Richards having a chance in stoppage time but he could only toe poke the ball through to Lowson. 

Morpeth continue their fine form that has seen them go unbeaten since mid-October and they’ve propelled themselves up the league to challenge for the playoffs.

The Highwaymen are next at home on Tuesday evening when they welcome Blyth Spartans to Craik Park for the Northumberland Senior Cup tie. 

Basford United: Preston, Betts, Tait, Roma, Gascoigne, Wilson, James, Thornhill (c), Wells (Palmer, 70’), Richards, Webb

Subs not Used: Dunn, Chettle, Hearn, Musson

Goals: Webb 39’.

Morpeth Town: Lowson, Forster, Phillips, Hodgson (Sayer, 45’), J. Henderson (c), Morris, Foalle, Noble , L. Henderson, Donaldson (Oliver, 78’), Ramsey.

Subs not Used: Ward

Goals: Morris 70’, 79’