Match Report proudly sponsored by Northumbria Print

Morpeth suffered defeat on Saturday as they lost a six goal thriller with FC United of Manchester. Braces from Tunde Olowabi and Paul Ennis sealed the points with Town scoring through Ben Harmison and a Joe Walton penalty. 

A bright opening five minutes saw Ben Harmison twice went close with headers; one that drifted wide of the post and one that was claimed comfortably by Paddy Wharton.

Unfortunately, that bright start was punished by the hosts with their first real forray into the Morpeth half. A long punt forward bounced and new signing Tunde Olowabi stole in and rounded Dan Lowson before smashing the ball home on 5 minutes. 

On 10 minutes, the lead could have been doubled when the ball rebounded off the referee but rather than stop play as per the new rules, he let play continue and Olowabi saw his strike defelcted away.

The hosts continued to press and this time is Micahel Donohue who let fly with an effort from 25yds but it was always rising and it cleared the bar. 

As Morpeth looked to assert themselves in the game, Regan Linney struck the post for the hosts with a free kick that zipped off the turf and bounced away to safety off the far post. 

Morpeth grabbed their equaliser in the 22nd minute and whilst it was not the prettiest of finishes, it was fantastic build up play. Countering from a corner, Sean Taylor got in on goal and deftly lifted the ball over the advancing Wharton but his effort rebounded off the bar; Harmison was on add though to bundle the ball home. 

Parity only lasted 2 minutes though with the hosts retaking the lead through Paul Ennis. The striker found space inside in box and angled a low finish across the goal and beyond the dive of Dan Lowson. 

The Highwaymen tried to find their immediate reply; firstly Wayne Phillips got into the box and drove an effort through the legs of Wharton before it was cleared. Harmsion then got free in the box but his shot lacked power and was easily gathered by the ‘keeper.

United restored their two goal lead only moments later on 31 minutes. Olowabi got through on goal after a long ball forward and looked massively offside but the flag stayed down and he placed the ball in off the post to make it 3-1.

Just before the hour mark, Town were given a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty. Sean Reid on as a half time substitute , galloped into the box but was upended by Wharton. The referee took his time before issuing a yellow card to the ‘keeper. Joe Walton stepped up and converted his third spot kick in 4 league games. 

Morpeth then were in the ascendancy but that was wiped out by a controversial decision. Aaron Morris made a great run into the box but seeing the leg of Michael Turner he theatrically threw himself on the floor and the referee pointed to the spot. Ennis drove the ball down the middle of the goal with Lowson well beaten. 

The Highwaymen continued to press as the game petered out, Harmison fizzed in a dangerous ball that eluded the onrushing and Srean Taylor and Reid. 

Morpeth are next in action at Craik Park on Tuesday evening when they face Brighouse Town in the Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round replay. Kick off is at 7.45pm. 

FC United of Manchester: Wharton, Morris, Dodd, Jones, Doyle, Potts (c), Donohue (Lenehan, 90+2’), Griffiths, Olowabi (Sharp, 90+1’), Ennis, Linney (Carney, 67’).

Subs not Used: Dean, Carney, Lenehan.

Goals: Olowabi 5’, 31’, Ennis 24’, 71’ (p). 

Morpeth Town: Lowson, Forster (Potter, 64’), Turner, Sayer, J. Henderson, Thackray (Reid, 46’), Taylor, Hodgson, Harmison, Phillips (c), Walton. 

Subs not Used: L. Henderson, S. Mohammed, M. McKeown.

Goals: Harmison 22’, Walton 57’ (p).

Attendance: 1,434. 

Man of the Match: Joe Walton.