At a soggy Dean Street, Morpeth ran out 3-1 winners over Shildon writes Sam Donovan.
Goals from Callum Williams, Jeff Henderson and Andrew Johnson sealed the win before a late consolation by Craggs.
The opening 30 minutes of the game were fairly even but slightly shaded by the home side. Dan Lowson was the busier of the two ‘keepers making comfortable saves to deny Shildon.
Connor Oliver had the first opportunity for Town but he curled an effort wide of the far post on 23 minutes.
The opening goal arrived on 31 minutes when Liam Noble sprayed a delightful crossfield ball that split the defence and Callum Williams arrived and fired home a fierce right foot drive into the top corner.
The goal livened up the Highwaymen and Carl Finnigan could have doubled the lead on 33 minutes but his header was glanced wide of the near post from Williams’ cross.
The lead was doubled on 37 minutes. Jeff Henderson nodded the ball back towards goal from a deep cross before a combination of goalkeeper and defender contrived to not clear the ball and the assistant indicated it had crossed the line.
If that goal was a defensive error then the third arriving on 39 minutes was the same. Williams was scythed down on the edge of the area and Andrew Johnson curled a fine effort over the wall and went through the ‘keeper.
Even before the interval, it could have been more with Finnigan nodding wide when well placed.
Morpeth continued to dominate the second period even after the changes made by both sides which threatened to disrupt the play.
Johnson had another opportunity after great buildup play on the edge of the area but it was deflected into the arms of the ‘keeper.
The hosts grabbed a consolation on the 77th minute when Craggs converted from the spot. It seemed a soft decision with the striker having already gotten a shot at goal before the referee spotted a foul.
The management will be happy with another solid performance from Morpeth as they continue to impress in pre-season. Next up is a trip to Newcastle Benfield on Saturday,
Lowson (Trialist, 46’), Williams (Walton, 46’), J. Henderson (Phillips, 46’), Turner, Reid, Johnson, Oliver (Hodgson, 69’), Sayer (Mohammed, 69’), Noble, Trialist, Finnigan (L. Henderson, 69’).
