Mens 3rds vs Tynedale 2

The mighty ‘Peth arrived in a dull, dreary Hexham in good spirits - riding high on the back of convincing wins in previous 2 weeks.

It took a while for Morpeth to settle, with Tynedale having more of the play & possession early on. It was clear that this was going to be a tougher game than on previous 2 meetings this season where Morpeth took the honours on both occasions. 

While Tynedale had good play through their midfield in the first half, they didn’t create many clear chances in front of goal. Morpeth were able to soak up the pressure and then started to press into the opposition’s half as the game went on.

A close game, ending 0-0 at half time.

Morpeth came out strong in the 2nd half and created a couple of opportunities early on. Oakton brought a good save from their keeper, Dom hit the post with a reverse stick shot & but the rebound did not fall kindly. Ed had a shot saved by the stick of the diving keeper. 

Against the run of play, Tynedale managed to put an attack together and get the opening goal.

Oakton & Poole had to sub in the 2nd half due to injury but fortunately Laude (A) was able to come on and steady the ship in midfield and got the team playing more forward.

The Tynedale players seemed to take a fancy to the Craik brothers today, trying to get intimate at every opportunity. Harrison was taken out by their keeper in the first half, and Oliver was chopped down in the D in the second half, but inexplicably awarded only a short corner rather than a penalty flick despite the umpires taking a good couple of minutes discussing the incident.

While Morpeth kept pressing in the 2nd half, it just wasn’t their day today and the 3rd’s were on the receiving end of their first loss in quite a while.

The whole team played well and never gave up which was great to see.

There were some strong performances on show today:

Ash deservedly getting MoM for rock solid performance in defence, venturing forward in midfield in the 2nd half.

Ed, on debut, looked solid and will be an asset to the 3rds in the coming weeks.

Dom had another great game and we look forward to him making more appearances 

Laude (E) playing in only his 3rd ever men’s game showed great skill and is only going to get better. (But needs to show more respect to his elders!! 😉)

Other notable mentions:

 - Jacks slick dribble move, slipping the ball through the legs of an opposition player.

 - The now traditional Andy Galv pushback strategy (‘You run into the D and I’ll send an aerial pass to you’) - failing for the 2nd time in 3.

- Cory’s controversial ditching of the bandana for a 1970’s McEnroe-esque sweat band.

 - And something about Oakton slipping over. (Not sure what that was about)

Great team spirit and an impromptu mini- pub crawl on the way home.