Mens 3rds vs Newcastle university 5

The thirds congregated at Longhirst on the back of a promising upward trajectory of performances in the league, with Newcastle Students 5ths filling in for a Durham team who conceded the league game for reasons unknown (fear of facing the mighty 3s on a roll).

Captain Galv took the opportunity to experiment...most noticeably by going in between the sticks himself.

The 3s started the game as they left off last week. Confidently moving the ball around for each other, with Corey G, Evan Laude, Frank Roberts and the irrepressible Cameron Lauder providing a great engine room in the middle of the park. A few chances were created (and spurned) but Morpeth continued to press.

However, it was an energetic student team that took the lead slightly against the run of play, though a short corner, and quite exceptional (if that's the word) own goal, with Morton nicking it off the unfortunate Andy G's kicker, straight into the back of the 'peth goal.

The students pressed their advantage and nicked another, but heads didn't drop, and after ringing the changes at the back to steady the ship (Martin F entering the fray) 'peth regained confidence...and just before halftime a lively cross from Stuart Hamilton found Martyn B in exactly the right place, who made no mistake.

HT 1-2

Morpeth didn't give the students a chance to take stock after the break and went straight on the attack. Short corner won...and Max R stepped up to show the watching 1st XI how it’s done. A great drag out from David Stokeld. Stopped. The rampant Renwick drive the ball straight down the middle and through the keeper. Easy!

For some reason Morpeth couldn't drive home the advantage of having the upper hand and the game got a little more scrappy which seemed to suit Newcastle's more individual approach. 

Despite some absolutely fantastic tackling and distribution from Jack and Sam, 'peth just couldn't stem the tide and shipped a couple more...

A late consolation made the scoreline an un-reflective 5-3 to the students despite a captain's performance in goal by Andy G with a big thank you to Liam for helping the skipper get his kit on and off!

Forget the scoreline...the main takeaway is that it's ALL there when the 3s get back to the league (and winning ways) on the 12th...