Mens 3rds vs Newcastle 3

Morpeth 3rds headed into this game knowing it would be a tough and competitive game. The two games last season were tight affairs with Morpeth just edging both encounters.

Morpeth were without their Leader and Captain, but the detailed Team Talk by Yuri ensured all players knew their role within the team. Without a specialist keeper, Max Renwick stood up to stand within the posts - he's more used to scoring them than saving them!.

Ofcourse the Morpeth team decided not to implement what was talked about in the pre-match talk and opened the game poorly, with wayward passes and poor pressing. They could not keep meaningful possession and found themselves under pressure.

It was from a wayward cross field pass that Newcastle opened their account and it didnt take them long to double their advantage.

Going 2 goals down was a wake up call for Morpeth, the impressive Whitehead pushed up into a deep midfield role, filling a crucial gap that Newcastle had been exploiting. This combined with Morpeth starting to press the Newcastle players in a controlled and organised manner, started to reap rewards for Morpeth.

Young Renwick(not the old one in goal) found himself in the opposition D and skillfully beat a couple of defenders before slotting the ball home.

Morpeth now had belief that they could get something out of this game.

Step up Edwin Renwick, to rifle a shot from a tight angle into the top corner of the goal - a champagne moment to be proud of. 2-2.

Renwick nearly completed his hat trick before half time, but just couldnt get enough contact on the ball.

2-2 at half time and everything to play for.

Both teams knew the next goal would be crucial and were cautious at the beginning of the 2nd half, probing but not exerting too much pressure on either defence.

Newcastle were awarded a short corner and proceeded to get the important goal. The momentum was now with Newcastle and they gained in confidence.

Morpeth fizzled out as an attacking force but left themselves to exposed at the back and conceded further, finishing the game with a 5-2 loss.