Sat.15th Oct.2011.- Medics 3rds v Morpeth 3rds

Score: 3-2

Scorers:- Bott, R. Hudson

MOM:- J.Macdonald

Ultimately, this was to prove a disappointing result and performance from a Morpeth team who never really hit top gear against a team who are likely to find themself in a position somewhere close to the bottom of the table come the end of the season. Two defensive errors in the first half were both punished by the home side and though equalisers were found on both occasions a third was to prove elusive. The first, a well taken shot from a short corner by Bott was deflected past the defender on the line by the Medics ‘keeper.

The second was, once again, the result of a penalty corner but did not occur until the second half. A composed finish for midfielder Robin Hudson, his first goal for the club, following a square pass from the captain, Cook, was not undeserved but the away side could not build upon this promising position. In truth, the Medics had wasted other opportunities prior to scoring their winner and the Morpeth ‘keeper, Gordon, had made a number of very good saves and solid clearances, especially in the first half.

The game was never given up by the more Northerly based side and Macdonald went close on a few occasions with one of his shots clearing the bar, though by some margin, after he was pressured from both sides by defenders and the rapidly advancing goalkeeper. Plenty of energy was shown until the end by both teams and the closeness of the contest of the game was reflected in a green card being awarded for bad language to one of Medics near the end due, almost certainly, to frustration. However, it was Morpeth who were to be the more majorly frustrated by not even achieving a draw in a game they could even have won if individuals had played to anywhere near their full potential.

The return match should see Morpeth exact revenge on a team whose occasional arrogance was not merited by their overall level of play. In the meantime, it is important that they regain their form of the previous week, return to a controlled passing game and ensure that they take full points from their forthcoming home fixture.