The Highwaymen Official Match Programme of Morpeth Town AFC Season 2015/16 - Issue 3 - Price £1

Padiham FC FA Vase First Qualifying Round Saturday 5th September 2015 – 3.00pm KO

Welcome to Craik Park

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Programme Contents

Contents 2 36-37 Northern League Stats Sayer and Chilton seal win 3-4 38-39 Northern League Standings Club & Player Sponsors 5-6 40-41 Town Surrender Two Goal Lead 18th/19th Mid-Week Round-Up 7-9 42 Moffat double knocks Town Out Club History 10-11 43 Managers Message Morpeth Town Squad 12-17 44-47 29th August Round-Up Chilton at the Double 18 48-49 FA Vase Draw August 22nd Round Up 19-22 50 Today’s Opposition Player Spotlight 23 51 Opposition Squad Player Poster 24 52-53 Opposition History 25th/26th Mid-Week Round-Up 25-27 54-55 Sayer sinks Shildon View from the Terraces 28-29 56 Upcoming Fixtures Fixtures & Results 30-31 57 Captains Message Player Stats 32 58-62 Photo Gallery Private Bar and Function Room 33 63 Club Sponsor Highwaymen TV 34 64 Squad List Today’s Fixtures 35

Next Fixture at Craik Park Morpeth Town A.F.C. V Bedlington Terriers Wednesday 9th September – 3.00pm KO EBAC Northern League Division One

Sayer and Chilton secure win Morpeth Town 2-1 Durham City

Morpeth Town moved to the top of the EBAC Northern League Division One on Wednesday Evening after securing a 2- 1 victory over Durham City at Craik Park.

Michael Chilton headed in the winner after the Durham ‘keeper could only parry away a powerful Ben Sayer shot straight to the Morpeth talisman.

Sayer had opened the scoring after just three minutes for the Highwaymen and dominated the majority of the game against the Citizens but were sucker punched in the second half when Callum Patton took advantage of the some poor defending.

The opening goal was well worked by the home side starting from ‘keeper Karl Dryden. The ball eventually found its way to the left wing with Luke Carr. The midfielder rolled the ball into the feet of Sean Taylor on the edge of the area who relayed to an onrushing Sayer who curled an effort into the far right hand corner of the net via the post.

Soon after a short corner caused problems for the visitors. Sayer and Carr combined before picking out Keith Graydon 25 yards out, the Morpeth skipper forcing a fine diving stop by Durham ‘keeper Thomas Flynn.

The one way traffic continued, Sayer nearly scoring direct from a corner, Flynn tipping over the save the embarrassment. The resulting short corner allowed Sayer another effort on goal, this time his shot went comfortably wide.

James Novak was next to try his luck after seeing Flynn off his line, but the left-back’s lofted effort was mishit and sailed well over the bar.

Sean Taylor nearly doubled the lead on 28 minutes when Morpeth opened up the Durham defence with a free-flowing move. Sayer picked up the ball on the left before beating two and finding Chilton in the penalty area. The striker back heeled into the path of Taylor who

took a touch before trying to loft the ball over the diving Flynn, but the ‘keeper managed to do enough to deny a goal.

This led to a 30 second onslaught from Morpeth, the rebound dropped to Sayer who hit an effort straight at Flynn, the ball then fell to Chilton 15 yards out who rifled a right footed strike off the crossbar and out to the right with McAndrew. The winger cross but the defence did enough to deny Chilton from netting 6 yards out.

Durham had two opportunities late in the first half, but both of their efforts did not trouble Dryden in the Morpeth goal. There was still time in the half for Graydon to try again from long range, again his effort sailing just wide.

It was more of the same in the second half as Morpeth continued their domination. David Hiftle picked out the run of right back Stephen Forster with a long diagonal ball. Forster took into in stride before cutting in from the win, hitting a left footed effort towards the top left hand corner, Flynn leaping high to divert the ball wide.

Carr went close with a 25 yard free-kick from the right before Sayer forced a save with an identical kick from the left hand side.

Then Durham City midfielder Dan Dillon went in for a 50/50 with Graydon and came off worse for wear, breaking an ankle in the process, we wish him a speedy recovery.

Soon after the injury break the scores were level. The Highwaymen had a number of chances to clear the ball but failed to do so allowing Callum Patton to pick up the ball in the area. His turn and shot went through the legs of a Morpeth defender, wrong footing Dryden as the ball rolled into the bottom right hand corner.

The Highwaymen re-took the lead within five minute, however, the short corner working a treat again. Sayer and Carr combined before Sayer rushed into the penalty area, hitting a powerful right footed effort at goal, Flynn parrying straight onto the head of Chilton who guided the ball home.

Deep into injury time Durham nearly stole a point as a long range free-kick was spilled twice by Dryden, but was able to gather the ball at the third attempt.

Report by Stuart Dick

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Mid-Week Round-Up – 18th & 19th August (By Ray Simpson) Tuesday

Consett hammered Billingham Synthonia 8-0 to move into the next round of the FA Cup at Belle View last night.

Consett took a two goal lead inside the first 10 minutes. Synners full back Adam Clough was red carded for deliberate handball, and Michael Mackay scored from the penalty spot, and a few minutes later Danny Craggs made it 2-0 from 35 yards. Craggs then made it 3-0 with a header, Mackay scored the fourth with an overhead, and former Synners player Michael Sweet scored the fifth before half time. Sullivan got number six, then Mackay completed his hat trick. Sullivan got the eighth with an overhead kick.

Marske defeated Seaham Red Star 3-1 at Mount Pleasant. Marske took the lead midway through the first half through Jamie Owens, who turned quickly on the edge of the area and fired home, then Craig Gott scored the second from the spot. Gott fired the third in the second half, before Robbie Bird scored a consolation for Seaham.

Whitley Bay came back from 2-1 down to win 3-2 at Ryhope CW. Nathan O’Neill gave Ryhope the lead with a penalty, but Adam Shanks equalised from the spot on 32 minutes. Conor Winter fired Ryhope back into the lead, then Shanks levelled seven minutes from the end. Mark Bertram scored the winner with two minutes left.

West Auckland beat Bedlington Terriers 4-0. West took the lead midway through the first half with a goal by Anthony Hume, then in the second half, a cross by Shaun Hudson was turned into his own net by a defender. Chris Dickinson scored with his first touch on 75 minutes, then cleverly set up Hudson with a backheel for the fourth.

There were seven goals in the first half hour of Chester-le-Street’s 6-2 second division home win over Northallerton, with Chester forward Scott Heslop scoring four of them as Chester led 5-2 at half time. Heslop added his personal fifth near the end.

South Shields beat Heaton Stannington 2-1 Shields took a two goal half time lead through a Wayne Phillips free kick and a Warren Byrne effort, with Brian Dodsworth pulling a goal back early in the second half.

Darlington RA had a good 4-0 home win over Birtley, with goals by Harvey Saunders, Kerry Hedley, Jim Wilson and John Ward.

Billingham Town drew 1-1 with Easington. Chris Lines gave Town the lead, with Jordan Thompson equalising. Thornaby beat Alnwick 1-0 thanks to a header by Richie Walker on 34 minutes.

Wednesday

A superb hat trick by Andy Johnson earned Bishop Auckland a place in the preliminary round of the FA Cup when they won 4-2 at Shildon tonight.

Both sides went close early on, and it was Bishops who took the lead on 21 minutes when the ball was played through to Andy Johnson, who took the ball in his stride and beat Lewis Graham with a powerful first time shot. Eight minutes later it was 2-0, when Ian Ward, unchallenged, headed in from a Jeff Smith corner.

Shildon pulled a goal back with a first time shot by Mark Hudson from a low cross by Billy Greulich-Smith before half time, then Lewis Wing enhanced his growing reputation ten minutes into the second half with a blistering low shot from 25 yards. But Bishops regained the lead on 63 minutes with a swift raid down the right, and the ball was pulled back for Johnson to fire into the roof of the net.

Johnson finished the tie with five minutes left when a Shildon move broke down, and the ball was played forward quickly to him, and he sidestepped a defender and curled the ball beyond Graham.

Guisborough beat Sunderland RCA in their replay with a last minute winner. Guisborough took the lead on 12 minutes through Danny Earl, but the RCA levelled early in the second half through Callum Hope’s free kick. The visitors then stunned Guisborough by taking the lead with an Adam Drysdale header, but Curtis Round equalised for Guisborough from a rebound The game looked set for extra time, until Steven Snaith headed the winner in stoppage time.

In the ENL, Deano Browne’s first game in charge of Norton saw them lose 1-0 at home to West Allotment, After a goalless first half, Allotment scored the winner with a penalty by Dale Pearson.

North Shields won 3-1 at Penrith. Andrew Murray-Jones gave Penrith the lead early on, but Ben Richardson levelled from a free kick. Richardson then scored the second from the penalty spot, and Jordan Summerly got the third.

Morpeth beat Durham 2-1. Morpeth led with a goal by Ben Sayer, but Durham levelled through Callum Patton. However, Morpeth regained the lead again with a strike by Michael Chilton.

In the second division, Crook beat Tow Law 3-0 in their local derby at the Millfield. Crook took a half time lead with goals by Andrew Wright and Jonathan Kemp, and then Scott Duggan scored a third in the second half.

Ryton and Crawcrook beat Whickham 4-1, while Hebburn won 4-2 at Stokesley.

History

Morpeth Town Football Club was Membership of the Northern League established in 1894, and through more followed in 1994/95 and the following than a century of football have year saw the Second Division continued the tradition of carrying Championship being presented to Amber and Black as their team colours. Morpeth. The club finished 6th in the First Division at the first time of asking, The club was formed after an as well as reaching the final of the amalgamation between Morpeth Northumberland Senior Cup. United and Morpeth FC, playing at Stobhill Cricket Field. The club spent half a century in the Northern Football Alliance before In 1954 the club moved to Storey Park, stepping up to the Northern League on and in the 1980's enjoyed a successful their one hundredth anniversary. In time in the Northern Alliance, winning 1998-99 they made it to the final the title and finishing runners-up on qualifying round of the FA Cup, losing two other occasions, as well as lifting 1-0 at home to Nigel Clough's Burton both the Challenge Cup and Benevolent Albion. Bowl in 1986. After sitting comfortably mid-table The club moved to a purpose built between 1996/7 and 1999/2000, stadium in 1994, which coincided with Morpeth narrowly avoided relegation a League and Cup double, and with it, on goal difference in the 2000/01 promotion to the Northern League. season, and finished once again one Craik Park was named after the father spot above the relegation zone in and son W and R Craik who had served 2001/02. The next few years saw as secretary between 1920 and 1985. Morpeth Town move back into the Current President Ken Beattie was the middle of the table before a 6th place man behind the stadium and since finish in 2005/06, Morpeth’s equal top 1992 he has revived the club's fortunes. performance in the Northern League.

In 2006/07 Morpeth won the Gray who moved to the club from Northumberland Senior Cup for the Seaton Delaval and brought a number first time since 1886 (as Morpeth of players. In his first season Morpeth Harriers) with a 3-2 victory over Blyth narrowly missed out on promotion Spartans. back to the top tier finishing fourth and a one point won fourteen consecutive Disaster struck in 2009/10 as Morpeth home games. Town were relegated to the second division and things got even worse a 2012/13 saw the side improve once season later as Morpeth Town finished more, finishing one place higher in bottom of the Northern League’s third position, beating out Jarrow second tier. Roofing on goal difference to earn promotion. The club was in dire straits with President Ken Beattie and Chairman After earning promotion Morpeth Jim Smith trying their best to keep the Town managed to avoid the drop quite club running by bringing the ground up comfortably finishing in 17th place. to Northern League standards whilst During the season they also went on a being forced to ground share with local historic FA Vase run to the Quarter- rivals Bedlington Terriers. The club was Final stage. within weeks of folding at one point. In 2014/15 saw further improvement, The Highwaymen began their revival in with the Highwaymen finishing 8th in 2011/12 under the stewardship of Nick the table and reaching the Northumberland Senior Cup Final.

Honours

League Northern League Division Two Champions: 1995/96 Northern Alliance Champions: 1983/84, 1993/94 Northern Alliance Runners-up: 1937/38, 1965/66, 1973/74, 1981/82, 1984/85

Cup Northern Alliance Challenge Cup Winners: 1938/39, 1985/86, 1993/94 Northern Alliance Challenge Cup Runners-Up: 1936/37, 1962/63, 1973/74, 1985/86 Northumberland Benevolent Bowl Winners: 1978/79, 1985/86 Northumberland Senior Cup Winners: 1886 (shared with Shankhouse), 2006/07 Northumberland Senior Cup Runners-up: 1996/97, 2014/15 Aged Miners Cup Winners: 1935/36, 1936/37, 1937/38, 1987/88

Morpeth Town Squad

Karl Dryden joined the club from local rivals Ashington at the start of the 2014/15 season. An excellent all- round goalkeeper who commands the area well.

Niall Harrison joined the club mid-way through last season having played for Blyth Spartans earlier in the season. Another excellent ‘keeper who can hoof a ball.

David Hiftle has plenty of experience at the Northern League level and has previously captained the Highwaymen. Comfortable playing both in centre defence and at full-back.

Shaun Henderson a long time servant at Morpeth, Shaun is an attacking full back who has previously played for Newcastle United and Ashington.

James Novak signed from Ashington mid-way through last season and shone at left-back for the Highwaymen. Has had previous spells at Bedlington Terriers and Whitley Bay.

Club Captain Christopher Jewels is a tall and powerful centre-half who previously played for Hebburn Town, West Allotment Celtic and Washington.

Michael Hall is a centre-half who can also play in centre midfield. Powerful but also skilful on the ball, he previously played for West Allotment Celtic and Seaton Delaval.

Chris Swailes signs for the club as he heads into his 45-year. His unrivalled experience will be a massive boost for the young squad.

Johnny Wilson is a summer signing who plays down the left. Good going forward as well as in defence, he adds depth and talent to a strong defensive unit.

Team Captain Keith Graydon aka Rasher is an experienced midfielder signed mid-season last year from Spennymoor Town. Scored the winner for Spennymoor in the FA Vase Final. Former Sunderland and Gateshead.

Ben Sayer started his career with Newcastle United before he joined Team Northumbria. Ben is a creative central midfielder with a superb range of passing. Former Blyth Spartans and Spennymoor Town player.

Jordan Fry is a midfielder with a great engine, Jordan makes intelligent runs and is a threat in and around the penalty box. Signed from Seaton Delaval Amateurs.

Luke Carr signed toward the end of last season from Durham City. A skilful and pacey central midfielder Luke will look to have a big impact on the 2015/16 season.

Shaun Bell is another hard-working midfielder who will always put a shift in. Pops up with the occasional goal from the centre of the park.

Team Vice Captain Sean Taylor a pacey winger/striker who notched up 23 goals last season. A product of the Sunderland Academy and has had spells at Blackpool and Ashington.

Michael Chilton a fantastic striker for the club who scored 31 goals in the last campaign and is always there or thereabouts at the top of the Northern League goal scoring charts. Ex- Newcastle Benfield and Dunston UTS.

Daniel Taggart is a powerful centre forward who likes to get amongst opposing defences. Will only improve with another season of Northern League football under his belt.

Stephen Forster a flying winger who is equally adept at defending as well as going forward. Ex Carlisle United, Birmingham City, West Allotment Celtic, Hebburn Town & Jarrow Roofing.

Steven Anderson is a very strong young player who has the ability to score great goals. Can play up front or on the flank. Ex-Clubs include Whitley Bay, Walker Central, West Denton, and Newcastle East End.

Lee McAndrew is another signing with a wealth of experience in the Northern League making a 175 appearances for Dunston UTS. Has spent time at Spennymoor Town and West Allotment Celtic.

Jordan Nellis a summer signing from Bedlington Terriers, Jordan is a pacey and powerful forward who can anywhere across the front three.

Jack Betts joined the club this summer, a young striker with lots of power and potential, he will add to the clubs talented strikerforce.

Management

Nick Gray took Morpeth to a fourth place finish in his first season at Craik Park after the club narrowly avoided relegation the season before he joined and has led the club to an improved finish every year.

Dave Malone was brought in by Nick at the start of the 2014/15 season and has been a big hit on and off the field.

Steven Anderson Snr is an excellent club man who is more than happy to help in a variety of roles. His influence and enthusiasm in the dressing room is infectious.

Miles Callum is the clubs qualified physio who has previously worked at Seaton Delaval Amateurs

Chris Swailes, as well as playing, joins the club as First Team Coach

Chilton at the double, Forster sees Red West Auckland Town 0-2 Morpeth Town

Morpeth Town did just enough to stay top of the EBAC Northern League table with a 2-0 win at West Auckland Town on Saturday afternoon.

Michael Chilton was the hero on the day, netting twice in the first half. A nervy second half ensued, however, as defender Stephen Forster was given his marching for a late challenge in the 49th minute.

Despite being down to 10 men, West Auckland barely threatened, and the Highwaymen walked away with a comfortable 2-0 win.

Steven Anderson and Chris Swailes were given their first starts of the season with James Novak away and Lee McAndrew on the bench. It didn’t take long for the team in amber and gold to take the lead. Sean Taylor playing in Michael Chilton behind the West Auckland defence with the striker finishing coolly into the top right hand corner past Knight.

It was expected Morpeth would go on to dominate the game against the team sitting bottom of the table, but the visitors struggled to create any goal scoring opportunities. At the back the Highwaymen looked solid, with West Auckland creating very little either.

The first half an hour provided no chances after Chilton’s opener, the next attempt on goal coming on 31 minutes when Ben Sayer was followed on the left wing. Sayer stepped up to take the free-kick, lofting the ball into the penalty area where Chilton headed home the second via the crossbar.

West Auckland finally managed an attempt on goal on 43 minutes. A quick free- kick on halfway was played to Matthew Crossen who hit a well struck effort from 40 yards just wide of Karl Dryden’s right hand post. With five minutes gone in the second half Morpeth were reduced to 10 men. Stephen Forster picking up a loose ball, but took too big of a touch before lunging in two-footed on a West Auckland defender, the ref producing an instant red card.

10 minutes later arrears should have been reduced, Reece Kenney blazing over from 15 yards out when it was easier to hit the target. The next 25 minutes consisted of the home side putting pressure on the Morpeth defence without creating any chances.

With five minutes remaining, the Highwaymen were denied a penalty by a blatant handball that could be seen all around the ground. West Auckland captain Ross Gardener handling a Sayer free-kick which was destined for the head of Jordan Fry. Report by Stuart Dick

Saturday 22nd August Round-Up (by Ray Simpson) Tuesday

West Auckland manager Andy Campbell says that his team is learning the hard way after they lost 2-0 at home to early league leaders Morpeth on Saturday. West have yet to pick up a point in their three games this season, as the former Boro player continues to try and build a winning team from nothing.

West went a goal behind after just four minutes when their defence failed to stop Michael Chilton running through and beating David Knight, and after Chris Dickinson went close for West, they went 2- 0 down when Chilton headed the second from a Ben Sayer free kick. West nearly pulled one back with a long range effort by Mattie Crossen before Morpeth had defender Stephen Forster sent off for a foul, much to Morpeth’s protests.

Bishop Auckland, who played so well to win at Shildon in the FA Cup in midweek, lost 3-0 at Penrith. The Cumbrians took an early lead through Martyn Coleman, then in the second half Coleman created the opening for Jamie Hope to beat Bishops keeper Mark Bell. Coleman scored the third for Penrith, when Cameron Wilson broke away and set him up to score.

Shildon won their third league game of the season with a 2-0 victory over Bedlington. The Railwaymen had a good first half, but only had a successful penalty by Mark Doninger, who sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot, to show for their efforts.

Bedlington kept battling away, and were awarded a penalty themselves, but Dean Briggs missed from the spot. In the second half, Shildon were awarded another penalty, which Bedlington hotly disputed, and Doninger again converted. Shildon have still to concede a goal in the league this season.

Newton Aycliffe’s unbeaten record was ended by a 1-0 away defeat at Seaham Red Star. The only goal came after six minutes, when Nicky Kane scored from a pass by Liam McBryde. Aycliffe had several chances after that, but their finishing let them down, with Matty Moffat, Dennis Knight and Jordan Laidler.

Guisborough have won three from three, thanks to a good 2-1 away win at Consett, even though they had to put outfield player Liam McPhillips in goal.

After a goalless first half, Chris Hardy’s side took the lead with a header by Chay Liddle, but Consett levelled when Kieran Megran volleyed home from a long ball by Danny Craggs. But Guisborough recovered and got the winner through Peter Bulmer with ten minutes left.

Dunston UTS also have a 100 per cent record after they beat Whitley Bay with a single goal. There were plenty of chances at both end, with Adam Wilkinson going close for Dunston and Mark Bertram likewise for Whitley until Dunston striker Andy Bulford fired left footed into the top corner with just a few minutes left. Like Shildon, Dunston have yet to concede a goal in the league this season.

Promoted Washington had an excellent win, by 3-2 at FA Vase winners North Shields. They had to come from behind at half time though, as new signing David Pounder put Shields into the lead from a through ball. Washington levelled when Johnny Butler was brought down, and Mark Davison levelled from the spot.

Mattie Fisher put Washington into the lead with a 20 yarder, but Shields levelled with another strike by Pounder. But just when Shields thought that they were going to push on and win, but Washington got the winner thanks to an effort by James Cassidy.

Champions Marske United finally managed to despatch stubborn Norton by 3-1 at Mount Pleasant. Norton battled well until Marske took the lead just before half time with a header by Adam Wheatley, then with ten minutes left Dan Riley nipped in to score the second.

Norton pulled one back through Jamie Poole from a few yards out, but their hopes of a point were dashed when Glen Butterworth scored from the edge of the box for Marske.

Sunderland RCA collected their first point of the season with a 2-2 draw at Jarrow Roofing. Luke Proctor put the RCA into the lead after Roofing keeper Andy Hunter parried a Colin Larkin shot, but Roofing levelled six minutes later when John Campbell scored on the counter attack. Roofing scored another within a minute when recent signing Dave Gordon lobbed the keeper from the edge of the box.

Roofing battled back in the second half, and levelled when Proctor curled the ball home from 25 yards.

Newcastle Benfield were the day’s top scorers in the first division, winning 6-2 at West Allotment after being 2-0 down at one stage. Dale Pearson put Allotment into a 2-0 lead with a penalty and a lob over the keeper, but before half time, Paul Brayson pulled one back with a free kick.

At the start of the second half, Dan Taylor and 18 year old Shane Jones took advantage of some poor defending to put Benfield into the lead, then Paul Brayson scored twice more to complete his hat trick. Jones wrapped up the scoring.

Ashington won their first game of the season by beating Durham City 2-0 at Woodhorn Lane. They took the lead with a header by Andrew Johnson after 9 minutes, then he fired the second from 25 yards just before half time. It could have been worse for Durham, as Chris Moore missed a penalty for Ashington before half time.

In the second division, Darlington RA had a great away win at Billingham Synthonia. The RA missed a couple of chances early on, and took the lead when Christian Hlliday set up Kerry Hedley to score from a few yards, Hedley’s fourth goal of the season.

Synners piled forward in the second half, but RA keeper Phil Pentone pulled off some good saves. The RA are now up to fourth.

Team Northumbria possess a 100 percent record after hammering Birtley 9-0 away from home, giving them 22 goals in just four league games.

Dan O’Reilly scored a hat trick, with Ben Murdock, Ben Dibb-Fuller, Louis Storey, Paul Antony, Sam Reed and Gerard Richardson all on target.

Chester-le-Street are second on goal difference after coming from 3-2 down to win 4-3 at Brandon. Craig Marron scored with two free kicks to put Chester 2-0 up, but Brandon hit back to lead 3-2 by the 70th minute with goals by Vinny Gash (2) and Kieran Weekes. But Chester regrouped and took the points through Scott Heslop and Craig Mickle.

South Shields scored four times in the second half to give them the points at Willington.

Adam Burnicle put Willington into the lead on 27 minutes, and Shields didn’t equalise until the hour, when Stephen Ramsey scored from a loose ball.

Shields took the lead when Warren Byrne scored from the spot after he was brought down, and he made it 3-1 from a pass by new signing Robbie Briggs. He completed his hat trick from a rebound off the bar.

Tow Law lost for the fourth time this season when they were beaten 3-2 at home by Whickham.

Kai Hewitson scored twice for Tow Law, but that wasn’t enough as Mark Fitzpatrick (2) and Jack Moulding were on target for Whickham.

There was a high scoring game at Ryhope CW, who were beaten 6-4 at home by Thornaby who are now sixth.

The visitors led 3-0 with goals by Gary Mitchell, Theo Furness and an own goal, but Conor Winter pulled two back before half time. Mitchell then completed his hat trick with Kieran Edwards also getting another to make it 6-2, but Winter completed his hat trick and Nathan O’Neill pulled a fourth back.

Crook only had 12 players at Alnwick, and even though they led 1-0 at one stage, lost 2-1. Andrew Wright gave Crook the lead, but James Jackson and Ross Gair hit back for Alnwick.

Billingham Town dropped out of the top six following their 4-2 home defeat by Heaton Stannington, but they had their keeper sent off at 1- 1. Heaton took the lead through Adrian Watson, but Shaun Ross levelled for Town, who then had keeper Scott Campbell dismissed for handling outside the area. Heaton then went 3-1 up through Watson and Jonny Wright, before Town missed a penalty. Jonathon Bolton pulled one back for Town, but Heaton made sure of their first win of the season through Ben Telford.

Northallerton recovered from their midweek defeat by beating Easington 2-0, Colin Anderson and Stuart Owen scoring inside the first 20 minutes.

Esh Winning and Stokesley still occupy the bottom two places. Esh lost 3-0 at Hebburn, for whom Brian Johnson, Chris Feasey and Glen Hargrave scored.

Stokesley were thumped 6-0 at home by Ryton and Crawcrook for whom Sam Moore scored a hat trick, with Ryan Burnyeat, Scott Gunn and a Stokesley defender their other scorers.

Player Spotlight

Michael Chilton

Michael is a well-known name throughout the Northern League and North East Football in general. When you look at the list of top goalscorers over the last few years in the league, Chilts will be somewhere near the top. Already this season he tops Morpeth Town’s goal charts with 5.

His former teams include West Allotment Celtic, Dunston UTS and Newcastle Benfield, he has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, becoming a household name in Morpeth.

His goals have helped Morpeth Town climb from the lower reaches of Division Two and turned the Highwaymen into a side that is considered by some as challengers for a trophy this season.

Mid-Week Round-Up – 25th & 26th August (By Ray Simpson) Tuesday

West Auckland Town are still without a point in the Ebac Northern League First Division after they were beaten 2-1 at home by Durham City on Tuesday night.

After West went close twice, Durham took the lead through Callum Patton after 11 minutes, but West levelled just on the half-hour mark when Joe Kendrick crossed for Anthony Hume to head in. However, Patton restored Durham’s lead with a shot that took a deflection off a West defender.

Jarrow Roofing beat Seaham Red Star 5-2. Seaham took the lead in the second minute through former Roofing player Paul Gardiner, who scored with a left foot shot, but Roofing levelled through John Campbell with a curling free-kick.

New signing Adam Rundle was involved in the build up to the second, when Campbell crossed for Lewis Teasdale to score at the second attempt. Campbell then headed the third from a Teasdale cross, and before half time Chow scored the fourth from a Rundle pass. Gardiner pulled a goal back for Seaham 11 minutes into the second half, but Chow scored Roofing’s fifth. Robbie Bird scored a late consolation.

Washington ended the 100 per cent record of Dunston UTS with a single goal win at the UTS stadium. Alex Francis went close for Dunston, hitting the post in the second half, but Washington took the points when Michael Tait scored with a header. Washington had Joe Walton sent-off for two yellows late in the game.

Norton & Stockton Ancients picked up their first away point of the season, with a 1-1 draw at Ashington. After a goalless first half, Ashington took the lead on 56 minutes through Andy Johnson, but Norton quickly equalised through Nicky Martin.

Consett drew 2-2 with Penrith at Belle View. Penrith stunned Consett by taking the lead in first half stoppage time, Martyn Coleman, but within a minute of the restart Michael Mackay headed Consett level from a David Brown cross. However, Penrith hit back immediately with a Jake Smith shot, but Michael Sweet made sure of a point for Consett.

In the Second Division, Darlington RA maintained their good start to the season with a 1-0 home win over Crook Town, John Wood scoring their goal.

Ryhope CW ended the 100 per cent record of Team Northumbria, who had three players, keeper Steven Mundy, Matthew Lowrie and Luke Hannant sent-off. Mattie Weirs scored the winner for Ryhope after 30 minutes, while Conor Winter also missed a penalty for them.

South Shields were held to a 2-2 draw at Alnwick Town, who equalised late in the game.

Tow Law Town gained their second win of the season, beating Billingham Town 2-1, with goals by Adrian Bailey and Kai Hewitson, with Danny Maloney scoring in between.

Brandon United also won their second game by 2-1 at Hebburn, Kyle Wren and Vince Gash scoring their goals with Chris Smith replying. Esh Winning are still without a point after they lost 2-1 at Whickham.

Wednesday Shildon beat Guisborough Town 1-0. Shildon went close twice in the first half. Bobby Moore curled a left foot shot against the angle of post and crossbar and Guisborough `keeper Nick Liversedge saved the follow up from Paul Connor, then Connor broke through and Liversedge pushed his shot against the crossbar. Curtis Round went close at the other end.

In the second half, Guisborough nearly scored through Danny Earl, but Gary Brown cleared off the line. However, Shildon took the lead on the hour-mark when the ball came in from the left, and Connor fired left- footed into the bottom right hand corner. Round nearly levelled for Guisborough, but Lewis Graham got down well to save his deflected shot. Graham pulled off two more good saves as Guisborough piled on the pressure late in the game.

Bishop Auckland lost 2-0 at home to Marske United. The closest either side came to scoring in an open first half was a shot by Marske’s Craig Gott that struck the post, but the midfielder had better luck on 52 minutes when Dan Riley made a good run and set up Gott to score from the edge of the area.

Marske went further ahead when Adam Wheatley scored from a free-kick with 12 minutes remaining.

Newton Aycliffe drew 1-1 at North Shields. Both sides had a man sent-off in the first half. Stuart Banks was shown a straight red for Aycliffe, and Kevin Hughes two yellows for Shields.

New signing Dan Wilson put Shields into the lead, but Paul Garthwaite equalised for Aycliffe with 15 minutes left.

Bedlington Terriers had a good 2-1 home win over Whitley Bay. Mason Stephenson scored twice for Bedlington in the first 8 minutes to put his side in control and they held on to their two-goal advantage until late in the game, when Adam Shanks pulled a goal back from the penalty spot.

Sunderland RCA had an excellent 5-3 away win at West Allotment Celtic. Clayton Davis scored a hat-trick for them, with Paul Callen and Callum Hope scoring the others. Dale Pearson (2) and Ian Lee scored for Allotment, who were level 3-3 at one stage.

Morpeth Town drew 2-2 at Newcastle Benfield. Morpeth took the lead when Luke Carr set up Ben Sayer, then Keith Graydon fired the second. But Benfield hit back with two goals by Paul Brayson in the second half.

In the Second Division, Birtley Town ran riot against bottom club Stokesley SC, winning 9-0, Daniel Maddison scoring four of them. Stokesley have conceded 36 goals in their six league games so far.

Heaton Stannington beat Easington 3-2, even though they had their goalkeeper Shaun Backhouse sent-off. Heaton took the lead when Jonny Wright chipped the keeper, and after Wright missed a penalty, Brian Dodsworth added the second.

Easington pulled a goal back through Luke Page but then Ben Telford made it 3-1. Backhouse was dismissed for a foul, but Easington could only add one more goal through Page.

Billingham Synthonia and Thornaby fought out a goalless draw at Central Avenue, while Ryton & Crawcrook Albion won at Northallerton Town, thanks to a goal by Scott Gunn.

Chester-le-Street drew 1-1 at Willington. Scott Heslop gave them the lead, but Lewis Milner equalised for Willington.

View from the Terraces

By Media Manager Stuart Dick Forster…..who went on to punch a It has certainly been an interesting wall and fracture his hand. few weeks since our last home game, quite a few road trips made I’m sure we’ve all been in a similar in the past two weeks, some spot, when I was younger I used to enjoyable, some less so. be an extremely talented (and modest) tenpin bowler, I kicked a We start off with the trip away to hole in a wall when I was 10 West Auckland Town, always a because I missed a pin….yeah… difficult challenge. Back to the action, I was extremely They say you are always attacking disappointed, I had the 5th minute uphill due to the nature of the golden goal ticket and, of course, pitch. Anyway, like a lot of games Chilts scored in the 4th….no this season we took an early lead, consideration. Michael Chilton breaking free and finishing sublimely. Next up was a trip to Newcastle Benfield, 2-0 up at the half we let He followed that up with a headed them back into the game, two second and a comfortable 2-0 win, despite the red card for Stephen

goals from Paul Brayson, one of the Ben Sayer netting 89th minute top strikers in the league. winner after a fine second half performance, a fully deserved win. It was extremely disappointing, but we should have had a third goal, The contrasting performances of video evidence proving our late the last two games are hard to potential winner was not offside, or explain, it’s just one of those things, even close to being offside. But what but it shows the grit and can you do, two points dropped. determination of our side, and our coaching team. Then we made the trip to Newton Aycliffe to take on West Auc….I mean Finally, for those wondering, my Newton Aycliffe. food ratings for the four away trips.

Two goals from Matty Moffat and we West Auckland 3/10, not a fan of are out of the FA Cup, I think the pork pie. everyone will agree with me, this is the low point of the season so far. Newcastle Benfield 5/10, decent chips. Well, that’s obvious, because it’s our only defeat of the season. Newton Aycliffe 8/10, good bacon butty. As I write this I’ve just returned from our bank holiday local derby with Shildon 7.9/10, only marginally Shildon. 1st v 2nd, a battle between trumped by Newton Aycliffe’s two of the best sides in the league. offering.

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2015/16 Fixtures July 2015 Friday 10th July Dalbeattie Star (A) 7.30pm 4-1 Saturday 11th July Stranraer (A) 2.30pm 3-5 Saturday 18th July Whitley Bay A (A) 3.00pm 3-1 Tuesday 21st July Walker Central (A) 7.30pm 2-0 Friday 24th July West Allotment Celtic (A) 3.00pm 4-1 Wednesday 29th July Jarrow (A) 3.00pm 2-0

August 2015 Saturday 1st August Ryton & Crawcrook Albion (A) 2.30pm 5-1 Saturday 8th August Bishop Auckland (H) 3.00pm 3-0 Tuesday 11th August Washington (A) 7.30pm 2-2 Saturday 15th August Garforth Town (A) 3.00pm 4-1 Wednesday 19th August Durham City (H) 7.30pm 2-1 Saturday 22nd August West Auckland Town (A) 3.00pm 2-0 Wednesday 26th August Newcastle Benfield (A) 7.30pm 2-2 Saturday 29th August Newton Aycliffe (A) 3.00pm 0-2 Monday 31st August Shildon (A) 7.30pm 1-0

September 2015 Saturday 5th September Padiham (H) 3.00pm FA Vase 1st QR Wed 9th September Bedlington Terriers (H) 7.30pm ENL D1 Saturday 12th September West Allotment Celtic (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Tuesday 15th September Whitley Bay (A) 7.30pm ENL D1 Saturday 19th September Ashington (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Wed 23rd September Bishop Auckland (H) 7.30pm League Cup R1 Saturday 26th September North Shields (H) 3.00pm ENL D1

October 2015 Saturday 3rd October Consett (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 10th October Jarrow Roofing (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Wednesday 14th October Dunston UTS 7.30pm ENL D1 Saturday 17th October Marske United (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 24th October Seaham Red Star (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 31st October Penrith (A) 3.00pm ENL D1

November 2015 Saturday 7th November Newton Aycliffe (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 14th November Norton & Stockton Ancients (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 21st November Sunderland RCA (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 28th November Guisborough Town (A) 3.00pm ENL D1

December 2015 Saturday 5th December Washington (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 12th December Durham City (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 19th December Newcastle Benfield (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 26th December Shildon (H) 3.00pm ENL D1

January 2015 Saturday 2nd January West Allotment Celtic (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 9th January Bishop Auckland (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 16th January West Auckland Town (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 23rd January Dunston UTS (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 30th January Bedlington Terriers (A) 3.00pm ENL D1

February 2015 Saturday 6th February Whitley Bay (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 13th February Ashington (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 20th February North Shields (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 27th February Consett (H) 3.00pm ENL D1

March 2015 Saturday 5th March Jarrow Roofing (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 12th March Marske United (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 19th March Seaham Red Star (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 26th March Penrith (H) 3.00pm ENL D1

April 2015 Saturday 2nd April Newton Aycliffe (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 9th April Norton & Stockton Ancients (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 16th April Sunderland RCA (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 23rd April Guisborough Town (H) 3.00pm ENL D1

2015/16 Player Stats

App Goals Assist Yel Red Karl Dryden 8 0 0 0 0 Niall Harrison 0 0 0 0 0 David Hiftle 8 0 0 0 0 Shaun Henderson 5 0 0 0 0 James Novak 7 1 1 0 0 Johnny Wilson 0 0 0 0 0 Christopher Jewels 0 0 0 0 0 Michael Hall 8 0 0 1 0 Keith Graydon 8 1 0 3 0 Ben Sayer 7 3 4 1 0 Jordan Fry 4 2 0 1 0 Luke Carr 7 2 4 0 0 Shaun Bell 0 0 0 0 0 Sean Taylor 8 1 4 2 0 Michael Chilton 8 5 0 0 0 Daniel Taggart 6 1 0 0 0 Stephen Forster 5 0 0 0 1 Stephen Anderson 7 0 2 0 0 Jordan Nellis 5 0 0 1 0 Chris Swailes 4 0 0 0 0 Lee McAndrew 7 0 0 0 0 Jack Betts 0 0 0 0 0

Private Function Room and Bar

Craik Park, the home of Morpeth Town AFC, has a host of facilities that can accommodate all your needs if you are looking to stage an event.

The Craik Park Suite and Private Function Room is available to hire, whether you are celebrating that special birthday, or your club or society wants to host a fundraising event, or even host a meeting we have got you covered.

If you wish to hold an event at Craik Park, contact John Richardson on (07738 447544) to discuss booking options and prices.

Highwaymen TV is the Youtube channel of Morpeth Town A.F.C.

Founded in December 2014, the channel produces highlights of Morpeth Town games and relays footage to Made in Tyne and Wear TV, Northern League Football Premiership Passion and other websites.

Weekend North East Fixtures (3.00pm Unless Specified) League Two Wycombe Wanderers v Hartlepool Vanarama National League Bromley v Gateshead Evo-Stik Northern Premier Blyth Spartans v Stamford Halsowen Town v Darlington 1883 Evo-Stik Norther Premier Division One Spennymoor Town v Clitheroe FA Vase First Qualifying Round Billingham Synthonia V Alnwick Town Birtley Town V Chester-Le-Street Brandon United V Washington Crook Town V West Auckland Town Durham City V Northallerton Town Eccleshill United V Heaton Stannington Esh Winning V Hall Road Rangers Hebburn Town V Knaresborough Town Liversedge V Team Northumbria Norton & Stockton Ancients V Pickering Town Penrith V Bridlington Town Ryhope CW V Darlington RA Ryton & Crawcrook Albion V Yorkshire Amateur Seaham Red Star V Billingham Town Silsden V Thornaby Thackley V Whickham Willington V Whitley Bay EBAC Northern League Division One Bedlington Terriers V North Shields Bishop Auckland V Sunderland RCA Dunston UTS V Ashington Guisborough Town V Consett Jarrow Roofing V Newton Aycliffe Marske United V Newcastle Benfield Shildon V West Allotment Celtic EBAC Northern League Division Two South Shields V Easington Colliery Stokesley V Tow Law Town

Northern League Stats (Compiled by Ray Simpson) Northern League Statistics Northern League Statistics

Highest scorers: Division One 7 Mark Doninger (Shildon). 4 Paul Brayson (Newcastle Benfield), Malky Morien (Dunston UTS). 3 Luke Bythway (Guisborough), John Campbell (Jarrow Roofing), Michael Chilton (Morpeth), Martyn Coleman (Penrith), Mark Davison (Washington), Danny Earl (Guisborough), Callum Patton (Durham City), Dale Pearson (West Allotment), David Pounder (2 for North Shields, 1 for Durham), Steve Richardson (Dunston), Peter Watling (Whitley Bay).

Division Two 7 Warren Byrne (South Shields), Scott Heslop (Chester-le-Street). 5 Kai Hewitson (Tow Law), Nathan O’Neill (Ryhope CW), Conor Winter (Ryhope CW). 4 Ryan Burnyeat (Ryton), Kerry Hedley (Darlington RA), Aaron Ramsbottom (Northallerton), Dean Thexton (Willington)

Biggest wins: Home: Division One Shildon 8 Norton 0 (12th August) Division Two Northallerton 8 Stokesley 2 (15th August) Easington 7 Tow Law 0 (15th August)

Away Division One Bedlington 0 Dunston UTS 8 (8th August), West Auckland 2 Guisborough 7 (11th August)

Division Two Birtley 0 Team Northumbria 9 (22nd August)

Clean Sheers Division One: 3 Dunston UTS, Shildon 2 Morpeth 1 Ashington, Consett, Newton Aycliffe, Penrith, Seaham Red Star, West Allotment, Whitley Bay Division Two 2 Billingham Town, Darlington RA, Hebburn, Team Northumbria, Thornaby, Whickham 1 Billingham Synthonia, Birtley, Chester-le-Street, Crook, Easington, Northallerton, Ryton and Crawcrook, South Shields.

Failed to score: Division One. 2 Bedlington, Bishop Auckland, Norton, Sunderland RCA, West Auckland. 1 Durham City, Newcastle Benfield, Newton Aycliffe, West Allotment, Whitley Bay. Division Two. 3 Alnwick, Birtley. 2 Easington, Esh Winning, Ryton and Crawcrook, Tow Law, Willington. 1 Billingham Synthonia, Chester-le-Street, Darlington RA, Hebburn, Stokesley.

League Tables EBAC Northern League Division One

P W D L GD PTS 1st Shildon 6 5 0 1 17 15 2nd Morpeth Town 6 4 2 0 7 14 3rd Washington 5 4 1 0 6 13 4th Penrith 7 3 2 2 3 11 5th Dunston UTS 5 3 1 1 12 10 6th Newton Aycliffe 5 3 1 1 4 10 7th Durham City 7 3 1 3 3 10 8th Guisborough Town 4 3 0 1 6 9 9th Consett 5 2 2 1 2 8 10th Marske United 4 2 1 1 3 7 11th Ashington 5 2 1 2 2 7 12th Sunderland RCA 6 2 1 3 -4 7 13th West Allotment Celtic 6 2 0 4 -10 6 14th North Shields 5 1 2 2 0 5 15th Newcastle Benfield 4 1 2 1 -1 5 16th Jarrow Roofing BCA 5 1 2 2 -2 5 17th Seaham Red Star 6 1 2 3 -5 5 18th Norton & Stockton Ancients 7 1 2 4 -12 5 19th Whitley Bay 4 1 1 2 1 4 20th Bedlington Terriers 6 1 1 4 -15 4 21st Bishop Auckland 4 1 0 4 -8 3 22nd West Auckland Town 5 0 1 4 -11 1

Form Guide

P W D L GD PTS 1st Shildon 6 5 0 1 17 15 2nd Morpeth Town 6 4 2 0 7 14 3rd Washington 5 4 1 0 6 13 4th Dunston UTS 5 3 1 1 12 10 5th Newton Aycliffe 5 3 1 1 6 10 6th Penrith 6 3 1 2 3 10 7th Guisborough Town 4 3 0 1 6 9 8th Consett 5 2 2 1 2 8 9th Marske United 4 2 1 1 3 7 10th Ashington 5 2 1 2 2 7 11th Durham City 6 2 1 3 0 7 12th Sunderland RCA 6 2 1 3 -4 7 13th West Allotment Celtic 6 2 0 4 -10 6 14th North Shields 5 1 2 2 0 5 15th Newcastle Benfield 4 1 2 1 -1 5 16th Jarrow Roofing BCA 5 1 2 2 -2 5 17th Seaham Red Star 6 1 2 3 -5 5 18th Whitley Bay 4 1 1 2 1 4 19th Norton & Stockton Ancients 6 1 1 4 -12 4 20th Bedlington Terriers 6 1 1 4 -15 4 21st Bishop Auckland 5 1 0 4 -8 3 22nd West Auckland Town 5 0 1 4 -11 1

EBAC Northern League Division Two

P W D L GD PTS 1st Chester-Le-Street 8 5 2 1 11 17 2nd South Shields 7 5 1 1 11 16 3rd Whickham 7 5 1 1 5 16 4th Darlington RA 8 5 1 2 -2 16 5th Team Northumbria 7 4 2 1 19 14 6th Northallerton Town 8 4 1 3 6 13 7th Thornaby 6 3 3 0 4 12 8th Hebburn Town 7 3 2 2 6 11 9th Ryton & Crawcrook Albion 8 3 2 3 4 11 10th Easington Colliery 7 3 1 3 7 10 11th Heaton Stannington 6 3 1 2 3 10 12th Alnwick Town 8 3 1 4 0 10 13th Brandon United 7 3 1 3 -2 10 14th Ryhope CW 5 3 0 2 1 9 15th Tow Law Town 8 2 2 4 -9 8 16th Willington 8 2 2 4 -9 8 17th Billingham Synthonia 5 2 1 2 0 7 18th Billingham Town 7 2 1 4 -3 7 19th Crook Town 6 2 0 4 -2 6 20th Birtley Town 7 1 1 5 -6 4 21st Esh Winning 7 1 0 6 -15 3 22nd Stokesley 7 0 0 7 -29 0

Form Guide P W D L GD PTS 1st South Shields 6 5 1 0 12 16 2nd Chester-Le-Street 6 4 2 0 8 14 3rd Whickham 6 4 1 1 3 13 4th Thornaby 6 3 3 0 4 12 5th Team Northumbria 6 3 2 1 16 11 6th Ryton & Crawcrook Albion 6 3 2 1 9 11 7th Easington Colliery 6 3 1 2 9 10 8th Northallerton Town 6 3 1 2 7 10 9th Heaton Stannington 6 3 1 2 3 10 10th Brandon United 6 3 1 2 1 10 11th Darlington RA 6 3 1 2 -5 10 12th Ryhope CW 5 3 0 2 1 9 13th Hebburn Town 6 2 2 2 3 8 14th Billingham Synthonia 5 2 1 2 0 7 15th Alnwick Town 6 2 1 3 -1 7 16th Crook Town 6 2 0 4 -2 6 17th Willington 6 1 2 3 -9 5 18th Tow Law Town 6 1 2 3 -10 5 19th Billingham Town 6 1 1 4 -4 4 20th Birtley Town 6 1 1 4 -5 4 21st Esh Winning 6 1 0 5 -10 3 22nd Stokesley 6 0 0 6 -25 0

Town surrender two goal lead Newcastle Benfield 2-2 Morpeth Town

Morpeth Town’s unbeaten start continued with a 2-2 draw with Newcastle Benfield on Wednesday evening, but Nick Gray’s side will not be pleased with the manor of the draw.

The Highwaymen had a two goal lead going into the break thanks to midfielders Ben Sayer and Keith Graydon, but two second half goal from Paul Brayson secured a point for the hosts.

Morpeth missed a number of second half chances in a game they dominated, and a late Michael Chilton goal was wrongly ruled out for offside.

Town started the day top of the EBAC Northern League Division One table and made a couple of changes from the side that beat West Auckland Town 2-0 at the weekend. James Novak came in for the injured Stephen Forster, who also picked up a red card against West Auckland. The other change saw Lee McAndrew come into the side for Steven Anderson.

After a cagey first 15 minutes Morpeth won a left wing corner. Sayer combined Luke Carr to take a short corner, Carr relaying the ball back to Sayer who strode into the penalty area unleashing a powerful right footed strike into the back of the net.

The lead was almost doubled within five minutes, Carr again the catalyst as he picked the ball up on the right side of midfield before running goalwards. The midfielder slid the ball into Michael Chilton between the centre-back and left-back who rounded the ‘keeper and rolled the ball towards the net, a sliding defender cleared the ball on the goal line.

Morpeth’s dominance showed no signs of a let up at this point, and the Highwaymen made it 2-0 on 41 minutes. Lee McAndrew found Keith Graydon in the centre of the pitch. Morpeth’s captain lofted a ball into the penalty area for Carr who headed back into the

path of an onrushing Graydon who brought ball down with a header before coolly slotting home from 6 yards out, a wonderful move.

The second half saw the visitors step up their game, creating a number of excellent chances. The first fell to Graydon one minute after the re- start, who saw the Benfield ‘keeper of his line and tried a long range effort from 45 yards, the ball sailing narrowly over the bar.

Sean Taylor was next to take aim, latching on to a Karl Dryden goal kick before hitting a right footed effort just wide of the goal.

The home side pulled one back against the run of play through substitute Paul Brayson. A lofted ball down the left allowed Brayson to break in behind the Morpeth defence and chip magnificently over Dryden to make it 2-1.

This ignited Town again who had a number of chances to put the game to bed. Graydon was denied twice by the Benfield ‘keeper in a matter of seconds after playing a one-two with Sayer, hit powerful shots inside the area eventually turned behind.

Graydon went close again minutes late, Michael Chilton setting the midfielder up on the edge of the area, Graydon’s shot deflected millimetres wide of the ‘keepers right hand post.

Morpeth were opening the opposition up at will, a diagonal ball found Taylor on the left who ran towards goal before laying the ball off to Sayer 10 yard out who sidefooted towards the bottom right hand corner only to see the ‘keeper parry wide.

Despite the domination, there was always a chance the home side could steal a point, and they did so when the referee awarded Benfield a penalty on 83 minutes for a foul on Brayson by Chris Swailes, which looked rather soft. Brayson stepped up and converted the pen, sending Dryden the wrong way.

Two minutes later Morpeth should have regained the lead. A right wing corner was headed off the crossbar by Taylor with the ball falling to Michael Chilton two yards home to tap home. Inexplicably the linesman had raised his flag and disallowed the goal for offside.

After the game the official looked at the video evidence and admitted their mistake.

But unfortunately it was two points dropped for the Highwaymen, who should have put the game beyond any doubt before that point. The club now sits second in the table and face a trip to Newton Aycliffe for the FA Cup Preliminary Round on Saturday, before a trip to league leaders Shildon on bank holiday Monday.

Moffat double knocks Town Out Newton Aycliffe 2-0 Morpeth Town

Morpeth Town were knocked out of the FA Cup at the Preliminary Round stage after a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Newton Aycliffe.

The Highwaymen never really got going in a scrappy game, with the home side netting one goal in each half to advance to the first qualifying round for the first time in their history.

Matty Moffat was the hero on the day, scoring both goals. The first came from a long ball by the home side, Moffat and Michael Hall going up for the challenge with the former West Auckland man winning the header before latching on to his rebound. He steadied himself before firing past Karly Dryden to make it 1-0.

The hosts doubled their lead in the second half, again Moffat doing the damage and he got in front of Chris Swailes at the back post to head home an excellent Aaron Brown cross.

Moffat could have had a hat-trick late on, he was through one on one with Karl Dryden in the Morpeth Town goal, but the Former Ashington stopper turned his effort round the post.

A disappointing result for the Highwaymen who suffered their first defeat of the season in competition everyone at the club believed Town could make progress in.

Attention now turns to the league, and of course the FA Vase as Morpeth will look to but this one poor result behind them.

Managers Message: Nick Gray and Dave Malone

Last weekend tells you everything you need to know about football, one minute you hit a low, next minute you’re on a high.

After the disappointing second half display against Newcastle Benfield, we thought we would bounce back in the FA Cup game last Saturday, but we were second best against Newton Aycliffe, which is extremely disappointing.

But following that we made the trip to Shildon on Bank Holiday Monday. We went in knowing a good performance there would put us n good stead, we’d know where we are in comaprison to the rest of the strong teams in the league.

In the end it was our most satusfying and complete performance to date, although we did pick up a couple of njuries, but the side dealt with that really well.

We now need to believe in ourselves, believe we can compete and finish in the top six. We need to take this confidence in to today’s FA Vase game again Padiham.

It will be a tough game,we’ll need to be at our best to get through to the next round. This competition gives teams like us a realistic chance to play at Wembley, but we weon;t think about that right now, we have to take it game by game and we start off against a very good Padiham side.

The lads attitude in games, in trainng and in preseason has been excellent, and now we need to step it up.

Yours in Sport

Nicky Gray

29th August League Round-Up (By Ray Simpson) Norton & Stockton Ancients manager Deano Browne tasted victory for the first time when his side beat Seaham Red Star 2-0 in the Ebac Northern League on Saturday.

Browne took over a fortnight ago after Adam Rundle was sacked after just three games, and since then has managed to steady the ship. They also picked up a point at Ashington in midweek.

“It was a great result, we’re buzzing to get our first win,” he said. “The lads were excellent and deserved their win. Seaham made it difficult in the second half when they were down to ten men, but I thought we were the best team throughout the game.”

Harrison Davies missed a penalty, but he made no mistake a few minutes later when he scored from close range. Youngster Matty Pennal then scored the second when he dispossessed a Seaham defender and fired home. Seaham had David Scorer dismissed in the second half.

Shildon conceded their first league goals of the season but they are still four points clear at the top of the First Division after they won 6-4 at Sunderland RCA.

The RCA rocked Shildon by taking a two-goal lead through Joe Hughes and Paul Callen, but Shildon pulled level through Paul Connor and Mark Doninger before half-time.

Doninger and Billy Greulich-Smith made it 4-2 soon after the restart, but Clayton Davis put RCA back into the game. But Kyle Fryatt and Greulich-Smith soon made it 6-3, and after Luke Proctor missed a penalty for RCA, Michael Charlton pulled a late goal back.

Shildon manager Gary Forrest said; “Both defences were on top! I’m pleased with the three points and we scored another six goals.”Sunderland RCA manager Marty Swales said; “We were winning 2-0 after 20 minutes and bossing the game, then our keeper chucked two goals in. We are great going forward, but defensively we are poor.”

Durham City beat Penrith 4-1 at New Ferens Park. Durham took the lead through James Fairley after a mistake in the Penrith defence, and after Penrith missed some good chances in the second half, Durham added a second through Callum Patton from ten yards.

Gary Shaw scored a good third from a solo run, and after Penrith’s Jordan Little missed a penalty, David Renyard pulled a goal back. But Fairley wrapped up the points with a 25- yarder.

Durham manager Ian Chandler said; “We scored the goals that our performances have been lacking. We dominated a strong Penrith team scoring three goals in the second half. We’re much happier this weekend.”

West Allotment Celtic climbed out of the bottom three thanks to a 3-1 away win at Bedlington Terriers.

Liam Hudson gave Bedlington the lead from a Dean Briggs pass after 30 minutes, but Ian Lee levelled from a Lee Scott pass soon after half-time.

Former Bedlington player Scott then scored the second from the edge of the box with Bedlington claiming offside, then he got the third with a superb 25 yarder into the top corner.

In the Second Division, the game between South Shields and Ryhope CW had to be abandoned after 10 minutes because of an injury to Shields’ Adam Sakr.

Darlington RA remain top of the table even though they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Whickham.

The RA took the lead with a header by Mike Weston, but Whickham scored twice in a minute through Scott Swanston to go in the lead.

The RA made two subs, Harvey Saunders and John Ward, and deep into stoppage time they combined to set up the equaliser for Joe Peel.

Darlington RA manager Warren Moncur said; “Our subs changed the game with their pace and presence.”

Chester-le-Street are second after they drew 0-0 at home to Team Northumbria in the clash between two of the promotion chasers.

Chester-le-Street manager Colin Wake said; “I was really pleased with the performance, preventing Team North from creating any clear opportunities for the full 90 minutes and restricting them to shots from outside the box and that with five regulars missing. We could and should have won the game from one of the four very good chances created, but a point against a side fancied for promotion with the squad available was very pleasing.”

Billingham Synthonia scored for the first time in five matches on their way to a 1-0 win at Crook Town, Foster Garton scoring from a Chris Lawther pass.

Billingham Town lost 3-0 at home to Alnwick Town, for whom James Jackson (2) and Chris Glass scored.

Brandon United came back from 4-0 down with ten men to draw 4-4 at Ryton & Crawcrook Albion. The home side didn’t look in any trouble as they led 4-0 at half-time with a hat-trick by Sam Moore and another by David Backhouse.

Brandon only had the bare eleven and one player went off injured at half-time and in the second half Brandon fought back and gained an unlikely point through Vince Gash, James Marshall, Kieran Weekes and Joe Calvert. They scored twice in stoppage time. Bank Holiday Monday

Shildon’s 100% record in the Ebac Northern League First Division was ended when they were beaten by a late goal at home by second- placed Morpeth Town on Bank Holiday Monday.

Lewis Wing went close for Shildon when he chipped the ball against the bar from the corner of the box, then Gary Brown, at full stretch, was just wide from a Micky Rae cross.

Morpeth’s Sean Taylor put the ball over the bar from a few yards after Keith Graydon’s free-kick was blocked into his path, and then when Taylor got clean through, keeper Lewis Graham saved at his feet.

Bobby Moore fired just wide from the edge of the box, and in the second half Billy Greulich-Smith was just over with an overhead kick.

But with just minutes remaining, Taylor’s shot was cleared off the line, and Ben Sayer scored from the rebound.

Consett just got the better of Durham City by 4-3. Durham took an early lead through a penalty from Callum Patton, but Consett quickly equalised when a corner by Danny Craggs was turned into his own net by Durham defender Adam Crathorne.

Craggs then fired Consett into the lead with a free-kick into the bottom corner, and they went 3-1 up when Michael Mackay scored from a Calvin Smith cross.

But Durham rallied, and pulled one back through Craig Lynch off a free-kick, then Patton equalised with his second successful penalty of the game.

But late in the game Consett collected the points when Mackay headed the winner from another Smith cross.

Penrith defeated Norton & Stockton Ancients 3-0, all their goals coming from Martyn Coleman.

Sunderland RCA beat Seaham Red Star 2-0, with a penalty by Callum Hope and an own goal in the second half.

Ashington won their local derby by 4-0 against Bedlington Terriers. Andy Johnson scored twice in the first 28 minutes, then Matty Grieve just on the half-hour. Joe Race added the fourth in second half stoppage time.

In the Second Division, Darlington RA were knocked off the top of the table. They lost 4-0 at Northallerton Town, for whom Colin Anderson and Andrew Ramsbottom both scored in each half, so South Shields took over with a 1- 0 away win at Hebburn, Stephen Ramsey scoring their goal from a Robbie Briggs assist in the first half.

FA Vase Draw First Qualifying Round

Morpeth Town V Padiham FC

Craik Park Saturday 5th September 3pm KO

Willington V Whitley Bay Norton & Stockton Ancients V Pickering Town Sunderland Ryhope CW V Darlington Railway Athletic Brandon United V Washington Silsden V Thornaby Crook Town V West Auckland Town Hebburn Town V Knaresborough Town Seaham Red Star V Billingham Town Esh Winning V Hall Road Rangers Durham City V Northallerton Town Billingham Synthonia V Alnwick Town Ryton & Crawcrook Albion V Yorkshire Amateur Eccleshill United V Heaton Stannington Penrith V Bridlington Town Thackley V Whickham Birtley Town V Chester-Le-Street Town Liversedge V Team Northumbria

Second Qualifying Round

Billingham Synthonia or Alnwick Town V Morpeth Town or Padiham FC

Easington Colliery V Ashington South Shields V Brandon United / Washington Tow Law Town V Stokesley Eccleshill United / Heaton Stannington Birtley Town / Chester-Le-Street Town V Esh Winning / Hall Road Rangers Sunderland Ryhope CW / Darlington RA V Sunderland RCA Penrith / Bridlington Town V Silsden / Thornaby Daisy Hill V Thackley / Whickham Garforth Town/ Albion Sports V Bedlington Terriers Durham City / Northallerton Town V Jarrow Roofing Boldon CA Seaham Red Star / Billingham Town V Hebburn Town / Knaresborough Town Ryton & Crawcrook Albion / Yorkshire Amateur Bishop Auckland V Holker Old Boys Norton & Stockton Ancients V Newcastle Benfield or Pickering Town AFC Darwen V Crook Town or West Auckland Town Willington or Whitley Bay V West Allotment Celtic Newton Aycliffe V Barnoldswick Town Nelson V Liversedge or Team Northumbria

Today’s Opposition

Honours FA Cup Third Round 1883/84 Burnley, Pendle & Rossendale Hospital Cup Winners 1996, 2005 NHS Bird Cup Winners 2011, 2013 LANCASHIRE COMBINATION FOOTBALL LEAGUE George Watson Trophy Winners 1981 Promotion from Division Two 1960/61 NORTH WEST COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE Premier Division Champions 2012/13 WEST LANCASHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE Division 1 Champions 1999/2000 Division 2 Champions 1971/72, 1976/77

Opposition Squad

Curtis Haley (GK) Seydou Bamba Lee Botham Thomas Bradley Corey Cook Sean Cookson Matthew Cross Sean Davis Nathan Egan Joshua Emmot Samuel Farrow Thomas Fowler Andrew Hill Chappy Massamba Marc Mullan Alexander Murphy Martin Parkes Kieron Pickup James Pilling Alex Ralph John Rogers Jordan Scott Dominic Slaven Christopher Turner Joshua Walne Paul Walsh Michael West

Opposition History

It might be hard to imagine today but At present the site is occupied by the in the immediate years following the Potterton Myson Limited Main Gas establishment of Padiham Football factory and nothing remains of the Club in November 1878 the Clubs original ground which `Caldersiders` as they were then witnessed many encounters with known were considered one of Clubs that later achieved Football Lancashire`s soccer pioneers and one League status. In fact it was the of the better Club sides in England. setting up of the Football League and the ensuing loss of fixtures with the The Padiham Club were in at the birth leading Clubs, as well as the of the Lancashire Football legalisation of professionalism within Associations Senior Cup competition football that ended Padiham`s initial in 1879, reached the third round decade of success. proper of the F.A. Cup in season 1883 – 84 and beat Burnley F.C. 6-0, 7-0, 9- Being an ardent stalwart of the fight 1 and 4-2 in their first four waged from Lancashire for the encounters. Gates of over 2,000 were legalisation of professionalism in not uncommon for the visits of teams football, Padiham`s progressive like Blackburn Rovers, Preston North outlook at the time ironically helped End, Burnley and other local rivals to fashion the stranglehold football Padiham F.C.`s ground which was finance came to have on small town originally situated on the banks of the Clubs, in hindsight it condemned River Calder at the end of Wyre Street Padiham to an ongoing fight for in Padiham and initially leased from survival. Unable to secure the the Shuttleworth family of services of players able to compete Gawthorpe Hall. with the bigger

surrounding towns and cities, gates up to see the Club`s opening dropped and as a result reduced Lancashire Combination fixture of the income meant Padiham had to 1949 – 50 football season. restrict its activities to playing in the Lancashire Combination Football In 1982, Padiham Football Club League and at times the local minor became founder members of the leagues. North West Counties Football League, however in 1990 they left the league The outbreak of World War One and joined the West Lancashire curtailed Padiham Football Club`s Football League where they played involvement in active football their football for ten seasons. altogether at the end of the 1915 – 1916 season, and the loss of their Padiham returned to the North West ground during the War meant that Counties Football League for the Padiham Football Club lay dormant 2000/2001 season, winning the until after the end of World War Two Premier Division Title in 2012/13 to when they were reformed. gain promotion to the Northern Premier League, where they spent The rebirth of Padiham Football Club two seasons before being relegated came about in 1949 with the opening back to the North West Counties of the `Arbories` Memorial Sports Football League for the 2015/16 Ground in Padiham on August 20th season. Since 1999 the club has spent 1949 when 1,777 spectators turned in the region of £600,000 upgrading their ground.

Late Sayer strike sinks Shildon Shildon 0-1 Morpeth Town An 89th minute Ben Sayer strike inflicted the first league defeat of the season on leaders Shildon as the Highwaymen secured a Bank Holiday 1-0 win in the EBAC Northern League Division One.

After Lee McAndrew had been denied by an unbelievable goal line header by Gary Brown, Steven Anderson knocked the ball into the path of Sayer on the edge of the area who hit a curling shot with the outside of his right boot just out of the grasp of Lewis Graham and into the bottom

The home side came out the blocks firing on all cylinders, almost taking the lead in opening three minutes. Kyle Fryatt’s low cross found Michael Rae, whose effort was blocked by Shaun Henderson. The rebound eventually fell to Lewis Wing 15 yards out on the left, his curled effort left Karl Dryden stranded, the ‘keeper only able to watch as the ball clipped the top of the bar and went over.

Some suspect defending then presented Shildon with another chance to take the lead, David Hiftle caught in possession with the ball running into the path of Rae who reached the edge of the area before rolling a shot wide of the post, closed down well by Michael Hall.

Morpeth gifted the Railwaymen a third guilt-edged chance in the opening 10 minutes. Despite numerous opportunities to clear, the Highwaymen failed and the ball was eventually played to Rae on the left. He broke to the byline before picking out an unmarked Gary Brown at the back post, but the defender was unable to slide the ball into an empty net.

After the frantic start, the visitors began to get themselves in the game, as a cagey 10 minutes saw very little goalmouth action. At the mid-point of the first half Town went close to breaking the deadlock. A 25 yard free-kick from Keith Graydon skimmed the wall before rolling into the path of Sean Taylor, who skied an effort from 10 yards out.

Taylor then turned provider, his 40-yard diagonal ball from the right wing almost found Michael Chilton at the back post, missing the striker by mere feet. At the other end Ben Wood broke into the penalty area, but Hall made a well-timed challenge to clear the ball.

With Shildon pressing on the half hour mark, a miss-placed pass by Sam Hodgson allowed Sayer to break, his 50-yard pass found Taylor breaking in behind the Shildon rear-guard. The strikers’ second touch allowed Graham to smother at his feet, however, turning behind for a corner.

The home side were a whisker away once more as the clock ticked towards the half, a right wing corner finding Rae on the edge of the area, his right foot effort going just wide of the right upright.

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More sloppy play from Shildon allowed Jordan Fry the chance to try his luck, he stole the ball from a wayward pass before playing a one-two with Taylor, lofting an effort over the bar from 10 yards out.

The Highwaymen were beginning to take control of the game, the captain Graydon going close just before half-time with a 25 yards effort that was deflected behind for a corner. The resulting corner saw defender Hall attempt to get a header on goal, but in the process hurt his shoulder, forcing him off with minute remaining in the first half.

There was still time for Shildon’s Daniel Groves to go close, the marauding run of the full back was found by Rae, Groves powerful shot rising just over the bar.

The second half brought the introduction of Billy Greulich-Smith for the home side, and his physical presence caused problems immediately. A long ball from the back was aimed for the Morpeth penalty area, Dryden calling to claim but was unable to as Greulich-Smith and Hiftle also challenged. The ball fell to the substitute with an open goal to aim at, but he squandered the effort under pressure from Hiftle.

Shildon won a free-kick on the right edge of the penalty area after an hour, but full-back John Brackstone hit a tame effort straight into the arms of Dryden.

The final half an hour saw Morpeth crank up the pressure. Lee McAndrew and James Novak combined down the right hand side allowing the latter to reach the byline before crossing to Chilton on the penalty spot, his right footed effort blocked on the line by Brown to deny the Highwaymen the lead.

By now Morpeth had lost their second centre-half of the game, substitute Chris Swailes, who’d replaced Hall, had suffered a back injury and had to be replaced by Lee McAndrew, forcing Jordan Fry into a makeshift centre-back role.

Graydon was the next to go close, latching on to a bouncing ball 22 yards out, his half volley powerfully hit but always going just over the bar. On a rare attack at the other end Fryatt picked out Greulich Smith with a right wing cross, the strikers over head-kick always sailing high.

On 73 minutes the hosts went close to opening the scoring. A left wing free-kick was whipped in right footed by Lewis Wing, just evading the boot of Wood at the back post.

Shildon somehow managed to keep Morpeth Town at bay on 83 minute. Firstly a left wing Novak hit the crossbar before falling to the feet of Taylor, the strikers’ effort well blocked by Graham on the line. The rebound fell back to Taylor who found Novak unmarked 10 yards out. His left footed effort was blocked by one of three defenders on the line, Groves getting the vital touch to deny Town.

The relentless pressure finally told in the 89th minute. Taylor’s right wing cross was missed by Steven Anderson, but fell to McAndrew at the back post, who took a touch before unleashing a powerful left footed strike at goal, only a diving header on the line by Brown denying him.

The header sent the ball high in 18 yard box, Anderson the first to meet it, stretching to relay the ball to Sayer on the edge of the area. With the outside of his right foot Sayer found the bottom right hand corner of Graham’s net.

Despite the hard work for 90 minutes, Morpeth almost let it slip from the re-start. Brown’s acrobatic effort falling tantalisingly over the bar.

Upcoming Fixtures EBAC Northern League Division 1 V Wednesday 9th September

EBAC Northern League Division 1 V Saturday 12th September

EBAC Northern League Division 1 V Tuesday 15th September

EBAC Northern League Division 1 V Saturday 19th September

Captains Message:

It's been a strange week, we started off strongly against Newcastle Benfield going two up, but we didn’t put our chances away, similar to the Washington game, which came back to haunt us after we drew 2-2.

On to Saturday, I think it was our worst display since I signed for the club, we just didn’t turn up. From start to finish and the best team on the day went through.

The best thing about Saturday was we only had to wait till Monday to put things right, we played very well against a very good Shildon side with the young milky bar kid (Ben Sayer) scoring the winner.

Close to the death of the game we had several chances cleared off the line. We also have so called hard centre backs dropping like flies at the minute, so on a whole, bar Saturday, it's been a decent start so far.

Team Captain Keith Graydon

Photo Gallery Morpeth Town 2-1 Durham City

West Auckland Town 0-2 Morpeth Town

Newcastle Benfield 2-2 Morpeth Town

Newton Aycliffe 2-0 Morpeth Town

Shildon 0-1 Morpeth Town

Today’s Squads

No. Goal Sub No. Goal Sub

Karl Dryden Curtis Haley (GK Niall Harrison Seydou Bamba David Hiftle Lee Botham Shaun Henderson Thomas Bradley James Novak Corey Cook Johnny Wilson Sean Cookson Chris Jewels Matthew Cross Chris Swailes Sean Davis Michael Hall Nathan Egan Matthew Grieve Joshua Emmot Keith Graydon Samuel Farrow Ben Sayer Thomas Fowler Luke Carr Andrew Hill Shaun Bell Chappy Massamba Jordan Fry Marc Mullan Sean Taylor Alexander Murphy Michael Chilton Martin Parkes Daniel Taggart Kieron Pickup Stephen Forster James Pilling Steven Anderson Alex Ralph Jordan Nellis John Rogers Lee McAndrew Jordan Scott Jack Betts Dominc Slaven Christopher Turner Joshua Walne Paul Walsh Michael West

Match Officials Referee Assistant Assistant