The first game back after the Christmas break was always going to be a tough one, especially playing against one of the sides who had only lost once all season and who appear to be pushing for a promotion place with the Green and Black.

The first quarter of the game was a tight affair until the Garnett started passing the ball around nicely and creating chances for Sherwood and Thompson. With 20 minutes gone, the pacey Thompson got beyond the opposition back four and slotted home to add to his already impressive tally of goals this season. The lads were fully in control of things for the next twenty as they pressurised the visiting team with good football and a lot of pace up front.

With all the pressure on the Morpeth back line, in the 35th minute another sweeping cross field move from right to left allowed Menton to feed in Sherwood who cleverly cut in from the left and played the ball across the goal for Thompson to ghost in and notch for the second time. 2 nil inside the first half, the Green and Black could only throw this one away.

After the second goal, the Bohs sat back and allowed the visitors to come at them and attack. Ultimately the pressure took its toll and with 5 minutes of the half remaining, a Morpeth move into the box resulted in Taff wiping out the opposition number 8 and the referee pointing to the spot. Despite a valiant effort from Hepburn, he could not prevent the inevitable, 2 -1 at half time.

The second half started much as the first half ended, the home side struggling to piece together any long periods of possession and passing and the visitors playing well and taking control of the game. Morpeth were quick, strong and at times the Green and Black were defending with their backs to the wall!

Although Morpeth were on top, Garnett did continue to try and create chances and with Sherwood and Thompson the possibilities are always there. With this in mind, mid way through the second half, Thompson broke free of his marker after a quick throw and the opposing number 5 was well behind and brought down the whippet inside the penalty area. Top scorer Danny Sherwood stepped up to try and put distance between the two teams, but only succeeded in striking the ball against the cross bar. Bad luck for Danny and the lads.

With Morpeth buoyed by the miss, they continued to pressurise the home goal and with 15 minutes to go, a cross from the left eluded the Garnett and allowed a Morpeth midfielder to head home from close range for the equaliser. The game continued to see-saw until the substitute, Trigger Robinson had the chance to slot home in the last minute but blazed his shot wide after an impressive run up-field.

All in all it was a hard fought game and a tough test straight after the festive season.

Author: Neil Hindley
All the best.

Team: F.Hepburn, M.Brown, M.Menton, D.Cave, S.Cavanagh, A.Alexander, S.King, D.Mercer, D.Sherwood, J.Thompson 2 (MoM), N.Hindley