Morpeth send Toon crashing
NEWCASTLE United Under-23s’ defence of the Northumberland Senior Cup was ended by an inspired performance from Morpeth Town.
Ben Dawson’s side saw their interest in this season’s competition ended at the semi-final stage as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at Craik Park thanks to goals from Joe Walton and Liam Henderson.
Chances were few and far between for the young Magpies and they only really created one half-chance in an uncomfortable 45 minutes.
It fell to Yannick Toure, as the young Swiss striker raced through on goal and rounded keeper Dan Lowson, but his touch was heavy and that allowed Stephen Forster to clear the danger.
The hosts bounced back and wasted quickfire chances as Michael Turner headed over from 10 yards and the lively Walton saw his powerful drive palmed away by Magpies keeper Nathan Harker.
But perhaps the best chance of the half came just before the interval as David Carson raced towards the Magpies area, cut inside on his right foot and unleashed a stinging effort that Harker to well to parry to safety.
The Highwaymen made a perfect start to the second half as Liam Henderson rose to meet a Walton cross and headed his side into a deserved lead.
The lead was doubled on the hour when the hosts were awarded a penalty after Harker brought down Carson.
Referee Paul Brown wasted little time in pointing to the spot and Walton finally got the goal that his performance deserved as he sent Harker the wrong way.
The Highwaymen were reduced to 10 men on 73 minutes when Taylor was shown a red card for a strong challenge on Matty Longstaff, but they held on to set up a final against North Shields.
Morpeth Town: Lowson, Forster (Potter), Turner, Phillips, J Henderson, Reid, Taylor, Hodgson, L Henderson (Foalle), Carson (Mohammed), Walton. Subs not used: Petrache, Tsapalos. Newcastle United Under-23s: Harker, Barrett (Sangare), Walters, Watts, Bailey, Cass, Allan, Young, Touré (Bartlett), M. Longstaff, Longelo (Cumbreras). Subs not used: McEntee, Huuhtanen.
MARK CARRUTHERS