Manager’s stern words did the job for Highwaymen in friendly

MORPETH Town manager Stephen Turnbull has revealed that he “had a go” at his players at half-time in their pre-season friendly at Northern League club Newcastle Benfield.

The Highwaymen were a goal down at the interval as a Dan O’Reilly goal helped Benfield punish their visitors for a lacklustre display in the opening 45 minutes.

But after strong words from their manager, and a number of changes to their side, Morpeth dominated the second-half and claimed a 2-1 win thanks to a brace from Liam Henderson.

After the game Turnbull told The Chronicle: “I am delighted with the attitude because I have asked the lads to react after going a goal down.

“That’s when you see who the real characters are. It’s easy to shout and scream at each other when you’re winning every week, but it’s not so easy when you’re a goal down.

“I had a go at them at half-time, and credit to them, they came out and did well to win the game.

“It’s another win, although they don’t mean anything in pre-season, I am still delighted with it.”

Friday brought news that Morpeth will host Grantham Town on the opening day of the Northern Premier League season in what will be the first competitive fixture of Turnbull’s managerial career. The former Blyth Spartans midfielder has enjoyed a productive pre-season as he prepares for life in the dugout – but he insisted that his only focus is being ready for the new campaign.

“It’s all about being ready for day one of the season and that is all I am concerned about right now,” he said. “This year will be a learning curve, but I have a lot of experience behind me.”