Highwaymen’s play-off hopes alive after win at Craik Park
ANDREW Johnson scored yet again with a decisive 11th-minute strike as Morpeth Town earned a 1-0 win over FC United of Manchester at Craik Park.
The Pitching In NPL Premier Division clash was intriguing throughout, as both sides realised defeat would end their chances of snatching that last play-off spot heading into the final few games of the campaign.
Heading to Morpeth for the first time in their history, FC United could have been forgiven for showing signs of fatigue after a midweek trip to Milan to play in a continental nonleague friendly competition.
But they played their part in an absorbing contest which Morpeth could have won by more had they taken another of the numerous chances they created.
Looking incredibly vulnerable defensively, the visitors were behind within 11 minutes as Johnson netted his 22nd goal of a profitable campaign.
Jack Foalle’s header at the back post, when unmarked, was saved by United stopper Dan Lavercombe but Johnson picked up possession and bent a fine effort into the far corner to give the Highwaymen a deserved lead.
Both sides sought to get on the front foot with numerous half chances, but Liam Noble chipped an effort past the far post, with Ben Sayer’s volley from the penalty spot blocked before half-time.
United would have one of their best sights of goal just after the break, but substitute Ewan Bange’s header
was superbly tipped over the bar by Dan Lowson’s fine save.
Foalle was a constant menace with his pace and had the ball past the keeper on the edge of the box but a superb block by Curtis Jones prevented a certain goal.
With the high line of FC United being exploited regularly, Noble pinched the ball from Linney before drilling a low effort inches off target.
Then came the visitors’ best chance of the game late on, Bange rounding
Lowson but seeing his shot goalward cleared off the line superbly by Jeff Henderson.
Stephen Forster dragged a stoppage-time shot just wide of the far post as Morpeth threatened to register a deserved second goal.
But they were able to see the game out and earn three hugely important points that kept their late play-off aspirations alive.
With Scarborough Athletic drawing, Morpeth moved to within five points of that coveted final play-off spot, with three games to play including a visit from Scarborough on Easter Bank Holiday Monday.
MORPETH TOWN: Lowson, Walton, Turner, Sayer, Henderson (c), C.morris, Foalle, Noble, Ramsey (Forster 69), Donaldson (Oliver 80), Johnson.
Subs: Reid, Phillips, Wombwell.
FC UNITED: Lavercombe, Donohue, Dodd, Smith (Griffiths 60), A.morris, Jones, Waddecar (Bange 46), Potts (Galloway 69), Linney, Ennis, Askew.
Subs: Mcgee, Taylor
ATT: 734