Mens 2nds vs Stockton 3

Date: September 16, 2023 Venue: Fortress Longhirst

The first game of the season at Fortress Longhirst proved to be an exciting affair as Morpeth 2s, under the leadership of their new captain, Read, faced off against Stockton 3s. Despite a scrappy first half, Morpeth emerged victorious with a convincing 4-0 win, sending a strong message to their rivals.

First Half:

The match began with both teams trying to find their rhythm in the early stages. Passes were a bit wayward, and play was scrappy. However, Morpeth managed to break the deadlock in the 18th minute. During a short corner opportunity, a well-executed drag flick from Ray found the back of the net, giving Morpeth a 1-0 lead.

The goal injected a sense of confidence into Morpeth, and they continued to press. However, Stockton's defence held firm, preventing any further breakthroughs in the first half. Ray further showed his commitment to the team by getting patched up and returning to the battle after taking a stick to the head.

Second Half:

The halftime break seemed to do wonders for Morpeth as they emerged for the second half with renewed vigour. Captain Read's halftime pep talk appeared to have sparked a fire in his team.

Morpeth's dominance continued, and they were rewarded in the 51st minute when Raimes, assisted by the skilful Jorgeson, scored an impressive field goal. The home crowd roared in approval as their team extended the lead.

The Morpeth onslaught didn't stop there. In the 59th minute,Kidd found the back of the net, with Raimes returning the favour, providing the assist. Morpeth's attack was relentless, and their teamwork was a joy to watch; this frustrated their opposition who received a green and yellow card for back chat, umpire Slaughter taking no Teeside lip.

Jorgeson put the finishing touches on a memorable performance in the 68th minute when Palmer set up a perfect assist, allowing Jorgeson to score, capping off an excellent second half.

Final Score: Morpeth 2s 4 - 0 Stockton 3s

The final whistle blew with Morpeth 2s securing an impressive 4-0 victory. This dominant win propelled them to the top of the league table, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting season under Captain Read's leadership.

The second-half performance showcased Morpeth's potential and their aspirations for a successful campaign ahead. Fortress Longhirst proved once again to be an intimidating venue for visiting teams, and Morpeth fans left the stadium with great optimism for the rest of the season. Raimes’ goal and assist gained him the man of the match award with other notable performances from Ritchie, the returning Hukin and a Terry Buther like display from Ray. 

Although he also returned a goal and an assist, his many missed opportunities, including kicking one into the goal, earned Jorgeson the DOD award.