Mens 3rds vs Newcastle Medics 4

From the very start, Morpeth showcased their offensive prowess. Andy Gallivan with his powerful strike across the goal at just 5 minutes, set the tone, all made possible by Dave Wayman’s slick pass at the edge of the D. But that wasn't all, Morpeth kept up the early pressure, winning a short corner. Yuri injected to Max, Max obviously aimed straight at Yuri who had made his way to the post to deflect the ball in.

2-0 up in the first 10 minutes, Morpeth were in Dreamland – and it showed as they seemed to switch off. The Medics, hardly in the mood for a quick diagnosis of defeat, retaliated with two breakaway goals. The defence hugely outnumbered for both, the first was a powerful strike into the bottom corner and the second, a tap in at the far post. This seemed to give Morpeth the shot in the arm they needed, winning another short corner on the stroke of half time. Yuri injected to Gallivan who flicked the ball into the top left corner of the net with such gusto, he threw himself to the floor in the effort!

Half time – 3-2. Reflections of the wakeup call we’d had and the importance of holding shape.

The second half was a whirlwind. The Medics, with surgical precision, found the net from a corner, a powerful strike that caught the Morpeth post-man off guard to equalise. Morpeth's resolve was being tested, but despite the frantic pace and heavy pressure, there were moments with Chris Oakton playing an admirable role as the midfield anchor despite a calf strain and Harrison showing great energy despite missing a toe after Thursday training. Both winning important tackles and finding the runs of McCurley, Renwick and Green.

Green, in the 43rd minute then may have been muttering "I’m sorry, I got it wrong," after getting himself a green card for obstructing when not 5 metres. That was not the only green however after Gallivan earned himself one for a cynical challenge 5 minutes later. The pressure mounting, the defence of Farrar, McCudden and O’Halloran stemmed the tide whilst Stewart between the sticks behind them pulled off some fine saves to keep the scores level.

The climax was edge-of-the-seat stuff. With 10 minutes left, the magic duo of Max and Yuri with their special magnetic stick trick combined again. Captain Yuri managed to sneak in the decider at the post deflecting Max’s powerful shot from a short corner won by Green. Not long later, Gallivan earned himself a yellow card, ending his game after finding himself too embroiled in on-field negotiations with the umpire. Maybe he was muttering, "I've gone too far” as he exited the pitch.

Morpeth held firm and kept their nerve, defending like legends to grab the 4-3 win!

MoM – Yuri Mohylnytsky-Ingham

DoD - Marc Stewart.