Morpeth Ladies 1st XI v City of York Ladies 1st XI

 Result: 1-1
Scorer: Emma Bell
M.O.M: Jock
A.O.D: Dani Hagan

On a tropical October (not often those two words are used together) morning Morpeth Ladies set off to York determined to bring home a result following the same fixture last year were they were denied anything from the match.  The warm-up proved tough in the exotic conditions but the game was to prove tougher.  Morpeth were under lots of pressure in the first half conceding a vast number of short corners, some slightly contentious.  York were probably kicking themselves after not converting any, mostly due to the defensive stalwart trio of Rose, Hindmarch and Watkins.  Throughout the first half York’s work rate seemed to surpass Morpeth’s which denied Morpeth building up any pressure.  York were able to work in pairs all over the pitch using their three substitutes effectively compared to Morpeth’s one.  This was definitely a day for a full squad.

Towards the end of the first half Morpeth demonstrated glimpses of their true passing game but the closest they came was a great long cross field ball from Smith, making her debut, to O’Mahony in the circle who neatly laid it off to Cockburn making a run from deep.  However, a York player fouled to concede a short-corner that Morpeth could not convert.  Morpeth players began to demonstrate their frustration with Hagan warned by the umpire after one small tantrum.  The end of the first half was a welcome opportunity to consume some much needed fluid.

Following a stern talking to by Bowler Morpeth started brightly, creating more chances and transferring the ball with the pace and accuracy that they are used to.  However, shortly into the second half, York finally converted one of their many short corners.  This fired up many of the Morpeth players and if there is one factor you can guarantee with Morpeth it is their ‘never give-up’ attitude.  Morpeth continued to try and play the passing game with Feldman, another debutant, providing some great ball distribution to the forwards and Smith playing passes of disguise up the right wing.  Some so disguised they surprised Morpeth’s own players.  One attack ended in Morpeth winning a short corner.

Cockburn’s straight strike was easily saved, however, Hagan was able to pick the rebound up, demonstrate her skill to travel along the baseline and play a ball to the penalty spot.  Cockburn in the right position first time struck into the bottom corner to give Morpeth the lift they needed.  The second half ended with both teams running out of steam, and neither maintaining possession.  In the extreme heat, Morpeth were content with taking a point back up North.

Team: Rose, Hindmarch, Watkins, Bryson, Feldman, Smith, Bowler (C), Cockburn, Corbett, Hagan, O’Mahony, Pick