ALNWICK Firsts faced local rivals Morpeth II on Saturday knowing that victory would almost guarantee them promotion.

Nerves got the better of them and they made a dreadful start.
Morpeth pressurised the league leaders early on but Alnwick's Snaith scored to stun the 'visitors'.

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Alnwick's spirits lifted a little but they continued to look the weaker side, allowing Morpeth to break frequently into an attack.

It was only a matter of time before Morpeth levelled the game after some weak defending by Alnwick.

Despite opportunities, the league leaders were out-performed by a better Morpeth side, who scored two further superb goals to take the lead comfortably.

Irate Alnwick only had themselves to blame for wasting valuable chances.
Allen, Richardson and mother-and-daughter partnership, the Lincolns, were doing their best to make chances for the forwards.

But Morpeth's defence and goalkeeper out-classed Alnwick in the first half, giving them a comfortable 3-1 lead going into half-time.

Alnwick pulled their socks up and made team changes. After the break, they started the stronger side, attacking in pairs and winning 50-50 tackles – more like the Alnwick side of this season.

From good team play, Alnwick were awarded a penalty-corner. Cooke picked up the rebound ball to strike home a fierce shot, pulling the score back to 3-2.

Once again, Morpeth responded quickly with two neat goals.

Alnwick dug deep to the end with Snaith scoring her second goal of the game from good play between S Ryder, Cook and Lincoln.

Unfortunately, they left it too late to change the game in their favour, as Morpeth had placed the game firmly out of reach. A good performance by Morpeth received a fair result.

Alnwick now have to play Whitley Bay in their final must-win match to regain their promotion hopes – a game that should not be missed.

Team: J Stevenson, B Smith, S Horn, J Ryder, R Allen, A Cooke, N Richardson, L Lincoln, A Lincoln, D Walton, S Ryder, R Howey, C Britton, P Snaith.