Rothbury and Morpeth into NFA Minor Cup Round Three

Andy Murray netted the only goal as the Reds dug deep to book a place in the third round.

“We didn’t play as well as normal but defended very well,” admitted the experienced player/manager.

“We knew it was going to be a tricky tie because Bedlington battered us earlier in the season but we had a very strong squad ourselves and matched them all over the pitch.”

“The goal was fitting to win any game, played out from a goal kick down the left and switched into the right wing for Andy Murray to finish well. He’s on a bit of a run now so hopefully he can keep that scoring record to take some pressure off Bainsy (Adam Bains).”

“It’s difficult to single anyone out but Dom McMahon, Greg Woodburn and Evan McEwan were excellent - hopefully we get an easier draw in the next round.”

Morpeth continue to bang in the goals at Craik Park with Damien Stevens, Alex Laviers, Liam Clavering, Jamie Carr and Will Pritchard all hitting the back of the net as they beat First Division Forest Hall 5-0 to go into the hat.

“It was another really good performance against a team from the league above,” said gaffer Ross Donnelly.

“We knew we had to play well to progress, but there were some standout performances from our two centre halves Lewis Reilly and Liam Parkin who were superb and didn’t give their strikers anything. Will Pritchard in centre midfield was fantastic.”

“But overall it was a great team performance, especially as we had five lads 17 or under with three of them starting.”

North Sunderland also faced opposition from the Division above and unfortunately went out of the competition as they were narrowly beaten 3-2 at Newcastle University A.

Matthew Castle and Tom Allan scored for the Fishermen, with Christopher Sinton impressing throughout.

All three sides are on the road in Northern Alliance League action this weekend.

Rothbury are at Newcastle University A in Division One as they look to remain in contention at the top, while Morpeth go to Newcastle Chemfica Amateurs and North Sunderland travel to FC United of Newcastle in Division Two.