Hebburn Town deserved late Morpeth Town win - Moore

There was relief and delight in equal measures for Hebburn Town as they racked up an eighth consecutive win in somewhat fortunate circumstances against North East rivals Morpeth Town.

Daniel Moore’s men knew they needed a fast start as they looked to keep pace with Northern Premier League Premier Division leaders Hednesford Town - and that got that when striker Gary Martin opened the scoring from the penalty spot with just five minutes on the clock.

Chances to double the lead came and went throughout a dominant first-half display as Liam Murray wasted three golden opportunities to take the Hornets out of sight. Morpeth gradually grew into the game and appeared to be on their way to a share of the points when Nic Bollado converted at the far post with around quarter of an hour remaining.

However, there was a cruel twist for the Highwaymen as an injury-time effort from Hebburn captain struck the post before finding its way into the net via on-loan Sunderland academy goalkeeper Isaac Allan. Despite the fortuitous nature of the decisive goal, Moore insisted his side deserved yet another win that has further boosted hopes over a genuine promotion push during the second half of the season.

He told The Gazette: “It was deserved I think. I think at half-time, they couldn’t have complained if we had been four or five up. That’s different to recent weeks because we have taken those chances and it’s been a nice, relaxing second-half but when we give teams something to hold on to, they were going to get a chance. I think that was about the only chance they’ve had and they have taken it so fair play to them.

“They stayed in the game away from home, where they have not got results and then it’s lads off the bench again. Aidan scored but the ball is up there blowing around and the lads up there who have come on with a bit of energy have made something happen. We deserved it in the end. We have a proper team, a proper bunch of lads who are all on the same song sheet. They work hard for each other. Teams might settle for a draw there but that’s not us. We put forward players on and they’ve caused chaos up front.”

Hebburn now have a free midweek to prepare for next Saturday’s home game against Guiseley.

Your next football read: 'You almost want a blip' - Tim Krul gives his thoughts on Newcastle's goalkeeper battle