Match Report: York City v Morpeth Town

A disappointing day for The Minstermen leaves them needing a replay after a 1-1 draw against Morpeth.

Last week, York left fans delighted with a 3-1 victory in the league but yet again, attention is switched back to the cup where they take on Morpeth Town. The City starting lineup, captained by Paddy Mclaughlin includes three changes, most notably Matty Brown exiting the squad completely.

A very quiet opening in this cup tie made it look like it was heading for a bore draw but the deadlock was broken after 25 minutes when Mackenzie Heaney swung a free kick in towards the back post for Akil Wright to head back across goal to allow Mark Beck to head home from close range.

Pete Jameson in the York goal had his first test in the game on 35 minutes when Andy Johnson fired one towards the bottom corner but Jameson was there with a diving save to stop him.

With the lack of chances, it felt like the break was needed and City were in control at the half time whistle, looking to continue their fine FA Cup form in the second half.

However, early in the half, Morpeth had a great chance to draw the teams level when they threatened the City goal, the ball somehow not crossing the line with Jameson already beaten, thanks to Akil Wright's magnificent defensive work.

The away team may have been the 'underdog' but they soon made the Minstermen pay for missed opportunities with Ben Sayer heading the ball past the York goalkeeper from a long throw with 15 minutes to go.
The game took off from here as they almost took the lead very shortly after, Liam Noble's shot from distance forcing Jameson into a save.

Donaldson thought he had done the job for the hosts, finishing off a Heaney cross but somehow, was called offside, which was met with disagreement from the home fans.

Late into added time, Ben Ramsey, straight off the bench for Morpeth sent a curling shot towards the target but the 'keeper Jameson was there yet again with a heroic save, tipping it onto the bar, to keep City in the cup.
In the end, Morpeth came out with the result they deserved but York City will be very disappointed with their performance and will hope to bounce back from this.

York City manager Steve Watson gives his take on today’s draw, “We need to put it to bed on Tuesday.”
The tie means a replay will be needed on Tuesday night at Morpeth's Craik Park to decide the winner. One of these two sides will progress to the First Round Proper and the draw is held tomorrow at 1:05pm on ITV so make sure to tune in so see City’s potential opponent. (York or Morpeth: Ball No. 55)

York City: Jameson, Duckworth, Wright, Fielding, McLaughlin, Dyson (Lancaster 79'), Woods, Hopper, Heaney, Gilchrist (Willoughby 60'), Beck (Donaldson 70')
Subs not used: Campbell, Haase, Cunningham, Degruchy
Goals: Beck (26')
Yellow cards: N/A

Morpeth Town: Lowson, Walton, Turner, Sayer (Oliver 76'), Henderson, Morris, Foalle (Ramsey 89'), Noble, Johnson, Donaldson, Taylor
Subs not used: Hodgson, Maddison, Phillips, Reid, Indalecio
Goals: Sayer (74')
Yellow cards: N/A