Mickleover’s winless run was extended yesterday afternoon in abysmal fashion as they were defeated 4-0 at home by Morpeth Town.
Two goals from Andrew Johnson and a goal apiece for Sam Hodgson and Ben Sayer sealed the emphatic victory for the Highwaymen, in a game where Lee Holmes was sent off late on for a second yellow card.
Johnson scored the first goal of the match in just the fifth minute after Ben Sayer cut it back to him outside the six-yard box, before he then slotted it into the top corner giving the keeper no chance.
Johnson had a chance to get his second in the 13th minute after a quick free kick put him through on goal, but Hawkins stood tall and saved well.
Ben Lewin was shown a yellow card for a trip on the edge of the box after 16 minutes, and Liam Noble struck the outside of the base of the post from the resulting free kick in another let off for Mickleover.
Johnson then finally made it 2-0 to the away side after heading a Joe Walton cross into the top left corner just before the 20-minute mark.
He was then inches away from getting his hat trick two minutes later but failed to reach Jack Foalle’s low cross.
Mickleover had the ball in the net in the 25th minute but Bacon had been penalised for a push just before he scored, and the goal did not stand.
Two minutes later and it was 3-0 to Morpeth. Mickleover were dispossessed in midfield before Morpeth broke and the ball fell to Ben Sayer inside the box, his initial effort was saved but he reacted quickest and headed in the rebound.
Lee Holmes received his first yellow of the match just before half time for a cynical trip on Ryan Donaldson on the counter.
In first half added time Johnson was again through one on one with Callum Hawkins but the keeper did well to close the angle and forced Johnson out wide and he could only send his shot wide of the post.
Andrew Wright was subbed on for Pablo Mills at half time as John McGrath looked to turn the game around.
Mickleover started the second half in the same way they ended the first however, as they struggled to keep the ball and string some passes together.
It was a very quiet second half with only a handful of half chances falling to either side.
Lee Holmes received his marching orders in the 84th minute for a second yellow following a very strong challenge that was slightly out of control. The midfielder did not argue the decision at all and rightly so.
Sam Hodgson then completed the rout in the 90th minute with an excellent first-time finish from outside the box, that curled away from the keeper into the far corner. It was an excellent goal and rounded off a fine performance for Morpeth.
Mickleover face Stafford Rangers at home again on Tuesday and manager John McGrath will be hoping for a much better performance from his side in order for them to end this poor run.
Attendance: 357
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