Morpeth expecting a different Durham

The start of the season is always a difficult time to turn out a full side. However Morpeth managed a strong side expecting a higher Durham city team. The difference quality told in a first half where Durham had little of the ball. The Morpeth umpire clearly felt sorry for Durham and carded quite a few Morpeth players for minor infringements. 5-0 down at half time, Durham gambled and swapped the solid John Redman for the attacking James Talbot. Quickly Durham pulled a goal back from a short corner with James following up a short corner. Then Graeme Jorgenson uncharacteristically smashed in a short corner (see drawing). But then after rounding the keeper he remembered who he was and pushed the ball wide of an empty net (see drawing). But Durham's improved performance will give Durham heart going into the start of the season. Man of the match was Patrick for a series of brilliant saves.