England Hockey Men’s Masters Plate Round 2     

(7th Feb 2010)

Morpeth 0 (0)  v  Charnwood Mountsorrel 6 (4) 

Charnwood Mountsorrel travelled north with a depleted squad, but triumphed in fine style to progress to the last 16.

Charnwood took early control of the game when Steve Fairbrother fired home after being set up by strike partner Mark Weaver.  The clinical finish set the tone for the game, with the visitor’s fire power being too much for Morpeth.  It was the same combination who delivered again shortly after, as Fairbrother benefited from Weaver’s pass to double the score with a nice finish into the bottom left corner.  The Charnwood midfield had a firm grip on the game and chances were created at regular intervals, with only the fine form of the home ‘keeper preventing the tie being out of reach before a quarter of the game was completed.  Fairbrother completed his hat-trick when he deflected a wayward shot by Weaver past the helpless ‘keeper.  Charnwood went into the break 4-0 up after skipper Chris Waterfield won a challenge in midfield and played a slick one-two with Fairbrother before passing around the goalkeeper for Weaver to finish from close range.

Morpeth rallied at the start of the half, but resolute defence, expertly marshalled by Dave Allen and Tony Kirk, meant that Charnwood ‘keeper Mick Barlow was rarely called into action.  It was the home ‘keeper who was the busier, despite picking up a painful injury just before the break – he made a string of fine saves to deny the visitors for long periods, though Mark Taylor will regret not scoring from close range, somehow managing to hit the left-hand post with the ‘keeper beaten.  It took a slick penalty corner routine from Charnwood to extend the lead, Kirk drilling the ball home after a disguised slip-left move.  Fairbrother completed the scoring by converting expertly after a good attack down the right side involving Paddy Oakman and Weaver, but there was still time for full-back Nigel Calow to maraud forward, only to be denied by the diving home ‘keeper.

The Morpeth Vets were gracious in defeat and provided hospitality over the whole weekend that was without

equal – they were a credit to their club and to their region.

Squad:

Mick Barlow (GK), Dave Allen, Nigel Calow, Paul Carter, Steve Fairbrother, Tony Kirk, Tony McKee,

Ross Merrick, Paddy Oakman, Kevin Stanton-King, Mark Taylor, Chris Waterfield (c), Mark Weaver.