Match Report – Non-League Paper – 17/09/2023

Jenkins delivers blow for Bentley

The Non-League Football Paper

By Ross Jackson

MORPETH TOWN secured safe passage to the next round with a dominant win over higher-league opponent Southport. The Highwaymen scored at key moments in the game, leading 2-0 in the first half after Sam Hodgson and Will Jenkins had netted, with Hodgson adding a penalty just before the hour-mark. Jim Bentley’s Southport looked lively down both flanks but received little change from the home side’s full-backs. A solid start allowed the home side to take the lead after 15 minutes through striker Hodgson. A Liam Noble free-kick was played into a corridor of uncertainty, which Hodgson snuck into to head in from close range and give his side the lead. Highwaymen keeper Dan Lowson had to be on top form to deny Niall Watson as he burst through after 26 minutes and that moment became even more pivotal when Jenkins netted two minutes later, flashing a shot into the far corner. Southport must have had a rocket from manager Bentley at the break as they came out with a spring in their step, but conceded a penalty in the 59th minute when David Morgan handled in the area. With little complaint, Hodgson dispatched the penalty to end the game as a contest and provide Bentley with a first defeat of his tenure after a superb start to life at Southport. For Morpeth though, they go marching on to the next round.