Match Preview: Morpeth Town (H) - Pitching In Northern Premier League

Broadhurst Park opens its turnstiles for the first time in 2025 as Mark Beesley’s FC United welcome Morpeth Town in the reverse fixture of this season’s opener.

Our Opponents – Morpeth Town AFC, The Highwaymen

Craig Lynch’s Morpeth have enjoyed a steady season in the Northern Premier League, with eight wins and seven draws so far landing them in 10th place heading into this game. The Highwaymen arrive in Moston off the back of a 0-0 stalemate against Blyth Spartans on New Year’s Day.

Tomorrow’s visitors have enjoyed much of their success this season on the road, having only lost three of their 10 away trips this season (5W, 2D). Former FC striker Nic Bollado is currently Morpeth’s joint top scorer (7) in all competitions, earned largely following an impressive four goals in three games from late November into last month.

Previous Meetings

FC United got their 2024/25 campaign underway in winning fashion against tomorrow's opponents, with Adam Le Fondre scoring his first goal for the club in a 1-0 win at Craik Park in August. 

The Reds have a strong overall record against Morpeth Town, winning six out of the nine competitive meetings between the two so far. Last season’s 5-2 victory for Morpeth at Broadhurst Park was the first time the Northumberland side have avoided defeat away at FC United.

Watch: Video Highlights of FC’s 1-0 win over Morpeth Town at Craik Park earlier this season (YT: Highwaymen TV)

On This Day: January 4, 2020 - Hyde United 1-5 FC United of Manchester

FC United completed a trifecta of consecutive victories over local rivals with a thumping win over Hyde United. Off the back of wins against Ashton United and Radcliffe either side of the New Year, FC ran riot at Ewen Fields to extend their winning run to eight in all competitions.

A brace apiece for Regan Linney and Tunde Owolabi, along with a goal for Curtis Jones, saw the Reds power past the Tigers to make it two wins from two in the Northern Premier League to start 2020. 

Watch: Video Highlights of the 5-1 victory against Hyde United on this day in 2020 (YT: Hyde United FC Official)