The good times are currently rolling for Russ Wilcox’s side, who have had their attentions firmly fixed on the league in recent weeks, having picked up twelve points out of twelve since Bonfire night. Sparkling form indeed for Trinity, who will be looking to overcome the odds, against one of the Blues’ recent bogey sides. Results away from home haven’t been too kind for Trinity. On each of the three visits to Craik Park, the Highwaymen have come away with 2-0 wins.

With nine points separating the Holy Blues and the last play-off spot, confidence is high in the camp, that Trinity can pick up points against anyone in the division, and the final away game of 2024, the Holy Blues will be determined to end the calendar year on a high. Leading marksman, Declan Howe currently has forty goals in the calendar year. Ahead of the games against Morpeth and Guiseley, he is sitting joint fourth in that race, Alan Hall’s tally from 1938 may be reachable (41) or Mike Alexander’s 46 from 1964 optimistic, but with Dec, at the peak of his powers, you simply can’t write him off!

But now, for a look towards our hosts. Morpeth Town have won two, lost three and drawn one of their last six games in the league. Losing 4-1 at home to Ashton United last time out, with Nic Bollado scoring an equaliser just before the hour mark. Ashton then putting the foot on the gas in the final twenty minutes, is added to the two nil loss, at home to Lancaster City. Wins away at Bamber Bridge and at home to Mickleover, and a three all draw against Matlock (where they came back from 3-0 down to equalise in added on time) make up the Highwaymen’s last six games in the league.

At Craik Park, Morpeth have picked up ten points from their eleven games. With two wins and five defeats, ‘Peth have scored thirteen, but conceded nineteen in the league, and Saturday’s game represents their fourth home game on the bounce, and their sixth in eight at home. Trinity will be looking to add to the impressive two points per game, tally away from home, adding to the five wins from eight, away from home so far. The last defeat away from home, coming at the end of September, when runaway league leaders’ Macclesfield inflicted defeat, but inadvertently started the run which has seen Trinity impress, excite and entertain.

Jack Foalie and Nic Bollado represent the Highwaymen’s goal threat, with thirteen goals between them, although the goals do appear to be shared around the team. Lewis Butroid for the Blues on the other hand, has six goals to his name (in all competitions) his seasonal tally eclipsing his all time goal record in only twenty-five game. Will Lancaster also going well from centre back with five. Added to Fraser Preston’s four and 22 from that man, Declan Howe, Trinity will be hoping they have the fire power, to return from Northumberland, with all three points in the bag!

Elsewhere

A busy fixture schedule has plenty of games that catch the eye, but with a little glance up the table, eyes may be on Tuesday night’s opponents Hyde, to see how they get on at home to Bamber Bridge, whilst Stockton away at Guiseley looks like the game of the day in the NPL. Here are the fixtures in full:

Ashton United vs Warrington Rylands
Guiseley vs Stockton Town
Hebburn Town vs Blyth Spartans
Hyde United vs Bamber Bridge
Ilkeston Town vs Mickleover
Lancaster City vs Workington
Leek Town vs Basford United
Prescot Cables vs Macclesfield
Worksop Town vs FC United of Manchester

Preview by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)