Jon McDonald continued to build the squad's match sharpness by making six changes to the starting line-up from Friday's game against Blyth Town. Dan Lowson, Dan Turner and Scott Lowery made their first starts after joining the club in the summer. Craig Baxter, Richard Coulson, and Sado Djalo also entered the starting XI.

In a game of two very evenly matched sides, The Highwaymen carved out the first chance of the game when Luke James created a bit of space before firing into the arms of former Morpeth goalkeeper, Dan Lowson. James continued to look a threat upfront for Morpeth and he played an excellent ball into the box seven minutes later which narrowly evaded everyone.

On 25 minutes, there were chances at both ends in quick succession. Djalo picked up the loose ball inside the area, but his effort was blocked and the handball appeals were waved away by the referee. On the counterattack, Jordan Hickey hit the crossbar with a chipped effort on goal.

Dunston created a couple of half chances next when both Richard Coulson and Sado Djalo fired off target with long distance efforts. The final chance of the first half fell to the hosts when Barlow took aim from distance and his deflected shot was safely gathered by Lowson.

Morpeth almost took the lead inside the first minute of the second half when Hickey forced Lowson into a save. Down the other end, a good chance then came for Dunston when substitute, Josh Gilchrist, was played in on goal and his low driven shot was saved by the legs of Dan Langley.

On the hour-mark, it was Morpeth's turn to come close. Former Dunston loanee Josh King had an overhead kick parried away by Lowson before Jack Foalle blazed an effort over the crossbar on the follow-up.

With both sides making changes, the game became a battle in the midfield with the next big opportunity not coming until the 85th minute when Scott Lowery produced a stunning block to deny Foalle from scoring the opener. Foalle then came close one minute later when his free kick flew over the crossbar.

Dunston created one final half-chance in the final minute when Djalo took aim from the edge of the area, however Dan Langley was able to make the routine save sending the game into a penalty shootout to crown the inaugural St Mary's Inn Cup winners.

Morpeth scored all four of their penalties. For Dunston, Sado Djalo and Dan Turner both scored however, Phil Turnbull and Richard Coulson had their penalties saved by Dan Langley with Morpeth winning the shootout 4-2.

Next up for Dunston is a pre-season friendly away at Seaham Red Star next Saturday.

Report by Callum Pattison

Image Credit - Beauty Time Photography