Morpeth Reivers entered unchartered territory on Sunday when they met Huddersfield in round 1 of the National Vintage Plate Competition. The game held at a springlike Longhirst, was always going to be a tough one even though Huddersfield attended with only 10 players because they had players who were skillful and at times robust in their tackles. Reivers could match and handle the skill but were put off their game a bit by some of the more robust play.

In the initial 10 minutes neither side had the ascendancy but neither side troubled the others keeper. Morpeth did draw first blood though when Dobison had a tap in from an exquisitly weighted pass from Fullerton.

This did a lot to settle a lacklustre Reivers side and some patient skillful build ups ensued and one of these was rewarded when Crute broke into the right of the circle and saw his powerful shot hit the roof of the net off the diving keepers pads.

Reivers looked comfortable in terms of score but not in terms of controlled play as they frequently lost possession with an over ambitious pass ratgher than the simple shorter pass. Reivers, however got to the break with thier 2 goal lead intact.

At the re- start it was a different Reivers side that came out, unfortunately not a better side but a side that seemed to think the game was won. Huddersfield concentrated on taking out Reivers midfield and this put them right back into the game becomming the dominant force and putting a lot of pressure on Morpeth's defence.

This pressure was always going to tell and it was no surprise that with 20 minutes of the game remaining Huddersfield pulled one back when one of their players ran almost the full length of the pitch like a hot knife throu butter and scored past Reivers stranded keeper.

Game On. To be fair this was a wake up call to Reivers who then began to compete a bit more adding some steel to their game as well. This more aggressive stance payed dividends with only 8 minutes to go when James slotted the ball home after Crute & Pattison combined neatly from a short corner routine.

With the two goal lead restored Morpeth coasted untroubled to the final whistle. Next round 2/3/08 AWAY TO CITY OF YORK

Reivers will be getting a Mini Bus and could be looking for a driver!!!