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James Crawley writes

Posted Wednesday, December 5th 2018 @CrawleyJames92

Morton adding to his game at Bath City

Wednesday, December 5th 2018

James Morton says his loan move at Bath City has helped him mature as a footballer.

The central midfielder has been plying his trade at Twerton Park since the start of the season, following an earlier spell with the Romans in the 2017/18 campaign.

This season he has been exposed to first-team football on a regular basis, which has aided his development and opened him up to more experiences.

Morton said: “It’s been good. I have played so much more and I’ve matured so much as a player because of that.

“I’ve been getting used to playing in front of crowds and playing with men so that’s been good for me.”

The 19-year-old considers himself a playmaker but the competitiveness of the National League South has also allowed him to add more attributes to his game. So far this season he has four assists from 18 appearances, but he has his sights set on more.

“I’ve had to manage myself and adapt my game to help the team but it’s been great to play lots of matches, playing for 90 minutes,” he sdded.

“I’m a passer, I like to dictate play and that’s been harder in some games but that’s helped me as a player. I’ve still got more to do, to be where I want to be and I want to get more goals and assists.”

And Morton would like the National League secured by the end of the current campaign adding “promotion for sure,” when asked what his aims are come May.

“At the start of the season we said we wanted to get a play-off spot but we have a mix of experience and young players in this team which I think is the right balance,” he said.

Morton is joined by Ricardo Rees at Bath City, who currently sit seventh in the National League South, seven points behind leaders Torquay United but with two games in hand.

Loan watch: Elsewhere from the latest round of results

Jonny Smith was on the scoresheet at the weekend as Tranmere Rovers drew 1-1 with Southport in the FA Cup second round. A spot in the third round against Tottenham Hotspur is up for grabs following a replay.

Jake Andrews, Saikou Janneh and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans all featured in a 2-0 Tuesday night win for Torquay United over Dartford.

George Nurse featured for Weston-super-Mare's 3-1 victory over Chippenham Town.

Harvey Smith played the full 90 minutes in a 2-1 victory for Hereford over Alfreton Town.

James Carey was in fine form between the sticks for Frome Town who were held to a 1-1 draw with Poole Town at the weekend.

Newport County drew 1-1 but lost 7-6 on penalties to Cheltenham Town in the Football League Trophy. Antoine Semenyo, who scored from the spot, and Cameron Pring were involved for the Exiles.

Shawn McCoulsky came off the bench in Southend United's 4-2 defeat to Barnsley on Saturday.

Jojo Wollacott featured in a 1-0 defeat for Gloucester City at the hands of Chelmsford City.

And Zak Vyner's Rotherham United were beaten 3-1 by Norwich City in the Sky Bet Championship.