West Auckland Town welcomed Whitley Bay to the Northern Metal Recycling Stadium on Tuesday evening, for a 7:30pm kick-off. Whitley Bay had played four less league games than West, recording 9 points (P8, W2, D3, L3). They have also had three cup games so far this season. West were on the back of an impressive 4-0 away win at Guisborough Town.
Whitely Bay started brightly from kick-off, their first shot coming in the first minute, an effort which was tipped over the bar by Weet goalkeeper Nick Liversedge. Nick prevented further danger again only a minute later, this time dealing with a Whitley Bay corner, clearing the ball for a throw in. The visitors continued to press, creating more chances, without causing too much danger to the West goal. James Harrison looked to cause problems, swinging the ball into the box, but it didn’t quite meet Josh Scott. After a few early chances, the game did start to slow in pace. After 15 minutes, West had two great chances. Harrison had a strong effort saved by Whitley Bay goalkeeper Daniel Gladstone, and that was followed by a shot by Alfie Conway, which was stopped by a great save from the keeper. There was a good link up play between Scott, Jermaine Metz and Anthony Bell, resulting in another save by the visiting keeper. On 34 minutes, Whitley Bay had a dangerous cross into the box, which was dealt with superbly by Gary Brown. Josh Scott almost created a chance for West, catching a stray ball and getting into the box, but he was unable to get the opportunity to find the target. Two corners for Whitley Bay followed, both cleared out of danger range. The game was looking to be heading goalless at half-time, but a Metz cross into the box was met by Alfie Conway, who made no mistake finding the net, and scored his third goal of the season. Shortly after, the referee blew for half-time and after what was a fairly even 45 minutes, West had the one goal advantage.
The second half started and the first real chance came after 6 minutes. Charlie Wood with a chance for West, kicked out by play by the Whitley Bay defence. Anthony Bell showed good skill and strength on the touch line to dribble his way through the away team. His run came to an end as he approached the 18-yard box. Lewis Ritson received a yellow card on 56 minutes, and there were protests from Whitley Bay moments later when Ben Dale took down a runner, but the referee played on, with Dale getting his foot to the ball first brillintly. With 65 minutes gone, there was some great defending from Ritson which led to a counter-attack. The ball was crossed in by Scott, but the ball went out for a goal kick, which turned into a West throw after some confusion. James Harrison was involved in two chances with 20 minutes left on the clock. Firstly, chipping a ball into the box, which was met by Scott but held well by the keeper. That was followed by another good effort. Harrison and Conway worked together to get the ball to Scott, but it again found its way into the keepers’ hands. Whitley Bay started to apply more pressure during the last 15 minutes, looking to find an equaliser. A good run saw an effort at goal, but it was seen out by Gary Brown for a corner. As the clock ticked down, Whitley pressed, with plenty of tries to get into the box, each seen out from the West defence. It was a dangerous spell, but West held on. With four minutes added time, it got a little nervy. Adam Mitchell replaced Anthony Bell on 93 minutes, and not long after, the referee blew his whistle for full-time, a welcomed sound.
After the game, we spoke to goalscorer Alfie Conway, who gave his thoughts on the win against Whitley Bay.
“Tonight was a tough fought win. Whitley Bay weren’t a bad side at all, but we battled all game and the result showed our hard work, especially with 12 men in the squad. We’re on a good run at the minute, we need to keep progressing and showing teams what we are about, and I’m happy to get back onto the score sheet.”
Full-Time: West Auckland Town 1-0 Whitley Bay
Competition: Northern League Division One
Attendance: 188
Match Report by Phil Dodds.
Photos by Phil Sage.
