| |
|
|
| ||
| ||
Click on the opposition name to read the Match Report. Home matches are in capitals.
| July | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 30th | Friendly | Home | BOLDON | 6-0 | Kay 2, Graham, Davies, Hunter, Darmody | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Whitley won their first pre season friendly 6 - 0 against Boldon with goals from Rachel Kay 2, Helen Graham, Siobhan Davies, Kirsty Hunter and new signing Laura Darmody.
Whitley dominated the game against their less experienced opponents and used their passing game to full effect. Boldon battled hard but had no answer to Whitleys' quality. A useful workout for the whole squad and a treat for the team to play at Hillheads |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 30th | Friendly | Away | Sunderland | 2-5 | Brown, Embleton | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Whitley were pitted against Premier League opposition in this friendly played at Newcastle's Academy pitches. They had to be at their best and at full strength to stand any chance of a respectful scoreline against a team 4 leagues above them, so it was a huge disappointment to manager Colin Phillips when top strikers Kirsty Hunter and Laura Darmody both reported injured. To make matters worse, keeper Claire Fiddler limped off the field injured after a minute when falling awkwardly at a corner, from which Sunderland scored. However, the Bay regrouped, midfielder Rosh Turnbull played in goal and the score remained 1-0 to Sunderland at half time.
The second half belonged to Sunderland and despite 2 excellent goals from Donna Brown and Aran Embleton, Sunderland ran out 5-2 winners Manager Colin Phillips said ' This was an amazing effort without our 2 strikers and without our keeper for 89 minutes of the game, bearing in mind this is a team from the top flight of Womens football' |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| August | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thursday 10th | Friendly | Away | Team Northumbria | 4-2 | Kirsty Hunter 2, Laura Darmody 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Whitley Bay FC Women beat Team Northumbria last night in a friendly at Coach Lane. Under the name of Newcastle Development, Team Northumbria won the League that Whitley play in this season. Two goals each from strikers Kirsty Hunter and new signing Laura Darmody clinched the win for the Bay, who controlled the match from start to finish.
Manager Colin Phillips said ' To beat last years Champions augers well for the coming season. Our preparations are going well and the team can't wait for the season to start' |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 20th | Lge | Away | Glendale | 5-2 | Darmody 2, Hunter, Nikki Smith, Helen Lackenby | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Whitley Bay FC Women beat Glendale Ladies 5-2 in their first match on the North East Regional League. Trailing 1-0 at half time following a defensive mix up, a substitution and tactical change at half time altered the game. Kirsty Hunter soon headed an equaliser and as Whitley took control of the game, long periods were spent in the Glendale half. Further goals from Laura Darmody (2) and Nikki Smith gave Whitley the edge before a breakaway goal from Glendale gave them brief hope
Helen Lackenby sealed the win with a fine long range effort. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the win, saying 'Our first half performance was poor but the team put it right after the interval with some sparkling attacking play' |
Sunday 27th | Lge | Away | Rutherford Ravens | 5-2 | Darmody 3, Hunter, Kay | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Whitley Bay FC Women beat Rutherford Ravens 5-2 in their League match. The Ravens were sunk in a first half blitz when the Bay went into the break four goals up, with Laura Darmody bagging two. Kirsty Hunter scored a header from a fine corner by Helen Graham and Rachel Kay completed the first half scoring with a fine effort. The second half was more even as the Ravens regrouped and pressed forward. Their reward came with a goal before Laura Darmody completed her hat trick to put the game beyond doubt.
Rutherford pulled another goal back with the last kick of the game, but it was no more than consolation. Manager Colin Phillips said 'Once again our score was 5-2 and once again it was a tale of two halves. If we can achieve consistency across the whole 90 minutes we will more than hold our own this season' |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 3rd | Lge | Home | CLEVELAND HALL | P-P | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Postponed due to waterlogged pitch. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 10th | Lge | Away | Nissan | 0-1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley Women lost a League or Cup match for the first time since being formed, to a very determined and organised Nissan side. Whitley had most of the attacking play in the first half but the Nissan keeper made a string of fine saves to keep the score level The second half was more even and Nissan eventually got the breakthrough. Despite increasing Whitley pressure, Nissan held out until the end in a game that neither side deserved to lose. Manager Colin Phillips said 'This is the sort of game we have been waiting to play in - very competitive between two evenly matched sides. It was a very entertaining game and the team thoroughly enjoyed playing in it.' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 17th | Lge | Home | NISSAN | 5-3 | Sarah Waldie 2, Laura Darmody 2, Helen Graham | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley made up for last weeks defeat away to Nissan with a convincing 5-3 win at Hillheads. Having fallen behind to a cross come shot in the first half that drifted over the Whitley keepers head, Whitley fought back with a superb team goal finished by Sarah Waldie who broke from midfield and finished a fine move. Whitley then went into half time with a 2-1 lead after good work from Nikki Smith allowed Helen Graham to follow in at the far post. In the second half Nissan levelled with a high long range effort before another classic from Sarah Waldie put Bay ahead again. Laura Darmody netted, then yet again Nissan pulled a goal back. Laura made it 5-3 to give Whitley a two goal cushion and put the game beyond doubt. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 24th | FA Cup | Home | DARLINGTON RA | 4-1 | Kay, Darmody 2, Hunter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley were drawn against top of the table Darlington RA in the FA Cup 1st Qualifying round. The early exchanges were even, as both sides weighed up the opposition. Whitley got the breakthrough after 25 minutes when Rachel Kay made a strong run infield from the left and crashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner. It remained 1-0 at half time and after the break Whitley dominated possession and territory until Laura Darmody scored 2 goals in 2 minutes after an hours play. Then with 15 minutes to play Kirsty Hunter scored with a strong left foot drive from the edge of the box. Darlington responded within a minute but Whitley saw the game out and go into the hat for the next round. This was a fine advert for women's football, both sides playing exciting passing football in a good spirit. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| October | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 1st | Lge | Home | DARLINGTON BM | 7-0 | Hunter 4, Darmody, Graham, Kay | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley started the game in great fashion when a flowing move saw Kirsty Hunter finish with less than a minute gone. Darlington clawed themselves back into the game and only another goal from Hunter ensured that Whitley went into half time in control of the game. The second half started the same as the first when Hunter completed her hat trick within a minute of the re-start. Whitley then relaxed and played some excellent passing football and created numerous chances. The game was put beyond doubt when Laura Darmody scored on 50 minutes and Rachel Kay added another 8 minutes later. Hunter's fourth of the game and a deflected shot from Helen Graham completed the scoring and capped a convincing display by Whitley. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the win, saying, 'We dominated the game from start to finish apart from a brief spell in the first half and could have easily scored more' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 8th | FA Cup | Home | LUMLEY LADIES | 1-1 (AET) 5-3 pens | Hunter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley faced a very competent and determined Lumley side and the early exchanges were even, with Lumley creating the better of the chances. 0-0 at half time saw Whitley dominate possession and after missing some clear cut chances, they went ahead after a great cross from Rachel Kay found the head of Kirsty Hunter, who finished in style. Lumley were soon back level with a fine turn and shot. The game then swung from end to end without either side really troubling the keeper. It finished 1-1 at 90 minutes then with both sides giving their all, that was the score after extra time. Whitley slotted away all their 5 penalties and Lumley missed once, putting Whitley through to the 1st round proper. Manager Colin Phillips praised both sides, adding 'Penalties are a cruel way to be knocked out, particularly after 120 minutes of great effort by both sides, but I praise my teams' efforts, especially the way they scored their penalties under great pressure' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 15th | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 22nd | Lge | Away | Durham City | 6-0 | Hunter 4, Darmody, Turnbull | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley travelled to Durham to face a City side who have had some good results already this season and were prepared for a hard battle. Whitley started the stronger and on a heavy pitch, played some neat football. They got their reward after 20 minutes when Laura Darmody nodded home from close range and again 2 minutes later when Kirsty Hunter produced an accurate finish. Shortly after the start of the second half, a devastating 2 minute spell saw Hunter complete her hat-trick and put Whitley 4 goals to the good. The Whitley keeper was rarely troubled and the Durham keeper made a string of fine saves before Rosh Turnbull and Hunter with her fourth, completed the scoring. Manager Colin Phillips said 'This was a comprehensive win with some quality finishing and a good performance by the whole team' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 29th | FA Cup | Home | PETERLEE | 3-0 | Kay, Darmody 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley Women caused the shock of the FA Women’s Cup 1st Round Proper when they beat Combination side Peterlee Town 3-0 on Sunday at Hillheads. Peterlee, 2 leagues above Whitley were subjected to a first half mauling by Whitley who scored 3 goals without reply. The first came from Rachel Kay in the 17th minute when she scored a trademark right footed shot after cutting in from the left wing. The next 2 goals, just before half time came from Laura Darmody, the first when she rounded the keeper to slot home and the second a stunning right foot finish from a tight angle at the edge of the box. Peterlee regrouped after half time and some tactical changes saw a much tighter game, but Whitley still created the better of the chances and could have extended their lead but for some excellent saves by the visiting keeper. Whitley defended solidly and Peterlee never looked like getting back into the game. The win sees Whitley into the second round and one step closer to a glamour tie against a big side. Manager Colin Phillips said ‘ Our first half performance was devastating and we made a good side look very ordinary. We knew that they would attack us in the second half, but we stood firm and could even had more ourselves’ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| November | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 5th | Lge Cup | Home | DARLINGTON BM | 6-0 | Davison, Fagan, Hunter, Darmody 2, Smith | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In a game they expected to win comfortably, Whitley gave first starts to Leeanne Davison and Janine Fagan, a decision that quickly paid off when both found the net within the first 20 minutes. Whitley weren't at their best, but controlled the game and went into the interval 3-0 up when Kirsty Hunter netted with a left foot finish. The passing and movement was better in the second half and Laura Darmody added 2 goals to her impressive tally for the season. Nikki Smith, a second half substitute completed the scoring with a great strike from the edge of the box and Whitley ran out 6-0 winners. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the win but admitted that strong words were spoken at half time ' We played badly in the first half, but still had enough quality to win the game easily' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 12th | FA Cup | Home (Percy Main FC) | PENRITH UNITED | 2-0 | Hunter, Brown | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley faced a very young and determined Penrith side in this 2nd round encounter. In the first half Whitley enjoyed the majority of possession and were able to create a few chances particularly from crosses where they enjoyed the height advantage. However, Penrith were well organised and difficult to break down. In the second half Whitley stepped up the pressure and played the game in the Penrith half for long spells. After an hour played, the pressure eventually paid off when Laura Darmody seized on a loose ball at a tight angle and somehow managed to squeeze a shot across the face of the goal which Kirsty Hunter tapped in as it rolled along the line. Within 10 minutes Whitley were 2 goals up when a long range Donna Brown free kick evaded everyone including the Penrith keeper and flew into the net. Penrith stuck to the task and pushed forward in an attempt to get back into the game, forcing a good save from the Whitley keeper at point blank range. Whitley had spells of possession for the final few minutes and saw the game out. Whitley manager Colin Phillips said ' Penrith were well organised and aggressive which made it difficult for us, but in the end our extra experience and quality paid off' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 19th | Lge | Away | Cleveland Hall | 5-0 | Smith, Darmody 3, Turnbull | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley were forced into defensive changes due to injury and unavailability, nevertheless they settled quickly and got the breakthrough after 15 minutes when Nikki Smith drove the ball into the corner of the net from the edge of the box. A sickening knee injury to Donna Brown that saw her taken to hospital forced more changes to the back four. The injury seemed to affect the Whitley players and it remained 1-0 at half time. After the break Whitley settled into their usual passing game and the chances came. In a frantic 10 minutes, just before the hour, Whitley were 4-0 up when Laura Darmody scored two poachers goals and Rosh Turbull netted with a great strike from outside the box. Darmody completed her hat trick after 70 minutes and Whitley ran out comfortable 5-0 winners with yet another clean sheet. Manager Colin Phillips said ' This was another easy win but it was overshadowed by Donna's injury. We all wish her a speedy recovery' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 26th | Lge | Home | TEESSIDE | 8-0 | Hunter 4, Darmody 2, Turnbull 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This game was switched to Marden Bridge due to Hillheads being unplayable and Whitley adjusted to a narrower shape. Injury and unavailability involving 5 first team regulars meant first starts for Janine Fagan and Amy Redfern as well as places on the bench for 15 year old Jane Potts and 16 year old Kathryn Ratcliffe. Whitley were slow to settle but a Laura Darmody goal on 13 minutes broke the deadlock. Just before half time Kirsty Hunter put the Bay 2 up and gave a more respectable look to the scoreline. Within 5 minutes of the restart, Hunter had claimed her hat-trick and the game was effectively over. On the hour Rosh Turnbull bagged a brace and it gave Whitley the opportunity to give debuts to youngsters Ratcliffe and Potts. Darmody added her second and Whitleys 8th just before the final whistle. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the result, adding ' Teesside have had some good results lately and I was concerned due to the number of absences we had. However, the players that came in did very well and I was delighted with another clean sheet' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 3rd | FA Cup 3rd Round | Home | ROTHERHAM | 2-1(aet) | Hunter, Darmody | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| On a wet and windy Hillheads, Whitley took on runaway Midlands Combination side Rotherham United. in this 3rd round FA Cup match. Rotherham started by far the stronger and showed just why they are 2 Leagues above Whitley. Their passing was slick and numerous chances were created. After 30 minutes a defensive lapse and goalkeeper slip let in the impressive Suzanne Davies, who calmly slotted home and Whitley must have feared the worst. At the break, Whitley strung 5 across the midfield in an attempt to stem the tide and gradually clawed their way back into the game. On the hour, Kirsty Hunter received a Nikki Smith free-kick, turned and swivelled and crashed an unstoppable left foot shot past the visting keeper. As the game stretched and the conditions worsened, both sides created chances but it was Whitley who finished normal time the stronger. In extra time, Whitley found new belief and went ahead with a great headed goal from Laura Darmody. Rotherham pressed on and penned Whitley into their own half for long spells, relief only gained when Whitley attacked on the break. In a frantic last 5 minutes, Whitley conceded 3 free kicks in shooting range, but managed to hold on and see the game out. Manager Colin Phillips was ecstatic at the final whistle ' Rotherham are clearly an excellent side, whose passing and movement caused us great problems. However I am fortunate in having 2 strikers who given a chance will win a game and that's how it turned out. Credit to Rotherham who I am sure will go on from here and win their League' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 10th | Lge | Home | HORDEN | 7-1 | Kay, Davison 2, Hunter, Darmody 2, N.Smith | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley faced a determined Horden side and kicked off with the wind on their backs. Horden started well and created good chances to take the lead, but the deadlock was broken by Whitley when a cross/shot from Rachel Kay found its way into the back of the net. This gave Whitley the spur they needed and after a handball in the penalty area, Kirsty Hunter scored from the spot. Whitley then piled on the pressure, taking full advantage of the strong wind and added goals from Leeanne Davison (2) and Nikki Smith to make the score 5-0 at half time. After the break, chances were few and far between, but Whitley enjoyed some good possession. 16 year old Julie Smith came on for her her debut and it was her cross that provided a headed goal from Laura Darmody. Laura added her second and Whitley's 7th five minutes later before Horden scored a breakaway consolation. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the win, adding ' The wind was a factor and we showed some quality finishing to effectively kill the game off before half time. Credit to Horden, who played far better than their league position would suggest' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 17th | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| January | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 7th | FA Cup 4th Round | Home | TRANMERE | 1-2 (aet) | Darmody | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley's brave FA Cup run is finally over after an extra time defeat by Premier League Tranmere. Whitley were on the attack from the whistle and a series of fouls and dissent by the Tranmer caused 3 of their players to be booked. Whitley were undeterred and held their own for long periods of the first half, although Tranmere had the best chance to score when a penalty was awarded but was hit wide. Whitely started the second half in the assendancy and took the lead just after the hour when a Rachel Kay cross was hit against the bar by Kirsty Hunter and Laura Darmody nodded home from close range. Tranmere were soon on level terms when a free kick was headed onwards and looped into the Whitley net. Play swung from end to end and neither side created any worthwhile chances as the game went into extra time. Both sides had given their all and defences were on top, when with only 5 minutes on the clock, a Tranmere corner was met by the onrushing forward and found its way into the Whitley net. There was no time for Whitley to respond and their FA Cup adventure was over. Manager Colin Phillips said ' We are disappointed at being beaten and it has taken an extra time goal from a Premier league side to knock us out. My players can be proud of themselves and the effort they showed during this magnificent Cup run' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 14th | Lge | Away | Blyth | P-P | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 21st | Lge | Home | DURHAM | 6-1 | Kay 2, N.Smith, Hunter 2, Darmody | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley played their first League game of the year when they faced Durham City, one place above them in the table. Whitley started with pace and purpose and with the wind at their back, mounted an early onslaught onto the Durham goal. The pressure soon paid off and after 3 minutes they were one up through Rachel Kay. With the game being played mostly in the Durham half, Whitley were soon two up when Nikki Smith struck from distance. Two further goals, a minute apart on the half hour from Kirsty Hunter and another from Rachel Kay made it 4-0 to Whitley at the interval. In the second half Durham came out with real determination and started to put pressure on the Whitley back line. It was from such pressure that Whitley conceded an own goal when a back pass eluded the home keeper and found the net. Whitley soon restored their advantage when Laura Darmody forced the ball home just before the hour and the game was put beyond doubt when Kirsty Hunter added her second and Whitley's 6th. The result puts Whitley into 3rd place, just ahead of Durham and pleased Whitley's manager Colin Phillips ' We took full advantage of the wind in the first half and played some good football. We knew that Durham would have some part of the game after the interval and we defended solidly as well as adding two more goals. It was good to see the team refocus on our bread and butter matches after the glamour and publicity of the FA Cup' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 28th | Lge Cup | Home | SPENNYMOOR | P-P | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| February | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 4th | Lge | Home | GLENDALE | 13-0 | Hunter 4, Darmody 5, N.Smith, Turnbull 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley Women faced an inconsistent Glendale in this League match at Hillheads. Whitley enjoyed the majority of the early possession and deservedly took the lead on 16 minutes when Kirsty Hunter scored a spectacular volley from a Laura Darmody knock down from a throw in. Laura was on the scoresheet after 36 minutes when Rosh Turnbull spotted her run at a free kick and Laura calmly slotted home. She added her second on the stroke of half time following a through ball from Kerry Davison. Whitley ran riot in the second half when firstly the excellent Nikki Smith scored scored from a solo run then 5 minutes later Rosh Turnbull hit a left foot screamer into the bottom corner. On the hour Laura completed her hat trick to finish off a flowing move. Whitley gained possession from the Glendale kick off and a clever flick from Rosh played in Kirsty who fired home. Rosh added another with a header from a corner on 70 minutes and within a minute Laura had her fourth when she tapped in a Rachel Kay cross. Kirsty's hat trick came after 75 minutes and her fourth after 79 minutes. Laura ran at the defence with 5 minutes to play and found the net then with the last kick of the game Rosh also claimed her hat trick and Whitley's 13th goal with a fine shot after good work by Kirsty. Manager Colin Phillips said ' After the break we totally overwhelmed Glendale and recorded our biggest win of the season. All of our forward players were on top form and any side would have found them difficult to contain' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 11th | Lge | Away | Teesside | P-P | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 18th | County Cup | Away | Newcastle United | 0-10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley Women were given a painful lesson by a rampant Newcastle United Women in this County Cup semi final. Newcastle fielded their entire first team in a competition normally restricted to their Reserve side and the gulf in class was there for all to see. Newcastle scored virtually from the kick off , Whitley never recovered and were three down at half time. Newcastle started the second half as they had started the first by scoring early and Whitley's attempts to stem the tide were to no avail. Newcastle pressed forward at every opportunity and their movement and pace up front created havoc. The final score was 10-0 to Newcastle and Whitleys' manager Colin Phillips was philosophical at the end of the match 'We were never in the game as an attacking force and were taught a painful lesson by a superb Newcastle side. It is the first time we have been beaten by more than an odd goal and the first time we have conceded more than 3 goals in any competitive match. It is a measure of how far we have to go to be a top side' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 25th | Lge | Away | Darlington Ladies | 8-1 | Darmody 5, Hunter 2, Kay | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley Women were back in League action against Darlington Ladies who despite their lowly League position had recently gained some credible results. Whitley always aim to start such games with a high tempo and were one up within 10 minutes when Laura Darmody was released and calmly slotted home. Two similar goals followed in the next ten minutes to give Laura her hat trick after only 17 minutes. Darlington slowly got back into the game and defended solidly for the rest of the half, restricting Whitley to the lions share of possession but no real chances. Darlington pulled a goal back after the interval, taking full advantage of a Bay mix up at the back, but within 5 minutes of the re-start Kirsty Hunter got in on the act with a well struck left foot free kick from outside the box. 2 minutes later, Laura claimed her fourth and as in the first half, Darlington re-grouped and held Bay for long spells with some well organised defending. A flurry of late goals in the last 5 minutes saw Kirsty claim her second with a header following a flowing move, Laura netted her fifth and Rachel Kay finished the scoring in the last few seconds of the match. Whitley manager Colin Phillips praised his team 'At the start of each half we were excellent and Darlington found it hard to cope with our pace. However, credit to them, they stuck to the task and held us for long periods of the game. Some of our football today was outstanding, with great passing and movement and some quality finishing' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 4th | Lge | Away | Horden | P-P | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 11th | Lge | Home | CLEVELAND HALL | 11-1 | Hunter 4, Darmody 5, Kay, Davison | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley were quick out of the blocks against lowly Cleveland Hall and raced to a four goal lead within 8 minutes of the kick off. First Kirsty Hunter scored after good link up play with Laura Darmody, then Rachel Kay cut in from a pass from Nikki Smith. Hunter scored her second from a Kerry Davison cross and then she returned the favour to Laura Darmody who rifled home Whitley's fourth. Cleveland Hall had brief respite before Darmody got her second on 18 minutes and third on 20 minutes. Kerry Davison completed the first half scoring when she capitalised on a defensive mix up to sneak in her first ever Whitley goal. Half time brought needed relief to the Cleveland Hall defence with the score at 7-0 to Whitley Bay. Within 10 minutes of the re-start Whitley had extended their lead with Hunter completing her hat-trick and Darmody bagging her fourth. Darmody scored her fifth just after the hour with a clinical finish. Cleveland Hall maintained great effort and workrate despite the score and were rewarded in the 68th minute with a penalty. The referee had the kick retaken on three occasions due to Whitley encroachment and Claire Forrester made no mistake at the 3rd attempt after the Whitley keeper had saved 2 previous efforts. 10 minutes from the end, Hunter completed the scoring with her fourth and Whitley's 11th with a powerful strike. Manager Colin Phillips said ' We had a great start and some of the football was excellent, in fact we could have had more but for some wayward finishing. Credit to Cleveland Hall for sticking to the task and coming more into the game in the second half, but in the end we had too much pace and quality for them to contain us' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7.45pm Wednesday 14th | Lge Cup | Home | SPENNYMOOR | 4-0 | Hunter 3, Kay | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley faced a very strong Spennymoor side in this League Cup encounter. It was obvious from the start that Spennymoor were a well organised and committed team. The early exchanges were even, with few chances at either end. The breakthrough came in the 13th minute when Kirsty Hunter controlled the ball and cracked an unstoppable volley into the top corner. Ten minutes later, after good link up play with her strike partner Laura Darmody, Hunter fired another into the bottom corner. Whitley now began to dominate proceedings, but Spennymoor defended solidly, restricting the home team to very few chances. After the interval, Spennymoor enjoyed more possession and passed the ball around comfortably. However, their efforts were to no avail as on the hour, Rachel Kay ran at the defence and calmly slotted home from an acute angle. Within 8 minutes, Hunter had her hat-trick and Whitley's fourth when Rosh Turnbull delivered an excellent first time cross from deep, which Hunter powerfully headed past the keeper. Whitley then created a number of chances, but some last ditch tackling and poor finishing prevented any further goals. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the win 'Spennymoor gave us a tough game, their workrate and tackling was first class and we had to work hard for the victory'. Whitley now face Rutheford Ravens in the next round on 25 March. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 18th | Lge | Home | SPENNYMOOR | 2-0 | Graham, Kay | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley faced Spennymoor for the second time in 4 days at a windswept Marden Bridge. The strong wind made it extremely difficult for both sides to play and very few chances were created at either end during the opening half hour, with both midfields cancelling each other out and defences on top. After 33 minutes, Helen Graham took full advantage of poor control by the visiting keeper and bundled the ball over the line. Despite having most of the possession, Whitley were unable to break a resolute Spennymoor defence and the half time score remained 1-0. In the second half, with the wind at their back, Spennymoor ventured more into the Whitley half and their territorial and wind advantage saw them gain a number of corners and shooting opportunties. Against the wind, Whitley seemed to have more control of the ball and were forced to play a shorter and more precise passing game. However, few opportunities were created until the 82nd minute when Rachel Kay broke free of the Spennymoor defence and cut in from the left to place a hard low drive into the corner of the net, making the final score 2-0 to Whitley Bay. Whitley manager Colin Phillips was full of praise for both sets of players 'This was a very close game in conditions that made it nearly impossible to play football. Spennymoor are very well organised defensively and they made it difficult for us' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7.45pm Tuesday 20th | Lge | Home | DARLINGTON RA | P-P | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 25th | Lge Cup | Home | RUTHERFORD RAVENS | 4-2 | K.Davison, Hunter, Darmody, Graham | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| On a glorious sunny afternoon at Marden Bridge, Whitley faced a strong Rutherford side and received an early shock when on 10 minutes the pacy Sam Brown raced clear of the Whitley defence to slot home. Rutherford were playing classic counter attack football and extended their lead on the half hour when Brown again got behind the defence to fire home. Whitley had it all to do and got back into the game when a looping shot from Kerry Davison sailed over the visting keepers head into the back of the net. The Ravens keeper pulled off a fine save from Kirsty Hunter and the score remained Whitley 1 Rutherford 2 at half time. Minutes after the re-start, Rachel Kay was bundled over in the box and Kirsty Hunter brought the scores level with the resulting penalty. Whitley enjoyed the majority of possession and were ahead for the first time on the hour when Laura Darmody found the net after good Whitley approach work. Within 10 minutes, Whitley extended their lead when a flowing move saw the ball cut back to Helen Graham who, without breaking stride, crashed the ball into the roof of the net from 30 yards. Whitley were camped in the Ravens half but through some solid defending, were unable to extend their lead. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased to be in the semi final draw 'Rutherford played very well against us and their defending was excellent. Once we drew level, I was confident we would go on to win the game' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| April | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 1st | League | Away | Horden | 16-0 | Darmody 7, Hunter 5, Kay 2, Graham 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley travelled to lowly Horden and faced a side with many of their regular players missing and with only 10 players available to play. On a wide pitch, Whitley used the open spaces and the player advantage to carve through the Horden defence and were 6 up within the half hour. By this time, Laura Darmody had scored 4 and Kirsty Hunter and Rachel Kay had one each. Two set pieces created more goals when Kirsty fired in a left foot free kick from distance and Laura nodded home a Helen Graham corner. The score at half time was 8-0 to Whitley. Within 5 minutes of the re-start, Helen Graham scored, quickly followed by 2 from Kirsty to claim her hat-trick. Minutes later, Rachel Kay bagged a deserved goal with a low hard drive then further goals from Kirsty and Laura gave Horden no respite. The scoring was completed in the last 5 minutes when Helen Graham added her second and Laura her seventh. Manager Colin Phillips drew little satisfaction from the mauling given to Horden 'It would have been difficult enough for Horden with a full team let alone a player short, but we can only play our own game and that led to a lot of goals, which at the end of the season may be important. Credit to Horden, who kept battling and working hard despite the score and the demoralising effect it must have had' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 8th | Lge | Home | RUTHERFORD RAVENS | 4-1 | Darmody 3, N.Smith | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley faced tough opposition at a windy Hillheads and having lost the toss, played against the wind in the first half. Whitley enjoyed the majority of possession but were forced back on numerous occasions as Rutherford looked to take advantage of the conditions. However, it was Whitley that made the breakthrough in the 17th minute when Rachel Kay slid a perfect ball through for Laura Darmody to race clear of the defence and calmly slot home. An identical move a minute later had Kirsty Hunter supply the pass and Laura once again the cool finish. Laura completed her hat-trick with her 3rd goal in 3 minutes when she bundled in a Kerry Davison cross at the near post. Whitley were in control of the game and Rutherford rarely troubled the home keeper and just before half time, Nikki Smith smashed the ball in from just outside the box following good pressure from Rachel Kay. After the break, with the wind at their back, Whitley struggled to get their passing going and long balls downfield were carried by the wind to safety. Rutherford on the other hand, played a more controlled game and a number of moves took them into Whitley territory. Just after the hour, they got there reward when Sam Brown rifled the ball home from a tight angle. A mixture of good goalkeeping and poor finishing prevented Whitley from adding to their score and the game ended 4-1 to Whitley Bay. Manager Colin Phillips said 'Both sides played much better against the wind when they were forced to keep the ball on the ground, and the game was a tight affair apart from a devastating 3 minute spell when Laura got her hat-trick' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7.45pm Wednesday 11th | Lge | Away | Spennymoor | 6-1 | Kay 2, Graham, Hunter, Darmody, Waldie | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley travelled to Spennymoor for the first of their April midweek matches and met a side determined to make amends for the two March defeats inflicted by Whitley. However, Spennymoor were one down within a minute when Rachel Kay latched onto a through ball from Kirsty Hunter and fired home. The game settled and Whitley enjoyed the majority of territory and possession, but Spennymoor were keen to break forward and in the 20th minute equalised when Whitley failed to clear a free kick and allowed Katie Huntington to knock in the loose ball. Whitley continued to press and on 35 minutes Laura Darmody passed the ball across the box for Helen Graham to lash in. Within 5 minutes Whitley were 3-1 up when Kirsty Hunter curled a left foot free kick into the top corner from well outside the box. The second half started with more of the same from Whitley Bay, but they were unable to add to their goal tally until the 67 minute when Helen Graham played a great ball across the face of goal for Rachel Kay to arrive at the far post and smash the ball into the roof of the net. Laura Darmody made it 5-1 when she ran clear of the defence onto a through ball from Nikki Smith and slotted home. An almost identical ball 2 minutes later from Helen Graham saw Sarah Waldie break from midfield and apply a cool finish and complete the scoring at 6-1. Manager Colin Phillips said 'Spennymoor always give us a tough game and I was pleased with the commitment and effort my players showed. We scored some excellent goals and were very solid in defence' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 15th | Lge | Away | Teesside | 9-1 | Darmody 3, Kay, Davies, Graham, Hunter 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley made the trip down the A19 to Redcar on a glorious afternoon with a full squad and in confident mood against their Teesside opponents. Whitley started with real purpose and were one up after 8 minutes when Kirsty Hunter flicked through for her strike partner Laura Darmody to knock home from close range. They were soon two goals ahead when Sarah Waldie passed to Rachel Kay who sprinted infield a curled a right foot shot into the far corner of the net. After 20 minutes, a Helen Graham corner was met by Siobhan Davies who headed powerfully into the net. Whitley were in full flow and Teesside were at full stretch in an attempt to stem the tide. Two goals in two minutes on the half hour mark put Whitley 5 to the good. Firsty Helen Graham siezed on a loose ball and then from 30 yards,calmly struck the ball over the keeper and into the net. Kerry Davison then crossed to Kirsty Hunter who volleyed the ball into the back of the net. After the break Teesside came out determined and committed and within a minute had pulled a goal back when Kirsty Ramsay fired in a perfect free kick from the edge of the box that struck the underside of the bar and crossed the line for a great goal. Within 10 minutes Whitley had extended their lead when Janine Fagan played a great through ball for Laura Darmody to race clear and slot home. On the hour was arguably the goal of the game when Rachel Kay retrieved a loose ball and passed to Kirsty Hunter who from 25 yards lob-volleyed the keeper. Hunter turned provider when she crossed for her partner Laura Darmody to claim her hat-trick and head home from close range. The scoring was complete at 9-1 to Whitley Bay with 2 minutes to go when Kirsty Hunter was first to a ball in the box and fired in from 10 yards to also claim her hat-trick.. Whitley manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the win ' We played very well for long periods of the game and some of our finishing was excellent. Credit to Teesside who kept battling especially in the second half where their effort and commitment were excellent' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7.45pm Tuesday 17th | Lge | Home | DARLINGTON RA | 2-2 | Kay, Darmody | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Top of the League Darlington RA were the visitors to Hillheads in this eagerly awaited clash. Darlington had the better of the early exchanges with Emma McIntosh looking lively. The game was being played to a high standard and defences were tested, as Whitley came into the game and started to get some balls into the box. It was Whitley who went ahead, just before half time when Rachel Kay seized on a loose ball in the box and rifled the ball into the corner of the net. After the break, exchanges were even, with Darlington passing the ball well in midfield and Whitley playing with width. On 53 minutes a disastrous back pass to the Darlington keeper saw the ball cannon off the post and Laura Darmody was on hand to stab home. Darlington could consider themselves unlucky to be 2 down and continued to attack with real purpose to get something from the game. From one of their many corners, Emma Saunders was on hand to fire home from close range. The goal gave Darlington renewed belief and they piled the pressure onto the Whitley goal. With 8 minutes to play, their persistence paid off when Wrangham latched onto a through ball and from close range, rounded the keeper and slotted home. The final score was 2-2 and with honours even, both sides left the field to generous applause from the sizable crowd. Manager Colin Phillips thought that a draw was a fair result ' It is always disappointing to lose a 2 goal lead, but the only difference at that point was that we took our chances. On the balance of play, neither side deserved to lose and it was a great game between two excellent sides' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 22nd | Lge Cup | Away | Bradford City | 0-1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley travelled to Bradford with only 12 fit players, missing 4 centre backs through injury, illness and unavailability and without talismanic striker and Captain Kirsty Hunter. Bradford lie top the League above Whitley, so a tough game was expected. Bradford enjoyed spells on the attack but the patched up Whitley defence held firm and were able to lauch some counter attacks of their own. Both teams used the width of the pitch, with Bradford shading the chances and territorial possession. After the break, Whitley started to make excursions down the Bradford flanks and created a few chances to trouble the resolute Bradford back four. The game swung in Bradfords favour without any real goalscoring opportunities and after numerous corners, the pressure was on. Ten minutes from the end of the game, Bradford played a ball to the edge of the Whitley box and Alice Thackray fired a shot through the crowded area, past the unsighted Whitley keeper and into the net. Whitley pressed hard for the equaliser, but it was not to be. Colin Phillips was proud of his players ' We battled hard against a very good team, top of the League above us, but we could not break them down. We competed well and were never outclassed' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7.30pm Thurs 26th | Lge | Home | BLYTH TOWN | 8-1 | Darmody, Hunter 3, Graham 2, Waldie, Smith | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley faced a young and determined Blyth team at Hillheads. Whitley were soon made aware of the threat Blyth possessed when on 10 minutes Karren Wright latched onto a through ball and fired into the far corner of the net. This stung Whitley into action and on 18 minutes, top scorer Laura Darmody raced clear of the Blyth defence and slotted home. Four minutes later Whitley went ahead when Rachel Kay played a ball to the far post which Kirsty Hunter converted. The game settled, with Whitley enjoying the majority of chances but a combination of the Blyth offside trap, good tackling and poor finishing prevented further scoring until 5 minutes before the break. Another great Rachel Kay cross was met by a diving header from Kirsty Hunter and the score was 3-1 at half time. After the break, there was more of the same from Whitley, with their pace causing the Blyth defence all sorts of problems. Whitley were now timing their runs to perfection, yet the ball didn't find the net until the hour mark, when a Kirsty Hunter shot was parried by the keeper and Helen Graham followed in to smash the ball in. 2 minutes later, Laura Darmody played a perfect ball over the defence for Kirsty Hunter to find the net with a fine left foot drive. On 69 minutes Whitley were 6-1 to the good when Rachel Kay played a ball through for Sarah Waldie to run onto from deep midfield, stride forward and place the ball past the keeper. Five minutes from the end, the hard work of Nikki Smith was rewarded when she took the ball from the edge of the box, rounded 3 players in a mazy run and calmly slotted the ball into the corner of the net. The scoring was completed mintutes from the end when a Kerry Davison pass across the box found Helen Graham who scored her second of the night with a cool finish. Manager Colin Phillips praised both sides ' Blyth are a very young hard working side with good ability and organisation. On the night our pace and power in attack was very difficult for them to contain over 90 minutes, but we certainly had to defend well and be wary of their forwards' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 29th | Lge | Away | Darlington RA | 4-1 | Darmody, Naples 2, Graham | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley travelled to Darlington for the return leg of the top of the table clash, knowing that nothing less than a win would keep their promotion hopes alive. Within 10 minutes they conceded when Emma McIntosh latched onto a through ball and placed a neat shot into the corner of the Whitley net. Whitley then fought their way back into the game and started to press for the equaliser. The cause was hampered when striker Kirsty Hunter was forced off with an injury and Whitley had to reorganise, pushing Nikki Smith further upfront. The pressure paid off on 36 minutes, when a ball over the top of the static Darlington defence was fired home by Laura Darmody. Whitley didn't want the half time whistle to blow as they started to dominate and played the game in the Darlington half. After the interval, Darlington also lost a striker when the impressive Emma McIntosh picked up a knock and was substituted. Whitley were on top and on 55 minutes, a free kick from Helen Lackenby was not dealt with and Stacey Naples fired home from close range for her first ever Whitley goal. Naples was becoming more and more influential after being moved from defence into midfield and scored her second when a shot from distance deceived the keeper and bounced into the net. Darlington mounted few attacks and were leaving spaces at the back as they searched for a way back into the game. However, their defence worked hard to cover and tackled well to thwart a rampant Bay. Ten minutes from the end, Naples played a ball across the edge of the box which Helen Graham sprinted onto, beating the Darlington keeper to ball and firing into the net. Whitley created a number of chances towards the end of the game but Darlington stood firm and the final score was 4-1 to Whitley. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the team's efforts, 'We had to win today and I was delighted with the way we fought back after going one down. It was a blow to lose Kirsty in the first half, but we reorganised and the players that had to move position were hugely important. It was a great display'. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| May | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday 6th | Lge | Away | Blyth Town | 5-2 | Hunter, Graham, Waldie, Kay, Darmody | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitley's final game of the season was away to Blyth Town and they knew they had to win to keep the pressure on Darlington RA. The game was played in extremely windy conditions and both sides struggled to create any meaningful chances. Blyth drew first blood when a simple ball from midfield found Karren Wright, who took a touch and fired into the corner of the net. Whitley fought back and had the majority of possession but the final ball was poor and chances were missed. They were punished on 25 minutes when a goal kick fell straight to the feet of Wright and she made no mistake with a powerful shot into the top corner. Whitley still struggled to find any rhythm and were having a bad day, in all areas of the pitch. After the interval, Whitley enjoyed even more possession but still a number of chances were missed until the hour mark when Kirsty Hunter fired home. Within a minute Whitley were level and the game had changed, when Helen Graham struck her 10th goal in as many games. Whitley were now on top and pushed forward at every opportunity for the win they needed. In the 75 minute, a Helen Graham corner fell to Sarah Waldie and she lashed the ball home. 5 minutes later it was 4-2 to Whitley when a ball over the top was taken by Rachel kay and she rounded the keeper to side foot into the empty net. 5 minutes from the end a similar ball fell to Laura Darmody; the keeper parried but Laura netted at her second attempt. Manager Colin Phillips was relieved to win 'All credit to Blyth who finished the two chances they had in the first half and made us work to create openings. The wind meant that the game was never going to be a great spectacle and my team were surprisingly below par. However, they fought back well and 5 goals in the second half gave us the win' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||