| |
|
|
| ||
| ||
Click on the opposition name to read the Match Report. Home matches are in capitals.
| Pre-season | |||||
| July | |||||
| Saturday 21st Sunday 22nd |
Friendly | Away | Umbro Tournament | ||
| Saturday 21st | Umbro | Group | Kemnay | 6-0 | Kay, Hunter 2, Graham, Lanaghan, Smith |
| Saturday 21st | Umbro | Group | Llandudno | 4-0 | Kay, Hunter, Darmody, Smith |
| Saturday 21st | Umbro | Group | Acton | 1-2 | Davison |
| Sunday 22nd | Umbro | Group | Stockport Reserves | 2-0 | Hunter, Graham |
| Sunday 22nd | Umbro | Semi final | Windscale | 0-0 (7-6 on Pens) |
|
| Sunday 22nd | Umbro | Final | Stockport Reserves | 1-1 (4-3 on Pens) |
Darmody |
|
Whitley Bay travelled to Manchester to enter the Umbro International Cup as part of their pre-season preparation. They were entered into the 'Senior' Section after 2 semi final appearances in the 'Recreational' section in the past two seasons.
They started well and were runners up in their group after the above 'Group' results and qualified for the Physioroom.com plate semi finals, where they met Windscale Ladies. The game ended 0-0 at full time and went to penalties, which Whitley won at the sudden death stage. Stockport Reserves were their final opponents, who Whitley had beaten in the group matches. Whitley went ahead after a Kirsty Hunter free kick crashed against the bar and Laura Darmody was on hand to nod home after the ball had bounced up a yard from goal. Stockport equalised with minutes on the clock and the game went to penalties. Whitley converted all their spot kicks and Stockport missed two, giving Whitley the trophy. |
|||||
| Sunday 29th | Friendly | Away | Sunderland | 0-6 | |
| Whitley faced Premier League opposition in Sunderland at the Gateshead Stadium in the first of their pre-season friendlies. The game was played on a 3G pitch and Sunderland showed their superiority from the off, scoring in the 6th minute. Whitley then held firm for the rest of the first half, albeit being very much on the defensive. Half time saw Whitley give debuts to 3 new players and the defensive ploys used in the first half started to fail them as Sunderland began to time their runs to perfection. Sunderland added 5 second half goals to run out comfortable 6-0 winners. Manger Colin Phillips was happy with the work out given to his players 'We defended well in the first half then tiredness and lack of concentration as well as Sunderlands' good play meant that our game plan in the second half was not so effective. However, it's good to be tested against quality opposition and the experience will stand us in good stead for the forthcoming season' | |||||
| August | |||||
| Sunday 5th | Friendly | Away | York City | 3-3 | Darmody 2, Hunter |
| Whitley travelled down the A1 to face North East Premier side York City in searing temperatures and on a pitch that was not the best surface we have encountered. Both teams took a while to settle into the game but it was York City who drew first blood when a ball over the square Whitley defence was seized on and the York forward knocked the ball over the advancing Whitley keeper. Very few clear cut chances were created in the remainder of the first half as the heat took its toll. At half time, Whitley changed shape and personnel in an attempt to control the midfield and within 10 minutes of the re-start, Laura Darmody raced through clear of the defence from her right wing position onto a Kirsty Hunter through ball and calmly slotted the ball into the corner of the net as the keeper approached. Whitley took the lead on the 68 minute when Darmody repaid her strike partner the favour by crossing into the box for Rachel Kay to battle for possession and the ball fell to Hunter who made no mistake. The game was now opening up and York gained a corner on the left which was nodded in at the near post for the equaliser. Whitley hit back immediately to regain the lead for the second time when a Nikki Smith corner was headed in by Darmody. With minutes on the clock, York hit Whitley on the break and a ball delivered to the near post was half saved by the Whitley keeper only for it to be knocked into the net on the rebound. A draw seemed a fair result and both sides had a good workout. Manager Colin Phillips said ' The conditions were really difficult and both sides worked extremely hard to make an entertaining and competitive match. We tried a couple of different formations and players in various positions The main aim at this stage in our preparation is fitness and getting back into the tempo of match play' | |||||
| Thursday 9th | Friendly | Home | UNIVERSITY OF ANDERSON | 12-1 | Darmody 4, Hunter 4, Davison 2, Smith, McLean |
| Whitley hosted the touring American side Anderson University in this friendly at Hillheads. The visitors were an unknown quantity and Whitley fielded a strong side. They were soon 1-0 up when Laura Darmody latched onto a through ball, rounded the keeper and slotted home. After 20 minutes Whitley got their second when a great piece of interplay between Helen Graham and Kerry Davison led to a neat one-two on the edge of the box and Kerry rifled home from 15 yards. It was becoming apparent that Whitley were a class above the opposition and on 24 minutes, Darmody extended the lead after Sarah Waldie played a ball in that was scooped up over the keeper by Darmody for her to head into the empty net. Kirsty Hunter got in on the act in the 32 minute when a Helen Lackenby ball was brought under control by Hunter for a neat finish. Two more were added to make it 6-0 at the interval as firstly Nikki Smith finished from a Hunter pass and then Hunter finished another Lackenby cross. Within 2 minutes of the interval Whitley were 8 to the good as both strikers claimed their hat-tricks, Darmody knocking in from a Davison cross and Hunter from a Rachel Kay cross. Changes in both personnel and team shape were made as Whitley looked to make the most of the workout and it wasn't until the 75 minute that Whitley extended their lead when Hunter played a great diagonal ball for Davison to claim a rare brace with a great finish. Whitley then scored their 10th on the night as Darmody pounced on a mistake, raced clear of the defence and smashed the ball past the advancing keeper. Anderson made a rare excursion into the Whitley half and scored a great goal as the left winger fired the ball in from distance over the head of Whitleys' helpless keeper. In the dying minutes Whitley scored a further 2 goals as Hunter scored her fourth at the far post and then Lynsey Mclean claimed her first ever Whitley goal with a great finish from the edge of the box following a great run and pass from Kay. With the final score at 12-1 to Whitley, the game was played in a great spirit and the tourists fought to the end and showed excellent sporting attitude throughout. Whitley manager Colin Phillips praised both sets of players 'This was a very enjoyable game and a great workout for the Whitley squad, Anderson showed great determination and my players all commented on the sporting way they behaved and conducted themselves, despite being heavily defeated' | |||||
| Sunday 12th | Friendly | Home | PETERLEE | 3-4 | Kay, Darmody, Hunter |
| Whitley faced Combination side Peterlee, a team 2 leagues above Whitley in this friendly at Marden Bridge. It was clear from the start that this would be a close game, as both sides tested each other in the opening minutes. Whiltey scored first in the 8 minute as Rachel Kay made a trademark run from the left, across the defender and fired home as she cut inside onto her right foot. Peterlee responded well and mounted a series of attacks on the Bay goal, one of which resulted in shot from distance creeping under the Bay keeper for a soft equaliser. Just before half time came the goal of the game as Nikki Smith released Laura Darmody, who took the ball in her stride and lashed a tremendous shot into the top corner of the net. Within 3 minutes of the break, Peterlee were level when a long ball put the attacker in the clear and her shot from distance sailed over the Whitley keeper's head. 15 minutes later, Peterlee scored an identical goal to put them in the lead for the first time. The game then swung from end to end, producing an entertaining spectacle as each side played some great football. Whitley battled for the equaliser and on the 80 minute, Rachel Kay played the ball across the box to Kirsty Hunter, who quickly swivelled, shifted the ball to her left foot and fired low and hard into the corner. It was no more than Whitley deserved but the draw was snatched from them in the dying seconds of the game when Peterlee scored another long range effort following a ball over the top of the Whitley defence. This was a great game played in good spirit by 2 footballing sides and Whitley Manager Colin Phillips was delighted with the team performance. 'This was an excellent workout against a higher League team and we played some great stuff, particularly in the second half' | |||||
| League and Cup Matches | |||||
| Sunday 19th | League Cup | Home | SPENNYMOOR | 6-1 | Smith, Hunter, Davidson, Kay 3 |
| Whitley's first competitive match of the season saw them face Spennymoor Town in the League Cup. The conditions were poor with driving rain sweeping across the pitch and both sides struggled to find any form in the early miinutes. On the 26 minute, Nikki Smith received the ball on the edge of the box and fired in a long range effort that crashed into the top corner and over the line. This effort was equalled 8 minutes later when Kirsty Hunter fired in an unstoppable left foot shot to put Whitley 2 up. Spennymoor's determination was rewarded 2 mintes from the break when Kelly Rushworth was played in and she finished well into the far corner. Within 10 minutes of the break, Whitley were 3-1 to the good as debutant Laurel Davidson got her first Whitley goal when she followed in a saved Hunter shot and calmly slotted home. Then came the Rachel Kay show as she claimed a second half hat-trick. Firstly she blocked a clearance on the edge of the box and as the ball ran kindly, she fired home powerfully. On 73 minutes she received a pass from Nikki Smith and curled a great shot into the corner of the net. The scoring was completed in the 77 minute when the ball fell to Kay on the edge of the box and her shot crept under the keeper. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the result, 'It took us a while to get going but some of our passing football was excellent considering the conditions. We have had a tough pre-season and I think our fitness was a major factor in the second half' | |||||
| Sunday 26th | League | Home | DURHAM CITY | 10-0 | Graham 3, Kay, Hunter 3, Davies, Naples, Davidson |
| Whitley Bay were back in the old routine as they smashed 10 goals past Durham City at Hillheads in their first League match of the season. It took only 15 minutes to find the breakthrough as Sarah Waldie played in Helen Graham who hit a great shot into the corner of the net. They were 2 to the good 8 minutes later when a Rachel Kay cross found the head of Helen Graham for her second of the game. The third was a minute later when Kirsty Hunter laid the ball off for Rachel Kay to fire home. On the half hour Whitley won a free kick some 30 yards from goal and Kirsty Hunter hit an unstoppable left foot shot into the top corner. Whitley went into half time 5-0 to the good when Hunter bagged her second of the game as she poked in a Nikki Smith corner. After the break, Whitley took a few minutes to settle into their rhythm and centre back Siobhon Davies took matters into her own hands by striding forward unopposed and hit a 35 yard screamer over the helpless keeper. The centre backs were now showing the way to goal as Stacey Naples pounced on a loose ball after a corner and stabbed home. 16 year old Laurel Davidson came on as a sub and was soon on the scoresheet as she received a pass fron Sarah Waldie and fired in a great shot from the edge of the box. Hunter claimed her hat-trick on the 76 minute with another great strike from outside the box. Not to be outdone, Helen Graham also claimed a hat-trick and Whitley's 10th with a great strike from distance. Manager Colin Phillips said ' We were comfortable winners and produced some great goals, some of the shots from outside the box were excellent' | |||||
| September | |||||
| Sunday 2nd | League | Away | Darlington | 10-1 | Graham, Kay 4, Hunter 3, McLean, Davidson |
| Whitley travelled to Darlington with a strong squad and full of confidence. They started the quicker of the teams and within 6 minutes had taken the lead when a Roisin Turnbull through ball was fired into the corner by Helen Graham. They doubled their lead after 12 minutes when an almost identical goal saw Lynsey McLean play the ball through for Rachel Kay who slotted it into the corner. Two minutes later, a 30 yard pass from Lynsey McLean allowed Kay to run behind the defence and tuck the ball into the corner of the net. Whitley had started like a steam train and the momentum was continued when their fourth was scored by Kirsty Hunter as she knocked in a rebound from a saved Graham shot. The first half scoring was complete when a perfect free kick from out wide by Nikki Smith was headed home by Hunter. After the interval Whitley continued to enjoy the majority of possession and the 6th goal came when McLean fed Hunter and she fired home from distance. Credit to Darlington for trying to play the ball out of defence at every opportunity, but the pace of Jo Suddes caught them napping on two occasions. Firstly she stole the ball to play it to Hunter who in turn passed to McLean who got a well deserved goal with her left foot from the edge of the box, then she closed down the defender whose blocked clearance fell to Kay who claimed her hat-trick. Darlington scored a well deserved goal on 70 minutes when Helen Duffy pounced on a mix up between the Whitley keeper and the defence and knocked the ball into the empty net. In the last 10 minutes of the game, Whitley added 2 further goals as Nikki Smith won the ball as passed to Kay who scored her 4th with a powerful strike from outside the box and then Laurel Davidson received a ball from Hunter and smashed it in from 20 yards. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the win 'We started very well,with good pace to our game and despite Darlington's efforts, we attacked with real purpose and scored some great goals' | |||||
| Sunday 9th | League | Home | RUTHERFORD RAVENS | 7-2 | Davidson 2, Graham, Hunter, o.g., Smith, Turnbull |
| Whitley faced Rutherford Ravens and having had 3 close games against them last season, were determined to start well. Whitley went on the attack from the whistle and penned Rutherford into their own half in the early minutes. The pressure soon told on 12 minutes as a high ball from Rachel Kay bounced over the advancing keeper and Laurel Davidson was on hand to slot into the empty net for a goal on her first start for the club. Ten minutes later, Whitley were 2 up when Kirsty Hunter played a great ball across the face of goal for Helen Graham to slide in at the far post. Whitley were now well in control and on the half hour Rachel Kay played a ball into the box and Hunter crashed home an unstoppable left foot volley from close range. Just before half time a Nikki Smith corner put Rutherford under pressure and a defenders attempted headed clearance found its way into the net. After the interval, Rutherford were defending well and it wasn't until the hour mark when Hunter played in Smith who cut inside and finished well at the near post. Two minutes later and quick thinking by Smith and Graham at a corner led to Graham crossing the ball for Turnbull to head powerfully into the net. Whitley scored their 7th in the 75 minute when another inch perfect ball from Hunter put Davidson in the clear and the young striker calmly slotted the ball into the corner of the net. Whitley then lost concentration in the last 10 minutes of the game as firstly they went to sleep at a throw in and Kirsty Williams nipped in to score, then Whitley failed to clear the ball on the edge of their own box and the pacy Sam Brown fired home. Manager Colin Phillips was happy with the win 'It's always a tough game against Rutherford and I am glad we started so well as a little sloppiness at the end of the game could have been costly' | |||||
| Sunday 16th | FA Cup | Home | NEWFIELD | 4-1 | Graham, Kay, Hunter 2 |
| Whitley faced a tricky Cup tie against newly promoted Newfield in their bid to match last season's heroics. A strong wind blew the length of Hillheads with Newfield chosing the advantage in the first half. Both teams started strongly, with Whitley just edging possession, but Newfield were defending well and restricting Whitley to very few chances. Helen Graham was making great runs down the wing but was caught offside on 2 occasions as she ran clear. She was not to be denied though as on 35 minutes Kirsty Hunter played another ball through. This time Graham held her run and with one touch, slotted the ball into the corner of the net. Within 3 minutes Whitley were 2 to the good when Kirsty Hunter was the provider again for Rachel Kay who fired into the top of the net despite the Newfield keepers best efforts to keep the ball out. Newfield kept plugging away and were rewarded on 40 minutes with a great shot from the edge of the box that flew past the Whitley keeper.. Just before half time Whitley restored their 2 goal advantage when a Nikki Smith cross eluded the keeper and Hunter was on hand to pass the ball into the unguarded net. With the wind in their backs in the second half, Whitley failed to find any rhythm and Newfields workrate prevented any meaningful play until the hour mark when a free kick outside the box was dispatched by the left foot of Hunter for her second of the game. Substitutions by both teams halted the flow of the game and Whitley were content to see the game out and go into the hat for the next round. Whitley manager Colin Phillips was satisfied with the win ' We had the edge today and some of our passing and possession football was excellent. Credit to Newfield who kept battling until the end and defended very well for long periods of the game' | |||||
| Sunday 23rd | League | Home | NEWFIELD | 4-1 | Hunter 2, Darmody, Turnbull |
| Whitley Bay faced Newfield for the second successive week and were aware of the threat they posed. Both teams started cautiously with Whitley shading possession but Newfields workrate kept them in the game. Chances for both sides were few and far between but Whitley struck the woodwork on 2 occasions but were unable to carve out any clear cut opportunities. It was goal-less at half time and both sides realised how important the first goal would be. Whitley Bay started the second half with great determination and increased the tempo of the game. Within 3 minutes of the kick off Rachel kay made a strong run down the left wing leaving 2 defenders in her wake and crossed for Kirsty Hunter to fire home. Whitley were now in the ascendancy and their play had far more urgency and purpose than the first half. On the hour mark they were 2 up when Roisin Turnbull strode forward onto a loose ball and from 35 yards crashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner. They went 3 up on 63 minutes when Laura Darmody ran through the defence at pace and was upended in the box for a clear penalty. Hunter made no mistake from the spot for her second of the game. Newfield were making rare excursions into the Bay half and on one such occasion on 65 minutes, were fouled some 35 yards from goal.. Stacey Bonney took the free kick and struck a perfectly flighted ball into the top corner of the Whitley net. Newfields new found belief was short lived as on 70 minutes Laura Darmody turned brilliantly after receiving the ball from a throw in and lashed a poweful shot into the top corner. The game was being played in the Newfield half but Whitley Bay were unable to add to their goal tally and ran out 4-1 winners. Manager Colin Phillips was satisfied to win the game 'After not scoring in the first half, but dominating possession, I knew that a goal would change the game and so it turned out. Our passing was excellent and once we added movement and urgency, the goals came. Once again Newfield worked extremely hard, but we are a difficult side to contain for a full 90 minutes' | |||||
| Sunday 30th | FA Cup | Away | Team Northumbria | 2-0 | Darmody 2 |
| Whitley travelled to Bullocksteads Sports Ground for their first ever away FA Cup match to face North East Premier League outfit, Team Northumbria. Whitley Bay started the stronger of the two teams and were soon on the attack but as expected, Team Northumbria defended well and restricted Whitley to long range shots. Whitley were rampaging down the flanks, but were unable to deliver a final telling ball. On the 38 minute, a quality ball from Rosh Turnbull turned the Team Northumbria defence and Laura Darmody raced through to hit a right foot shot across the keeper and into the corner of the net. The game was very equal as Team North fought to get back into the game and Whitley were glad to hear the half time whistle. After the break Team North started to apply some pressure to the Whitley back line and only some great last minute defending by Siobhon Davies and Helen Lackenby kept Whitley ahead. However, Whitley were conceding some dangerous free kicks just outside the area and Team North needed no inviation to shoot. Some tactical changes saw Team North pour forward in an attempt to get the equaliser, however gaps were being left at the back and Whitley were playing well on the break to take play from danger. On the 90 minute mark, after a sustained period of Team North pressure, Whitley cleared the ball to Rachel Kay who ran from inside her own half to the edge of the Team North box and then laid the ball across for Laura Darmody to round the keeper and slide the ball in for her second of the game and a killer goal. After a short period of added time, the ref blew the whistle and Whitley had taken another higher League FA Cup scalp. Manager Colin Phillips was delighted to win the game 'We knew that Team Northumbria were strong in defence and that the game would be low scoring. We worked extremely hard and I am really pleased with the clean sheet' | |||||
| October | |||||
| Sunday 7th | FA Cup | Away | Darlington RA | 3-3(AET) 7-6 on pens | Darmody, Kay, Suddes |
| Whitley Bay travelled down the A1 to renew old rivalries with Darlington RA in an FA Cup match that promised to be a close run affair. Darlington came out of the blocks very quickly and in the first few minutes Whitley were left chasing shadows. On 8 minutes, a simple ball cut through the ragged Whitley defence leaving the Darlington forward an easy task to knock the ball past the advancing keeper for 1-0. Whitley regrouped and soon were making attacks themselves and regained their composure in defence. On 18 minutes they won a corner that was taken by Helen Graham and expertly nodded home by Laura Darmody. The game was back to square one, with both teams attacking and defending in equal measures, with RA perhaps having the better of possession. Very few clear cut chances were being created and it remained 1-1 at half time. After the break there was more of the same with neither side gaining the advantage but both playing some superb football and defending at the highest standards. On the hour mark, RA had a shot that was incredibly touched onto the bar by Laura Wilson, the young Whitley keeeper but she watched helplessly as the rebound fell to a RA player who smashed the ball home. Whitley knew they had to score and sacrificed a defensive player for Jo Suddes a pacey winger and she immediately caused havoc in the RA defence and almost snatched an equaliser with her first meaningful passage of play. However, Bay were not to be denied when on the 78 minute Kerry Davison released Rachel Kay who sped down the left wing past her marker and headed for goal. She struck a great shot across the keeper for a deserved equaliser. The score remained level on 90 minutes and the game went into extra time. Whitley looked the stronger of the 2 sides yet RA dug in and gave as good as they got. Just into the second period of extra time, Kerry Davison played a ball for Jo Suddes to chase which she did to great effect and having outsprinted 2 RA defenders she cut in and hit an unstoppable shot that crashed into the back of the net off the underside of the bar. 3-2 to Whitley. The game was still swinging from end to end, with tremendous effort being shown by both sides. With seconds left on the clock, RA equalised in controversial fashion. The Whitley keeper was felled in the box by a RA forward and she lay injured, the referee gave no foul and allowed play to continue. After 2 attempts to clear, the ball fell to RA and was poked in. As the ref signalled for a goal, both Managers rushed to the aid of the stricken keeper and she eventually got to her feet and the whistle was blown for penalties. The standard of the penalties was excellent and the shoot out went to sudden death with Whitley eventually winning 7-6. Bay Manager Colin Phillips was delighted to be through to the next round 'This was a fantastic game played by 2 excellent sides and a draw after 120 minutes of pulsating football was fair. Unfortunately the game had to be decided on penalties which is not a pleasant way to be knocked out of such a prestigious competition. Credit to both teams for such a great game and best of luck to RA for the rest of the season' | |||||
| Sunday 14th | League | Away | Teesside Athletic | 9-1 | Davison 3, Darmody 5, Graham |
| Whitley travelled to Teesside short of 4 regulars due to injury and work commitments and gave first starts to Jill Stacey and Louanne Gascoigne, with Stacey Naples coming back after a lay off and Kerry Davison moving from centre-back to left wing! The re-shuffle had an effect on the team and it took a while to settle. Teesside were working extremely hard and very few chances were created until just after the half hour when Jill Stacey played a simple through ball for Kerry Davison to race clear and shoot past the keeper. Five minutes later and Whitley were two goals up as good work between Jill Stacey and Helen Graham saw a cross into the box and Laura Darmody nodded it into the net at the back post. Just on the stroke of half time, Whitley went 3 up as Helen Graham played a ball beyond the Teesside defence for Laura Darmody to go clear, round the keeper and slot home. The second half started just as the first had ended, with Whitley on the attack and within a minute, a Laura Darmody cross wasn't dealt with and Kerry Davison bundled the ball in. There then came a purple patch from Whitley and they added another 3 goals in 8 minutes as firstly Roisin Turnbull and Kerry Davison combined well for Davison to cross for Laura Darmody to have an easy tap in. Then Helen Graham and Laura Darmody worked a neat short corner which resulted in Darmody firing in from distance. Shortly after, Davison completed her hat-trick and put Whitley 7 up, after a perfectly weighted pass from Kirsty Hunter put Davison in the clear and she finished neatly. Teesside kept battling and had their reward when a free-kick crashed off the bar and Sandra Dent was on hand to force the ball over the line. On 66 minutes, Whitley restored their advantage when Laura Darmody laid the ball off to Helen Graham and her shot from distance flew into the top corner. The scoring was completed on 70 minutes when Roisin Turnbull played in Laura Darmody who finished well for her 5th of the game. Whitley were then able to hand a debut to Natasha Ratcliffe and also give a few minutes game time to the returning Laurel Davidson. Manager Colin Phillips said 'This shows the value of a big squad as 4 of those that featured last week weren't available and we had to play a couple of players out of position. For example Kerry Davison, normally a centre back played left wing and scored a hat-trick. It took us a while to get going, but once we did, we created lots of chances which led to goals' | .|||||
| 1.30pm Sunday 21st | County Cup | Home | BLYTH SPARTANS | 2-0 | Darmody 2 |
| Whitley were drawn against North East Premier Division side Blyth Spartans in this Quarter Final of the Northumberland FA Womens Cup. Both sides had full squads available and it was 2 strong teams that took the field at Hillheads in glorious sunshine. The early exchanges were even but Whitley were looking to play the ball behind Blyth at every opportunity, using the pace of Rachel Kay and Laura Darmody to trouble the deep Blyth defence. From such a ball Whitley made the breakthrough on the 12th minute as Nikki Smith laid the ball down the channel for Laura Darmody to outsprint the defender and slot the ball into the far corner. This tactic was paying dividends but the final ball was not reaching a Whitley shirt. Just as Blyth were settling to the task, a simple free kick was played over the defence by Siobhan Davies and Laura Darmody was first to react as she calmly sidefooted the ball into the corner of the net to put Whitley 2 ahead. Whitley continued to press forward, with Blyth making rare attacks and the Whitley keeper was never troubled. The score remained 2-0 at half time. After the break, Blyth made some substitutions and tactical changes and started to defend well, restricting Whitley to most of the possession in midfield, but unable to penetrate the back four. Blyth also started to take the game to Whitley as they tried to get a foothold in the game. However, Whitley's defence held strong and Blyth were resorting to shooting from distance, which was dealt with comfortably by the Bay keeper. Whitley had chances at free kicks and corners but the Blyth keeper did not have a meaningful save to make, as defences were on top. Whitley made changes to kill the game and both sides were unable to add to the score, leaving Whitleys first half goals as the difference between the sides. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased to be in the semi final draw 'It took Blyth a while to get into the game, but they proved to be tough opponents, especially in the second half when we were unable to break them down' | |||||
| Sunday 28th | FA Cup | Away | Blackpool Wren Rovers | 0-2 | |
| Whitley travelled to the West Coast in their 3rd away FA Cup tie of the season to play unbeaten Blackpool Wrens, knowing that this would be a tough game. Right from kick off, Whitley were closed down in all areas of the pitch by a very aggressive and determined Blackpool side and very few chances were created by either side in the opening exchanges. Blackpool were looking to play football at every opportunity with their midfield and strikers being very impressive. However, Whitley's defence was equal to the task and neither keeper had a save to make. On the half hour mark, Blackpool played the ball to the edge of the box and it was helped on by a Blackpool striker and just before she took another touch to shape to shoot, she was tripped by a Whitley defender inside the box for a clear penalty, which she duly converted. The game reverted back to end to end stuff leading up to half time, with the only meaningful action being a great save by Laura Wilson the Whitley keeper from a header bound for the top corner. After the interval, Whitley were starting to play the ball to feet, however they were dealt a body blow on the 55 minute when a long range free kick from Blackpool was hit high and looped over the Whitley keeper to make the score 2-0. Whitley knew they had to score to remain in the Cup and sacrificed a defender for an attacking winger and set about causing the Blackpool defence some problems. As the game stretched, Whitley sent on another striker and were pinning Blackpool back but were unable to find the final telling ball. Blackpool were defending well and were restricted to breakaways to relieve the pressure. They had 2 goal line clearances as Whitley were desperate to score, but held firm to win the game 2-0. Whitley Manager Colin Phillips was proud in defeat 'We won't play many better sides than that this season, they were very strong and well organised and had a few excellent players. I couldn't fault the effort and commitment my players put into this game but it wasn't to be. Credit to Blackpool and we wish them well in the next round' | |||||
| November | |||||
| Sunday 4th | League | Home | TEESSIDE ATHLETIC | 6-0 | Kay 2, Darmody 2, Hunter, Stacey |
| Whitley were at home to Teesside Athletic, having beaten them just 3 weeks ago went into the game in a confident mood. Whitley gave a first start to winger Jo Suddes and were on the attack from the whistle. It took just 15 minutes for them to take the lead when Lynsey McLean played a great pass to Rachel Kay who took the ball in her stride and hit a left foot shot across the keeper into the far corner of the net. Teesside were defending in numbers and making Whitley work hard to create openings. However, on 25 minutes, great interplay on the edge of the box by Rachel Kay and Laura Darmody saw the ball passed to Kirsty Hunter who fired home for her first goal in 5 games. Ten minutes later, Hunter turned provider when she threaded a great ball through the Teesside defence for Laura Darmody to side foot home. After the interval, Whitley dominated possession and territory, with Teessde rarely venturing out of their own half but it took until the hour mark for Whitley to add to their tally. Nikki Smith played a through ball to Laura Darmody who raced clear and fired the ball into the back of the net. Ten minutes later and it was 5-0 as Nikki Smith this time provided for Rachel Kay who ran into space and slotted home. The scoring was complete as Jill Stacey received a pass from Laura Darmody and hit a great shot from distance over the despairing keeper. 6-0 the final score and Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the win 'Teesside obviously learned from our recent match and defended in numbers and a lot deeper, making us work hard to break them down. We scored some great goals and the result was never in doubt' | |||||
| Sunday 11th | |||||
| Sunday 18th | League | Home | SPENNYMOOR | P-P | |
| Sunday 25th | League | Away | Newfield | 2-0 | Lackenby, Darmody |
| Whitley travelled to top of the table Newfield looking to complete a League double over the young side. Both sides began the game in a determined manner, with Whitley just shading possession and Newfield looking to break quickly. However it was Whitley who made the breakthrough when a spell of pressure saw a Newfield clearance fall to the feet of Helen Lackenby. From just outside the edge of the box Helen hit the ball first time and cracked an unstoppable left foot shot past the diving Newfield keeper. The game was end to end stuff without any real chances being created. On the half hour Lara Darmody's persistence paid off as she charged down an attempted clearance and then lobbed the advancing keeper and the ball fell perfectly into the net. That completed the scoring but the game was totally overshadowed by 3 injuries to Whitley players, 2 of which necessitated hospitalisation. Firstly Helen Graham fell awkwardly in a challenge and it appeared that she had broken her ankle. Just as the paramedics were treating her and carrying her to the waiting ambulance, young keeper Laura Wilson caught her studs in the turf when clearing the ball, causing a sickening twist to her knee that appeared to be serious ligament and/or cartilage damage. Another ambulance was called for the stricken keeper. Finally Sarah Waldie suffered a recurrence of her jaw injury and had to leave the field. Manager Colin Phillips 'It is irrelevant to comment on this game as 2 players lie in hospital beds. I would like to thank Mark and his coaching staff and players for their help support and sportsmanship following the injuries and of course wish the players a speedy recovery' | |||||
| December | |||||
| Sunday 2nd | League | Home | NISSAN | 5-3 | Hunter 2, Wilkinson, Darmody, McLean |
| Whitley were at home to top of the table Nissan without 5 regular first team players and both youngster Brooke Wilkinson and ex Sunderland star Emma Redhead making their debuts. Whitley were quick to start and moved the ball forward at every opportunity. They created numerous chances as Nissan held a high line and were either caught offside or the keeper made a great save. They were caught on the break with a classic sucker punch when on 20 minutes a long ball forward skidded off a Whitley head and ran through for the Nissan forward to slot home. Whitley continued to press but Nissan held firm and Whitley were continually frustrated by the offside flag. Once again, just as they thought a goal was inevitable, Nissan counter attacked to great effect and on 40 minutes went 2 up. It was a huge blow to the home side and they went into half time with a mountain to climb. Just after the break, Laura Darmody timed her run to perfection and found herself in the clear. She kept her composure and unselfishly squared the ball to the quickly arriving Kirsty Hunter who made no mistake with her left foot into the bottom corner. Whitley were now in the ascendancy and piled the pressure on the Nissan goal. On 58 Minutes they drew level when a Brooke Wilkinson pass found Hunter just inside the box and she hit a low hard left foot drive past the depairing keeper. The game had dramatically swung in Whitley's favour in the space of 15 minutes and they went in search of more goals. They went ahead for the first time on the 70th minute when Helen Lackenby found 16 year old debutant Brooke Wilkinson who raced into the box and crashed an unstoppable left foot shot into the top corner. The Bay players mobbed the youngster for a magnificent goal in her first game. Two minutes later,Whitley got their 4th as Lynsey McLean played in Laura Darmody who ran clear and made no mistake. In the 88 minute, the game was put beyond Nissan's reach as Lynsey McLean ran through the Nissan defence and cracked a low shot into the far corner. Nissan did grab a consolation just into injury time to make the final score 5-3 to Whitley. Manager Colin Phillips ' We were forced to make numerous changes to the team so this was a good win for us against a very competent Nissan side who posed us numerous threats' | |||||
| Sunday 9th | League Cup | Home | NEWFIELD | P-P | |
| Sunday 16th | League | Away | Cleveland Hall | P-P | |
| Sunday 23rd | League | Away | Durham City | P-P | |
| Sunday 30rd | League Cup | Home | NEWFIELD | 11-0 | Kay, Darmody 3, Hunter 4, Lackenby, Redhead, Waldie |
| Whitley faced Newfield for a place in the Quarter finals of the League cup knowing that games between the 2 teams are always hard fought affairs. Whitley fielded a strong side and not having played for nearly a month, were keen to start at a high tempo. It took only 6 minutes for them to take the lead as Laura Darmody played in Rachel Kay who fired an unstoppable shot into the far corner. Whitley were keen to press home their advantage and on 12 minutes doubled their lead as Kay crossed to Darmody who side footed home from close range. Whitley were rampant and Newfield were strangely subdued, not showing their usual high workrate. Whitley had most of the ball and on 25 minutes, Nikki Smith was the provider as she passed to Kirsty Hunter who shot from distance for a great goal. 3 minutes later, after good battling from Brooke Wilkinson, the ball fell to Helen Lackenby who, from fully 35 yards, drilled a spectacular shot onto the corner of the net for a half time score of 4-0. After the interval, Whitley again piled on the pressure and on 48 minutes a great passage of team play saw the ball played to Hunter who laid it off to Darmody who fired into the top corner. Within 5 minutes Whitley were 6-0 up as Kay took a Lynsey McLean pass in her stride, hit the bye-line and fired across goal for Darmody to claim her trick by smashing in from close range. Newfield were shell-shocked and were unable to create any meaningful play as Whitley tore into them and on 58 minutes Hunter fired in from a McLean pass. An injury to McLean allowed the game to settle, but on 73 minutes, Emma Redhead claimed her first Whitley goal by taking a touch from a Kerry Davison cross and shooting into the corner from just inside the box. The quality of Whitley’s finishing was awesome and Hunter got her hat-trick on the 82 minute as a defender was caught in possession leaving Hunter to fire a great drive into the corner. She made it four for herself and 10 for Whitley as Redhead was the provider and the Newfield keeper was unable to hold Hunters powerful shot. Right on the final whistle, Whitley saved the best until last as they made it 11-0 as Redhead played a ball to Sarah Waldie on the edge of the box. Waldie steadied herself and cracked a stunning volley into the top far corner of the net for a well deserved goal. Manager Colin Phillips was delighted with the win that sees Whitley into the last 8 of the competition, ‘Newfield were below par today, but take nothing away from a great performance by my team, some of the finishing was amazing and Newfield were unable to cope with our pace and power’ | |||||
| January | |||||
| Sunday 6th | League | Away | Nissan | P-P | |
| Sunday 13th | League | Away | Spennymoor | P-P | |
| Sunday 20th | League | Away | Durham City | 3-0 | Hunter 2, Redhead |
| Whitley played their first game of the year on the omni-turf at Durham City and took a while to judge the run of the immaculate surface. They passed the ball with great confidence and enjoyed most of the possession, without being able to deliver a final quality ball to finish their excellent approach play. Durham were defending well but on 25 minutes Whitley got the breakthrough when Emma Redhead was upended in the box and Kirsty Hunter struck home the penalty. Within 2 minutes they were 2 up, this time Hunter laying the ball off for Redhead who from outside the box curled a spectacular shot with the outside of her foot into the top corner. Whitley were unable to add to their tally and went into the break well on top but only 2 goals to the good. The second half started much as the first, with Whitley having all the ball and Durham restricted to the odd break out of defence, but they failed to trouble the Whitley keeper. Just after the hour, with Whitley applying pressure to the Durham back 4, Hunter seized on a loose ball and struck a powerful drive into the roof of the net. It was a deserved goal and Whitley pressed forward, but Durham held firm with some good organised defending. The score remained at 3-0 to Whitley to preserve their 100% record. Whitley manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the win 'The surface was new to us and it took us a while to adapt, but we played well and were deserved winners' | |||||
| Sunday 27th | League | Away | Rutherford Ravens | 7-0 | Hunter 2, Redhead 2, Naples, Darmody, Smith |
| Whitley made the short journey to Lobley Hill to face Rutherford Ravens, a team that always poses a threat and compete well against Whitley Bay. This proved to be the case in the opening minutes as the pacey Sam Brown was always looking to get behind the bay back four. The opening exchanges were even and it took until the 20th minute for Whitley to make the breakthrough. A well worked corner between Nikki Smith and Emma Redhead saw Smith cross the ball into the box where Kirsty Hunter headed home. Whitley had now setteled into the game and were creating chances and on the half hour Rachel Kay crossed for Emma Redhead to fire in from close range. Just before half time, Redhead fought for a ball from a Rutherford goal kick and played in Hunter who made no mistake. After the interval, the play was all Whitley as they dominated possession and restricted Rutherford to infrequent counter attacks. However, on such a break, Julie McDonnell, the Whitley keeper made a fine reaction save from an angled shot by a Rutherford forward. On the hour mark, Whitley won a corner that was not cleared and Stacey Naples was on-hand to rifle home the loose ball. Within 3 minutes Whitley were 5-0 to the good as Laura Darmody made a run down the right and crossed to Redhead who took a touch and placed her shot into the corner of the net. Rutherford never gave up and defended well until 10 minutes from time when Kerry Davison crossed for Darmody to nod in from close range at the far post. The scoring was complete with 2 minutes on the clock when Darmody played in Nikki Smith who took the ball in her stride and calmly side-footed into the corner for a final score of 7-0. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the win 'Rutherford always cause us problems, so I was delighted with the clean sheet and the goal threat we pose means that we have a chance to win games' | |||||
| February | |||||
| Sunday 3rd | League | Away | Cleveland Hall | 8-1 | Turnbull, Hunter 2, Davison, Kay 2, Darmody 2 |
| Whitley faced Cleveland Hall on their Black Lane pitch and the instruction was to get the ball wide and use the full width of this massive pitch to best effect. They went 3 goals up within 11 minutes as firstly Roisin Turnbull fired home when a corner wasn't cleared, then a flowing move down the right saw Kerry Davison release Laura Darmody who crossed for Kirsty Hunter to turn neatly and shoot into the bottom corner. The 3rd goal came as Helen Lackenby released Rachel Kay who crossed for Kerry Davison to arrive at the far post and tap in. Cleveland Hall were shellshocked and had no answer to Whitley's powerful wing-play. However. they worked hard to stem the tide and it took until 37 minutes for Whitley to add to their tally and yet again it was a cross from the wing, this time by Davison and Rachel Kay was there to crash the ball home. After the interval, Whitley were soon back on the attack as on the 47 minute, Hunter headed home a Kay cross. Cleveland Hall made the most of some sloppy defending and reduced the arrears on the 56 minute as their forward lofted the ball into the unguarded net, with Whitley's keeper stranded. Whitley hit back on 66 minute as a Nikki Smith freekick eluded everyone and Darmody side footed home. Darmody got her second of the game on 71 minutes as she headed in yet another Kay cross. The scoring was complete 5 minutes from the end as Darmody repaid the compliment to Kay for her second of the game to make the final score 8-1 to Whitley Bay. Manager Colin Phillips 'It was great to see us score 6 of our 8 goals by getting the ball wide and playing quality balls into the box and it was a good win' | |||||
| Sunday 10th | League | Home | DARLINGTON | C-C | Darlington withdrawn from League |
| Sunday 17th | County Cup | Away | Newcastle United Reserves | 1-2 | Hunter |
| Whitley had a tough game away to a strong Newcastle Reserves side at their Coach Lane pitch in the Seme Final of the County Cup. This was a step up to Whitley's League opponents and they had to be on their guard and defend well. The first half hour was end to end stuff, with some good attacking play from both sides and equally good defending. Very few clear cut chances were created until 36 minutes when a ball was played through for Laura Darmody. As she played the ball towards goal, just inside the box, the Newcastle keeper collided with her and she fell to the ground. A penalty seemed harsh but Kirsty Hunter gratefully accepted it and struck a firm shot into the corner of the net. The score remained at 1-0 to Whitley at half time. After the break, there was more of the same, with attacks and last ditch tackles at both ends. On the hour Newcastle forced a corner and a great ball in was headed home at the near post for 1-1. Whitley were having the more dangerous look about them, with great wing play but unfortunately no end product. A couple of chances were created but the Newcastle keeper smothered well. With 10 minutes on the clock, Newcastle had another corner that was not cleared and a melee ensued as attackers and defenders threw themselves at the ball. The final touch was taken by a Newcastle boot and the ball was forced over the line. Whitley's injury jinx continued as Emma Redhead was injured in the goalmouth scramble and had to be taken from the field. Newcastle played out the final few minutes for a 2-1 victory. Manager Colin Phillips was disappointed to lose 'Defeat comes hard to us as we're not used to it. However, we gave it our best shot and I cannot fault the players for effort. Best of luck to Newcastle in the Final' | |||||
| Sunday 24th | League Cup | Home | HOWDEN CLOUGH | 4-1 | Kay, Darmody, Smith, Hunter |
| Whitley faced West Yorkshire side Howden Clough in the League Cup Quarter Final knowing that their opponents were well placed in the Yorkshire equivalent of Whitley's League. Whitley made some enforced changes as injury and illness has decimated the squad. Whitley enjoyed the better of the possession but Clough looked dangerous on the attack and looked to get the ball forward quickly. Neither side troubled the keepers until Whitley made the breakthrough on 16 minutes when Kirsty Hunter played a great ball to Rachel Kay, who cut inside and fired a left foot shot that left the keeper helpless and nestled in the top corner. Clough had just kicked off when Whiltey regained possession and Hunter again played a ball that cut through the Clough defence for Laura Darmody to round the keeper and side foot home. Shortly afterwards, Sarah Waldie went down in agony after a challenge and there was a lengthy delay as an ambulance was called. Everyone knew that it was serious as initial signs were that she had broken her tibia. After the game restarted it took a while for both sets of players to regain concentration but it was Whitley on 36 minutes who went further ahead as a throw in from Helen Lackenby was controlled by Nikki Smith who turned and curled a great shot into the top corner, with the keeper helpless. Clough kept pressing on the break and got their reward on 42 minutes when the dangerous Helen Wagstaff drilled a great shot into the bottom corner. After the interval, neither side could produce the quality of the first, with passes going astray and crosses hit straight into keepers hands however on 70 minutes Darmody took over corner taking taking duties and whipped a great ball into the danger area and Hunter powered a great header into the back of the net for 4-1 to Whitley. Substitutions for both teams and a further injury to Brooke Wilkinson disrupted the flow of the game and Whitley were glad to see the game out. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the win 'It's good to get into the semi finals and we dedicate the victory to Sarah Waldie and wish her a speedy recovery' | |||||
| March | |||||
| Sunday 2nd | League | Away | Spennymoor | 3-2 | Davison, Darmody, Hunter |
| Whitley travelled to second placed Spennymoor knowing that a win would see them claim the League title. With only 12 fit players due to recent injuries, it was all hands to the decks as Whitley looked to overcome their closest rivals and the only team that could catch them. It was Whitley who scored first as Laura Darmody made a run down the left wing, squared it for Rachel Kay who passed axcross the face of goal for the onrushing Kerry Davison to arrive and fire into the bottom corner. Spennymoor were defending well and using the wind to good effect to get the ball into the Whitley area and within 5 minutes they were on level terms. A free kick into the danger area wasn't cleared and Kelly Rushworth fired home. The game settled, with both defences working hard and Whitley caught offside as they looked to play the ball through the Spennymoor back line. They went ahead again on 39 minutes as Davison played a ball through for Darmody who held her run, went clear of the defence and lofted the ball over the advancing keeper. It remained at 2-1 to the Bay at half time. After the interval, Whitley were camped in the Spennymoor half for long periods and had chances to wrap the game up, but it was Spennymoor who scored with only 10 minutes left on the clock. Another free kick was played into the Whitley box and Katie Huntington found space and lashed a great shot into the Whitley net. Whitley pressed for the winner and immediately went down the other end and won a corner. It was perfectly played into the goalmouth by Darmody and Kirsty Hunter got a touch to direct it towards goal. A defender tried to head it out but it was in the back of the net amidst massive Whitley celebrations. One for the dubious goals panel but no-one cared. Whitley saw out the remaining 5 minutes of time for a memorable victory. Manager Colin Phillps was full of praise for both teams 'This was a hard fought affair, with both sides giving their all. With so few players available, I was just pleased to win and take the title' | |||||
| Sunday 9th | League | Home | CLEVELAND HALL | 10-1 | Darmody 3, Hunter 3, Davison 3, Davidson |
| Title winners Whitley Bay faced bottom side Cleveland Hall confident of extending their 100% winning streak. On a perfect day for football, it took only 7 minutes for them to go ahead as Kerry Davison crossed for Laura Darmody to head powerfully into the back of the net. 10 minutes later and it was 2-0 when Nikki Smith passed to Kirsty Hunter who turned and fired in an accurate shot from outside the box. Cleveland Hall were unlucky to concede the 3rd a minute later when a cross from Davison looped over the keepers head into the net. The 4th was a a result of some good interplay on 26 minutes between Smith and Darmody who played the ball to Hunter who fired into the corner. Again Hall were unlucky, as on the 33rd minute a corner from Darmody flew straight in. Half time and 5-0 to Whitley, they were certainly showing the gap between top and bottom. 5 minutes after the re-start and Whitley scored their 6th when a long throw by Helen Lackenby found Davison who skipped past a couple of defenders before firing in. Whitley were pressing forward and showed a lack of concentation and defensive shape on 52 minutes when Christine Murray ran unchallenged through a gaping hole in the Whitley back line to finish smartly. However, Whitley replied with 2 goals in 2 minutes as firstly Lackenby played in Hunter who shot into the corner for her hat-trick. Then came the goal of the game. Smith drove forward and released Davison, she played a cross-field ball to Hunter who side-footed to the onrushing Darmody who, without breaking stride crashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner to complete her hat-trick and an excellent team goal.. Whitley were 9-1 to the good on the 70 minute, and another hat-trick was claimed, when Hunter played the ball to Davison who left 3 defenders in her wake and finished well. The final goal was 10 minutes later as Smith found Laurel Davidson just inside the box who swivelled and struck a great shot into the far corner. With the final score at 10-1, manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the performance 'Once again we were players short, but we played excellent football at times and really enjoyed the game' | |||||
| Sunday 16th | League | Away | Nissan | 3-2 | Darmody 2, Wilkinson |
| Whitley travelled to second placed Nissan, knowing that this would be a good close game. There was a stiff breeze blowing down and across the field and Nissan elected to kick with the wind. They soon gained territorial advantage and looked to get the ball forward as quickly as possible. After 10 minutes, some great play saw Nissan make the breakthrough as a great shot was dispatched into the Whitley net. Whitley worked hard in defence but were having difficulty in creating any meaningful passages of play. It was a tough rearguard action and Whitley were pleased to go into the interval only one goal down. It took only a minute into the second half for them to draw level as Laura Darmody closed down a clearance and advanced to calmly strike the ball over the stranded keeper. The game was now being played in the Nissan half and on the 70th minute, quick thinking between Rachel Kay and youngster Brooke Wilkinson saw Whitley take the lead. Kay took a quick throw in to Wilkinson on the edge of the box and she moved it onto her left foot and struck a great shot into the corner of the net. Nissan were still dangerous on the counter attack and on 78 minutes gained possession in the Whitley half, passed to the left wing who struck a stunning shot into the top corner with the Whitley keeper having no chance. A draw was looking likely but Whitley battled on for a winner and 6 minutes from the end, Kirsty Hunter played a great ball through to her strike partner Darmody who caught the keeper off guard by taking an early shot for a great goal. Whitley played the final few minutes in the Nissan half and hung on for a good win. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased to keep the 100% run going 'This was a close game played in a good spirit by 2 good teams and I am pleased to have won' | |||||
| Sunday 23rd | League | Home | SPENNYMOOR | 3-1 | o.g, Kay, Darmody |
| Whitley Bay played their final match of the season against Spennymoor looking to achieve a 100% League record. The game started in sunshine, having already melted the overnight snow. It was Whitley who went ahead after only 3 minutes when a Spennymoor defender, under pressure from Laura Darmody, looped an attempted clearance straight over the head of her helpless keeper. Playing against the wind, Whitley were unable to capitalise on some good approach play, with either mistimed runs or a poor final ball giving possession to Spennymoor. Whitley's keeper wasn't troubled despite Spennymoor having some good territorial advantage for spells in the game. It remained 1-0 to Whitley at half time. The start of the second half was delayed due to a hailstorm, but once it cleared, Whitley were soon back on the attack. On 50 minutes, Janine Fagan played a great ball through to Rachel Kay who struck a firm shot past the keeper. 5 minutes later, Whitley keeper Charlotte Furno, with the wind at her back, played a long clearance that evaded everyone except the quick thinking Darmody, who took it in her stride and placed it beyond the Spennymoor keeper. The snow then threatened to have the game abandoned as the lines were just about visible, but it stopped as suddenly as it started and the game settled into long spells of Whitley possession. Spennymoor never gave up and were closing down in all areas of the field. Their effort was rewarded in the 80 minute as Katie Huntington gained possession from a Whitley defender and struck a fine shot over the Whitley keeper. Soon afterwards, Whitley had the opportunity to restore their 3 goal advantage as the referee awarded a penalty after a trip in the box, but the Spennymoor keeper made a great save from the spot-kick. At the final whistle the score remained 3-1 to Whitley Bay and their League season was over, with the great achivement of all games won. Manager Colin Phillips, 'We have had a great season and the players deserve great credit for winning the League in such a comprehensive manner' | |||||
| Sunday 30th | |||||
| April | |||||
| Sunday 6th | |||||
| Sunday 13th | |||||
| Sunday 20th | |||||
| Sunday 27th | League Cup Final | Darlington RA FC | York City | 2-0 | Davison, Darmody |
| Whitley overcame North East Premier side York City to lift the League Cup. In a blistering second half performance, goals from Kerry Davison and Laura Darmody sealed the win for a League and Cup double. Whitley had been under the cosh for the first 15 minutes of the game, rarely venturing out of their own half as York applied the early pressure. However, the defence held firm and Whitley's keeper was never troubled. As the game settled, Whitley started to pass the ball through midfield and created some opportunities of their own but the York keeeper was equal to the task. After the interval, Whitley were quicker to the ball and playing with more urgency and it was on the 55 minute when they made the breakthrough. Kirsty Hunter received the ball from Nikki Smith and she played a great angled ball through to Kerry Davison who sped into the box and cracked a great drive into the far corner for 1-0 to the Bay. Whitley were now flying and looking for a second goal to finish the game. York battled hard and caused Whitley a few problems with balls into the box, but never really had a clean strike at goal. Whitley squandered a couple of chances until the 80 minute when the game was stretched as York sought the equaliser. Brooke Wilkinson won the ball in midfield and released Laura Darmody who ran with the ball into the corner as the management were encouraging her to do. Her pace saw her skip past a defender on the bye line and she headed for goal. She calmly knocked the ball past the keeper and smashed it into the empty net for the decisive second goal. York briefly rallied but were unable to break down the stubborn Whitley rear-guard. At the final whistle, Whitley ran out deserved winners and lifted the League Cup to go alongside the League title they had already won. Whitley manager Colin Phillips was delighted with the win - 'Our second half performance was excellent and once we scored the first goal we never looked like losing. Credit to York for a great game, they were very tough opponents' | |||||