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Click on the opposition name to read the Match Report. Home matches are in capitals.
| Pre-season | |||||
| July | |||||
| Sunday 20th | Friendly | Away | Middlesbrough | 1-2 | Darmody |
| Whitley travelled down the A19 to face Combination side Middlesbrough in the first of their pre-season friendlies. Whitley gave debuts to newcomers Stacey Bonney, Jo Cartwright and Lisa and Sarah Coleman who took their place amongst Whitley's familiar faces. It was Whitley that drew first blood on 9 minutes as clever play between Kerry Davison and Laura Darmody saw Laura take the ball into the box and crash a left-footer into the corner. Middlesbrough were passing the ball at every opportunity and on 15 minutes a quickly taken throw in caught Whitley napping and the ball was curled into the back of the Whitley net. The game was flowing end to end and Whitley were using their full number of substitutions and they fell behind on 27 minutes when Boro lashed in another great strike from distance. Whitley re-grouped as new players were introduced and the score remained 2-1 to the Boro at half time. In the second half Whitley used the opportunity to make further changes in personnel and team shape and the game was inevitably disrupted. Both sides had chances for further goals but the score remained at a 2-1 for Middlesbrough. Manager Colin Phillips was happy with the workout 'Both sides worked really hard and I was pleased to give all my players some part of the game, there were some good performances and plenty to work on too' | |||||
| Saturday 26th Sunday 27th |
Tournament | Away | Umbro Tournament | ||
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Group games Whitley Bay 4 (Davison, Hunter 2, S.Coleman) Solihull 0 Murieston 0 Whitley Bay 1 (Hunter) Denton Town 0 Whitley Bay 3 (Darmody, Hunter, Kay) Troy 1 Whitley Bay 0 Whitley Bay 2 (Darmody, Cartwright) Old Actonians 0 Semi final Wigan 1 Whitley Bay 0 | |||||
| August | |||||
| Sunday 3rd | Friendly | Home (Percy Main) | BLACKPOOL WREN ROVERS | 7-3 | Hunter, Darmody 3, Bonney 2, Kay |
| Whitley faced newly promoted Northern Combination side Blackpool Wrens, their conquerers in last season's FA Cup in the second of their pre-season friendlies. Whitley handed debuts to 16 year olds Catherine Clough, Francine Hall and Emma Philipson and 17 year old Jane Spoors as they looked to utilise the whole squad. It was clear from the outset that Whitley's attacking play would cause Blackpool problems as on occasions there were 5 players breaking forward and they rushed to a 2-0 lead through Kirsty Hunter and Laura Darmody. However, Blackpool setteld and soon mounted attacks of their own and pulled a goal back. The openness of the game was confirmed with a half time score of 3-2 to Whitley, their further scorer being a first goal in Whitley colours from Stacey Bonney. There was more of the same after half time as Whitley tore into their West coast opponents and took a 6-2 lead through further goals from Darmody (2) and Bonney. Blackpool briefly fought back to 6-3 but Whitley had the final say with a Rachel Kay goal for a final score of 7-3. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the performance 'At times our attacking play was irresistable from both flanks and down the middle but I am sure that Blackpool will have a bigger squad at their disposal come the start of the season. I was paricularly pleased with our young debutants who acquitted themselves well. Overall it was a very open game and a good workout for both sides' | |||||
| Thursday 7th | Friendly | Away | Sunderland | 0-7 | |
| Whitley travelled to play Premier League side Sunderland in their annual defending and goalkeeping practice. Sunderland management paid Whitley the compliment of playing their first team squad for the whole game and never relaxed throughout the game. Whitley saw the full force of Sunderlands attacking pace and movement and fell behind 3-0 within 20 minutes of the start. A couple of tactical changes by Whitley saw them stem the tide for the rest of the half and they were satisfied that they were holding their illustrious neighbours for long periods of the game. The second half produced more of the same, with Whitley making rare excursions down the Sunderland flanks but without a telling final ball. A number of changes were made to the Whitley line-up and Sunderland took advantage with another 3 goal blitz mid-way through the second half. Once again, Whitley re-grouped and settled into the pace of the game until a late goal made it 7 up for the Wearsiders. Whitley manager Colin Phillips was pleased with his team's efforts 'We knew what kind of game this would be and I hope we made Sunderland work hard for their goals. It's not often my team get this sort of defensive workout, so for me the game was very worthwhile. I wish Sunderland the very best of luck for the new season' | |||||
| Sunday 10th | |||||
| Thursday 14th | Friendly | Away | Newcastle XI | P-P | |
| Sunday 17th | Friendly | Away | Team Northumbria | 10-1 | Brown, Hunter 2, Turnbull, S.Coleman 2, Bonney 2, Smith, Suddes |
| On a weekend when most games were cancelled due to an overnight downpour, Whitley were grateful to Team Northumbria for the use of their omni-turf facility at Coach Lane. It took a while for Whitley to settle but a great free kick on 16 minutes from Donna Brown opened their account. A brace from Kirsty Hunter and one each from Roisin Turnbull, Sarah Coleman and Stacey Bonney gave Whitley a half lead of 6-0 in pouring rain. After the interval, further goals from Sarah Coleman, a Nikki Smith free kick, Bonney and Jo Suddes put Whitley into double figures. Team North scored a late consolation for a final score of 10-1 to Whitley. Whitley manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the game 'I told the players to go out and enjoy the game since we were lucky to be playing. Considering I was substituting players regularly, sometimes four at a time, we had great fluidity and purpose to our game. Thanks to Team Northumbria for staging the game and battling right to the end' | |||||
| Sunday 24th | |||||
| Sunday 31st | Friendly | Away | Middlesbrough Reserves | 0-3 | |
| This is a game that Whitley will want to forget as an understrength and disrupted team started the game with only 10 Whitley players due to unavailability and a road blockage on the A19. The situation got worse on 5 minutes as Boro scored from the penalty spot. Whitley gradually got organised and neither keeper was troubled the rest of the half as both midfileds cancelled each other out. In the second half Whitley's reinforcements arrived, allowing the luxury of one substitute and they suddenly found their attacking threat and struck the woodwork twice and forced two great saves from the impressive Boro keeper. However in their efforts to pull a goal back, they were caught twice by a breakaway long ball and found themselves three down after a much improved second half performance. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased to hear the final whistle 'We never really got into this game, yet on another day could have had four goals. The good thing about being shorthanded is that everyone gets a good fitness work out and players are forced to play in different formations and positions, however I will be happy to have a full squad to pick from next week when the real action starts' | |||||
| League and Cup Matches | |||||
| September | |||||
| Sunday 7th | League | Away | Darlington RA | P-P | |
| Sunday 14th | League | Home | GUISELEY | 4-2 | Davison 2, Kay, Bonney |
| Whitley Bay Women faced Guiseley in their first competitive match of the season and their first in the Premier Division. Last season's top scorers were both missing, Laura Darmody was on holiday and Kirsty Hunter failed a late fitness test. That meant a debut for Sarah Coleman as the lone striker and debuts were also handed to Jo Cartwright, Catherine Clough, Lisa Coleman and Stacey Bonney. Whitley started like a team that hadn't played for weeks and quickly fell behind 2-0 firstly to a free header in the box and secondly to a loose ball that wasn't cleared. This seemed to shock Whitley into action and they soon started to play their passing game but knew they would have an uphill struggle against a side that had one of last seasons best defences and who rarely conceded more than two goals. Whitley's opening goal on 40 minutes had a touch of fortune about it as Kerry Davison fired a ball into the box that looped over the keepers head and nestled in the back of the net. Their second, just before half time was well crafted by Stacey Bonney who played the ball through for Davison to notch her second. At half time with the scores level, Whitley were starting to get on top and were creating chances with some lovely passing football. After the break, Whitley upped the tempo and on 52 minutes, Helen Lackenby released Rachel Kay who ran past the Guiseley defence and coolly slotted the ball into the far corner for a great goal. Whitley were using the width of the pitch to good effect and created more chances with some excellent balls into the box. On 70 minutes after good work closing down, Stacey Bonney found the ball at her feet in an advanced position and after some neat footwork, she calmly strode forward and side-footed a great shot into the corner. Whitley were in control for the final 20 minutes of the game and should have had more goals, but the final whistle was blown on a 4-2 win. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased to win the game ' We gave debuts to 5 players and were without the teams two top scorers and in the first 15 minutes it showed. However, I knew that once we settled, there would be goals as we carry a threat from numerous positions on the field. Credit to all the players for their efforts and for not panicking when we quickly went 2-0 down' | |||||
| Sunday 21st | League | Away | Huddersfield Town | 4-0 | Kay, Darmody, Wilkinson, Bonney |
| Whitley made the journey to their West Yorkshire opponents with a changed line up that included Sarah Coleman at centre back, Brooke Wilkinson up front and new signing Karen Hutchinson on the bench. They immediately tore into Huddersfield and from their first meaningful attack on 2 minutes, Wilkinson fed Rachel Kay down the left and Kay scored a trademark goal by cutting in and firing into the far corner. This was Whitley's 500th goal in all competitions since formation and it was fitting that a founder member should score it. Whitley didn't let up and mounted wave after wave of attacks, their pace causing considerable problems to the Huddersfield rearguard. The game should have been out of sight but for some great saves by Laura Carter, the impressive Huddersfield keeper, and some wasteful finishing from promising positions. However, on the stroke of half time, Roisin Turnbull released Laura Darmody who shot across the keeper into the far corner. After the break there was more of the same and Whitley handed a debut to Hutchinson who immediately was involved in play. Again, Whitley wasted some glorious chances and had to wait until the 80th minute to score again. This time Hutchinson found Wilkinson in the box who fired in at the near post. A more realistic look was given to the scoreline when just before the final whistle, good interplay and quick feet between Wilkinson and Stacey Bonney saw a neat exchange of passes in the six yard box for Bonney to steer her effort round the keeper for a deserved goal. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the performance 'We played very well today and dominated possession and territory for long periods. We will have shooting practice at training next week because today we should have had double figures' | |||||
| Sunday 28th | FA Cup | Home | BOLDON | 12-0 | Darmody 4, Wilkinson 3, Kay, Bonney 2, Cartwright, Smith |
| Whitley Bay eased into the 2nd Qualifying round of the FA Women's Cup with a convincing win against Boldon. It was always going to be tough for a young Boldon side as they faced their rivals from across the Tyne, but Boldon gave their higher League opponents a shock in the first minute as a shot from distance rattled the Whitley bar with the keeper beaten. This stung Whitley into action and on 3 minutes, they promptly went to the other end for Rachel Kay to cross to Laura Darmody who had the easy job to prod the ball home. They increased their lead on 10 minutes when Helen Lackenby fed Brooke Wilkinson who fired an unstoppable shot into the far corner. Boldon settled and were defending well until 25 minutes when Wilkinson released Kay who hit a great shot from distance into the top corner to make it 3-0 to Whitley at half time. After the break, Whitley again enjoyed the majority of possession and on 51 minutes Kay reached the bye-line and cut the ball back for Wikinson on the edge of the box who let fly and saw the ball rifle into the back of the net. This started a great spell for Whitley as 3 minutes later, Kay passed to Stacey Bonney who lifted the ball over the keeper from just inside the box and on 58 minutes, a Darmody corner was flicked on at the near post by Roisin Turnbull and blasted home by Jo Cartwright. Darmody made it 7-0 to Whitley on 68 minutes as a Kay cross was touched into her path by Bonney and she lashed home. Darmody claimed her hat-trick 2 minutes later when she controlled a goal kick and with one touch volleyed the ball over the keeper and into the net from fully 30 yards. She was involved again 5 minutes later as she rolled a ball across the edge of the box to Wilkinson who also claimed a hat-trick as she smashed home another great left foot shot. Whitley reached double figures on 80 minutes when Wilkinson passed to Nikki Smith who hit a great shot from outside the box. Boldon were tiring badly and Whitley showed no signs of letting up as they hit goal number eleven on 82 minutes as Wilkinson made another assist by passing to Bonney who hit a hard low drive into the far corner. The final goal and 12-0 to Whitley came on 88 minutes as a Jo Suddes cross was headed home by Darmody for her 4th of the game. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the performance 'Credit to Boldon for working hard all game but our pace and movement caused them all sorts of problems, particularly in the second half as they started to tire' | |||||
| October | |||||
| Sunday 5th | League | Home | SHEFFIELD UNITED | 1-2 | Kay |
| Whitley fell to only their second ever League defeat, when they were defeated 2-1 by Sheffield United. Whitley had enjoyed the majority of possession but were unable to capitalise on their advantage. Whitley started the stronger of the teams, but their lack of quality in the final third was to prove decisive. The game was being played in the Sheffield half, but a mixture of good defending and poor final ball kept the score at 0-0. On 21 minutes, in their first attack Sheffield won a corner and a clever run by Ward saw her power a header into the corner of the net. Whitley pressed for the equaliser and created a number of good situations, but were unable to test the visiting keeper. After the interval, there was more of the same with Sheffield making rare excursions into the Whitley half and protecting their one goal advantage. Whitley were poring forward but were still unable to make the breakthrough. They fell to the classic counter attack on 80 minutes when Beresford was played in and she made no mistake. Whitley scored from a Rachel Kay goal, with only minutes on the clock but it was too little too late and Sheffield ran out the winners. Manager Colin Phillips said 'It just wouldn't happen for us today and at this level we cannot just assume that we will score goals by having the majority of possession, we have to work harder and make things happen. Losing hurts and we must learn from it' | |||||
| Sunday 12th | FA Cup | Home | NORTON AND STOCKTON | 3-0 | Turnbull, Bonney, Kay |
| Whitley Bay Women are safely through to the 3rd Round Qualifying of the FA Women's Cup sponsored by Eon after beating Norton and Stockton Ancients Ladies 3-0 on Sunday. Whitley fielded an experienced team against a young Norton side, some 2 levels below them in the Women's pyramid. However, the visiting side worked extremely hard for each other and whilst Whitley enjoyed the majority of possession and were camped in the opposition half, Norton defended well and were also dangerous on the break. Whitley were unable to make the breakthrough and the score remained 0-0 at half time. After the interval, Whitley increased the tempo and came close on a few occasions before breaking the deadlock on 55 minutes. From a Nikki Smith corner, second half substitute Laura Darmody headed on at the near post and Rosh Turnbull was on hand to nod the ball into the back of the net. Norton stuck to the task and were soon defending in numbers to halt Whitley in their tracks. They worked tirelessly and were perhaps unlucky to concede 2 further goals as firstly on 85 minutes, a Smith free kick was headed to the far post by Jo Cartwright and Stacey Bonney fired home from close range. Then with minutes on the clock, Bonney fed Rachel Kay down the left who cut inside to fire a great right foot shot into the top of the net with the keeper having no chance. Manager Colin Phillips was relieved to win 'We are passing the ball great and having lots of possession, but our final ball and making the most of dangerous situations leaves a lot to be desired. Great credit must go to Norton and Stockton, who made us work very hard for this victory' | |||||
| Sunday 19th | League | Away | Sheffield FC | 3-3 | Darmody 2, Bonney |
| Whitley Bay Women faced their longest journey of the season away to Sheffield FC - the oldest football club in the world and returned home with a share of the points. They knew it would be a tough match, with Sheffield sitting 2nd in the League after 2 wins. They started well, pressing all over the pitch and with 5 strung across the middle, taking full advantage of their passing game. They struck first after 16 minutes when a Rachel Kay cross found the head of Laura Darmody at the far post who made no mistake with a great header. The game settled into a great contest, with Whitley using their pace and width to great effect and Sheffield defending solidly. In their first real breakaway attack, Sheffield drew level on the half hour, which remained the score until half time. After the interval, Sheffield came into the game more as an attacking force as they matched Whitley's midfield formation and gained their reward within 5 minutes of the re-start with a great shot from distance. The game was flowing from end to end, with both sides playing some good football and on the hour, great pressing from Jo Suddes and Nikki Smith saw the ball won on the edge of the Sheffield box and with the keeper out of position, Darmody rifled the ball into the unguarded net from 20 yards for 2-2. The game seemed to be heading for a draw, when on 76 minutes a great move from Sheffield saw them advance up the Whitley flank and the ball was crossed in for an easy conversion from a close central position. However, Whitley never gave up and got the equaliser with 10 minutes on the clock when Rachel Kay raced down the wing to cross for Stacey Bonney to fire home with a great left foot shot. The game finished all square with both sets of players exhausted by the considerable efforts they had put into the game. Manager Colin Phillips said 'Neither side deserved to lose, the game was played like a cup tie with great tempo and in a great spirit' | |||||
| Sunday 26th | FA Cup | Home | YORK CITY | 0-2 | |
| Whitley Women were dumped out of the FA Cup after a lacklustre display against fellow Premier Division side York City at a windy Hillheads. Neither side made any early impression, yet it was York who went ahead on 13 minutes with a long range effort that looped over the Whitley keeper. Whitley, playing with the wind, made the mistake of hitting long balls that either went harmlessly out of play or into the safety of the York keepers hands. They enjoyed the majority of possession but were unable to make any impression into York territory and had no meaningful shots all half. After the interval, playing against the wind, Whitley were forced to keep the ball down, yet time after time, passes went astray and no progress was made. York were dangerous on the counter attack as Whitley sought an equaliser, but there was little of any quality to test either keeper. With 10 minutes on the clock, York broke forward and a ball played into the box forced a challenge from the Whitley keeper on the onrushing forward that the referee deemed to be a penalty which was duly converted for 2-0. Whitley threw everything forward in a last ditch attempt to score, but it was not to be and York ran out comfortable 2-0 winners. Manager Colin Phillips 'Although the wind did play a part in the game, that was the worst performance I have seen from our team. Our passing was poor and we created very little. Best of luck to York in the next round' | |||||
| November | |||||
| Sunday 2nd | League | Home | YORK CITY | 2-0 | Bonney 2 |
| Whitley Bay Women made amends for their disappointing FA Cup exit last week by beating their victors 2-0 in a League match. They coincidentally met York City for the second time in a week, this time in a League fixture at Hillheads. Whitley were switched on from the start, knowing that York were capable of quick breaks on the counter attack. Defences were on top in the first half, with York commanding the central areas and Whitley dealing with Yorks' quick breaks. Neither side had any meaningful attempts on goal as both sides worked hard not to concede and the game settled into the same pattern as the previous week. After the interval, Whitley made a couple of tactical changes and they started to pass the ball much better, with Nikki Smith and Stacey Bonney getting a grip of the midfield. On the 65 minute, the breakthrough came when a defensive clearance fell to Bonney and she hit a first time shot from 25 yards that rocketed into the back of the net. Whitley were now on top and their confidence grew with the goal. They were making frequent attacks down both flanks, but were unable to deliver the final killer pass. York were penned into their own half and inevitably the second goal came on 75 minutes when Bonney ran onto the ball at pace, jinked past 2 defenders into the box and just as the keeper approached, slid a great shot into the far corner. She almost had her hat-trick minutes later, when a shot from Sarah Coleman was brilliantly saved by the York keeper and she hit the rebound just over the bar from the edge of the box. With the final score at 2-0, Whitley manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the improvement from the following week.'York were very organised and difficult to break down, but this week we always looked like scoring and defensively we were much better' | |||||
| Sunday 9th | League | Away | Barnsley | P-P | |
| Sunday 16th | League | Home | BLYTH SPARTANS | 1-2 | Hunter |
| Whitley Bay fell to their second League defeat of the season at home to local rivals Blyth Spartans. Whitley knew that the game would be a tough affair and so it proved as the early exchanges were dominated by some resolute Blyth defending with neither side being able to create any meaningful attacking play and the keepers were rarely tested. Whitley appeared to enjoy the majority of possession, with Blyth looking to play a more direct style of football, but their passing led down cul-de-sacs and the Spartans midfield and defence were quick to deal with any signs of danger. Whitley's' crossing also failed to find the target until the 30th minute when the first decent passage of play saw Laura Darmody release an overlapping run from Kerry Davison whose cross found the head of Kirsty Hunter who powered home from close range despite the attentions of the Blyth keeper and a defender. This was Kirsty's first goal of the season from her first real chance of the game. The score remained at 1-0 at half time and after the interval, the game continued in the same vein with Whitley pressing and Blyth soaking up the pressure and looking to attack on the break. On the hour from an advanced Whitley position, Blyth mounted a swift counter attack and Holly Perf was released on the edge of the box. She took the ball round the Whitley keeper and slotted into the net for an unexpected equaliser. Worse was to come for Whitley 10 minutes later when a ball was rifled onto Jo Cartwright's hand from point blank range. The referee deemed this to be a penalty and despite Whitley's protestations, Steph Ord stepped up and fired the ball into the corner of the net for 2-1 to Blyth. This knocked the stuffing out of Whitley, who nevertheless mounted a late rally and camped in the Blyth half but were unable to test the Blyth keeper. The Spartans hung on for victory and their celebrations at the end of the game showed how much the win had meant to them. Manager Colin Phillips 'We were denied 2 clear cut penalties and the one against us was highly debatable. However, despite having the ball for long periods, we were unable to breach the Blyth defence and their keeper hardly had a save to make, so we have no-one to blame but ourselves. Credit must also be given to Blyth for a very tough defensive display that showed great resilience' | |||||
| Sunday 23rd | League | Away | Blyth Spartans | P-P | |
| Sunday 30th | League | Home | DARLINGTON RA | P-P | |
| December | |||||
| Sunday 7th | League | Away | Guiseley | P-P | |
| Sunday 14th | League | Home | HUDDERSFIELD | P-P | |
| Sunday 21st | League | Away | Hull City | 0-0 | |
| You have to go back to September 2006 when Whitley Bay Women last failed to score in a League match and this was their first ever 0-0 draw. Whitley are finding life tough in their new League and against lowly Hull City, were unable to break down a very stubborn defence. Hull defended in numbers and rarely set foot in the Whitley half and the Whitley keeper had to make no save of any significance. It was clear from the outset that Hull were looking to protect what they had and some tough tackling and organised defending saw them frustrate their opponents. In the first half, Whitley took a little time to get used to the omni-turf surface and the early attacks were not troubling the Hull keeper. They then found some rhythm and Laura Darmody fired narrowly wide after being put through. 16 year old Emma Philipson, on her debut, was making some determined runs forward and on one occasion just failed to deliver a telling ball from a good Whitley move. After the interval, there was more of the same as Whitley fought to make the breakthrough and Hull restricted themselves to the odd counter attack. Rachel Kay fired a powerful shot against the bar and Laura Darmody headed just over, but the goal wouldn't come. Late on, Kirsty Hunter forced a solid diving save from a free kick, but at the final whistle it was the Hull manager that was the happier. Whitley's manager Colin Phillips 'On the balance of play I thought we just about deserved to score, but credit to Hull, they defended, tackled and closed down in a very determined manner. We just lacked that killer touch that is needed to win games in this League' | |||||
| January 2009 | |||||
| Sunday 4th | League | Home | HULL CITY | 4-1 | Turnbull, Coleman L, Hunter, Kay |
| Whitley Women faced Hull City for the second time in 2 weeks and were determined to improve on the 0-0 draw gained in the away fixture. They started the brighter and were using the pace of Jo Suddes on the right wing to good effect. They dominated the early exchanges and it was no surprise when the pressure eventually paid off. On 15 minutes, a Donna Brown corner was knocked down by Laura Darmody and Roisin Turnbull was on hand to lash the ball into the roof of the net from close range. The game was being played in the Hull half and Whitley doubled their lead on 31 minutes when some great interplay between Helen Lackenby and Rachel Kay, saw Kay lay the ball off to Lisa Coleman who slotted home for her first League goal in Whitley colours. 7 minutes later and it was 3-0 to Whitley as another great Brown corner was headed into the net by Kirsty Hunter. After the interval, Hull came out with re-newed determination and they battled in defence as well as mounting the occasion attack into Whitley territory. Such an excursion paid dividends on the 55th minute when Stacey Celik scored from a corner. Whitley hit back within 2 minutes as Hunter released Kay with a great diagonal ball to the left. Kay cut inside and sped into the Hull box then calmly tucked the ball into the corner of the net past the advancing keeper. For the remainder of the game Whitley were well on top but some wayward finishing and a great save from the Hull keeper saw the final score of 4-1 to Whitley Bay. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the win 'We were well on top today and could have had more goals but for a bit of composure late in the game. Some of our wing play was excellent and it is good to get back to winning ways' | |||||
| Sunday 11th | League | Away | Sheffield United | 2-1 | Hunter, Coleman S |
| Whitley Women travelled to Sheffield with only 11 fit players due to various bugs, injuries and unavailability and manager Colin Phillips had to shuffle the pack to make a team. The pitch was muddy and cut up to say the least before the game even started and the instruction was to play the ball forward quickly and to use the width of the giant park field. The early exchanges were even as Sheffield's pacey attack caused Whitley's makeshift back four a number of problems. Whitley were kicking with the gusty wind and were making the most of their territorial advantage. On 14 minutes, the Sheffield keeper had difficulty gaining any distance on a goal kick and it fell to the feet of Kirsty Hunter. From 40 yards, Hunter had the presence of mind and technique to return the ball goalwards and it lofted perfectly over the keepers head into the back of the net. The lead was short lived as Sheffield mounted another attack on 26 minutes and a cross into the box found the hand of Rosh Turnbull and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Kimberley Harford despatched the penalty with some style. The score remained 1-1 at half time and Whitley knew they would have to battle hard in the second half against the wind. As it happens, Whitley were the better of the two sides after the interval and as they brought their wingers more and more into the game, chances were starting to come and Sheffield were restricted to long range efforts which were comfortably dealt with. On 69 minutes, Kerry Davison played a long ball through the centre of the Sheffield defence. There were at least 3 Whitley Forwards in offside positions but they had the presence of mind stand still and turn their back on play, to allow Sarah Coleman to run clear from a deep position and as the keeper advanced, she curled a great shot into the bottom corner to give Whitley the lead. It was Coleman's first competitive goal in Whitley's colours and she was mobbed by her team-mates for such a cool finish. Far from being content to hold onto the lead, Whitley tried to play the game in the Sheffield half and created 3 great chances to seal the game. Firstly Helen Lackenby hit a great shot from distance that the the keeper brilliantly tipped over the bar; Rachel Kay ran through and hit a shot just wide of the post and then from a Kay cross, Hunter slid in and missed narrowly. Whitley held on for the victory and manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the win - 'We had to battle for this win on a poor pitch against a good Sheffield side. Credit to the players for carrying out our game plan to the letter, especially when some were playing out of their familiar positions' | |||||
| Sunday 18th | League | Home | SHEFFIELD FC | 2-0 | Kay, Turnbull |
| Whitley Bay welcomed Sheffield FC to Hillheads knowing that were in for a good game, having drawn 3-3 at Sheffield earlier in the season. The wind was blustery and Sheffield chose to attack with the wind in the first half and immediately were on the offensive. They penned Whitley into their own half for long periods and Catherine Clough, the Whitley keeper was having a busy afternoon, making one great save high to her right. Whitley were struggling to get the ball forward and made only rare excursions into the Sheffield half, but were defending resolutely at the other end. Their best outlet was Rachel Kay and she was passing her marker with ease, but Whitley were unable to capitalise. However, on 34 minutes, against the run of play, Nikki Smith played the ball out to the left for Kay to take in her stride. She glided past the full back and headed goalwards, cracking a great left foot shot that found the top corner, with the keeper having no chance. Sheffield heads went down momentarily as the half drew to a close and Whitley 1-0 up. After the interval, the game was being played in the Sheffield half with the Whitley keeper never troubled. Whitley found that time and again, the ball was played long and either ran out or through to the keeper. However, they were protecting their lead without any difficulty and enjoyed territorial advantage as the game became a bit scrappy. Just after the hour, one of many corners was played into the box by Donna Brown and was partially cleared back to Brown. She returned it into the danger area and the keeper cleared only as far as Rosh Turnbull who hit home from close range. Whitley were now comfortable and the opportunity was given to give a debut to 16 year old Charlotte Rowley. Just before the end, Laura Darmody had the ball in the net, but was harshly judged to have been offside. The final score was 2-0 to Whitley Bay to keep them top of the table and Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the win 'Our last 3 wins have been against sides that had taken points from us earlier in the season. Now that we are getting used to the pace and physical nature of this League, we are battling well and beating sides' | |||||
| Sunday 25th | League | Away | Darlington RA | P-P | |
| February | |||||
| Sunday 1st | League | Away | York | 1-2 | Philipson |
| Whitley travelled to York City with a squad decimated by injury and with 3 Reserves in the starting eleven and other regulars playing out of position. Playing on a pitch riddled with divots and holes, the game was never going to be a classic but it was Whitley who drew first blood. On 15 minutes, Laura Darmody controlled the ball and passed to Emma Philipson, who, with her back to goal performed a clever overhead kick over the outstretched arms of the startled York keeper. The goal celebration was short-lived, as Philipson limped off with a groin strain to further stretch the Whitley squad. Whitley, who were playing with the wind, dominated much of the first half without really testing the keeper. York were dangerous on the break and it took a couple of good saves from Catherine Clough to keep Whitley 1-0 up at half time. The second half had barely started when York forced a corner that was headed home unchallenged by Nadine Lewycky. Whitley were now on the back foot and were defending desperately to keep the scores level. They held out until the 67 minute when a free kick was played into the box and the loose ball fell to Jenna Strain who fired home an unstoppable shot. Whitley battled back into the match and created 3 one on ones with the York keeper. Two were just wide of the mark and the 3rd was slotted home neatly by Laura Darmody only for the referee to incredibly pull the game back for a free kick to Whitley Bay for a previous foul. Unbelievably Whitley's injury list got longer as Sarah Coleman twisted her ankle in a pot hole and had to be stretchered off the field to be taken to hospital. With Coleman prostrate on the pitch awaiting the ambulance, the game was moved to an adjacent field to allow the match to continue. On a new pitch and the injury fresh in everyones mind, the game was played out without any further incident with a 2-1 win to York. Manager Colin Phillips ' We were without 6 regular starters today, yet the players who came in did a great job and with better finishing and without a poor refereeing decision, we could have had something out of the game. We later found out that Sarah has damaged her ligaments and we wish her a speedy recovery' | |||||
| Sunday 8th | League Cup | Away | Hartlepool St Francis | P-P | |
| Sunday 15th | County Cup | Home | PRUDHOE YC | P-P | |
| 1.30pm Sunday 22nd | County Cup | Home | PRUDHOE YC | 5-0 | Kay 2, Hunter 2, Darmody |
| Whitley faced a very youthful Prudhoe side in glorious sunshine at Hillheads. Prudhoe set their stall out from the start by defending deep and were well organised from the off. Whitley knew that they would have to use their pace and experience and in the opening exchanges, kicking against the slight breeze, they had all the play. After 10 minutes, Rachel Kay took the ball from just inside the Prudhoe half, sped past two defenders and crashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner. This was the latest in a number of spectacular goals scored by Kay recently. The game continued in the same pattern, with Whitley doing all the attacking and only log clearances enabling Prudhoe to have some respite. On the half hour, Kay latched onto a partial clearance and from 25 yards she crashed a spectacular shot that flew into the net off the underside of the crossbar. Kay at this stage was conducting her own goal of the season contest. Prudhoe held out until half time with some resolute defending and it was no disgrace to be trailing their more illustrious opponents by two wonder strikes. After the break, Whitley took only 5 minutes to increase their lead as Kay raced down the left wing to cross for Laura Darmody who had the easy task of sweeping home from close range. Ten minutes later and Darmody turned provider for her strike partner Kirsty Hunter as she crossed for Hunter to side foot into the corner. On 70 minutes the scoring was complete as Hunter took the ball with her back to goal, turned neatly and fired a powerful shot past the despairing Prudhoe keeper. The rhythm of the game was then interrupted as Whitley made substitutions and positional changes but they were happy to see the game out in the Prudhoe half and failed to capitalise on some dangerous positions and the major share of possession. At 5-0 at the final whistle, Manager Colin Phillips was happy to reach the Cup semi final 'Prudhoe came with a game plan and to be fair, they held us for long periods in the game. However, our pace and experienced players were the difference between the sides' | |||||
| 7.45pm Wednesday 25th | League Cup | Home | HARTLEPOOL ST FRANCIS | P-P | |
| March | |||||
| Sunday 1st | |||||
| Sunday 8th | League | Away | Barnsley | 0-1 | |
| Whitley made the long trek to South Yorkshire to face a Barnsley side that were one point and one place above them. They found the away pitch once again in shocking condition after a spell of rain and a game that morning. However, they started brightly and played some good football. Chances were few and far between, but those that were created weren't taken, including a missed penalty. Time and time again Whitley got to the bye-line but were either unable to deliver a killer cross or no-one was able to apply the finish. In the second half the story was the same, with neither side able to create a decent chance, Whitley being restricted to long shots. With a minute left on the clock, Barnsley had a breakaway attack, crossed into the box and the striker smashed in a volley from close range to win the game. A despondent Whitley manager Colin Phillips said after the game 'I think our play deserved at least a point, but we just aren't finishing moves off. It was really frustrating to be beaten in the last minute when 0-0 seemed to be a fair result' | |||||
| Thursday 12th | League Cup | Home | HARTLEPOOL ST FRANCIS | 5-1 | Davidson 2, Philipson, Carr, Suddes |
| Whitley Bay eased into the Quarter Finals of the League Cup with a 5-1 win at Hillheads. The opening exchanges were even as both sides looked to make an impression as soon as possible. The game was being played at a high tempo and both sides were committing players forward. Catherine Clough in the Whitley goal was called into action on a couple of occasions and made some fine saves. However, it was Whitley that made th breakthrough on 19 minutes, as captain Kirsty Hunter threaded a ball through the St Francis defence for Laurel Davidson to run clear and slot home. St Francis were still throwing everything forward and a goal-line clearance from Donna Brown prevented the equaliser and Clough was the busier of the keepers. Again, Whitley pressed forward and on 39 minutes, a loose throw from the St Francis keeper was seized on by Emma Philipson and fired straight back into the net from a tight angle. With minutes to go to half time, Whitley scored 2 goals in quick succession as firstly a Philipson cross hit the bar and Mel Carr was on hand to nod home, then Hunter fed Davidson again and she finished in style. 4-0 at half time flattered Whitley, but they had made the most of their chances. After the interval, St Francis kept pressing and on 55 minutes, one of a series of corners wasn't cleared and Justine Robinson fired home. Whitley had further chances to go further ahead, but the finishing wasn't as clinical as in the first half. Substitutions and injuries disrupted the flow of the game and both sides seemed to run out of ideas until 75 minutes when Rachel Kay went past her marker and drilled a great ball across the box for Jo Suddes to force the ball home from close range. Whitley were then happy to see the game out and ended as deserved 5-1 winners. Manager Colin Phillips was happy to go into the next round 'St Francis are a good side and they caused us problems with their attacking style. The score at half time wasn't really a reflection of the game, but we took our chances well and our goalkeeper was on top form' | |||||
| Sunday 15th | County Cup | Home | NEWCASTLE UNITED RESERVES | 3-0 | Turnbull, Kay, Darmody |
| There will be a new name on the Northumberland Women's Cup this year as Whitley Bay knocked out the 8 times winners. Whitley eased past Newcastle at a sunny Hillheads with a powerful display that kept the young Newcastle side on the defensive for long periods of the game. It took Whitley a while to settle as Newcastle passed the ball with ease, but were unable to breach the experienced Whitley rearguard. They had a few long range shots, but nothing that troubled the Whitley keeper. Whitley then started to have belief that they could win the game and attacked with confidence particularly down the left as Rachel Kay gave her marker a torrid time. On 32 minutes, Jo Suddes was fouled inside the Newcastle half and Donna Brown hit a free kick into the box that Rosh Turnbull turned goalwards and the ball squeezed inside the far post and over the line. Newcastle were rattled and inside a minute found themselves two down. It seemed to be comfortable for them to play out of defence but the speedy Kay closed down, won the ball and lofted a great lob over the stranded Newcastle keeper. Whitley saw out the half and at the interval were good value for their two goal lead. Newcastle came out with new determination and the game became more equally contested, without either side having a meaningful attempt on target. Whitley were working hard and pressurising the Newcastle back line at every opportunity. They went further ahead with ten minutes on the clock as Kirsty Hunter put Laura Darmody clear of the defence and she applied a great finish to put the game beyond Newcastle. 3-0 at the final whistle saw Whitley reach the final for the first time and Newcastle suffer defeat in the competition for the first time since 2000. Whitley Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the win 'We set about Newcastle with pace and aggression and finished our chances really well' | |||||
| 7.45pm Wednesday 18th | League | Away | Darlington RA | 3-4 | Carr, Kay, Wilkinson |
| Whitley played a midweek game at Darlington, knowing that games between the 2 sides were always keenly contested. They made the worst possible start when on 7 minutes a cross travelled the width of the pitch and was knocked in at the far post. After that shock, they gradually got back into the game and it became a midfield battle as neither side were able to create any chances. On 37 minutes, Whitley were on the attack and forced a corner that Donna Brown flighted into the middle for Mel Carr to nod home unchallenged. Just before half time, they were back to square one as a harmless cross was turned into her own net by a Whitley defender. After the interval, the action was again confined to midfield and the game certainly wasn't a classic. On the hour, Whitley conceded a free kick wide right that was swung to the far post and headed in. Whitley were struggling to find any rhythm at this point and Darlington went 4-1 up on 70 minutes, from another set piece as a corner was headed in again at the far post. Whitley seemed to gain a little spirit from this set-back and didn't want to suffer defeat without a fight. On 75 minutes, Rachel Kay took matters into her own hands as she took the ball just inside the opposition half, swept past the Darlington defence and hit a great drive into the net from 20 yards. They weren't finished there as 5 minutes from time Jo Suddes hit a great cross to the far post for Brooke Wilkinson to sweep home from close range. However, it was just too late to rescue anything from the game and RA had their first win against Whitley at the 5th time of asking. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the fight-back 'At 4-1 down we were dead and buried and I was pleased with the way we salvaged some pride and may even have sneaked a draw right at the death' | |||||
| Sunday 22nd | League Cup | Away | Sheffield United | 2-3 | Bonney, Darmody |
| Whitley faced Sheffield United in the League Cup quarters finals. Further injuries, illness and unavailability meant that they travelled to South Yorkshire without 4 of last Wednesday night's starting eleven, including Catherine Clough, their in form young goalkeeper. In the squad were 2 players returning from long term injury and Kirsty Hunter, recovering from a bout of tonsillitis. Nevertheless, they started brightly and worked hard to prevent the pacey Sheffield attack from creating any chances. However, neither keeper was tested in the early exchanges as defences were on top. After 40 minutes, Whitley put together a great team move that put them ahead. Jo Suddes played a great ball down the channel to Laura Darmody, who held the ball up and played it across the edge of the box to Kirsty Hunter. Hunter laid it off for the onrushing Stacey Bonney who crashed home a lovely strike from 20 yards into the roof of the net. A hand ball in the box just on half time gave Whitley the chance to go further ahead but the resultant penalty was saved. After the interval, Whitley were in control and on 50 minutes, Bonney threaded a pass down the left to Darmody who without breaking stride, hit a great left foot drive into the corner of the net. Whitley were cruising and Sheffield were yet to have a shot on target. It all changed on 65 minutes as a Sheffield corner was knocked in unchallenged and 5 minutes later a defensive howler saw the Sheffield forward tap the ball into the empty net. Ten minutes later, a long ball through the middle of the Whitley defence wasn't dealt with and the Sheffield forward reached it ahead of the Whitley keeper and again rolled it into the unguarded net for 3-2 to Sheffield. Whitley gave everything to try to save the game, but Sheffield held out to win. At the final whistle Manager Colin Phillips was frustrated at the manner of the defeat. 'At 2-0 after an hour there looked to be only one winner as we were in total control of the game. Then we conceded 3 terrible goals and in the space of ten minutes the game was turned on it's head. It was very disappointing to say the least' | |||||
| Sunday 29th | League | Away | Guiseley | 3-0 | Darmody, Davison, Coleman S |
| Whitley travelled to Guisely looking to do the double on their Yorkshire hosts, having beaten them at Hillheads earlier in the season. With players starting to come back from injury, it was a strong squad that made the trip to Leeds on a lovely sunny afternoon. The opening exchanges were even as both sides looked to make a good start but it was Whitley who made the breakthrough on 24 minutes as a Catherine Clough clearance ran right through to Laura Darmody, who took control, sped to the edge of the box and struck a great drive into the corner of the net. Whitley were in the ascendancy and the majority of possession and Clough wasn't troubled in the Whitley net. At half time and 1-0 up, Whitley knew that Guiseley would look for a strong start to the second half and so it proved, with Clough now called into action and making a great save high to her right. Guiseley were putting Whitley under pressure and some desperate defending and poor finishing kept the score the same. Whitley weathered the storm and Kerry Davison, switched to the left wing, was having a growing influence on the game and narrowly missed when put through. The Guiseley pressure was over and Whitley started to attack more and more. On 66 minutes, Donna Brown played a good pass out to the left for Davison to run onto, she cut inside and slotted a lovely finish into the far corner. She had another very similar chance but the shot went agonisingly wide. On 79 minutes, Sarah Coleman gained possession on the edge of the box and she fired the ball towards goal across the keeper and the Guiseley defender was unable to prevent the ball crossing the line for 3-0 to Whitley. The score remained at the final whistle and Manager Colin Phillips was happy with the victory 'I thought we dominated the game apart from a 10 minute spell just after half time and were worthy winners' | |||||
| April | |||||
| Sunday 5th | League | Home | HUDDERSFIELD | 3-2 | Suddes, Davison, Coleman S |
| Whitley faced Huddersfield looking to do the double over their West Yorkshire opponents, having beaten them away 4-0 early in the season. Whitley kicked with the light breeze and were camped in the Huddersfield half in the early stages. The pressure finally told on 18 minutes, when Jo Suddes was put clear of the defence by Nikki Smith and she lofted a clever finish over the impressive Huddersfield keeper. Whitley then entered a stage of the game where nothing went right - misplaced passes, spurned chances, wild clearances and were grateful to a fine save from Catherine Clough that kept the scores level. Some tactical and positional changes at half time put them back on the offensive and on 49 minutes, a Mel Carr free kick was parried by the keeper and Sarah Coleman was on hand to nod the ball in. Within 3 minutes, a freak goal by Jo Atkinson saw her long clearance from her own half bounce with the wind and looped over a despairing dive by the Whitley keeper for 2-1. 5 minutes after that, Whitley restored their 2 goal advantage as a sweeping move saw Rachel Kay cross from the left to the edge of the opposite side of the box for Kerry Davison to volley in a great goal. Whitley were looking comfortable and carved out some more chances that weren't taken and were made to have a nervous end to the game as on 65 minutes, a Huddersfield player was harshly judged to have been pushed in the box and Dawn Kellett scored the resultant penalty. Whitley held on for a nervous last quarter of the game, yet still had the best chances to score as poor finishing cost them further goals. Manager Colin Phillips was happy to hear the final whistle 'We weren't at our best today for some reason, yet still created enough chances to win two games' | |||||
| Sunday 12th | |||||
| 7.45pm Thurs 16th | League | Home | DARLINGTON RA | 2-0 | Bonney, o.g. |
| High flying, top of the table Darlington RA came a cropper at Hillheads last night as third placed Whitley Bay beat their rivals 2-0. Whitley could at last pick from a fully fit squad and it was an experienced team that took the field against their Durham opponents. Whitley took the game to RA from the off and set about the game on the attack. They came close on a number of occasions as the RA woodwork was rattled and shots were fired just over the bar. RA made some early tactical changes to stem the tide and gradually fought their way into the game with winger Nat Wrangham prominent. It took a great save from the Whitley keeper Catherine Clough to keep the scores level, but the game went to half time with Whitley in the ascendancy. After the interval, Whitley made changes of their own and again dictated the tempo of the game, with RA desperately seeking a foothold in the game. On 57 minutes Whitley made the breakthrough as a Donna Brown corner was played short to Nikki Smith who crossed to the far post for Stacey Bonney to head home. It was no more than Whitley deserved, but the goal kick-started RA into action and they enjoyed some good possession, forcing Whitley deeper into their own half. Whitley had to make more changes due to injury and were happy to sit back and absorb the RA pressure, which didn't really test the Whitley keeper. The game was being seen out by Whitley, but a breakaway with minutes on the clock forced another corner. This time, great delivery by Brown saw Sara Wyles, the RA defender, under pressure from the Whitley attack, bullet a header into her own net, for a final score of 2-0 to the Bay. Whitley Manager Colin Phillips was delighted with the win ' We battled for that result and I was really pleased with the way we saw the game out. The players were great tonight and deserve a lot of credit for their efforts in beating the League leaders' | |||||
| Sunday 19th | |||||
| Sunday 26th | |||||
| May | |||||
| Sunday 3rd | League | Home | BARNSLEY | 3-0 | Coleman L, Darmody, Kay |
| Whitley Women faced Barnsley at Hillheads knowing that a win would take them above their Yorkshire rivals. They started the game in a very positive mood, on a run of 3 successive wins and enjoyed the majority of possession in the opening exchanges. Barnsley had strung 5 across the midfield to try to contain the coast side, but this meant they offered little in attack as Whitley piled on the pressure. It took until the41st minute for Whitley to make the breakthrough as a Mel Carr corner was only partially cleared to the edge of the box and Lisa Coleman hit a stunning first time volley that nestled in the back of the net. After the interval, with Barnsley playing with the slight breeze, Whitley expected a fight back, but in truth it never materialised as Whitley played even better and enjoyed some great passages of play. On the hour, they scored a team goal that has to rank one of the best of the season. Rachel Kay broke down the left from a clever angled ball from Kirsty Hunter. She sped clear of her marker and the only player to keep pace with her was Laura Darmody. Kay cleverly played the ball across the box to the onrushing Darmody, who took it in her stride and lashed a great shot from the edge of the box past the startled keeper. Whitley were playing some great football and it was no surprise when Kay scored one of her own as reward for her strong running down the left wing. She took the ball from her own half, outpaced 3 defenders and smashed a great drive into the bottom corner. Whitley ran out comfortable winners with 3 contenders for goal of the season and Manager Colin Phillips was delighted with the win 'We played some really good football in the second half and deserved the win' | |||||
| Tuesday 5th | League | Away | Blyth Spartans | 2-1 | Kay, Hunter |
| Whitley Bay beat local rivals Blyth Spartans at a breezy Croft Park in a dress rehearsal for next week's County Cup final. Whitley faced the stiff breeze in the first half and were looking to continue their winning streak that has seen them end the season as the League's form team. Blyth were on the offensive from the off, but were forced into shooting from distance and long balls that ran to safety. It was Whitley who made the early breakthrough with their first meaningful attack as the ball was played across the back four from Mel Carr to Donna Brown who then played a great ball forward to Rachel Kay on the left wing. There was only going to be one outcome as Kay swept into the box and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper. The goal put Kay as top scorer so far this season and third in Whitley's all time list. For the remainder of the half, the wind played it's part, with passes going astray and neither team creating a clear cut opportunity. Just before the break, Steph Ord went close for Blyth with a trademark free kick that Whitley keeper Catherine Clough tipped over. After the interval, Blyth made some tactical changes and started to provide an attacking threat and were getting behind the Whitley defence. Whitley were counter attacking to great effect as Blyth pushed forward and came close to extending their lead. They went further ahead on 58 minutes as a Rosh Turnbull throw in was returned to her and she put a great cross into the box for Kirsty Hunter to glance a powerful header into the corner of the net. Blyth were coming more into the game and scored a deserved goal on 70 minutes as the impressive Hannah Chisholm fired a loose ball into the corner. Whitley were now on the defensive as Blyth sought an equaliser and an exceptional save from Clough and a goal-line clearance from Nikki Smith protected the Bay lead. Whitley had some breaks themselves but didn't trouble the Blyth keeper and managed to see the game out for a 2-1 win. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the win 'We are happy to end the League season with 5 straight wins and look forward to playing Blyth again next week in the Cup final' | |||||
| Sunday 10th | |||||
| 7pm Wednesday 13th | Northumberland FA Womens Cup FINAL | Blue Flames | Blyth Spartans | 2-4 | o.g, Darmody |
| Whitley appeared for the first time in the County Cup final and faced local rivals Blyth Spartans whose League matches this season had produced honours even with 2-1 wins for each team. Whitley started the better of the sides, with Rachel Kay making frequent runs down the left wing. On 13 minutes they went ahead as a Donna Brown free kick was deflected by a Blyth defender for an own goal. Kay continued to race past her markers but Whitley were unable to put the final touch to promising positions. However, they went two ahead on 23 minutes when Kirsty Hunter played a ball to Kerry Davison who crossed for Laura Darmody. It looked like the chance had gone, but Darmody worked another angle and fired home. Blyth were restricted to long balls on the break, but on 32 minutes Whitley gifted them an opening goal as Holly Perf seized on a wayward pass and finished over the head of the Whitley keeper. Just before half time, Whitley conceded a dubious free kick and the dangerous Steph Ord, crashed a great strike into the top corner. Whitley were beginning to rue their missed opportunities as the sides went into the interval at 2-2. After the break, Blyth came more into the game, but still the Whitley keeper wasn’t troubled until; the 65th minute when a speculative long shot crept into the bottom corner. Whitley were forced into 2 substitutions and were struggling to get back into the game. It was game over on 75 minutes as a breakaway created another opportunity for Perf, which she took to the delight of the Blyth team. Apart from a Brown free kick that was tipped over, there was no further meaningful action and Blyth saw the game out to win 4-2. Manager Colin Phillips was disappointed in defeat ‘We didn’t really take advantage of our first half possession and allowed Blyth back into the game. I couldn’t fault my player’s efforts, but the second half was entirely Blyth’s and we struggled to find our rhythm. Congratulations and well played to Blyth.’ | |||||
| END OF SEASON | |||||
| 7.30pm Sunday 17th | Friendly | Percy Main FC | TSV DUWO 08 HAMBURG | 2-1 | Darmody 2 |
| Whitley faced touring side TSV Duwo from Hamburg in an end of season friendly in a game switched to Percy Main FC. Both teams play at level 4 in their respective league and a close game was expected. Whitley lined up with a strong squad and were looking to enjoy the game. They were shocked in the first few minutes as Duwo made a break and it took a fantastic diving save from Catherine Clough to prevent them going behind. They soon got their passing game going and started to apply some pressure on the Duwo back line, who were very well organised. Whitley made the breakthrough on 20 minutes as Sarah Coleman crossed into the box for Laura Darmody to apply the finish from close range. Within a minute from the restart, Duwo were back on level terms as Mel Carr stopped a goal bound shot with her hand and the Duwo keeper stepped up to convert the penalty. The remainder of the half saw some excellent football played by both sides, with Whitley just shading territorial advantage and possession, but were unable to break down a resolute Duwo team. After the interval, Whitley pressed for another goal and Duwo were restricted to playing on the break, without further troubling the Whitley keeper. On 66 minutes, a flowing Whitley move saw Kerry Davison play the ball to Darmody, who took a touch and then from 20 yards, hit a great right foot shot across the keeper and into the far corner for 2-1 to the Bay. Whitley continued to press and had a spell of possession where Helen Lackenby smashed a shot onto the post and then from the re-bound, Kerry Davison fired in another shot that hit the opposite post. As the rain lashed down, there was some lovely football being played by both sides, much to the delight of the sizable crowd. The final action saw Mel Carr bullet a powerful header goalbound from a Donna Brown corner that the Duwo keeper brilliantly tipped over from point blank range. Whitley ended the game as 2-1 winners and manager Colin Phillips was delighted with the performance ‘This was a really good game, with both sides playing some good football. Duwo were very well organised and it took 2 really good goals to break them down. All credit to them and grateful thanks to Percy Main FC for staging the game at such short notice’ | |||||