Season 2009-2010 Archive

Review of the Season 2009/10

To Review Season 2009/10, it may be useful to remind ourselves what was said in the Review at the end of last season -

‘Now that we have had a season learning at this level, I would once again want us to be challenging at the top of the League and improve on our third place finish. Again, our aim is always to reach the Proper Rounds of the FA Women's Cup and now after experiencing losing at the County Cup Final, I would like to go back and win it!'

In the League, Whitley did indeed improve on their third place finish, by finishing second! The campaign was a stop start affair and Whitley did not benefit from the enforced winter break – losing their 5 games in the second half of the season after an unbeaten first 5 months that saw them top the table for most of the season.

Inconsistent performances due the many changes in the team due to absence, injury and unavailability contributed to those defeats.

In the FA Cup, Whitley beat Teesside, Birtley, Sheffield FC and Blackpool to book a Second Round match against Combination side Rochdale, who have subsequently been promoted to the Premier League. In a fiercely contested match, Whitley lost 3-2 to a hotly disputed penalty.

Unfortunately, the League Cup was abandoned this season due to League fixture backlogs but in the County Cup, Whitley came good and achieved the pre-season objective.

After knocking out Prudhoe and Tynedale, Whitley took their place in the final against Newcastle Reserves. After a pulsating match that finished 2-2 after extra time, the game was decided on penalties with Whitley winning 4-2 to lift the Cup.

So, all objectives achieved and now we look forward to next season. The aim this time round will be promotion and to retain the County Cup – ambitious plans, but well within the grasp of an excellent squad, which no doubt will be further strengthened by summer additions.

This review would not be complete without mention of the retirement of founder members Kirsty Hunter and Roisin Turnbull. Both have been at Whitley since we were formed and have contributed massively to our success, both on and off the pitch. We wish them well.

• Full Results
• League Table
• Reserve Team Results

Playing for Whitley Bay this season were (In Appearance order)