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Click on the opposition name to read the Match Report. Home matches are in capitals.
| Pre-season | |||||
| July | |||||
| Saturday 25th Sunday 26th |
Tournament | Away | Umbro Tournament | ||
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Saturday 25 July 9am - Fletcher Moss 0 Whitley Bay 2 (Hunter, Twaddle) 12.20pm - Burnley1 Whitley Bay 0 2.50pm - Boroughmuir 0 Whitley Bay 1 (Kay) Sunday 26 July 9am - Bradford City 0 Whitley Bay 1 (Kay) 11.30am - Crewe Alexandra 0 Whitley Bay 1 (Brown) |
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| 7.30pm Thursday 30th | Friendly | Away | South Durham Royals | 0-4 | |
| Two goals in each half meant defeat for Whitley in their first pre-season friendly. They faced South Durham Royals at their new home in Barnard Castle and started with the first 11 players to turn up following delays at the Tyne Tunnel and A1. It took time for Whitley to settle to the pace and physicality of the game and were two down at half time. Substitutions were made when reinforcements arrived and debuts were given to Julie Twaddle and trialist Lucy Dewar. Whitley came more into the game and held their Combination oppoents for long periods of the game but two further goals meant a final score of 4-0 to SDR. Whitley manager Colin Phillips was not too bothered by the result 'This was a good work out against a very strong team and at this stage all I require is maximum effort and for the new players to take the opportunity to fit into the team' | |||||
| August | |||||
| Sunday 2nd | Friendly | Away | Norton and Stockton | P-P | |
| Sunday 9th | Friendly | Away | Sunderland | 0-5 | |
| Whitley faced the Sunderland first team in this pre-season friendly and knew that they would have to work hard to keep the score down against their more illustrious Premier League opponents. Whitley handed a debut to Jen Fairhurst and set about executing a defensive plan to contain last season's cup finalists. They were under the cosh for half an hour but held firm until 3 goals towards the end of the half came from speculative long range shots and crosses. Whitley made 5 changes at half time and set to work again, holding Sunderland for long periods but once again, as Whitley tired, 2 late goals gave the Wearsiders a deserved win. Whitley manager was pleased with the performance ' We held a top side for long periods of the game and I was delighted with our shape, workrate and application. We even managed to create a few half chances ourselves. but the aim was to practice our defensive play, which we got ample opportunity to do' | |||||
| Sunday 16th | Friendly | Away | Penrith | 5-1 | Smith, Twaddle 3, Suddes |
| Whitley travelled west to Penrith to face a young Cumbrian side in the last of their pre-season friendlies. With 4 of the first team squad miising and one injured, it was a chance to use the full squad and test them in different positions.Whitley settled quickly and on 7 minutes Nikki Smith ran with the ball and cracked a low drive into the corner of the net. This was followed by a brace from Julie Twaddle - both great strikes from distance. At 3-0 at half time, changes were made and Whitley extended their lead on the 56 minutes as Twaddle claimed her hat-trick with a shot that crept under the keeper. Penrith replied with a converted penalty and Whitley restored their advantage with a goal from Jo Suddes. Manager Colin Phillips was happy with the work out. 'We played some excellent football and my starting eleven for next week is becoming clearer' | |||||
| League and Cup matches | |||||
| Sunday 23rd | League Cup | Away | Scarborough | 4-1 | Coleman L 2, Smith, Darmody |
| Whitley Bay eased into the next round of the League Cup after well deserved victory against Scarborough. It was a windy McCains Sports Club that greeted Whitley after a 3 hour journey from the far North East and it took both sides a while to master the swirling wind. Whitley handed competitive debuts to Jen Fairhurst, Julie Twaddle and Lucy Dewar and settled into their passing game. They were creating chances, with Rachel Kay prominent, but were unable to convert their superiority into goals. It took half an hour to break the deadlock as Charlotte Rowley released Nikki Smith who angled a great ball into the path of Lisa Coleman who took the ball around the keeper and slotted home. Just before half time, it was 2-0 as Kay made another run down the left to cross for Lisa Coleman to arrive at the back post and steer the ball into the net for her second of the game. After the interval, with the wind at their backs, Whitley lost a bit of composure on the ball and the game became scrappy and on 75 m minutes, Scarborough took advantage and were awarded a penalty after a foul in the box. Bronagh Malone found the net despite a valiant effort by Catherine Clough, the Bay keeper who got a hand to the effort. Whitley hit back almost immediately to restore their advantage as a Donna Brown pass found Nikki Smith who advanced unchallenged and hit a low drive into the corner of the net. With a few minutes remaining, Kay got to the bye-line yet again and squared to the onrushing Laura Darmody to slide home for 4-1. The goal made up for an identical effort a minute earlier as Darmody was ruled offside. The final score of 4-1 sees Whitley through to the next round and manager Colin Phillips was satisfied with the team's efforts 'We should have scored a few more, particularly in the first half, then our passing game went missing as we struggled to keep possession, but we were deserved winners' | |||||
| Sunday 30th | League | Away | Guiseley | 6-1 | Coleman L, St Louis, Coleman S, Smith, Twaddle, Hunter |
| Whitley Bay opened their League campaign with a comprehensive win away to Guiseley. Kate St Louis was handed her Whitley debut and made an impact in less than a minute; she stormed down the left wing and crossed for Julie Twaddle to head against the bar. Lisa Coleman was on hand to follow up and side foot the ball into the net for 1-0 to Whitley. The game then settled and Guiseley started to show some attacking skill. On the half hour they drew level as Clare Jenkins stole in at the far post to hit home a deep cross. Whitley went into the break 2-1 up as just on the stroke of half time, Twaddle released St Louis who ran clear and slotted home for a debut goal. After the break, Whitley made a tactical change to make the most of the big pitch and it was 3-1 within 5 minutes of the re-start when Sarah Coleman returned a goalkeeper clearance with a great left foot shot into the unguarded net. Twaddle was hugely influential in the midfield and on the hour, her pass was flicked on by Kirsty Hunter into the path of Nikki Smith who took it into her stride and fired home. Ten minutes later and it was 5-1 as Emma Philipson joined in from full back, beat a player and cut the ball inside for Twaddle to drive a low shot under the keeper. With 5 minutes on the clock, Twaddle hit a through ball to Sarah Coleman in the right channel and she unselfishly deceived the keeper and squared the ball for Hunter to roll it into the empty net to complete the scoring at 6-1 to Whitley. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the win 'We were excellent in the second half and Guiseley were unable to cope with our attacking threat' | |||||
| September | |||||
| Sunday 6th | League | Home | HUDDERSFIELD | 6-3 | Twaddle 2, Coleman S. 2, Hunter 2 |
| Whitley Bay knocked Huddersfield for six in this Regional Premier Division match, but a gritty second half performance by the West Yorkshire outfit gave Whitley plenty to think about. It took Whitley 20 minutes to capitalise on their early possession when Rachel Kay ran down the wing and her partially cleared cross was hammered home by Julie Twaddle. Huddersfield were defending well and their keeper Laura Carter was particularly impressive, but on 40 minutes Kay played a ball through to Twaddle whose curling shot from distance gave Carter no chance. Just when it was looking like Whitley would have to settle for two, they went into the break 4-0 up from two Donna Brown corners. Firstly on 43 minutes when Sarah Coleman volleyed in and again on the 45 as again Coleman forced the ball into the net despite the valiant efforts of a Huddersfield defender. The second half was a different story as Whitley allowed Huddersfield back into the game. Just after the break Emma Poole scored the first of two penalties after a foul in the box, then Whitley replied almost immediately as another Brown corner was volleyed in by Kirsty Hunter. Poole slotted her second penalty for 5-2 and a Whitley own goal made it 5-3. Whitley hit back on the break and Carter made two stunning saves and the crossbar was rattled and then on 75 minutes, yet another Brown corner was powerfully headed home by Hunter for a final score of 6-3. Whitley manager Colin Phillips was concerned how Huddersfield were allowed back into the game 'At 4-0 we were cruising and it looked like it could have been 7 or 8, but we let our foot off the gas and lost concentration. Credit to Huddersfield for a good second half performance but in fairness we never looked like losing the game and our set pieces were fantastic' | |||||
| Sunday 13th | League | Away | Hull City | 5-3 | Coleman L, Hunter 2, Coleman S, Carr. |
| Whitley made the long trek to the end of the M62 knowing that Hull's artificial surface was their least favourite pitch and one where they drew a blank last season. They also had 5 absences through work and holiday commitments and knew they would have a tough game against a side that had a morale boosting win last week. Whitley were playing against the wind in the first half and found it difficult to cope with Hull's direct style that saw them camp in the Whitley half and scrap for every ball in Whitley's area. It was no surprise when they went 2-0 down inside 20 minutes as Demi Thomas claimed 2 great finishes. Whitley gradually settled and started to defend with more determination, making occasional raids into the Hull half, one of which saw Nikki Smith fire agonisingly close after great work from Rachel Kay. Whitley went into the break the happier of the 2 sides as just on 40 minutes Kay was tripped in the box and a penalty was given. Lisa Coleman strode forward and took responsibility, smashing a great shot into the top corner. The goal was just what was needed for the half time talk and Whitley came out confident that they could score more and restrict Hull's territorial advantage. Within 5 minutes of the re-start they were on level terms when Kay released Kerry Davison, overlapping from full back and she crossed low into the box for Kirsty Hunter to finish with style. Whitley's tails were up and within another 5 minutes they were ahead. This time Nikki Smith advanced from midfield and played a pass to Sarah Coleman who struck a low drive from the edge of the box into the corner of the net. On 67 minutes they were 4-2 up when Mel Carr hit a free kick from 40 yards that flew over the keepers head into the net. Virtually from the re-start Hull gained a corner and when it wasn't cleared Sian Bentley calmly nodded the ball over everyone and it dropped into the net. Whitley restored their advantage on 75 minutes when Lisa Coleman made a run from midfield and found the feet of Hunter who hit a great shot from distance that gave the keeper no chance. Overall, Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the win 'Once again, we were caught cold on this pitch in the wind and I was more than happy just to be 2-1 down at half time. I told the girls we could score 4 or 5 in the second half if we got our game going and so it proved' | |||||
| Sunday 20th | League | Home | OSSETT ALBION | 5-1 | Coleman S 2, Hunter, St Louis, Carr |
| Whitley Bay Women continued their high scoring start to the season with a 5-1 win against Ossett Albion. The Bay dominated early possession with Ossett rarely venturing out of their own half, yet were unable to put the finishing touches to some great approach play. Time and time again the final ball didn't find the target or the finish was wayward On 20 minutes, totally against the run of play, Ossett drove a hole straight through the middle of the Whitley defence and Rachel Barber slotted a great finish past the Whitley keeper. The game continued with Whitley having all of the ball and it took until the 36 minute for Kate St Louis to progress down the left, find the feet of Sarah Coleman who hit a low drive into the bottom corner. At half time with the score at 1-1, the Whitley camp were disappointed that their play hadn't yielded more goals. After the interval, the game continued with Whitley on the offensive and a tactical change that saw Nikki Smith moved to wide right paid immediate dividends as she crossed for Kirsty Hunter to head home. On the hour, Smith once again beat her marker on the right and her pull back was calmly dispatched by Sarah Coleman for her second of the game. Smith was now running riot and on 75 minutes, she crossed again for Kate St Louis to fire home, despite the best efforts of an Ossett defender. It was now a question of how many Whitley would score and they added another with 5 minutes on the clock as St Louis shot across the keeper who spilled the ball to give Mel Carr the easy task of tapping home for a final score of 5-1. Whitley Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the win ' I thought we should have had more goals, particularly in the first half when we totally dominated the game. Once we got some quality play in the final third the goals came and we were comfortable winners' | |||||
| Sunday 27th | FA Cup | Home | TEESSIDE ATHLETIC | 7-0 | Twaddle, Coleman S 3, Davison, St Louis, Hunter |
| Whitley Bay eased into the second Qualifying Round of the FA Womens Cup with a comprehensive win against Teesside Athletic. Whitley started well and enjoyed the majority of the early possession and on 10 Minutes forced a corner that Julie Twaddle scored directly from as her inswinger found the net. Sarah Coleman then scored two goals in quick succession as firstly on 13 minutes Whitley's keeper Catherine Clough made a long clearance that Coleman seized on and ran towards goal, finishing smartly in the bottom corner. Then on 15 minutes from a Kerry Davison cross Coleman planted a great looping header over the keeper. Just before the interval, Davison dispossessed a defender and ran through to slot into the far corner for a 4-0 half time lead. After the break, it took only 2 minutes for Whitley to extend their lead as Rachel Mellor released Kate St Louis who charged down the left wing to crash a great shot into the roof of the net. Whitley were again enjoying all the territory and possession and on the hour they made it 6-0 and Sarah Coleman claimed her hat-trick as St Louis crossed for Coleman to tap in from close range. The scoring was complete on 72 minutes when a Twaddle corner was headed home by Kirsty Hunter. This was Hunter's 150 goal for Whitley in all competitions from only 97 appearances. Whitley Manager Colin Phillips was happy with the win ' We played well in parts today and some great Teesside defending prevented the score from being even more. We are looking forward to see who we get in the next round' | |||||
| October | |||||
| Sunday 4th | League | Home | SHEFFIELD FC | 1-1 | Coleman S |
| Whitley Bay faced unbeaten Sheffield FC at Hillheads and knew that this would be their most difficult game so far. The opening exchanges were even as both sides tested each other but it was Whitley who made the breakthrough on 10 minutes when Kirsty Hunter laid a ball off to Sarah Coleman who curled a great shot into the net for her 10th of the season. Sheffield then started to dominate the game and their movement and passing was causing Whitley all kinds of problems, but without the Whitley keeper being tested. In fact Whitley almost made it 2-0 as a low drive from Julie Twaddle crashed against the post and ran to safety. However, Sheffield pressure started to tell and they scored a deserved equaliser on 40 minutes when Lynne Grainger seized on a loose ball in the box and fired home. After the interval, Sheffield started to dominate the game and spurned chance after chance as Whitley were being run ragged. Twice the Sheffield forward had a simple tap in that she managed to hit wide whilst Whitley were unable to create anything themselves. In fact they sacrificed a forward to bolster the midfield and battle for a draw. To their credit, they held on for a final score of 1-1 and manager Colin Phillips was happy to hear the final whistle 'A draw is a good result today when in fact it could have been 3 or 4 to Sheffield. I haven't seen so many of my players be off form at the same time so a point is welcome' | |||||
| Wednesday 7th | Friendly | Away | Newcastle University | 6-1 | Potron, Davidson 2, o.g., Luther 2 |
| Whitley fielded a young side against Newcastle University with mostly Reserves and Development players taking the field. With lots of new players, the Uni side were outplayed by the more organised Whitley side. Late in the game, Newcastle fielded their first choice eleven and the game was more even, but by then, the coast side were well in front. Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the performance 'It was good to see the number of 16 and 17 year old players we have coming through, some of whom will be knocking on the first team door in the not too distant future' | |||||
| Sunday 11th | FA Cup | Away | Birtley | 10-2 | Hunter 4, Twaddle 3, Coleman S, Davison, Suddes |
| Whitley Bay cruised through to the next round of the FA Women's Cup despite an early scare of going two down in the first 15 minutes. Birtley set about their higher League opponents with great determination and capitalised on some early direct play and pressure, going 2-0 up in the first quarter of an hour with 2 breakaway goals by Christine Murray. This seemed to sting Whitley into action and they started to show their quality with some great possession football that had Birtley chasing shadows. Whitley's passing game eventually paid dividends when on 35 minutes, Julie Twaddle gained possession and played a pass to Kirsty Hunter who controlled and volleyed home. Twaddle was again to the fore 5 minutes later when from far out on the left she crossed on target and the ball flew over the keepers head. Whitley were now in total charge and they went into the break in front with a great team goal. Hunter controlled and turned, played the ball wide to Kate St Louis who played a low pass across the face of goal for Twaddle to sidefoot in. After the interval, it became a question of how many Whitley would score as Birtley were visibly tiring. Whitley hit Birtley with 4 goals in 10 minutes when firstly on 57 minutes a Kerry Davison shot was blocked and Twaddle fired in from the edge of the box for her hat-trick. On 61 Minutes, Nikki Smith played the ball to Sarah Coleman who hit her 11th of the season with a great left foot curling shot. A minute later Twaddle played an angled ball to Davison who crossed for Hunter to score a great diving header and on 64 minutes Hunter claimed her hat-trick with another header from a Twaddle cross. Whitley's eighth was Hunter's fourth on 80 minutes as Lisa Coleman unselfishly squared a pass to her in the box and Hunter made no mistake. Coleman was again involved in the ninth on 85 minutes when she passed to Davison who fired a brilliant shot into the top corner from fully 25 yards. The scoring was complete at 10-2 to Whitley Bay on 87 minutes when Smith found Jo Suddes who sprinted past the Birtley defence and lashed a great shot to the near post that beat the keeper. Whitley Manager Colin Phillips ' I feared the worst after 15 minutes, but taking an early lead was probably the worst thing that Birtley could have done as it seemed to give us a wake up call. Once we scored and started to pass the ball, there was only one winner' | |||||
| Sunday 18th | League | Home | HARTLEPOOL ST FRANCIS | 2-1 | Coleman L, Hunter |
| Whitley Bay faced a St Francis side that have had mixed results so far this season and didn't know what to expect. Whitley made a confident start and were passing the ball around very comfortably without troubling the St Francis back line. They were having the majority of possession and it just took until the 15th minute to make the breakthrough. Julie Twaddle played a great ball out to the right for Lisa Coleman. She crossed dangerously to the near post which deceived the St Francis keeper who was unable to keep the ball from crossing the line. Whitley continued to play some good possession football, but were always aware of the swift counter-attack and the pacey St Francis forwards. Just before half time, Whitley struck again as Twaddle from wide right, sent over an inch perfect cross for Kirsty Hunter to nod home. After the interval, some tactical changes from Whitley had an adverse effect on their attacking shape and they failed to build on their superiority. In fact St Francis had some chances of their own, but failed to test the Whitley keeper. The game became scrappy as neither side was able to stamp their authority and some wayward finishing meant that neither keeper made a save. Just as Whitley were comfortably seeing the game out, St Francis scored a late consolation when Leonie Kennedy flashed a great strike into the Whitley net. It was no more than St Francis deserved but Whitley ended the game as 2-1 winners. Manager Colin Phillips 'In the first half we played some good football and should have had more goals. I made some changes at half time that changed our pattern of play and didn't really work. In fairness, we never looked like losing the game but credit to St Francis for a spirited display' | |||||
| Sunday 25th | FA Cup | Away | Sheffield FC | 2-1 | Hunter, Coleman L |
| Whitley Bay have made it through to the First Round Proper of the FA Women's Cup after a great win at Sheffield FC The recent League game between the two had been a 1-1 draw with Sheffield having the upper hand so Whitley made tactical changes to stifle the midfield and were prepared to defend. They soaked up constant Sheffield pressure in the first 20 minutes, making only rare excursions into the opposition half. Whitley tackled, blocked and closed down to frustrate the Sheffield attack, who were restricted to half chances and shots from distance. Whitley were playing on the break and looked dangerous down the flanks, forcing a number of corners that came to nothing. After the interval, Whitley were coming more into the game as an attacking force and were springing counter attacks as Sheffield moves broke down. From such an attack on the 55 minute, Whitley won a corner that was taken by Donna Brown. Sheffield failed to clear the danger and the ball fell to the feet of Kirsty Hunter who lashed it into the net from 10 yards. Whitley knew that Sheffield would have to open up and commit players forward so Whitley pushed Lisa Coleman into an advanced position to take advantage of the gaps. This took only 10 minutes to pay off as on 70 minutes, Mel Carr found space and played a great angled ball down the channel for Coleman to spring the offside trap and in one touch, steered the ball past the onrushing keeper. In the last 15 minutes, Sheffield threw players forward in an attempt to salvage something from the game and they forced a great save from Catherine Clough the Whitley keeper, who dived low to her right to push away a goalbound effort. In the dying seconds of normal time, Sheffield did gain some consolation with a great volley from just inside the box, but it was too little too late as Whitley comfortably saw out injury time in the Sheffield half. Manager Colin Phillips said 'The girls stuck to the game plan and we were prepared to go to penalties if necessary. In the end, we took our two chances and defended brilliantly for a very hard fought win' | |||||
| November | |||||
| Sunday 1st | League | Away | Barnsley | P-P | Pitch waterlogged |
| Sunday 8th | FA Cup | Home | BLACKPOOL WREN ROVERS | P-P | Pitch waterlogged |
| Sunday 15th | FA Cup | Home | BLACKPOOL WRENS | 7-1 | Hunter, Coleman S 3, Suddes, Carr, Mellor |
| Whitley dispatched their higher League opponents in a blistering first half that saw them lead 5-0 Whitley had a re-shuffled pack as 5 first choice players were unavailable due to holiday and work commitments, with a totally changed midfield that saw Reserves captain Janine Fagan make her first start of the season for the senior squad. They knew that a good start would be important and poured forward from the first whistle. There was only 3 minutes on the clock when early pressure saw a Donna Brown corner bulleted home by a Kirsty Hunter header. Within 2 minutes of the re-start Whitley were 2-0 up when a great ball from Brown saw Sarah Coleman race clear of the defence and slot into the corner of the net. The another blow to Whitley on 7 minutes, as top scorer Kirsty Hunter limped off with a foot injury forcing an early substitution. However, Whitley were playing some great attacking football and on 17 minutes Emma Philipson found Sarah Coleman with a great cut-back and Coleman deceived the close attentions of the Blackpool defender and fired into the top corner. 5 minutes later and Coleman claimed her hat-trick as another dangerous Brown corner was helped on by Jo Suddes and Coleman headed the loose ball past the diving keeper. Just before half time, it was 5-0 as Brown's corners were causing panic in the Blackpool box and Suddes forced the ball over the line despite the best attempts of the keeper. After the interval, Blackpool understandably started to defend in numbers and Whitley were finding it hard to re-discover the fluency of the first half. In fact, Blackpool were mounting attacks of their own and Catherine Clough in the Whitley goal was called into action on more than one occasion and made a couple of great saves. Blackpool deservedly pulled one back on the 55 minutes from a corner that was headed past the diving Clough. Whitley re-grouped and slowly got themselves back on the offensive and on 72 minutes a great passing move saw Jen Fairhurst release Mel Carr who hit a stunning left foot shot from outside the box, giving the keeper no chance. The scoring was complete at 7-1 to the bay when stand-in striker Rachel Mellor was found by Suddes and Mellor hit a great shot from the edge of the box past the startled keeper. Whitley Manager Colin Phillips was pleased to see his side into the 2nd Round 'We had half a team away today and great credit must be given to the players who stepped in and did a great job, it really shows the strength of our squad' | |||||
| Sunday 22nd | League | Home | GUISELEY | 1-0 | Coleman S |
| Whitley Bay kept their unbeaten League run going against a much improved Guiseley side at a windy Hillheads on Sunday. Whitley had beaten Guisely 6-1 in the first game of the season, but recent Guiseley results indicated that this would be a much tougher afternoon for the Seasiders. Whitley last dropped League points back in March of last season and for the second consecutive week, it was a much changed side that took the park due to injury and unavailability. However, they took the game to Guiseley, without being able to deliver the final ball to cause the well organised defence any problems. Things got worse on the 20 minute as Mel Carr limped off with an ankle injury and the pack was shuffled again. Guiseley were proving to be dangerous on the break and Catherine Clough in the Whitley goal made a great block as the Guiseley striker was through on goal. The strong swirling wind was making it difficult for Whitley to play their their normal passing game and they struggled to have any strikes on goal. It remained 0-0 at half time and Whitley knew they were in a game. After the interval, Whitley gradually got on top and were starting to breach the Guiseley rearguard, with the pace of Jo Suddes causing problems. On 65 minutes they gained the advantage as determined play from Suddes saw her force the ball to Sarah Coleman who hit a great curling strike from 20 yards over the keeper and into the back of the net. Whitley were well on top and squandered a couple of decent chances and were forcing numerous corners, with Guiseley rarely breaking out of their own half and when they did, not troubling the Whitley keeper. It was still an anxious finish for Whitley but the one goal was enough to win the match and put Whitley back at the top of the table. Whitley manager Colin Phillips was relieved to have won 'This was a tricky game for us with Guiseley on such good form and my team having so many absences, and another injury today. However, we battled for the win and the whole squad can be proud of themselves for a real team performance' | |||||
| Sunday 29th | FA Cup | Home | ROCHDALE | ABANDONED | |
| December | |||||
| Sunday 6th | FA Cup | Home | ROCHDALE | 2-3 | St Louis, Carr |
| Whitley Bay are out of the FA Women's Cup, beaten by Rochdale at Hillheads in a thrilling encounter. Whitley matched their higher League opponents from the off as the opening exchanges were equal. Both sides attacked and defended with great determination but it was Rochdale that made the breakthrough on 20 minutes as the left winger broke free and crashed a great shot into the roof of the net. Whitley fought back and the sides cancelled each other out and only a great Emma Philipson strike that hit the post provided the scoring chances. On the half hour Whitley did level the match as Mel Carr played a great ball through the Rochdale defence for the pace of Kate St Louis to reach before the keeper and slide it into the back of the net. At 1-1 at half time, it was an evenly balanced match. After the interval, Rochdale pressed forward and on 56 minutes, a cross from the right was headed home to give the away side the advantage. Two minutes later, the entire Rochdale defence stood still and watched as Mel Carr beat the offside trap and calmly side footed home for the equalising goal. Again, the tie was evenly balanced and it took a controversial penalty to put Rochdale ahead. On 75 minutes, it was only the referee that saw a foul in the box to the bemusement of both sides but Rochdale accepted the spot-kick and went 3-2 in front. Whitley refused to lie down and mounted waves of attacks and had at least 3 good opportunities to equalise, but a mixture of good defending and wayward finishing kept the score the same and Rochdale were through. Whitley Manager Colin Phillips was disappointed in defeat ' We maybe deserved at least extra time but overall I am pleased with our display against a really good Rochdale side that are top of the League above us, we wish them the best of luck in the next round' | |||||
| Sunday 13th | League | Away | Ossett Albion | 2-1 | Turnbull, Coleman S |
| Whitley Bay made their first ever visit to the Warehouse Systems Stadium to face lowly Ossett Albion, a side they had beaten 5-1 at Hillheads back in September. It was a changed Whitley line up that took the field with Roisin Turnbull making her first start since October and Rachel Kay back in the squad following a long lay off through injury. Whitley found a very determined Ossett side and realised from the off that this would be a keenly contested match. Whitley enjoyed the majority of possession but were unable to breach a competitive Ossett rearguard, apart from two dangerous balls into the box that were headed straight to the keeper. However, on 20 minutes Whitley forced a corner and Donna Brown's delivery caused problems in the box and Roisin Turnbull was on hand to smash the ball into the roof of the net from close range. It was no more than Whitley deserved but they failed to build on their continued dominance and on 38 minutes Ossett broke clear with a simple ball through the middle of the Whitley defence for Nicola Swift to fire a great drive into the corner of the Whitley net. Whitley were forced into a substitution when Charlotte Rowley was injured in a tackle with an Ossett forward who unfortunately faired worse and was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg. Wasted passes typified the half for Whitley and with a half time score of 1-1, Ossett would be delighted with their efforts. After the interval Whitley were back on the offensive and the Ossett keeper was called into action on more than one occasion, but they couldn't find a winner until 70 minutes when Rachel Kay switched to the right wing and fired a great cross to the edge of the box for Sarah Coleman to hit a stunning volley that gave the keeper no chance. It was a strike worthy of winning the match and so it proved, but not before Ossett broke forward and forced Catherine Clough into two great saves. Whitley finished the match with ten players as Donna Brown limped off and all substitutes had been used, creating more pressure on the Whitley defence. However, Whitley finished in the ascendancy for a hard fought victory that keeps them top of the table. Whitley manager Colin Phillips was pleased to win 'This wasn't our best performance against a vastly improved Ossett side and I take responsibility for leaving us short handed at the end, but to not play well and still win is a credit to the players efforts and resilience' | |||||
| Sunday 20th | |||||
| Sunday 27th | |||||
| January 2010 | |||||
| Sunday 3rd | |||||
| Sunday 10th | |||||
| Sunday 17th | League | Away | Hartlepool St Francis | P-P | |
| Sunday 24th | League | Away | York City | 2-3 | Fagan 2 |
| Whitley Bay fell to their first League defeat of the season when a below par performance saw York take all three points in Whitley's first match since 13 December. Injuries kept out 4 Whitley centre backs so Janine Fagan was drafted in from the Reserves and Rachel Mellor switched from left back. Debutant Kim Pye made up the much changed Whitley back four. On their least favoured 3G surface, Whitley started like a team that hadn't played for 6 weeks and were soon two goals behind as Abi Webster and then Kelly Chesterton scored uncontested headers from close range. Whitley were finding it difficult to get into the game but on the half hour Janine Fagan saw a clearance fall at her feet and from outside the box she lashed a great drive into the far corner of the net to give Whitley a tow hold in the game. Just before half time she struck again as she scored a bullet header from a Julie Twaddle corner. At 2-2 at half time, Whitley were confident they would get better and score more goals. However, York had other ideas and chased and harried in all areas of the pitch to frustrate the Whitley team. Additionally, Whitley's passing and ball retention was dreadful and when they did create a chance, their finishing was way off the mark. It got worse on 70 minutes when a corner wasn't cleared, the Whitley keeper appeared to be floored and the loose ball was flicked in by a Whitley defender. Whitley tried their best to fight back but it wasn't happening for them Whitley manager Colin Phillips 'At 2-2 I thought we would be happy with the draw based on the way we played, it was the worst of the season. We don't like that surface and took a while to settle, particularly with the changes I had to make. No excuses though, we were poor and deserved nothing' | |||||
| Sunday 31st | League | Home | BARNSLEY | P-P | Snow |
| February | |||||
| Sunday 7th | |||||
| Sunday 14th | League | Away | Hartlepool St Francis | 2-1 | Suddes, Kay |
| Whitley Bay made the short journey down the A19 to face Hartlepool St Francis and looked to get back to winning ways after their recent defeat at York. Again, a re-shuffled back four saw Mel Carr make a come-back after injury and Janine Fagan retain her pace alongside her. St Francis started the better of the two sides and adapted better to the rough pitch, playing direct and getting the ball forward as quickly as possible. Indeed, Whitley could have conceded on three occasions as a simple ball over the defence saw Gemma Dinning blast high some good chances. However, Dinning didn't need any further invitations, as possession was lost in midfield and a straight ball to her saw her beat the retreating Whitley defence and fire a smart shot past the diving Whitley keeper. There were some strong words at half time and the defensive frailties were addressed and Jo Suddes was brought on to add some pace to the Whitley attack. Within a minute of the restart, Whitley's tactical change paid off as Rachel Mellor crossed to the far post for Suddes to lose her marker and head home for a great goal. Whitley then began to take hold of the game, with Suddes running well down the right wing and delivering some good balls into the St Francis box. Now it was Whitley's turn to put the pressure on and Amy Phillips in the St Francis goal was at last called into action. She made some good saves to turn goalward bound shots over the bar and made one exceptional block at the feet of Emma Philipson after she had ran through the entire St Francis defence. Endless pressure resulted on 77 minutes when St Francis couldn't clear the ball from a succession of Whitley corners and it dropped to Rachel Kay who struck a spectacular first time volley from the edge of the box that flew past the helpless St Francis keeper. It was Kay's first of the season - and what a way to open her account. Whitley saw out the final 13 minutes camped in the St Francis half and ran out worthy winners at 2-1. Whitley manager Colin Phillips was pleased to win 'That was a classic game of two halves and St Francis could easily have been 4-0 up at half time. In the second half there was only one winner as we played much better to the conditions and stopped trying to play intricate short passes' | |||||
| Sunday 21st | County Cup | Away | Prudhoe | 12-0 | Coleman S.3, O'Brien 2, Philipson, Hunter 3, Turnbull, Mellor, Davidson |
| Whitley Bay eased into the semi finals of the Northumberland FA women's Cup with a comprehensive victory against Prudhoe YPC. Whitley were always favourites to beat their lower League opponents and it took only 7 minutes to get on the scoresheet as Rachel Kay crossed for Sarah Coleman to fire home. Further goals from Emma Philipson, Roisin Turnbull, another from Coleman, two from Steph O Brien - her first goals in Whitley colours and two from Kirsty Hunter gave Whitley a 8-0 half time lead. Whitley slowed the tempo in the second half and used their substitutes to the full, giving their young County League opponents some respite However, Coleman and Hunter both bagged their hat-tricks and Rachel Mellor and Laurel Davidson completed the scoring for a 12-0 win to Whitley. Manager Colin Phillips was satisfied with the performance 'Great credit to Prudhoe who kept going all game and never let their heads drop, but the difference in experience and quality gave us the upper hand' | |||||
| Sunday 28th | |||||
| March | |||||
| Sunday 7th | League | Home | BARNSLEY | 3-0 | Coleman S, Suddes, Hunter |
| Whitley Bay won the top of the table clash with Barnsley after an enthralling game that was closer than the score suggested. Top played second in this eagerly awaited clash at Hillheads.. Both teams fielded strong sides and the glorious spring weather made conditions ideal for a pulsating game. The opening minutes were played at break-neck pace as each side battled for supremacy but it was Whitley that shaded possession and territorial advantage. Whitley gained a succession of corners and the delivery of Donna Brown caused problems, with Mel Carr and Sarah Coleman going close. Whitley pressed forward and on 40 minutes made the break through with another Brown corner. This time, Coleman timed her run to perfection and bulleted a great header into the Barnsley net. Whitley held out until the interval despite a number of swift Barnsley attacks that put the Bay defence under real pressure. A tactical half time change saw Whitley back on the offensive but the Barnsley defence held firm without any real chances being created. Indeed, Barnsley had chances of their own but were unable to convert. The decisive moment came on 78 minutes when the impressive Nikki Smith found herself wide right and she crossed perfectly to the back post for Jo Suddes to head home. This was Suddes 3rd headed goal in as many games and she wheeled away in celebration. Barnsley were deflated after being in the game for so long. The best was left until last as on 89 minutes, Kirsty Hunter started a move in her own half that saw great interplay between her, Kate St Louis and Steph O Brien. O Brien eventually laid the ball off for Hunter who rocketed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net, giving the keeper no chance. The 3-0 scoreline was unfortunate for Barnsley, but Whitley had scored some great goals and taken their chances with aplomb. Manager Colin Phillips said ' We played really well today and so did Barnsley. On the balance of play we deserved the win and I am delighted with the result' | |||||
| Sunday 14th | League | Home | PETERLEE | 2-1 | Hunter, Smith |
| Whitley Bay had a narrow win against lowly Peterlee and were made to work hard for their victory. Whitley started the brighter of the two sides and made the breakthrough on 13 and fittingly on Mother's Day it was the team's only mum that opened the scoring. Rachel Mellor played a great ball down the left for Sarah Coleman to fire a great cross across the face of goal for Kirsty Hunter to control, turn and shoot into the bottom corner. Peterlee settled into the game, without really troubling the Bay keeper, but enjoyed some good passages of play and were defending strongly. On 36 minutes Whitley went 2-0 in the lead as a Janine Fagan free kick found Lisa Coleman who crossed to the far post for Nikki Smith to volley home. After the interval, Peterlee were even stronger but still couldn't find a finish until the 75 minute when Charlene Cheung struck a great shot into the corner following some prolonged Peterlee pressure. Whitley eventually weathered the storm and finished the game in the ascendancy with several chances created and missed. The game ended 2-1 to Whitley and keeps them at the top of the League Manager Colin Phillips was pleased with the result 'Peterlee certainly belied their League position and played some neat football, we looked comfortable at half time, but were made to work hard for the win' | |||||
| Thursday 18th | League | Away | Peterlee | 0-1 | |
| Whitley Bay faced Peterlee for the seond time in 5 days on the immaculate pitch at Eden Lane and knew it would be a tough game against their County Durham opponents. Peterlee kicked off with the gusty wind to their advantage and subsequently enjoyed a great deal of territorial advantage without really threatening the Whitley goal. Whitley in turn, were unable to make the breakthrough against a strong Peterlee defence and chances for either side were few and far between. Whitley were reasonably satisfied to go 0-0 into the break, knowing they would have the wind at their backs after the interval. They found it hard to get into a rhythm and resorted to shooting from distance, most of which were off target. It was Peterlee that went ahead on the hour when a breakaway down the right saw the ball crossed in for Jade Pye to control and fire a great shot past the Whitley keeper. The next half hour saw Whitley camp in the Peterlee half, but again their shots were off target and one effort rolled agonisingly against the post and was cleared to safety. The games defining moment was on 75 minutes when Sarah Coleman nodded home a cross from Jo Suddes. The players were making their way back to the centre circle when the referee inexplicably disallowed the goal, to the surprise of all in the ground. For the last 10 minutes it was all action in the Peterlee box but they held on for the win. Their celebrations at the end showed how much it meant for them to beat the top of the table team. Whitley manager Colin Phillips was disappointed not to have come away with a point. A draw would have been a fair result, Peterlee played well and scored a very good goal and to their credit sympathised with our disallowed goal' | |||||
| 1.30pm Sunday 21st | County Cup | Home | TYNEDALE | 4-0 | O'Brien 2, Coleman S, Hunter |
| Whitley Bay reached the final of the County Cup with a low key win against Tynedale who play 2 leagues below Whitley. Whitley raced to a 2-0 lead within 8 minutes with Steph O Brien opening the scoring on 2 minutes with a smart close range volley from a Donna Brown corner. Then she added her second when she took a Kirsty Hunter knock down in her stride, skipped past 2 defenders and slotted into the corner. Within a minute of the re-start Tynedale's Kerrie Stephenson went down unchallenged as she tried to clear a ball from defence. It was immediately apparent that she had caused serious ankle damage and an ambulance was called to stretcher her off to hospital. The game was delayed for 40 minutes for her to receive attention. When it was eventually re-started, Whitley were immediately back on the offensive and on 14 minutes Lisa Coleman hit a great pass across the face of goal for her sister Sarah to tap in. Lisa Coleman was the provider again as a flowing move saw her released by Donna Brown and then this time, cross perfectly for the head of Kirsty Hunter to power home. After the break, Whitley struggled to find any rhythm in their game, passes were going astray and the pace and urgency of the game dropped considerably. However, chances were still created and the bar was rattled on a couple of occasions and Sheryl Chappell in the Tynedale goal made a number of good saves. Whitley seemed content to sit on their lead and in fairness, Tynedale rarely ventured into the Whitley half and when they did, were unable to have an effort on goal. The score remained 4-0 and Whitley were through to the final to play either Newcastle or Ashington. Manager Colin Phillips was happy to progress, although disappointed his side didn't add to their half time tally. 'Tynedale defended very well in the second half and we were guilty of overplaying to a slow tempo and made numerous unforced errors. Our thought are with Kerrie and we hope she makes a full recovery' | |||||
| Sunday 28th | League | Home | SHEFFIELD UNITED | 0-1 | |
| Whitley lost their second League game in a row when they fell to Sheffield United at a blustery Hillheads. They kicked with the wind in the first half which turned out to be no advantage as a number of balls sailed harmlessly downfield whereas Sheffield played the ball on the ground and created a number of good chances. Indeed, Catherine Clough had to be at her best blocking 2 one-on-ones and rushing out to smother when Whitley made uncharacteristic defensive blunders. Whitley's best effort was an overhead kick from Janine Fagan that brushed against the top of the bar. Sheffield had the better of the first half but Whitley were sure that against the wind they would be forced into a more passing game. After the interval, Sheffield continued to press and another needless foul saw them awarded a free kick within shooting distance. The strike was on target and well saved by Clough but it was parried straight to Tania Marsden who made no mistake from close range. Whitley then started to come more into the game as they pressed for the equaliser and started to breach the Sheffield defence. Stacey Simpson, on as a second half substitute was prominent and as she received the ball on the edge of the box, was felled as she turned for goal. Unfortunately the penalty was missed and Sheffield breathed a sigh of relief. They were now seriously under the cosh and relied on long clearances to gain some respite. Simpson hit the bar with another effort and had a reasonable penalty call denied as Whitley threw everything forward. However, it was not to be, as the Sheffield rear-guard held firm and battled for every ball, launching it forward at each opportunity. It ended 1-0 to the visitors after a very hard fought game. Whitley Manager Colin Phillips was disappointed not to get something from the game 'It just didn't happen for us today, no matter what we tried and Sheffield played with a great determination to hang on to their lead. | |||||
| April | |||||
| Sunday 4th | League | Home | HULL CITY | 3-2 | Twaddle, Carr, Smith |
| Whitley had a narrow win against in-form Hull, but not before the Humberside outfit had given the home side a scare. Whitley faced Hull at Hillheads on a pitch that had been badly churned by the previous day's Vase exploits that had taken place in a rain and hail storm. They started quickly and immediately went on the attack when on 3 minutes Kirsty Hunter laid the ball off to Julie Twaddle on the left wing, who then cut inside and wrong footed the keeper with a surprise shot from just outside the box. It nestled in the corner in the corner of the net for a great goal. Hull composed themselves and set about creating attacks of their own, breaking in numbers and capitalising on some good pressing on the Whitley back line. On 20 minutes they won a corner that was driven into the near post and stabbed home by Katie Quinn. Whitley had possession of their own but were unable to convert. Hull took a shock lead on the 35 minute when Rebecca Beech ran clear of the defence and slotted home neatly. After the interval, Whitley again enjoyed the majority of possession and a series of corners from Twaddle resulted on 58 minutes with Mel Carr heading in strongly at the far post. There was only one winner at this stage and Hull's attacking intent from the first half was lacking and on 68 minutes, Sarah Coleman released Nikki Smith who hit a rising shot over the keeper. It was no more than Whitley deserved and they looked to add to their tally. Hull defended in numbers and were happy to keep the score at 3-2 and Whitley ran out worthy winners. Manager Colin Phillips was happy with the win 'We played well today but lacked a cutting edge in the first half. We found it as Hull tired and were good value for the win' | |||||
| Sunday 11th | League | Away | Sheffield United | 0-2 | |
| Whitley played Sheffield United looking to improve on the 1-0 reverse at Hillheads 2 weeks ago. They kicked off with the slight breeze and for long periods hemmed Sheffield into their own half, but without creating any meaningful chances other than the odd corner. Likewise, Sheffield were unable to beach the Whitley rearguard and there were very few incidents of note in a poor first half. After the interval, Whitley pushed forward again but were unable to convert their possession and territory into any chances on target. Sheffield were content to play on the break and on 57 minutes a long ball forward was being seen out by the Whitley defence but Tania Marsden nipped to to steal and swung a cross into the box for Zoe Beresford to bundle home from close range. Whitley made numerous changes in an attempt to rescue the game but were still unable to create a goal-scoring opportunity. They fell to the sucker punch when pressing for the equaliser as Rebecca Kendall broke free and fired a great shot into the corner. Whitley threw everything forward but it wasn't to be. Whitley manager was disappointed 'We just aren't firing at the moment, we can keep the ball and our approach play is fine, but in the final third we lack a cutting edge' | |||||
| Sunday 18th | League | Home | YORK | 8-2 | Twaddle, Hunter 2, Simpson, o.g, Coleman S.2, Suddes |
| Whitley Bay were amongst the goals after a recent barren spell and it was York City, who had beaten the Coast outfit earlier in the year, who felt the full force of a resurgent Bay side. Whitley welcomed back flying wingers Jo Suddes and Rachel Kay to the starting line-up and handed a first start to Stacey Simpson, with top scorer Sarah Coleman having to be content with a place on the bench. They got off to the worst possible start as on 2 minutes, in their first attack, York took advantage of Whitley losing possession and Debs Slater was through on goal and she finished smartly into the corner. Whitley then set about their Yorkshire opponents with pace and power and created a number of openings with excellent wide play and good passing movements. It came as no surprise when on 18 minutes they equalised as Julie Twaddle picked up the ball some 40 yards out, took a touch and smashed an unstoppable shot over Sam Knight in the York goal. They then had a golden 3 minutes, as firstly Stacey Simpson was felled in the box and Kirsty Hunter drilled home the resultant penalty. Simpson was then involved a minute later when she received a Rachel Mellor pass in the box, she skipped past a couple of defenders and calmly slotted home into the corner for 3-1 to Whitley. On 27 minutes, in York's second attack of the game, they pulled a goal back when Lou Ross stabbed home from close range when a York cross hadn't been cleared. Just before half time, Whitley restored there advantage when Knight was unable to hold a Twaddle free-kick and Hunter was on hand to lash her fumble into the roof of the net. At half time, the message to the Whitley team was more of the same and they were confident the goals would flow. An injury to the Knight in the York goal necessitated in her being replaced and after a lengthy stoppage the game continued as in the first half with Whitley on the attack. The score was 5-2 on 57 minutes when a Donna Brown corner was sliced in by a York defender for an unfortunate own goal. Sarah Coleman was itching to get into the action and she had been on the field less than ten minutes when on 78 minutes, she headed a Jo Suddes cross past the replacement keeper. Two minutes later, it was a brace for Coleman, as she knocked in a Rachel Kay cross The scoring was complete at 8-2 to Whitley a minute from time when Suddes headed in a Twaddle corner. Manager Colin Phillips was delighted with the performance 'This was the team back to their best, playing with pace and purpose and it was great to get back into our early season scoring form' | |||||
| Sunday 25th | League | Away | Sheffield FC | 2-1 | Coleman S, Fagan |
| Whitley Bay made the long trip to South Yorkshire to face title contenders Sheffield FC, knowing that nothing other than a win would do. After last weeks demolition of York City, Whitley were looking forward to fielding the same team, but had set-backs with injuries, unavailability and some overnight sickness. It was still a strong side that took the field in a 3-5-2 formation intent on stifling their skilfull opponents. Whitley had beaten Sheffield earlier in the season in the FA Cup using similar tactics and the game started as expected, with Sheffield making all the running and Whitley soaking up the pressure, without creating a great deal themselves. Sheffield had a couple of half chances, but neither keeper was forced to make a save in a first half that ended in stalemate at 0-0. After the interval, on 55 minutes, just as Whitley were starting to pose an attacking threat, Sheffield forced a corner. Whitley centre-back Jen Fairhurst was off the pitch receiving treatment as the corner was taken and Sheffield forward Clare Holmes smashed a loose ball into the roof of the net that prompted enthusiastic celebrations by the Sheffield side as the breakthrough was made. Whitley replaced the injured Fairhurst with an attacker and switched to 3-4-3 as they knew that even a draw was not enough and they needed to score at least two goals. The change seemed to galvanise the Bay and unsettle Sheffield as Whitley poured forward and at last started to ask the Sheffield defence some questions. Jo Suddes was full of running down the right wing and on 70 minutes, her excellent run and cross saw some hesitation from Caroline Whiteman in the Sheffield goal. Sarah Coleman took full advantage, cut across her marker and somehow struck the ball with her hip to see it trickle across the line into the corner of the net past the wrong-footed keeper. It was no more than Whitley deserved and they set about Sheffield in search of the winner. They won a series of corners that Sheffield defended well, but they kept pressing and hemmed Sheffield into their own half. On 82 minutes, another Donna Brown corner was expertly delivered to the far post for Janine Fagan to head home for 2-1 to Whitley Bay. They survived a few late Sheffield attacks but in reality, were never threatened. Whitley manager Colin Phillips was delighted with the win 'This was a must win match and the team stuck to the game plan to the letter. We always know that we will create chances and we are fortunate to have the players to take them when they come. As always, it was a great game with Sheffield FC.' | |||||
| May | |||||
| Sunday 2nd | League | Away | Barnsley | 0-2 | |
| Whitley travelled again to South Yorkshire for another 'must win' game with a strong squad. They got off to the worst possible start when on 5 minutes Stacey Walstow was played through. She still had a lot to do, but scored a great goal to put Barnsley one up. Whitley were just getting into the game, without really troubling the home keeper when on 30 minutes, Rebecca Fevers scored from a break identical to that which produced the first Barnsley goal. In the second half, Whitley had all the possession and were camped in the Barnsley half for long periods, laying seige to their goal. A mixture of good defending, off target shots and poor final balls, meant it was not Whitley's day and the game ended 2-0 to the hosts. Whitley manager Colin Phillips was disappointed ' We gave it our all but couldn't make the breakthrough. Our approach play was excellent at times, but if we don't score, we can't complain' | |||||
| Sunday 9th | |||||
| 7pm Thursday 13th | County Cup Final | Whitley Park | Newcastle Reserves | 2-2(aet) 4-2 pens. | Smith, Simpson |
| Whitley Bay lifted the Northumberland FA Womens Cup for the first time in their short history after a penalty shoot out at Whitley Park. The scores had remained level after extra time to take the game to it's dramatic conclusion. Whitley had started the game in confident mood and were using the pace of Rachel Kay and Jo Suddes on both flanks to good effect. Newcastle had included first team regular and Northern Ireland International Rachel Furness to give experience to a youthful Newcastle outfit and she showed her class with a dominant first half display. In fact a strong run through the centre of Whitley's defence saw her blast over the bar when through on goal. After 30 minutes, it was Newcastle that got the breakthrough as a Furness ball found a Newcastle forward clear of the Whitley defence as they expected the offside flag. It didn't come and she calmly slotted the ball past the advancing Catherine Clough in the Whitley goal. The score remained at 1-0 at half time. After the interval, Whitley camped in the Newcastle half, looking for an equaliser. Nikki Smith entered the fray on 70 minutes and had an immediate impact on the game as a Donna Brown corner was cleared to the edge of the box and Smith sent a fantastic first time shot into the roof of the net. Whitley then enjoyed a golden spell as they piled the pressure on the Newcastle back line. Further substitutes Lisa Coleman and Stacey Simpson combined on 75 minutes for Simpson to stride into the box and drive a great strike into the corner of the net. In what was turning into a great game, Whitley's celebrations were short lived as Newcastle equalised within minutes, to take the tie to extra time. The first period was an end to end affair but the best chance fell to Sarah Coleman, played in by her sister Lisa, but she shot wide. In the second period, Whitley again had chances to win the game, but they couldn't find the target, so the game was decided on penalties. Newcastle's first was blasted over and their second was saved by Clough whereas Mel Carr, Stacey Simpson, Lisa Coleman and Julie Twaddle all found the target with perfectly taken spot kicks to win the game. It was Whitley's first final win, after being last years beaten finalists and having been knocked out at the semi final stage by Newcastle in the 2 seasons previous. Whitley Manager Colin Phillips was delighted to win 'I think we just shaded the game and deserved to win. We practiced penalties at training this week and all credit to the girls for taking them exactly how we discussed. It was a great game and commiserations to Newcastle, they were excellent opponents.' | |||||
| Sunday 16th | |||||
| Sunday 23rd | League | Away | Huddersfield | 2-1 | Hunter, Twaddle |
| Whitley Bay ended their League campaign in runners up spot after a win at 5th place Huddersfield. It was a hot and sunny West Yorkshire that greeted the Bay side, with temperatures pushing the late 90's on Huddersfield 3G pitch. Whitley knew that a win would see them claim second spot and started in determined mood. However, it was Huddersfield that made the breakthrough on 9 minutes as a lack of concentration saw Jo Symington unmarked on the edge of the Bay box and she fired into the corner with style. Whitley gradually settled on the unfamiliar surface and were creating some dangerous situations, but Laura Carter, the excellent Terriers keeper was in good form, saving well from a long range Julie Twaddle effort. On 22 minutes, Sarah Coleman raced into the corner of the box and fired a low cross to her strike partner Kirsty Hunter, who made no mistake from 10 yards out. It was no more than the Bay deserved and both sides were playing a passing game in the incredible heat. After the interval, Huddersfield attacking with great flair with Emily Heckler and Katie Barnes both prominent. Whitley were becoming increasingly dangerous and were starting to put some pressure on the Town back line. Some quick thinking on 75 minutes by Rachel Kay saw her take a free kick to Twaddle who took two strides forward to the edge of the Huddersfield box and just as she was being closed down, she unleashed a great shot from 20 yards into the top corner for a great goal. The energy was starting to drain from both sides and Whitley were content to play the game in the Huddersfield half for the remaining 15 minutes and may even have snatched another as substitute Kate St Louis was thwarted by Carter. The game ended at 2-1 to Whitley and manager Colin Phillips was pleased to win the game ' The conditions out there were really hot so credit to both sides for some excellent football' | |||||
| Sunday 30th | |||||