Some much needed luck, resulted in the team picking up their first point of the season, despite not being able to find the best form from last week. Much credit though should be given to Whitley Bay who worked very hard to keep our midfield quiet.
Whitley Bay had much the better of the first quarter as we made a very slow start, they were quicker to the ball and went close on a number of occasion. Aaron made one superb save, backed up with a few other good ones to keep us in the game. But against the wind we really struggled to put any pressure on Whitley Bay. Due to the defence of James, Ethan & Joseph and Aaron we were 0-0 at end of first quarter.
Whitley Bay continued to have the better of the game, but we did at least start to show some attacking ideas of our own. They took the lead when a bouncing ball wasnt cleared and they finished well from close range. This again seemed to throw us and our heads did go down. They took the initiative and the score was only kept down thanks to Aaron, James & Joseph. Ben made his team debut in the first quarter and did very well being a year younger and first time out, well done. Half time WBFC 1 Guide Post 0
For the third quarter Taylor came on and did well in defence, as we finally started to get in to gear, and it was more even. Joseph, Elliott and Liam having attempts on goal. While at the back James made some vital tackles, and Aaron again did well with everything thrown at him. End 3rd 1/4 WBFC 1 Guide Post 0
With the wind behind us, we started to look more threatening up front, with Josh & Sam getting into some good positions, despite our better play in midfield our equaliser actually came from the keeper! Aaron's typically long goal kick bounced once and unfortunately for the Whitley Bay keeper he couldnt prevent it from going over the line. This lifted the boys, and it was end to stuff for the last five minutes, the ball just not quite falling to Elliott in the box, while Josh also started to find the attacking & battling qualities needed against these strong sides. While at the back Taylor, James & Joseph covering did well to keep them from scoring. Final score WBFC 1 Guide Post 1
It was good to get our first point, but we know we can play better than that, just need that first win then I'm sure we'll see that confident team from pre-season back. Against a very threatening attack two players stood out at the back for us, and that was Aaron & James, superb work lads you kept your team in the game through hard work & committment. It was such a close call for man of the match, with James picking up the WBFC Coach's decision, while we felt we couldnt leave Aaron out, so we decided to give a joint man of the match this time, so great work both of you!
Could not fault the effort from any of the players today, and we battled hard to the final whistle. Now have a week off before a double header weekend, Saturday 17th October v Bedlington then on the Sunday v Blyth Town. Lets work hard in training and prepare well for those games.
Training 5.30 GPMS.
