Report by Julian Tyley
After Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Whickham, Whitley’s new manager Jay Bates reflected on the performance of his team in their opening league game of the season.
“It was a good game, wasn’t it! I think the fans will be happy. Second half we were putting their backs against the wall, but we just weren’t converting the chances. We missed the penalty and we thought it was not going to be our day. Then another shot just narrowly went wide, but when we got that first goal I knew we’d get two or maybe three. I just think when that first goal goes in we can go on to beat teams quite comfortably.
“For their goal the lad was looking to take the throw in, but everyone just stopped before the ball was out of play but it was kept in and unfortunately it’s landed at their striker, and you know what happens when it lands at Levi Collins going through one on one with the goalkeeper. He always hits the back of the net. That’s what he’s paid to do and that’s what he’s done.
“Mikel (Thompson) had a chance in the first half and we had a couple of other chances, but so did they. It was an even game first half. I thought we looked a bit nervous for the first 20 minutes but after that we settled and got into our rhythm.
“At half time, we knew we were going to create chances. We always do create chances. It’s just putting the ball in the back of the net; once we get the one, we get the two, we get the three. If the pen had gone in I’ve got no doubt we would have gone on and won that game comfortably.
“We’ve got a few people missing, on holiday and injuries, and Callum Larmouth was suspended from last season.”
Jay highlighted the importance of the fans and how their support can help the team on the pitch.
“I think when the first goal went in, the crowd was lifted. You could sense them on your backs. It just gave us that little bit extra on the pitch. You don’t realise how much it helps when crowds get behind you and it give the lads another 10% - 20%.
“For me, in the second half I cannot remember anything that they (Whickham) created other than a long ball, that’s all. I think we pretty much controlled it and it was just about scoring that first goal.
“They tried to kill the game, time waste as long as they could, but it is what it is.”
Whitley made only the one substitution, Thomas Wilson replacing the injured Kyle Cockburn.
“Yes, just an injury forced substitution. I pretty much thought we could dominate that second half and I didn’t feel that the lads were tired at all. I thought we were on top and I just knew that when that goal went in, we’d go on and win so that’s why I didn’t change anything, there wasn’t any need. The other three lads and keeper on the bench weren’t going to change things up front so I didn’t think we needed to change it.
“So yes, I’m happy considering we’ve got a few lads missing. I’m pretty confident now that we can go one and be up there in the league.”
