Report by Julian Tyley
Bay assistant manager Barry Rizza said the players were disappointed not to hold on for three points but he felt there were a lot of positives to come out of the 3-3 draw at Newcastle Blue Star on the opening day of the season.
“Yes, we’re a bit disappointed. At 2-0 you’re talking to them at half time in the changing rooms and saying keep a clean sheet and that’s the game won. To concede three is quite unlike us so the lads are a bit disheartened but at the same time, if you said at the start of the game you’d come here and walk away with a draw you’d take that. But a tough place to come first game and a good test to see where we’re at.
“I think we were quite clinical. There weren’t many chances but when we got them we put them away. It was quite refreshing to see. To be honest I don’t think we played that well in the first half, it was a bit scrappy. We only strung 4-5 passes in a row but the lads kept their shape and stuck to the game plan. They (Blue Star) never had many clear cut chances, but losing Connor Oliver early was a massive blow to them. But I felt the lads dealt with their system well - Dan Wilson is a handful for anyone - until they switched it up in the second half.
“They switched up and went to two up top which we played against a bit in pre-season and struggled slightly. It just occupies both our centre halfs, so maybe a little work to do on the training ground. Credit to the lads when they got back to 2-2 because you can just fall away, then body language and morale can go, but they went up the pitch and got another goal. Then Blue Star get a penalty. Was it a penalty? I’m not too sure but Mauro saved it. I think at the end of the day we’re disappointed but I think a draw is still a good point.
“Conceding that own goal was disappointing but for me Micky Scott was our real captain today, a leader man of the match for me he dealt with Dan Wilson very well. It was one of them, he was in the danger area, when he had to make a decision. It went in the goal but it could have ended up anywhere.
“Young Layton (Campbell) got the first goal. He looked very clinical and sharp. He’s only 18 so his body is adapting to playing 90 minutes against men which is going to take time so it’s about managing him. Young Owen (Lees) came off the bench. Jack Errington got the second goal. He’s a real character and what he brings is leadership communication and banter in the changing rooms.
“Mauro made the penalty save. It was a great save, he sweeps, comes off his line, some great kicking.
“Things are really positive we’ve just got to build on it and go on from there. I think coming here, yes you always want to win, but coming somewhere like this, you’re happy with a point. They’ve just missed out on promotion.
“The games come thick and fast now, it’s a quick turn around and we go again at Whickham on Wednesday. Hopefully the lads look after themselves and do recovery."
