Report by Julian Tyley
Whitley’s 2-0 victory over Prudhoe YC Seniors in the Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup brought a very contented response from Assistant Manager Barry Rizza.
“I thought it was a very professional performance from start to finish. The lads knew we needed a reaction after Friday and I think we got it. First half especially we played very high tempo. Second half it dropped off a bit but I think it’s very hard to keep the tempo up when we were a bit in cruise control without being disrespectful to them. I thought they were quite organised but maybe they were a little off our level.”
Both goals came in the opening 20 minutes and there were chances to add to that lead as the game progressed. “We didn’t put them away in the second half. A couple of the lads apologised for it as well, but I said to them never apologise for not taking chances as long as you keep creating because it’ll come. It was quite difficult on the pitch tonight but you’ve got to get used to it as the winter goes on. It is what it is”
Second Division Prudhoe, lying 5th in the table, were on a good run and came into the tie with nothing to lose so Whitley could not take them lightly, as Barry pointed out. “Myself and Jay went to watch them on Saturday because we had Saturday off. They ran out 4-0 winners at Bedlington. What they do have, they’ve got a togetherness, they’ve got a team that’ll work for each other and they’ve got some young lads and a mix of experience as well.”
A boost for Whitley was the return of striker Mackenzie Sharpe from suspension. It was his early goal that set Whitley on their way to victory. “Mackenzie will always make a difference, having that point man that holds it up, his movement’s good and you see how sharp he is when something falls to him inside the box.”
*In the Second Round Whitley will be away to another Second Division side, Boldon CA, with the date yet to be announced.
