WHITLEY BAY 3 CARLISLE CITY 0
SATURDAY 16th AUGUST 2025
Report by Julian Tyley
Whitley extended their lead at the top of the Northern League table with a well deserved victory in the August sunshine at Hillheads. Visitors Carlisle City played their part in an entertaining game but could not cope with Whitley’s in-form strike duo of Mackenzie Sharpe and Layton Campbell both of whom got on the scoresheet once again.
Following two excellent 4-0 victories in the previous seven days, fans arrived at Hillheads in expectation of more goals and they were not disappointed as Jay Bates’ side took full advantage of the FA Cup commitments of some of their rivals to move four points clear and maintain their unbeaten league record.
There was just one change to the starting eleven that won at Marske in midweek, Josh Stewart returning from injury at right back. Jake Forster, Jack Errington and Kieren Aplin were all still missing through injury.
As in their last two outings, Whitley made the perfect start with a goal inside the first ten minutes. After an even opening to the game, just over five minutes had been played when Campbell raced away down the right, cut in and played a low ball into the box where Sharpe eluded two defenders, turned on the ball and drove a right footed shot beyond keeper Craig Hunter into the net.
Carlisle responded positively and within three minutes they thought they had equalised when Irving slotted home Kelly’s long ball from the right but the assistant’s flag was raised for offside. It was a warning to Whitley and shortly afterwards, the Cumbrians’ striker Callum Birdsall unleashed a powerful shot from outside of the box and the ball dipped just over the bar.
With 19 minutes played, Whitley nearly doubled their lead when Campbell’s cross from the right was met by Alfie Livermore and his goalbound effort was scrambled off the line with the keeper beaten. Moments later Sharpe sent a header narrowly wide and with Whitley attacking relentlessly, another opportunity came Sharpe’s way following a free kick taken by Larmouth. With the ball bouncing around the box, Sharpe volleyed the ball inches wide of the far post with many in the crowd thinking it must have hit the back of the net.
Still just one goal ahead, Whitley had to be alert to the threat posed by the opposition and keeper Asikaogu punched clear from a dangerous looking cross into the box.
Ten minutes before the interval, Livermore, on his home debut, played a great ball over the Carlisle defence for Sharpe to run onto but his shot was blocked.
Shortly before the interval, City keeper Hunter suffered a hamstring injury and needed attention before being able to continue but was still in discomfort.
One goal ahead at the interval, Whitley knew the game was far from won but just over three minutes after the restart they had the cushion of a second goal thanks to a moment of brilliance from Campbell. Receiving a long and accurate crossfield ball from the left, he took it to the right side of the box, went past a defender and from a very narrow angle, fired a tremendous shot just inside the near post into the roof of the net leaving Hunter helpless.
Now comfortably in control, confidence grew with every member of the side playing their part.
Carlisle still posed a threat but were unable to break through a strong and disciplined Bay midfield. Midway through the half, the victory was sealed when Larmouth, attacking down the right, played a great ball into the box and Sharpe met it ahead of the keeper and poked it home for his second and Whitley’s third of the game.
As at Marske on Tuesday, Whitley took advantage of their comfortable lead to bring on three youngsters in the final quarter of the game to give them valuable Northern League experience.
With the game effectively won, the main aim now was to keep a third consecutive clean sheet which they did with few real alarms. Carlisle did get the ball in the net again but once again it was ruled offside.
This was Whitley’s sixth League game of the season and they have scored at least three goals in each of them. With a total of 21 goals scored, it is an impressive record which is delighting the fans at this early stage of the season.
Tough tests await in the weeks ahead but the luxury of a four point lead at the top of the table so soon into the new season is something few could have imagined.
With the midweek game at Guisborough postponed due to their hosts being involved in a FA Cup replay, Whitley have the benefit of a full week to prepare for next Saturday’s Isuzu FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round tie at Darlington Town.
WHITLEY BAY: Asikaogu, Stewart, Christie, Larmouth, Scott, Williams(Achuo 76mins), Campbell, Kanda, Sharpe, Thompson(Harvey 73mins), Livermore(Lees 79mins)
Substitutes not used: Colquhoun, Higgins
Caution: Thompson
Referee: Ben Higgot
Attendance: 298
Bay Fencing North East Ltd Man of the Match: Mackenzie Sharpe
