WHITLEY BAY 2 NEWCASTLE BLUE STAR 1
Saturday 15th November 2025
Report by Harry Salkeld
After a hard-fought point against Birtley last week, the Bay returned to Hillheads Park to face Newcastle Blue Star. Our opponents came into this game with fantastic form on the goalscoring front as they had scored eighteen goals in their last five games, meaning a strong defensive performance was going to be necessary, if the Bay were to win their first game in a month. Two changes were made to the side that drew to Birtley as Larmouth replaced the suspended Mackenzie Sharpe and Williams came in for Scott.
As for the visitors, new manager, Paul Brayson took charge of his side for the first time with an opportunity to win three on the bounce.
The game started with the Bay enjoying possession of the ball, particularly down the right-hand side with Mikel Thompson and Alfie Livermore. However, the visitors would get the first chance of the game as Sean Reid had a headed attempt denied by Mauro. The rebound was somehow also denied but third time was the charm for Blue Star as the scoring was opened in the fourth minute. It was a frustrating goal to concede considering Mauro Asikaogu made a couple stellar saves prior, but the Bay had to be resolute and to react to the early setback.
A reaction is what the Bay faithful were given as pressure on Blue Star mounted down the right-hand side. Aligned with high pressing from their front line, the Bay were growing in to the game despite the early setback, but no real chances were being created, as off yet.
In the 21st minute, Callum Larmouth had a corner near ‘Tommy’s Tea Hut’ which he wrapped into a crowded penalty area. Miraculously, the ball managed to weave through every player and somehow through the reaching grasp of former Bay player, Dan Lister. Despite, protestations from the opposition, for the goal to be ruled out, the Bay were back level with Newcastle Blue Star. It was a goal that no one seen coming once the ball was sent into the box, but it was certainly an extremely early Christmas gift.
Unfortunately, the Bay didn’t use their goal as a platform to build off as the remainder of the half consisted of Blue Star chances. The first big chance after the equaliser fell to Leon Burke but both Josh Stewart and Mauro played their part in keeping the scoreline at a lock. Minutes later, Mauro was called into action once again as he stopped a back post volley effort from Jakub Zych.
The last significant contribution of the first half was through Christie who had a header fly just wide, sending both sides into the break all square.
During the half-time interval, the first ever ‘perfect shot’ attempt was made at Hillheads Park. This is a new game where a participant aims to perfectly kick a ball into a carved cutout, from about 15 yards, to try and win a cash prize! If you would like to play in future weeks, buy a raffle ticket upon entry to the game and you may be the lucky person who gets a go at the ‘perfect shot’.
After a half-time break which flew over, the lads were back onto the pitch with the hope of winning a much needed three points.
In the 48th minute, Forster (who was serving as a striker on the day, instead of his usual holding midfield role) had a go at a cheeky dink over the keeper but it went marginally over the woodwork. It was then time for the visitors to have their opportunity at goal, as minutes later, Lanning had a one-on-one effort stunningly stopped by Mauro.
The second half continued its fast paced, end to end nature as in the 60th minute it was the Bay’s turn to have an effort at Dan Lister. The player who was afforded the opportunity to have that chance was Alfie Livermore, thanks to an inch perfect through ball from Robbie Christie and cometh the hour, cometh the man as he personified composure with his one-on-one effort that wrapped into the bottom right corner. It was absolute mayhem behind the goal in which he scored from an abundance of young supporters who were contributing to a fantastic atmosphere.
After the goal, Jay Bates made his first change as Luca Shilling came on for Kieren Aplin. Fortunately for the Bay, nothing was being created in the game as the lads in blue and white were very happy to soak up the pressure and wait for the prospect of a potential counter-attack. In fact, it took until the 85th minute for Blue Star to have an opportunity, since the Bay scored their second of the game, but it went way, way, way over the top of the woodwork.
In the dying embers of the encounter, the visitors pressure really ramped up a notch, but the Bay showed their determination and character to get over the line and secure all three, vital points.
It wasn’t perhaps the usual free flowing football we’ve seen from the Bay this season, but it was instead a mature, resilient performance which all successful teams need from time to time.
The attendance for the game was a fantastic 602, thank you to everyone that attended, the support in recent weeks has been top notch and we hope that continues into next week when we play Whickham. A fantastic win and an even better atmosphere.
WHITLEY BAY: Asikaogu, Thompson, Christie, Larmouth, Williams, Stewart, Da Silva, Kanda, Forster(Nkunku 56mins), Aplin(Shilling 60mins), Livermore(Harvey 82mins)
Substitutes not used: Lees, Achuo
Referee: Paul Dauber
Cautions: Williams, Da Silva
Attendance: 602
Bay Fencing North East Ltd Man of the match: Mauro Asikaogu
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