BROOKS MILESON MEMORIAL LEAGUE CUP 1st ROUND
WHITLEY BAY 2 PRUDHOE YC SENIORS 0
Tuesday 3rd December 2024
Report by Harry Salkeld
After a disappointing Friday night encounter against Newcastle Blue Star, the Bay were back at Hillheads, looking to change their fortunes in the Brooks Mileson League Cup. Our first round tie in the competition was against Prudhoe YC Seniors, who came into this game with very good form, unbeaten in their last five games.
The game started with the opposition having most of the ball and a good chance at goal which was blocked by a Bay defender. Prudhoe continued to start the opening minutes well, with a high press and strong defensive shape which included a back four and a defensive midfielder sitting in front of them.
However, despite the early Prudhoe pressure, the first big chance fell to the Bay as a lofted ball was played towards Jake Forster and a deflection from a Prudhoe player benefited the Bay’s number 7. Forster cut inside, played an elegant pass towards Sharpe, who in true centre-forward fashion, placed it into the bottom left corner with no hesitation.
In the 18th minute the Bay received a corner. Despite being down to ten men because of a minor Sharpe injury, the Bay took full advantage. The cross was played towards Djalo who set up Kanda for the Bay’s second of the game. Kanda’s shot, despite protestations from the opposition, did clearly cross the line to the delight of most inside the ground.
Minutes later and Thomas Wilson went on a rampaging run down the right-hand side, but his shot flew over the near post which he aimed for. In the 25th minute, another fantastic run led to another poor effort at goal, this time courtesy of Stewart.
The best opportunity of the entire game fell to Kanda before the break as Sharpe squared it from the by-line, but Thomas Dawson pulled of what looked like an impossible save with his feet.
The Bay went into the half time interval with a safe and secure two goal advantage.
The second half started, and the Bay made a comical error which nearly led to a goal. Stewart chipped the ball over his own keeper, Gladstone, leaving the Bay’s number 1 sprinting for the ball which he punched. However, Gladstone’s punch didn’t generate enough power to send it away from goal. Thankfully, Stewart quickly got back in time to clear off the line to atone for his original error.
Soon after, a flurry of substitutions were made by both sides. Despite no real chances being created, Whitley Bay continued to play pleasing, fluid football for the crowd whilst also showing extreme composure and professionalism.
For a significant 20 minute period, the only key moment was an opportunity that fell to Sharpe, who poked his effort with his studs, onto the left foot of Dawson. Dawson had stood resolute for the majority of the game and continued to keep the scoreline respectable for Prudhoe.
Finally, minutes before the end of the game one of the best passages of play I’ve seen at Hillheads in years took place. In the centre of the pitch, several Bay players pinged the ball to one another with a level of speed and accuracy that only a team playing with cohesion and understanding could achieve. Finally, after around ten instantaneous passes, the ball was released down the wing to Djalo, who sent in a sublime cross to Patterson. His first time shot was unfortunately once again brilliantly saved by Dawson, who completed the game with plaudits all around the stadium.
Soon after that attempt, the final whistle was blown, and the Bay progressed to the next round of the cup. It was a professional and extremely convincing display from the Bay, who could have easily won by more against an opponent that was saved by their keeper on numerous occasions, and lacked any real purpose or identity throughout the game.
Thanks to everyone who came to support the lads and HOWAY THE BAY!!!
WHITLEY BAY: Gladstone, Brady, Parkinson(Christie 61mins), Parker, Stewart, Robson, Forster, Djalo, Sharpe(Paterson 57mins), Kanda(Griggs 72mins), Wilson(Cockburn 68mins)
Substitute not used: Scott
Referee: Cameron Atkins
Cautions: None
Attendance: 132
Bay Fencing & Landscaping man of the match: Josh Stewart
