WHITLEY BAY 1 NEWCASTLE BENFIELD 0
Tuesday 17th September 2024
Report by Harry Salkeld
After an exceptional performance and three points on Saturday, the Bay were back at Hillheads once again, this time to face a local rival. It was time for the Coast Road Classico, Whitley Bay v Newcastle Benfield! Our opponents came into the game with disappointing form, winless in their last four. However, despite the visitor’s form, Northern League regulars knew this wasn’t going to be an easy game and that Benfield pose a real challenge.
The game started with the Bay pressing Benfield high up the pitch. The Bay won the ball seconds after the whistle was blown, giving Forster a chance at goal. Unfortunately, the forwards attempt was on his weaker, right foot, therefore causing the keeper no problems.
The Bay were enjoying most of the ball but not creating any clear cut chances since Forster’s effort. In the 14th minute, Callum Larmouth did really well, as he spun past Tom Howard to send him on his way. The Bay’s number nine ran down the left wing and crossed the ball towards the back post where Forster stretched out a foot to poke the ball home from close range.
Not long later and Benfield had an abundance of corners which didn’t lead to anything, but it asked the Bay some questions and put them on the back foot. Benfield continued to grow into the game, but the Bay’s classy interceptions and tackles were fighting off the threat.
In the 36th minute, Gladstone was caught out of his goal giving Callum Guy a crazy invitation to shoot at goal. Guy volleyed the ball over Gladstone’s head, but the bounce took the ball just over the bar to the relief of the majority inside Hillheads.
The game continued to create no chances, and the half time whistle was soon blown. The second half failed to create any clear-cut chances early on, but Thompson saw an effort from range go wide in the 52nd minute. Benfield’s defenders were showing real composure on the ball despite the Bay press.
In the 63rd minute, Larmouth had a rocket of a shot fly over the bar. Minutes later and Guy had another volley attempt, this time going wide of the right post.
In the 76th minute, Thompson had a cross cleared only as far as Kanda whose effort was blocked by a defender’s chest brilliantly.
In the 88th minute, the Bay made their first change of the game as Mikel Thompson made way for Shane Donaghey.
Unsurprisingly, Benfield were the team dominating the ball as they were looking for their equaliser. Callum Guy had an attempt saved by Gladstone after an overhit cross found the number 10.
The Bay fought off the Benfield burst in the remaining minutes to win the game 1-0. The Bay showed real defensive stability and defended as a unit. I think a lot of praise needs to go to Kanda, who broke everything up and cleaned up all the mess on the edge of the six-yard box, an amazing shift from the Bay’s number 8. Man of the match went to Forster after another great night from the goalscorer!
Another great result, another clean sheet HOWAY THE BAY!
WHITLEY BAY : Gladstone, Brady, Christie, Forster, Robson, Scott, Baxter(Parkinson 90+3mins), Kanda, Larmouth, Thompson(Donaghey 88mins), Stewart
Attendance: 301
Man of the Match: Forster
Referee: Liam Batie
