WEST AUCKLAND TOWN 1 WHITLEY BAY 0
Tuesday 10th September
Report by Julian Tyley
Whitley can count themselves very unfortunate not to get at least a point from a game where they were much the better side for the first 45 minutes but could not capitalise on their opportunities.
The only goal of the contest came in first half stoppage time, from which point West Auckland were content to hold on to their narrow advantage and frustrate Whitley’s attempts to get back in the game.
There was one change to the Bay side that won at Marske on Saturday, Kyle Cockburn returning in place of Michael Scott. The hosts were in good form having conceded just one goal in their previous five games.
Playing up the slope, Whitley began strongly and inside the first minute, Callum Larmouth struck a powerful shot from just outside the box and experienced keeper Nick Liversedge was happy to push it over the bar.
Forcing the home side back in their own half, Whitley were playing the ball around accurately and winning key challenges. In the seventh minute Mikel Thompson saw his shot take a deflection before being grasped by the keeper.
When the hosts attacked, Gladstone pushed one effort away before reacting well to save an effort on goal.
It was still mostly Whitley who were creating the opportunities and Larmouth went close in the 22nd minute with a shot that Liversedge could not hold but grabbed at the second attempt before the ball ran loose.
Thompson was causing problems for the home side with his close ball control and three minutes later he brought a good save from Liversedge.
Neat approach play cut through the home defence again and with 36 minutes on the clock, Cockburn almost broke the deadlock with a shot that flew just the wrong side of the post.
Continuing to look the better side, Whitley threatened again shortly before the interval and it was Larmouth again who went close as his shot on the half volley took a deflection and went behind for a corner.
Into stoppage time, Auckland broke forward and when the ball was played out to the right, Harrison sent in a low cross and Conway poked it home from close range.
It came very much against the run of play but it was a clinical finish and with barely time to restart the game, it sent the hosts in at half time with the lead despite all the pressure that Whitley had been applying.
The second half began with West Auckland pushing forward and Gladstone had to push a deep cross from the right over his bar. The hosts forced two corners in quick succession but Whitley defended them effectively and ten minutes into the half Michael Baxter looked to break away down the middle but went to ground under a challenge from Ben Dale. It appeared an obvious foul but play was allowed to continue as the home side cleared the danger.
Whitley were unable to retain or win possession as effectively as they had done in the first half with the home side having more of the ball without creating chances to extend their lead.
As the half progressed, they appeared increasingly content to slow down the game, sit on their lead and frustrate Whitley’s attempts to break them down.
With twenty minutes remaining, Joe Robson was just off target but the well organised home defence were giving little away and even with the introduction of substitutes Thomas Wilson and Shane Donaghey, Whitley could not find a way through, despite their best efforts.
There was a feeling of real frustration among the Bay players and fans at the final whistle, whereas West Auckland were clearly delighted to hold on and record a narrow win.
WHITLEY BAY: Gladstone, Brady, Christie, Forster, Robson, Stewart, Baxter(Donaghey 69mins), Kanda, Larmouth, Thompson, Cockburn(Wilson 60mins)
Substitutes not used: Parkinson, Scott
Cautions: None
Referee: Harvey Websdale
Attendance:188
