Report by Julian Tyley
Winning the Northumberland Senior Cup was Whitley’s first trophy victory since completing a hat trick of FA Vase wins at Wembley back in 2011. Many of the fans who celebrated the nerve wracking penalty shoot-out triumph over Heaton Stannington on Tuesday night had not been born when that record breaking series of honours was achieved and the delight of fans of all ages at St James’ Park was the first thing on the mind of Bay assistant manager Barry Rizza when he spoke after the game.
“It was a great night for everyone involved. The lads really wanted to do it for everybody involved at the club, all the supporters, the helpers, people that turn up week in week out, the families, the kids. It’s just an amazing experience for everyone involved!”
It was a closely fought game, goal less at the interval, but both sides scored soon after half time, Heaton Stannington taking the lead before substitute Nathan Nkunku levelled six minutes later. No further goals meant the game went to penalties with Whitley emerging 6-5 winners.
“To be fair there never is much between the teams when we come up against them. They know about us and we know a bit about them. They’re a very good outfit, they compete week in week out and they’ve had a great season as well within the league above us. The first half I would give to them, second half I think we probably shaded it.”
After weeks of playing on heavy surfaces then towards the end of the season on very hard and bumpy pitches, it came as something of a luxury to be performing on a perfectly manicured Premier League playing surface, as Barry quickly acknowledged. “It’s a pleasure isn’t it, playing on a pitch like that. The lads haven’t got to worry about their touch. Saying that”, he joked, “Micky Scott had to worry a little bit but that’s Micky for you!”
He continued “In terms of the whole experience, lads grow up supporting Newcastle and to have the opportunity to play on that pitch, that’s the message we were trying to get across, they’ve got to enjoy every minute of it and a win’s going to create better memories than a loss would have.
“We’ve got some great young lads, they’re on a journey and they know that. I’m so pleased for young Alan (Achuo). He’s been in and around the squad for the whole season, he’s never moaned when he hasn’t got minutes. In training he’s superb week in and week out. He’s learning his trade and he’s come in tonight and fair play to him, he’s one of the first people to put his hand up (to take a penalty) and for me that’s one of the first things we said. We said we wanted courage from everyone at the start of the season and he’s shown that in abundance tonight.
“Luca’s always been in and around, we know he’s a special talent it’s just keeping him fit and getting him in there every week but he’s an absolute engine he gives you so much energy coming off the bench and to be fair he’d probably start but he’s been away on holiday.”
In a penalty shoot-out, goalkeepers can often become heroes and by making two saves, Mauro Asikaogu clearly played his part, but the whole squad, including the substitutes, contributed to the victory, a fact that Barry was keen to emphasize. “I’d put it down to the whole team tonight, but obviously with the season Mauro’s had, and to pull that save off under the pressure he was under, that’s what big players do. They pull something out special when it’s needed!”
The support throughout the game from the Bay fans packed into the East Stand was hugely appreciated by the players and management who made their way across the pitch to share the celebrations after the final whistle.
Barry summed up their feelings “A massive, massive thank you to the fans.”
