WHITLEY BAY 0 NORTHALLERTON TOWN 0
Tuesday 6th August 2024
Match report by Julian Tyley
Goal less draws involving Whitley Bay are rare occurrences but that is what the fans at Hillheads witnessed on a fine August evening as neither side could break the deadlock in a closely contested Northern League fixture.
Whitley made three changes to the side that battled to victory at Beverley 48 hours earlier. With Dan Gladstone unavailable due to the imminent birth of his child, Callum Corkhill made his debut in goal, while experienced defender Luke Parkinson started after coming off the bench in the previous two games. Striker Callum Larmouth having completed his suspension from last season, made his Bay debut with Jos Storr dropping to the bench.
The first chance on goal came after 12 minutes when Larmouth played the ball to the right of the box where Mikel Thompson struck a powerful shot that keeper Callum Dobson did well to push over the bar.
Half chances came and went at both ends as both sides showed plenty of endeavour but without the end product. After 32 minutes another effort from Thompson struck the side netting following a cross from Cockburn.
Northallerton’s Harry Croft achieved a similar outcome with an attempt on goal five minutes before the interval, with the ball rattling the stancheon.
The last significant action of the half came in the 44th minute when Robson played the ball through to Larmouth but his shot was blocked by Dobson.
Early in the second half two chances came the way of the visitors but after one was blocked, Corkhill made an excellent save to deny Town the lead.
As the half progressed, Whitley began to dominate proceedings as play was largely in the Town half. The visitors were defending valiantly and just past the hour mark, Cockburn had an attempt on goal blocked by a defender.
Storr was brought on for the final quarter of the game in an attempt to force a breakthrough and in the 71st minute it looked as if Larmouth might get the crucial goal but defender Darville threw himself in front of the ball to keep the shot out.
Robson, scorer of two goals in the FA Cup tie then went close but his header from a right wing corner was pushed over the bar.
Pouring forward now at every opportunity, the next to have an attempt was Kanda but he could not keep his shot on target.
Despite Whitley’s pressure, there was always the danger that a breakaway by Northallerton could lead to a goal for the Yorkshiremen but Corkhill was in fine form and punched clear when a high ball was played into the six yard box.
There was to be no winner for either side on what turned out to be a frustrating night for Whitley as they were unable to turn chances into goals.
WHITLEY BAY; Corkhill, Brady, Parkinson, Forster, Robson, Stewart, Paterson(Griggs 58mins) Kanda, Larmouth, Thompson, Cockburn(Storr 68min)
Substitutes not used: Wilson, Christie, Higgins
Referee: Joel Tilmouth
Attendance: 319
Bay Fencing and Landscaping man of the match: Jake Forster
