SHILDON 4 WHITLEY BAY 2
Whitley travelled to former Northern League rivals Shildon for their second pre-season friendly and most of their summer signings played a part in this game. Michael Hall, Stephen Turnbull and Luke Porritt, who missed the trip to Cleethorpes, all had time on the pitch, as did Zack Bewley, who has recovered from a dislocated shoulder which he suffered towards the end of last season.
Shildon, who had an excellent first season in the Northern Premier League East Division last year, included former Bay striker Jon Weirs in their starting eleven.
On a fine sunny evening Whitley started strongly and looked much the better side in the early stages but just before the half hour, Shildon were awarded what looked to be a questionable penalty and Dean Thexton comfortably beat Bay's triallist goalkeeper from the spot. A few minutes later Zack Bewley's well flighted cross was headed goalwards by Adam Shanks but was saved low down by the keeper.
A defensive error four minutes before half time handed Shildon a second goal which on the balance of play very much flattered the home side, but two minutes later Whitley struck back with the goal of the game. Adam Shanks volleying home from the edge of the box after Scott Lowery had crossed from the right wing.
Right on half time, another mistake at the back allowed Shildon to restore their two goal lead.
In the second half Whitley fielded an almost completely changed eleven while Shildon also made a series of changes. Just past the hour mark, hesitancy at the back allowed Shildon the chance to add a fourth goal as the ball was lobbed over Dan Lister into an empty net.
Eleven minutes from time Whitley got their second goal of the game when Callum Senior crossed from the left and Malcolm Morien's shot went in off the underside of the bar. In the closing stages they had opportunities to further reduce the arrears but Lewis Orrell's free kick cleared the bar and a late effort was well saved.
Whitley are next in action on Tuesday evening at Morpeth Town. The scheduled friendly at Liversedge on Saturday 16th July has been cancelled but it is hoped to arrange another game on that day.
Starting eleven: Triallist, Lowery, Day, Turnbull, Hall, Triallist, Bewley, Neary, Shanks, Gilchrist, Porritt
Second half substitutes: Lister, Senior, Orrell, Morien, Cresdee, Triallist, Triallist, Triallist
