Report by Julian Tyley
Whitley made it through to the next round of the FA Cup after a hard fought game at Beverley Town.
Speaking after the game, assistant manager Barry Rizza felt they should have seen the cup tie out more comfortably having been 3-0 ahead against ten man Beverley just after half time.
“We got it over the line in the end. At 3-0 up we should maybe have had a little bit more game management in killing the game off, but when a team goes down to ten men it’s hard because they go man for man at the back, they go very direct and then at the end throw the kitchen sink at it.”
The early sending off and penalty seemed harsh to some fans but the general feeling was that the referee got the decisions right and Rizza agreed.
“100% they were the correct decisions. The kid’s deliberately saved it on the line so no one can have an argument that that’s not a red card.”
Barry felt that Regan Paterson getting the second goal just before half time was a key moment. “It was, it gave us a bit of a breather and what we said at half time was if we get the next goal the game is dead. But it didn’t quite work out like that.
“To go 3-0 up the lads did what we asked but like I said, they (Beverley) threw the kitchen sink at us. They were much better and fair play to them they dug in and made a very good game of it.”
Paying special tribute to goalkeeper Dan Gladstone whose partner was due to give birth he continued “It was backs to the wall towards the end. The lads dug in and I think they owe our keeper Dan a pint or two. He’s made this trip down at a time like this so it’s amazing commitment from Dan.
With almost 1000 fans at the game he commented “It’s great home support. It’s good for them and it’s good for us, for our lads to get used to playing in front of a big crowd.
“The main thing today is we’re in the hat, we’re in the next round, that’s all that counts. I said that before the game. It’s about getting results. Yes, we want to play attractive football but we need to win games.
“We’ve got few more players that aren’t here today. Callum Larmouth will be back now he’s completed his suspension. Hopefully we can kick on and pick up more points in the league, that’s what it’s about, results.”
