Whitley’s 3-0 victory at Pickering Town left manager Nick Gray very happy with his team, but he had a word of sympathy for the North Yorkshire side whose geographical position means they face long journeys to most of their away games, after being placed in the Northern League this season.
“Yes, I’m really pleased. But the first thing I’d say is credit to these. I don’t know who has put them in the Northern League. I feel sorry for them having to travel so far every other game. They’re ok here but away games, it’s tough for them.
“But going into the game, I thought it would be tough for us after the results they’ve had recently here, and we knew it’s going to be a challenging time. We’ve identified the next five games as tough for us, four away games, one home game and all against good sides, but today to get through a game with no injuries and a clean sheet and three points, it’s great.
“The first 20 I thought we were lethargic, didn’t look great, then suddenly something happens to change it. It’s a great run by Porritt, great delivery by Ben and Michael‘s done a great header. I thought they would come at us in little bit after that but we got a second goal just before half time, a great delivery and Scotty can’t miss from there.
“It can be a funny score 2-0, because one goal changes the game massively. But they get a man sent off. He’s been frustrated at the referee, opened his mouth to him and as a contest that killed the game off really. I think they were deflated after that. We scored a third goal and to be honest looking towards Tuesday, the last half hour might not have been pretty as a spectacle to watch but for me and the players, it was just about keeping the ball doing the right decisions and not getting injured, saving your legs and we did that. I was really pleased with that, it was good, the result and everything else today. So yes, we’ve got a great result and I’m delighted.”
