A tough challenge awaits Whitley in their opening game of 2019, when they welcome title chasing Dunston UTS to Hillheads this weekend. Dunston are enjoying an excellent season and after an outstanding FA Cup run which took them to the 4th Qualifying Round, they have maintained their very impressive league form, suffering only their first league defeat of the season last Saturday when they were beaten 1-0 at home by Bishop Auckland. That result saw them drop to second place in the table, two points behind Consett but with a game in hand.
As is usually the case with Dunston, their success has been built on a very secure defence, with just 13 goals conceded from 18 games played, by far the best defensive record in the league.
Whitley will be determined to put on a much better display than when the sides met at Dunston back in August. That Tuesday night saw them suffer their heaviest ever defeat when they were crushed 8-0 by a rampant home side.
Following last Saturday’s encouraging performance against Newton Aycliffe, manager Mick Mulhern emphasised the need for greater consistency from his players, and a similar work rate and determination will undoubtedly be required this weekend. With players returning from injury, there will be increased competition for places in the squad which can only be good news given the fixtures which lie ahead.
Looking ahead to the game, the manager commented “Obviously Dunston are a very good side. They’ll be wounded by their defeat and we’ll have to be at our best. They will certainly punish us if we’re not.” He added “Whitley Bay are always a well supported club and the backing of our fans is really important to us. I hope they’ll turn out in good numbers again.”
