RYHOPE CW 2 WHITLEY BAY 3
Saturday 23rd December
A last minute goal from substitute Kyle Patton gave Whitley all three points after a hard fought game at Ryhope Recreation Park.
Returning to action following a series of postponements due to the wintry weather, both sides took a while to settle and 15 minutes had passed before the first chance on goal arrived, Ryhope’s Corey Nicholson directing a header straight at Tom Flynn who saved comfortably. Eight minutes later James Ellis was played in on goal but Flynn blocked his shot. Ryhope were getting on top and in the 23rd minute Flynn made an excellent point blank save, palming the ball away to deny Matty Weirs.
Whitley eventually created a chance after 25 minutes when Alex Kempster made a good run from midfield, cut in and his strong shot was spilled by keeper Jonny Ball but Liam Brooks was caught offside as he attempted to capitalise on the error.
Back came Ryhope and Noah Summers made an important challenge as the hosts threatened to break through. Flynn was in action again just past the half hour, pushing an effort from Kyle Davis round the post. The Ryhope captain then saw an attempt deflected behind for a corner.
Despite their territorial advantage and attempts on goal, Ryhope were unable to penetrate a resolute defence and on the stroke of half time, they gifted Whitley an early Christmas present when former Bay keeper Jonny Ball allowed a mis-hit 15 yard shot from Jack Walker to slip straight though his legs and into the net.
Whitley could consider themselves fortunate to be ahead at the interval and they were soon pegged back after the restart. A long range shot from Braithwaite brought yet another fine save from Flynn but the Bay keeper was finally beaten with 49 minutes played when Ellis headed home a well placed cross from the right.
Whitley responded well and six minutes later a good flowing move ended with Tom Potter cutting in from the right just outside the 18 yard box before unleashing an unstoppable shot that flew into the top corner of the net.
The game was really opening up with both sides intent on playing attacking football and on the hour mark, Ryhope were back on level terms when Braithwaite slotted home from close range following a cross from the right.
Whitley were giving the ball away too frequently in midfield and failing to put sufficient pressure on the home side but a double substitution gave them the edge. 19 year old Callum Johnston, a recent signing from Ashington came off the bench along with Kyle Patton and both were to play significant roles in the final quarter of the game.
Claims for a Whitley penalty were ignored when Potter’s ball into the box appeared to be handled on the line then in the 71st minute, Kyle Patton’s powerful header was pushed over the bar as Ball made amends for his earlier mistake. Kempster’s ball across the face of goal was only inches in front of Johnston as the youngster raced in but then with 12 minutes remaining, the debutant was unlucky not to get on the score sheet when his first time effort from Potter’s cross crashed off the bar and away to safety with Ball beaten.
Whitley now had the upper hand but both sides were still going in search of the winner. With three minutes remaining, Callum Patton, making his first start since September, was replaced by club captain Callum Anderson, returning after lengthy injury and it was Anderson who set up the winning goal in the last minute of the ninety, controlling the ball in the Ryhope box before playing in Kyle Patton whose precise finish through a crowded goalmouth found the bottom corner of the net to spark celebrations on the pitch and scenes of joy among the large contingent of travelling fans.
Ryhope may have felt that they deserved a point after a battling display which put Whitley on the back foot especially in the first half. In contrast though, Whitley could rightly claim that any good fortune is well overdue after a series of crucial games when the luck has been very much against them.
WHITLEY BAY: Flynn, Salmon, Walker, Charmey(K Patton 64mins), Summers, Nearney, Potter, C Patton(Anderson 87mins), Brooks(Johnston 64mins), Kempster, Cornish
Substitutes not used: Brannen, Jasper
Referee: Michael Andrews
Cautions: None
Attendance: 101
