WHITLEY BAY 3 MORPETH TOWN 6
Monday 16th July
Whitley’s winning start to their pre-season campaign came to an end against Morpeth Town at Hillheads when six goals came in a dramatic 20 minute spell during the first half. The visitors, newly promoted to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League, fielded a very strong squad and after an even opening period, they took the lead in the tenth minute through Ben Sayer who found himself with time and space inside the Bay penalty area and comfortably slotted past keeper Andrew Gibson. A great run from midfield by Luke Salmon nearly brought an equaliser six minutes later but Jack Foalle’s shot was deflected just past the post. Morpeth doubled their lead in the 19th minute when Henderson’s clever ball into the box was prodded home by Carson. The visitors made it 3-0 after being awarded a penalty and moments later, Lewis Walton attempted to poke a shot wide but the ball flew into the corner of the net for Morpeth’s fourth goal.
Three minutes later, Whitley reduced the arrears when Jack Foalle’s cross from the right was stabbed into his own net by Stephen Foster under pressure from Olly Martin. Back came Town and they grabbed a fifth goal on the half hour when Sayer’s shot flew into the net through a packed Bay goalmouth.
Half time saw a series of changes from Morpeth, who brought on former Bay defenders Chris McDonald and Chris Reid. Whitley also made substitutions at regular intervals with a number of triallists coming off the bench.
Looking much more of a threat than in the first half, Whitley deservedly pulled a goal back after 55 minutes when Foalle broke clear and fired past Dan Lowson. Ten minutes later they got a third when Triallist B headed home from 12 yards. As they continued to grow in confidence, Whitley created several more chances with Glen-Ravenhill, Foalle and triallists breaking clear but failing to beat the Morpeth keeper who made several outstanding saves to preserve his side’s lead.
With 15 minutes left, the visitors added a somewhat fortunate sixth goal after Callum Anderson slipped on the edge of the Bay 18 yard box leaving Woodhead with a free run on goal.
Having been outplayed in the first half, Whitley produced a much more encouraging performance after the interval and with a little more composure and good fortune, the final score line would have been much closer.
WHITLEY BAY: Gibson, Redford, Walton, Triallist A, Anderson, Triallist B, Glen-Ravenhill, Salmon, Ramsey, Foalle, Martin Substitutes: Allan, Hassan, Bell, and four triallists.
