WHITLEY BAY 1 NEWCASTLE BENFIELD 3
Monday 7th May
For much of this game it looked as if Whitley might end the season with a victory but in the end, experience and clinical finishing proved decisive despite the enthusiasm and endeavour of Andy Gowens’ youngsters.
What has been a recurring theme in recent months struck yet again as injuries and unavailability left Whitley with a threadbare squad. The good news was that Callum Anderson returned from injury to bolster the defence, while two teenagers, James Proctor and Ryan Hucks both made their first start in a side whose average age was just 21.
In marked contrast, Newcastle Benfield included veteran striker Paul Brayson, who at 41 has had another prolific season scoring over 30 league goals and he took only 70 seconds to add to his tally after he latched onto a long ball and slotted home to give his side the perfect start.
Prior to kick off, there was a minute of applause in tribute to Bay fan and former Supporters Club vice chairman Allan Barkas who sadly passed away on Thursday of last week.
Having conceded the early goal, Whitley responded immediately and barely a minute later Scott Jasper had the ball in the Benfield net only to be denied by an offside flag. Whitley were looking lively, no one more so than 18 year old Kieran Brannen who went close twice in quick succession just before the quarter hour. An impressive run saw him go past defender James Martin before firing in a shot that keeper Grainger managed to keep out with his feet and moments later he fired just off target. With 19 minutes played, Benfield’s Jake Orrell cut inside David Hall on the right edge of the Whitley box and drove a low ball across goal and just beyond the far post.
Chances kept coming and Whitley drew level in the 22nd minute when Proctor’s cross from the right eluded Grainger as he was challenged by Jasper. Callum Johnston seized on the loose ball, rifling it into the net from six yards. Four minutes later Cam Cunningham produced a save from Grainger after being played through by Glen-Ravenhill, but Benfield almost regained the lead after 32 minutes when Brayson was left with an open goal. However man of the match Proctor came to Whitley’s rescue as he got back to head the ball off the line.
Twice in the space of a minute Whitley should have capitalised on errors in the Benfield defence but firstly Glen-Ravenhill then Jasper chipped the ball narrowly wide of the target after beating Grainger.
Tom Flynn produced an excellent save, pushing a swerving shot from Slaughter just over the bar in the 38th minute while three minutes later Carr went close but his shot crept beyond the far post.
An entertaining first half ended with the sides level and Whitley looking much better than in recent games. After a quiet opening to the second period, Whitley almost took the lead in the 57th minute when Jasper nodded the ball across the goalmouth and Johnston’s close range header struck the post. The ball rebounded back into play but Glen-Ravenhill’s first time effort flew high over the bar. Three minutes later Benfield sub Josh Scott was denied when Anderson headed his goalbound effort off the line.
While the crowd of over 300 fans were basking in the warm sunshine, players welcomed the opportunity for a drinks break during a stoppage in play midway through the half. Jasper who had worked tirelessly was then replaced by Connor Campbell for the final stages of the game. Following great work by Brannen on the edge of the box, a 75th minute shot from Johnston took a deflection on its way through the Benfield defence. In recent weeks, a series of similar deflections at the other end have flown into the Whitley net but on this occasion it worked in Benfield’s favour, as the ball was diverted into Grainger’s grasp.
Four minutes later, a quickly taken corner caught out the Bay defence and Brayson’s ball into the goalmouth was headed home by Orrell, despite the efforts of defenders to keep it out.
To go behind again was tough on Whitley but Johnston nearly levelled the score three minutes later when his close range shot from Glen-Ravenhill’s cross was blocked by Grainger and rebounded away from goal.
With the game entering the final minute, Whitley suffered a cruel blow when they conceded a third goal after Brayson’s neat through ball found Orrell unmarked and he slotted past Flynn.
The final score was very harsh on Whitley who certainly deserved to take a share of the spoils. Despite the defeat, the performances of the youngsters gave real cause for optimism, with Proctor and Brannen particularly impressive. What is clearly required during the close season is the arrival of some more experienced players to blend with the youngsters and give the squad a better balance.
WHITLEY BAY: Flynn, Proctor, Hall, Glen-Ravenhill, Groves, Anderson, Brannen, Hucks, Jasper (Campbell 71mins), Johnston, Cunningham
Referee: Mark Ryan
Cautions: Hall, Johnston
Attendance: 324
h2o Bathrooms man of the match: James Proctor
