10th December 2016 - Shildon (h)

I missed the last two games due to trips away to see indie popsters White Lies in Liverpool and Placebo in Leeds. Avoiding the defeat at Guisborough and draw at Benfield gave me false hope of a Bay win. Even though we were facing fourth placed Shildon, I was still confident. After all in the away game, the Bay had recovered from being 2-0 down to secure a draw at the league champions. This Bay team, I feel, has more to offer, playing-wise, if lacking in experience. I was also looking forward to seeing the new boys Liam Brooks (Forward from Alnwick Town) and Matty McCarthy (defender from WAC) but both were on the bench and a surprise inclusion was the twinkle-toed elder statesman of Whitley football Chris 'I'm the coach' Moore. The rumour on the terrace was that he was actually making his ninth debut for the club although that was later scaled down to his third.
There was also the added draw, after the game, of a fans' forum. this also included the genius move of giving £1 off everyone attending's first beverage. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend but Mr Bay Twitter was in attendance to report back.
The Bay made the perfect start when a Shanks flick found Kempster. His cross eluded everyone and was perfectly side-footed home. The boys were back in town!
However, they weren't. Shildon suddenly seemed to step up a gear and the Bay goal was under siege most of the half. Shildon levelled from the penalty spot on 13 minutes, Billy Greulich-Smith scoring. This was followed by a chance for Captain Mac, but his drive at the far post only  met the side netting. The Bay were made to rue this missed opportunity as a flying Shildon player in the box, again meant the visitors being awarded a penalty which BGS slotted home confidently.
Shildon's passing was so much better than the Bay's and whenever the home players rescued the ball, their clearances lacked composure and accuracy so were quickly recovered by the visitors. Tom Flynn was a busy boy.

Shrinking Chocolate?
Not happy!

Our short-sighted group became slightly distracted during this period and so the conversation drifted onto that important and, often debated, subject of shrinking chocolate bars. With the help of Google, we solved the debate once and for all. The truth of it all is that Mars bars in the 1990s were 65 grams and are now a miniscule 51 grams (although in the 1980s they were only 49 grams!). Yorkies have gone from 58g (1980s) to 70g (1990s) and are now a teeny-sized 46 grams. (thanks to Confectionerynews.com)
There was good news in that Kitkats, Double Deckers and Lion bars have grown in size. But yes...Wagon Wheels are indeed smaller. This frequently recurring topic lead us to Tommy's Tea Emporium at half time as I indulged in some tiny Mars Bar action.

Our view from afar!

Into the second half and our view of the action was once again distant as Liam Brooks replaced the Kempstervator, who had picked up an injury and couldn't keep going in the second half. Shildon continued to dominate. Yes the lads worked hard but they just couldn't get going. With big man Brooks up front there were a few more high balls aimed at him but the visiting defence held sway.

Ripped shorts?

The on-field action frequently took second place to the antics of a group of young lads, all wearing blue and white Hair-Bear bunch Afro-wigs (circa 1970). Their constant cries of "Keeper, keeper your pants have split!" were amusing for a while but we eventually tired and when we returned to concentrate on the game, it went from bad to worse.
The game was effectively over in the 64th minute when the flying Lewis Wing took aim and his deflected shot beat the floored Flynn at his near post. The continued huff and puff from the boys showed great willing but they created few chances and the game finished 3-1; Shildon having controlled the game after the Bay's opener.
Not quite back to the drawing board, just a minor blip in this young side's progress.

Finally: good luck to Stephen Gibson who has been missing from the Bay line-up with a torn patella tendon and needs 6-7 months of physio and rehab but thankfully no operation. Get well soon!