21st September Whickham (h)

Unable to get to Tuesday's Hebburn Town game, there were mixed emotions when Hebburn took a 5-0 lead but there was complete shock when the Bay managed to score four unanswered goals. This season, I have only managed to witness The Bay score 5 times in league and Cup. I'm feeling slightly starved at the moment. Today, I was hoping for a change in fortune.

Whickham were on the same run of form as the Bay, 3 defeats and a draw, what chances a home win?

Teamsheet modelled superbly by Ann B, sunglasses provided by Moira.

It was good to see Nathan back on the touchlines after his enforced break for family reasons. He had been sorely missed!

There was also a return for Dan Lister, who had a point to prove after being replaced for the previous two games. It was also good to see Luke Taylor start  for the first time this season and he looked an imposing pairing with Connor Smith at the centre of defence. Two more reasons to be hopeful!

The bright, but breezy, weather was a pleasant surprise for the end of September and I kept short sleeves on all the way through the first half. Extreme bravery on my part.

The Bay made a bright start to match and once again, Mark Robinson was getting at the visiting defence and causing problems. The support behind the goal was a bit thin on the ground although one fan was taking full advantage of the warmth... all he needed was some sand and a bucket and spade to make his afternoon complete.

The only trouble was the age-old problem of unknown players as we followed the action. Moira's suggestion was that we could put different coloured cats on top of each player to identify them whereas I preferred the Fifa-styled names above their heads using small projectors installed on their backs.

Fifa names? Not sure it will take off!

Cats on heads? It might just catch on....

The final decision was that maybe we should try to learn their names and that a settled team each season might be nice. Bob said it would never catch on though.

Apart from a perfectly-timed Luke Taylor goalline clearance, there were not many opportunities but the first half had been surprisingly entertaining, even for the dynamic and demanding duo of Bob and Moira!

The second half, however was a cold affair. Once you stepped out of the sun's warmth and into the shade of the trees at the Car Park End, the temperature dropped.

At least the football kept the 'Siberian conditions' behind the goal at Bay.

 However, the match continued to engage. The Bay weren't losing anyway: an achievement in itself. Dan Lister looked particularly solid. His positioning was spot-on as each shot was perfectly handled and whenever he went walkabout, Taylor and co had his back and goal-line covered. There was excitement when Robinson was joined up front by Shanksy with Luke Salmon restored to the Bay's left wing. But the goal never came.. 

Whickham's defence was physical and no matter how many times Robo managed to wriggle a way through, there was always a Whickham arm, boot or leg ready to bring him down. 

In the end, we had to be contented with a clean sheet and a point. At least we hadn't lost, was the consolation.