26.12.19 - North Shields (a)

The Blogger family was 3/4 present, the exception being Blogger the youngest, who was in Tokyo for the year. There was no way I could let Mrs Blogger escape attending the derby after her successful appearance in the previous game. Joining us was Blogger the Eldest, back from University. The early start meant a real challenge to get everybody out of the house in time to get to NE29 and find a place before kick off. But, credit to the Blogger family, we managed it.
Queueing up to get into the ground was a novel experience, as well as spending nearly £20 on our tickets. But then there were three of us with a programme thrown in. Not wanting to show any animosity, I gave Nashy a friendly wave, although blotted out his disparaging banter aimed at the Whitley fans.

An interesting item of news there!

The ground looked to be filling up steadily but it looked like the attendance wasn't going to be an amazing one. It did appear that the great and good of Whitley had turned up. Running Keith and his son had also made it along with Long Hair and his statistically encyclopedic son. What they don't know about the Northern League, isn't worth knowing.

It tool a while for the lads to settle but after a couple of early scares, it was a bit of a shock to see the lads ahead. Michael C was put through on goal and brought down by Shields number one, Greg Purvis.

Up stepped Coleby Shepherd, who slammed home after Purvis had dived the wrong way. Maybe too early in the morning to go bonkers but welcome all the same.

Sadly, the travelling fans began to worry as Shields upped their game and it looked like James Martin had slipped as he perfectly headed across his own goal. It was Scott McCarthy who reacted quickest to hit his shot into the top of Dan Lister's goal. The young lads were fighting but the experience of the Shields team was giving them the upper hand. It was a bit of a relief for the visitors when the half-time whistle was blown.
1-1

Hmmmmmmmm... Are there really 676 here? My calculation is 347.

At half time, there was a real example of how to play as some Whitley-supporting lads had a kickabout. What was so impressive was the way two of the lads managed to deliver some cracking passes whilst holding a hotdog each.

Spot the two hotdogs!

The cold was beginning to creep in but Michael C was terrorising the home defence as the Bay started strongly. He was unlucky to see a couple of efforts saved but every time a Bay player looked to have a shooting chance, the Shields' defence closed them down as they dallied. The lads needed to have more confidence in their own ability to shoot first time.

The pitch was having more of an effect on the match as the Bay's short passes struggled to reach their destinations. Also, the experienced Shields grew in confidence and despite a few break away efforts, the Bay were second best to most balls.

It was Paul Van-Zandvliet who powered in at Dan Lister's far post to head the home team ahead. Soon after, Dan ran out to head clear but, the wind tricked him and his glanced header flew back towards his own goal, instead of towards the touchline. Shield's Callum Smith stabbed home to seal the win.
The game was effectively over and it got worse as Whitley's Martin was beaten all-ends-up. His tackle earned him a second yellow card and an early bath/shower/wet-wiping. His first half booking had looked to me to be a cracking tackle to stop a Shields attack but the ref saw things differently and Martin was on his way. 
The match drifted to a close and a sad defeat for the visitors. Another El Classicoast derby and another defeat. The young lads had come a long way in the last few games but our nearest and dearest were just too strong and experienced. Rome wasn't built in a day, Nathan and co still had work to do!
North Shields 3 The Bay 1

21st December 2019 - Seaham Red Star (h)

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Gobsmacked was an understatement. My wife had volunteered to come to today's game. I hadn't asked if she fancied coming or put any pressure on her, she was coming willingly!
I was immediately a bag of nerves. Could she cope being subjected to some of the performances I and other Bay fans had had to endure? She was a Boro fan, I told myself, and used to suffering. Would the cold of a Hillheads afternoon be too much for her? The sight of her wearing all of her wardrobe told me she was prepared for the weather. She had volunteered after all! The only part of the deal I had to keep up was that I would help with the Morrisons shop after the game. Sounded fair enough, even if we were going to the MASSIVE one in Preston Grange, not our cosy Hillheads one!
So it was that, with ten minutes to kick off, I was still waiting for her. Kick off was looming and we hadn't even set off. Retribution for all the mornings I had kept her waiting to get to work? This was far more important!
We emerged through the turnstile at 3:02 and the game was underway. Not a situation I'm comfortable with but the score was 0-0. I was also not comfortable with the idea of handing over money to get her in. My turnstile experience was usually one of waving a season ticket as I breezed through. Apparently, it was not enough to wave cash, you had to hand it over! Who knew? The programme hut was being closed when I purchased the last programme...with a team sheet!
Something strange was happening at the Bay, though. Not only were Nathan's boys winning games but there was a clutch of new signings for our early Christmas presents. In came forward Marcus Giles, who had scored for Ashington here the week before. Also arriving was Kieron Olsen from Carlisle, how and why we managed to snag a player from a League 2 side many won't care if he shows us his potential. He is a player who has worked his way up through the ranks at Carlisle only to be released by them in February. It's even more evidence of Nathan's long reaching reputation and appeal as well as an lot of hard work on the part of Mr Magic Fergie Ferguson.
Brad Hird found himself on the bench to accomodate Marcus while Michael C retained his spot alongside Coleby Shepherd, himself only here a few weeks. Luke Taylor was back in after his suspension and Scott Lowery was captain.

The personal welcome from Director Martin was only to be expected but a really nice touch.
Conscious that Mrs Blogger doesn't walk as quickly as me, I kept on checking she was still with me. Hurrying past Tommy's tea hut then the new stand, I began setting up the goalcam but just as we rounded the Allotment End corner, Michael C was through on goal and had scored! I was gutted to miss a goal for the first time in... well, a while anyway! "Surely you'd prefer them scoring to not scoring," the wise Mrs Blogger told me. I still felt a little disappointed. Always the perfectionist.

By the time I was all set with the goalcam, Seaham were level. A fact that Smithy behind us on the empty terrace had missed because he was checking on the big city's black and white shower. They were 0-0.
I was shocked to be personally attacked soon after by Seaham's Scott Young who objected to me calling for a freekick when he tried to give a Bay player a pre-Christmas cuddle. The final word of his cry of "Shut up you stupid £$%@ was missed by my sensitive ears and Mrs Blogger's because we are now over a half century old and are unable to hear profanities. Smithy behind us, heard it in glorious technicolour. The advantages of youth?
There followed four whole minutes of parity before the Bay were ahead. It was Michael C who stretched ahead of my new best friend to turn in a cross to score. He really is looking stronger since returning back to the first team.

The Bay were flying and MC was leading the charge, despite his lack of height compared to the defensive pairings. It wasn't long before MC had earned his first hat-trick for the Bay. He was on hand to flick the ball over his shoulder and that of Seaham's Chris Bannon. Mrs Blogger's magic was well and truly rubbing off on the players... or MC at least!

He almost scored a fourth with a cheeky overhead flick but he was denied by Chris Bannon's deft touch over the bar. There hadn't been any time for inconsequential banter as the chances kept rolling in.

The half ended in great fashion when my favourite opposition number 2 of the day put through his own net, under pressure from new boy Marcus Giles. What a shame!

Cheer up, it may never happen.
Oh it has!

Mrs Blogger peruses the programme
with great interest, of course!
Note: full wardrobe may not be included in photo.

The dream that had been the first half gave way to a bit of a dull second half for the first four minutes. However, new boy Marcus got his first goal for the Bay to make it 5-1. My application for Mrs Blogger's half season ticket was in the post. This time it was MC who had played him in to finish expertly.

The lads pressed forward but we had to wait until the 70th minute before our patience was rewarded by another goal. Another sublime finish from Gilesy!

The final word had to be from skipper Scott (Lowery) when he finished with aplomb; another super footballing move. 7-1 and life was good again.

The Bay had now won their last three games and given us great hope for the rest of the season. Mrs Blogger's complete wardrobe had stopped her from becoming an icicle and she had enjoyed the match. I got to wander around BIG Morrisons and then there was a takeaway from the brilliant Bay restaurant, the Ahar, to celebrate with. They even gave me a Christmas card.
I hope you have a great Christmas, dear readers and look forward to seeing in NE29 on Thursday. Don't forget that 11am kick off. I'll be working on Mrs B to come and work her magic again, then. You bet!

14th December 2019 - Ashington (h)

I really am becoming a fairweather blogger as I couldn't bring myself to write anything after the home defeat to Penrith. Lee Kerr's late penalty was well struck but hardly an amazing one that would stand out as goal of the season. The eventual 2-1 defeat left my creative juices empty on a night when I could have done with some.
The following Tuesday, the lads travelled to Hebburn's excitingly titled Energy Check Sports Ground, and another drubbing was expected but after trailing at half time, they stormed back to win 2-1. Gobsmocked most Whitley fans probably were, as Yoda might say.
Today, it was winter woolies to the ready as a cold wind rattled through Hillheads and a weak sun struggled to warm, never mind defrost. Still, the football would warm us up... wouldn't it?

 Could the lads achieve a second consecutive win for the first time this season? For the first time, my hopes were reasonably confident. The feeling around the stadium was that if they couldn't manage to win today then Tuesday's win would count for little.
With Christmas looming, the crowd was once again disappointingly low but then this was a relegation battle between two teams who had a great rivalry.
The lads made a great start and were creating opportunities galore.

However, the man-mountain that was Adam McHugh was up to everything Whitley could throw at him. Connor Smith, in particular, was causing all sorts of bother to Ashington's left flank but as his efforts continued to be thwarted, he grew more and more frustrated.
There was great delight for him when he finally managed to beat McHugh with a cracking strike. The Bay were 1-0 up.

The noise and excitement brought some unexpected visitors as a flock of seagulls flew down to see how the game was going.

Birds courtesy of the Kinnon

It was at this point that Claire revealed her distrust for our feathered friends as they hovered above us. Her only course of action was to run away. Thankfully, they flew away as the game began to drift a bit. Obviously they had a short attention span. Guess I won't be introducing Claire to my chickens any time soon.
There was just time for a bit of pingpong in front of the Ashington goal before the half time whistle blew.
The second half had a rude awakening as the clear skies turned black in a matter of seconds and then proceeded to soak the 265 brave souls present.

Not impressed with this weather?

The lads looked to be trying to make the game safe, but once again the chances came and went and the 1-0 lead began to look a bit fragile.

In the space of three minutes, the game had been turned on its head, as Marcus Giles and Ben Sampson gave the visitors a 2-1 lead. What with the lead and the weather, Hillheads suddenly became a scene of stunned disbelief. Even Mr Programme Editor Hall was left speechless.
Thankfully, the lads were still keeping themselves warm by running around like mad things and finally, the Ashington rearguard action was beaten. Mickey C was finally rewarded for his hard work when he steamed in between two defenders to turn in a right wing cross. His desperation for the win was evident as he ran into the net with little celebration before running with the ball to halfway.

The game looked to be heading for a draw as both sets of defences fought fiercely and rain lashed down. But, Lewis Orrell had other ideas. Cutting inside a defender, he chip/curled a cracking shot over McHugh's head. The rain, that had turned to snow, even stopped briefly!

Yet still the Bay weren't finished, as substitute James Proctor's run on goal was ended bravely by McHugh.

Ashington's late rally caused concern but there was finally a happy ending for us! The Bay had managed to get three points again for the first time this season.
I was rather pleased! Now there are 2 teams that can't catch us if they won all their games in hand. Happy days.

3-2, courtesy of Claire!

30th November 2019 - Northallerton (h)

Being a Bay fan can be a lonely affair at times but as I turned the corner by Marden Bridge School there were other people walking up Hillheads road in the direction of the ground!
Newcastle had only just finished drawing 2-2 with some team called Manchester City (what sort of name is that? Need a proper name like West Allotment Celtic!) yet still there were people heading in my direction! Sadly six of my fellow walkers promptly dived in their cars and drove off. Three jumped on a bus and the remaining four went for a spot of ice skating. For a few precious moments I was not alone.

Another busy day at the Hillheads turnstiles?

It had been three weeks since our last game, rain putting paid to the fixtures in between so it would have been good to have seen the hordes streaming up the hill to get their fix of non-league footie. But alas, no, they weren't. A missing army of Christmas shoppers?

Excitedly, the usual crew were boosted by the welcome return of Keith and Daz Gibson, the former hopefully on the road to recovery. At least the sun was shining to cheer us up, a nice change from all the endless soakings we have had. I was also delighted to see Chris Wednesday for his first appearance of the season. Resplendent in his Sheffield woolly hat, we were soon joined by the legends that are Bob and Moira. Bob was sporting a stripy Bay woolly hat and was hoping to encourage the Bay fraternity into adopting his new method of wearing their hats to allow TEC (Total Ear Coverage).

Where's your hat Moira? Bucking the trend as usual! #Anarchistic

I was also pleased to note that my new coat from TK Maxx was allowing an extra level of warmth previously unfelt before and that extra pair of socks at the last minute was turning out to be a good move!

Since our last match, we had seen the departure of Craig Spooner to West Auckland but on the plus side, it was great to see the return of Robo to the starting line up. Bob was made up and every few minutes, he took great delight in repeating "It's good to see Robinson back in the starting line up, I like him!" The advantages of being an experienced member of society being that you can repeat the same thing over and over again and nobody bats an eyelid. 

After a bright Bay opening, Northallerton came back at the lads and Lister had to stretch to turn away an excellent chance, while Callum Anderson came up with a timely tackle to deprive Northallerton of a clear shot at goal. The home goal was certainly leading a charmed in life until a Town corner was turned in. 

This galvanised the Bay, with Robo and birthday boy Brad working well together, chinks began to appear in the visiting defence. Robo's (I'm assuming) Movember effort was worthy of praise...

Take a bow for that 'tache, son!

....and so did his goal, which totally bewildered Town's Thomas Dawson as it looped over him.

The Bay forwards were now smelling fresh meat and they powered forward, ably supplied by great service from Connor Smith and Luke Salmon on the wings. Whenever Town broke there were the trio of Anderson, Lowery and Orrell to break up their attacks and return the Bay onto the attack.

The Bay were soon ahead when Birthday Boy Brad scored with a sublime shot that drifted into Dawson's top right corner.

There was pandemonium behind the goal; Bob's hat got slightly knocked off his left ear.

But with the setting sun behind them, BBB (Birthday Boy Brad) revelled in his new-found Ready-Brek glow. 

After Lister came out to save bravely. the lads pressed forward for more...

The 258 present had certainly, mostly, enjoyed the first half and were glad that we had made the effort on what was turning into a chilly day.

The second half started slowly as the pitch started to get a bit slippy as the temperature dropped. It allowed Chris and Moira to engage their welcome new segment to the matchday experience: Tea Talk. This involved them discussing the virtues of loose tea leaves, that can be used more than once, over teabags, with their plastic coating of the actual bag! Not content with all this excitement, they then went on to expand upon the benefits of Ringtons Tea and having a cup of tea with some wine! It was riveting.

Thankfully the game picked up and it was the Bay who were creating the better chances.

One...

After another...

After another...

After another...

With memories of the previous home game's late Stockton equaliser, Town looked to be about to repeat that trick as they pressed. However, after some scary moments, the ref blew for full time to the relief of the home faithful. The Bay had won their first home league game since August. They had certainly made hard work of it, but it was a welcome one nevertheless. Next match... another three points is needed against Penrith. Then we could really celebrate with a tea and wine party!
"It's good to see Robinson back in the starting line up, I like him!" said Bob as we left. Hear! Hear! We all cried jubilantly.

9th November 2019 - Stockton (h)

Feeling warm? Didn't think so.
Just keep smiling. Need a warm
hat like Bob's!

It was one of those afternoons that started with a slow, solitary shuffle up the hill to the ground. At least I wouldn't be alone. Silly Andrew had texted me following a terse social media discussion about Remembrance Day. He had said would it be worth coming and in my frame of mind at the time I replied
"Probably not, but we always travel in hope!"
This was a reflection of current league results. Okay the lads were unlucky at West Auckland when a goal, miles over the line, was not given and the Bay were deprived of a 2-1 lead. Soon after, a rush of blood to Luke Salmon saw him get sent off and the rest was history. The lads lost 5-1 and we had had to bid farewell to Supermac.
The following Tuesday, the lads had shown their metal, battling back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Thornaby, spelt Thoraby by the locals. I had had my hopes raised too many times to allow myself any optimism so a grumpy git it was going to be!
True to his word, Silly Boy was there, slightly unprepared for the chilliness to follow but there nonetheless.
Also there was a decent following from Stockton. However, they were in serious bother right from the start as they had angered the wrath of Julian by placing their flags over the windows of the 'director's lounge'. He is a man you'd want to avoid in a darkened alley! There is no end to our favourite photographer's talents... super-snapper, ballboy, social media guru and now enforcer! Needless to say the Stockton faithful didn't mess!

Flags too high! Call for Super Julian!

Supersnapper lays down the law!

True to his word, Nathan was picking only those players who were performing and there were noticeable absences but that has to be the way forward as the team doesn't have the luxury of playing out-of-form players. It was also good to see Micheal Colquhoun back in the first team fold after his recent loan spell.
Stockton could go top if they won their six games in hand on leaders Hebburn, while if results went against us, the Bay could end up bottom. Things were tight for both teams. We needed to start winning games and fast. Although on a slightly positive note, we have played more games against the top half teams than the bottom half teams: 8 against lower teams and 9 against higher teams. Gripping at straws? You bet!

After a perfectly observed minute's silence the game settled into a bit of a stalemate with no real chances. The chatter behind the goal started with Kinnon's knowledge of Shadows songs. It then went onto a strange woman from Stockton who likes jumping on stage to dance with her favourite touring bands. Finally, it went onto songs written for Levi 501 adverts in the 80s. The band focussed on were Stiltskin who, in my opinion, had a fantastic choral number then riff opening, which was featured in the advert. Sadly, I thought the rest of the song was disappointing. Kinnon disagreed and Silly was barely aware of such things at his early years.

Mary 'from Stockton' performs with Newcastle electro outfit Twist Helix!

One thing you could say about the first half was that the Bay were working extremely hard and although Stockton were having most of the play, the Bay had their own moments of hope. Admittedly, the lads were not creating many clearcut chances.

The same could not be said of Stockton and there was great relief when Dan Lister saved at the second attempt and another chance was cleared off the line. It really was all hands to the pump at times. Thankfully, the scores were level by the break and, after recovering from a distressing incident with an extremely hard curly wurly, it was great to see the Bay had grown in confidence. There were chinks appearing in the Stockton armour and it was returning captain McFarlane who was running the show. 

On came Mickey C  and despite his sleight frame, he was looking comfortable on the ball and showing great determination. On also came new arrivee Jake Martindale from Brighouse Town for his first appearance. Proctor and Hird leaving had worked hard and played a full part in the team's performance.

Most of the 398 erupted in celebration when a Connor Smith cross eluded two Bay players and Supermc (see what I did there?) was on hand to drill home via keeper Callum Roberts' leg. Against all the odds the Bay were ahead with 14 minutes left. 

Bob and Moira were going mad!

Also going mad was referee Steven Lawson who was doing a job that was more like Nigel Lawson's political career as he seemed to favour his near neighbours, Stockton. He certainly didn't like the Bay celebrating their goal. Had someone at the Bay upset him? 

Craig goes to celebrate with the ref then upsets Steven Lawson by celebrating with his team-mates instead , who gets the huff. He only just wanted to be one of the lads!

Did he have a cheeky bet on an away win? Hopefully, his decisions wouldn't matter as the Bay were playing so well.

Stockton were suddenly rocking and it was Martindale who had all the time in the world (sort of) to score but his effort just trickled wide of the advancing Roberts.

Stockton's reply was to hit the Bay post but then Mickey C ran through and shot wide. with two minutes of normal time left. 

Bay hearts were well and truly in mouths. A Stockton tackle from behind sent a Bay player flying but 'Nigel' Lawson was having none of it, his reduced odds on a draw were calling to him. Instead, he gave the visitors a freekick on the edge of the Bay box for a similarly justified challenge. Sadly, it was Town who took advantage through Jamie Owens, scoring late into injury time.

We'd have taken a point at the start but it was disappointing not to get the three points. Hebburn next week... an easy three points? Hmmmm. 

It's a point!

October 2019 A tale of two cup games... and a few other things.

The arrival of Josh McDonald, onloan for the month from Halifax town, had had an amazing effect on the Bay. On his debut, he scored in the 2-1 defeat at Newton Aycliffe, then followed this up with a great performance at home to Shildon. The Bay, having led 1-0 from a first half penalty, ran out of steam and luck when the high-flying visitors scored two in five minutes to win the game 2-1.

However, Josh had inspired his loaned team to a 5-1 win at Durham and a 6-2 win at Sunderland RCA. The Hirdster seemed to benefit the most from his new wingman, helping himself to goals aplenty. 

15.10.19 Birtley Town (h) League Cup Group H

A handy
programme stand. Does
Barry sell them in his shop?

Birtley Town arrived for a midweek League Cup tie. A win for the Bay would see them into the knockout stages of the cup. 

The Bay went at the visitors right from the off but when the Bradster stepped up to take a penalty, his shot was saved. However, not long after the Bay were awarded a second penalty and this time Super-Stevo smacked home to give the Bay the lead.

The small crowd were delighted when Super-Stevo doubled the lead. A superbly-placed penalty evading the keeper's grasp. There were jitters for the 185-crowd when Birtley converted their own penalty at the beginning of the second half. But Lewis Orell was on hand to settle the nerves. Unfortunately, the daft so-and-so who has his go-pro set up behind the goal to record these moments forgot to turn it on!

Mr Daftie didn't have long to redeem himself as Supermac's cross was met by Hirdy. 4-1.

Next up, it was Lewis Orrell who wriggled into the box and finished with aplomb at the keeper's near post. Soon after Supermac decided he would do the same and he made the final score 6-1. 

A very happy crowd left Hillheads. 

Bedlam at the final whistle!

Birtley Town - early leader for
hideous away kit of the season!

Birtley keeper John Mordey
early leader for politest
goalkeeper.
Lovely manners!

22nd October Newcastle University (h) NSC 1

Bob enjoys wBayblogger's
contribution in the programme.

Without a game on the Saturday, due to the team's inability to win any FA Cup or Vase game, it was a return to Hillheads, once again for a midweek game. This time it was against Newcastle University from the Northern League Division 2.

Bob and Moira brought Jane with them and we were soon celebrating a Superstevo slightly-stooping header after 3 minutes. 

Within 20 minutes, it was another Super-Stevo show when he converted a Connor Smith cross.

The lads were in total control and although the Uni fought back, Lister and co were in commanding form at the back.

Julian turns ballboy as he parries the ball, avoiding any damage to
 the thousands of pieces of photographic equipment he carries around.

We were jumping for joy again when Hirdy was put through and finished with great aplomb!

For a final party piece of the half, the Bradster added the fourth. It was a nice feeling.

Woodie, who had snuck out of parenting duties for the night, kept reminding us that he had only witnessed Bay victories so far this season. Lucky Bugger! There's nothing worse than a smug supporter but the big question was would we have won without Woodie or not? Because of child-care issues, he has only been able to see the three home league cup games and the victory over Bishop Auckland. Sadly, that Bishops game was the only time the Bay have managed a home victory in the league. However, it didn't do to dwell since the lads were doing so well.
Things were a little slower in the second half and we had to wait a whole 20 minutes for Robo to tuck in number five.

Just like buses, the next goal soon arrived. This time it was Super-Stevo banging in his third.

It was certainly a good night to be a Bay fan. We would have to make the most of these two victories, Bob told us. I had to admit, it was a worry all right. Supermac's loan spell was nearly over and then where would we be? 

His swansong turned out to be an unlucky deafeat at West Auckland. The simply fact was that we just couldn't afford him. Alledgedly, he was earning £800 a week at Halifax. No way we could afford that sort of wage. The flipside of that is how come Halifax, in the Conference North, could afford that sort of money either?

That apart, he had been a pleasure to watch and hopefully he will have given the lads the believe that they can go out and win games against teams in the our own league.

Tonight we had hammered a decent Divison 2, an achievement that we hadn't managed in August. 

There was also a feeling that we might have had some away supporters there. If the rumour was true, they had most certainly retired to the bar long before the end of the game! Either way, they will have contributed to the club's coffers as the crowd was announced as 223. Certainly an improvement on the away following of their local Uni rivals.

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.

14.9.19 - West Auckland (H)

The Bay had been unlucky, I heard. At Guisborough and Hebburn, they had lost by single goals with opposition goalkeepers performing miracles to keep them out. Today, against West Auckland, the Bay were going to win! West, on the same number of points, would be foiled by our influx of new signings from Norhallerton (Steven Hubery), Ashington (Scott Lowery) and Blyth (Craig Spooner).
In the last couple of weeks, Five new players had arrived to play for the Bay... and we'd lost three out of three. The worm could turn today? We could hope!

Fabulous photography provided
by the multi-talented Mr Programme Hall!

The sun was shining, it was short-sleeved weather and I was pleased to see Shanksy rewarded for his two goals with a place in the starting line up. There was some early hope but unfortunately new boy, Robinson, managed to get in the way of an early Lowery effort. Shanksy also weighed in with a couple of efforts. It was all going swimmingly then the inevitable happened. By the time half-time arrived, the Bay were 2-0 down, and cleared two efforts off the line. The Bay's best effort had been an almost-own-goal. There was too much head-shaking going on around the ground from the home faithful.
The two highlights so far had been, an x-files type cloud formation...

I want to believe!

... then the Bay clearance of the season, that ended up with the ball bouncing off the top of a floodlight. Hopefully, it didn't knock out any of the £500 bulbs or there might have to be a new fund set up to go with the new roof fund.

Into the second half, and West Auckland spoilt the afternoon by scoring. Shanksy didn't look happy when he was substituted for midfielder Orrell. It looked like it was damage limitation for the remaining 38 minutes.

Claire was not happy!

It was frustrating stuff for the players too, as my faithful camera took a swing.
Again, someone hadn't read the script, with most good things coming from the determined runs of our new Robinson, who was now showing some neat footwork. The lads suddenly woke up. Chances were being created!
Spooner's first effort was blocked but he managed to turn the rebound under the returning Tom Flynn's body.

Unfortunately, most guessed it was too little, too late. The game almost took an unexpected turn when Flynn's bar was left quivering before our ex-flying policeman had to soar smartly to his right to keep out a follow-up effort. His return to the Bay had sadly seen our former number one have a mostly quiet afternoon. It had indeed been too little too late.
We need to hope that last season's struggles aren't going to be repeated. Sadly, things don't seem to be going our way!

31.8.19 Barnoldswick Town (H) FA Vase QR1

Bay fans can't help get excited whenever the Vase comes around. The years of 2009-2011 are now just like the clouds that whizzed past Hillheads... dreamlike and out-of-reach. The eight years since have brought mediocrity, to put it mildly.
How many times have we failed to make the first round proper?
Last season's 6-0 hammering of Esh Winning was then followed by 2-1 defeat at Whickham and only 2017's mazy run to the 3rd round, and cruel defeat at West Auckland (4-3), has produced much excitement. "Pogo if you love the Bay"?
Today could be the start of something fantastic! Two new players had snuck into the Bay when I had been celebrating my 50th year: Midfielder Connor Smith (former Hartlepool, York and Whitby) and forward Mark Robinson (from Sunderland West End). I was also looking forward to the return of my old fave, Shanksy. The sun was shining... what more could you ask for?

The Boy Mark, not in his 50th year, had to do a double take when I pointed out the Blackburn Rovers flag stuck to the New Stand. It turned out to be owned by Tony, whose son, Ashley, was playing for Barnoldswick. He chatted to us for a quite a while about how he gets stick from theother, Burnley-leaning,  Town fans for his allegiance..

New programme and raffle shed.
courtesy of WBFC Twitter.

He also mentioned some of the initiatives the club are using to generate revenue. Something the Bay could maybe look into is printing less programmes and putting the programme online. He said that this meant the adverts in the programme gained maximum exposure and was extremely popular. could it work here? Apart from the fact that we have a shiny new programme hut, it might be worth considering. If nothing else it would reduce the demand for paper and give the Brazilian Government less reason to burn down the Rainforest... Oooh! Political banter!

The only burning I hoped to see today were from holes in the Town defence, and there looked to be good signs going forward with Robinson, McFarland and Smith Combining well. Hird was looking sharp and was unlucky when he rounded the keeper but his effort just failed to hit the mark.

However, the visitors gradually took control and the supply dried up to Brad and Mark. It was also no surprise when they took the lead, the futuristically-nmaed Zak Dale scoring low to Uncle Lister's right-hand post.
It was at this point, we first heard Tony and his friends. Their celebrations turned to a single song that they continued on and off for most of the match.

Myself, The Boy Mark, Bob, and Jane were not impressed. Moira didn't get the memo.

The corner crew hadn't even noticed as they contined to enjoy the final rays of summer sun.

Something was needed to get the lads going and Kerr, Stephenson and Shanksy were introduced. However, despite some improvement, the crowd of 308 were mostly disappointed to see the visitors extend their lead. Once again, it was future-boy Zak who scored from the tightest of angles.

Unfortunately, it had taken this second goal to wake the lads up and, driven on by some great runs from McFarlane, Ryan Livesey was being kept on his toes. Previously, the only things of note about him were that he wore the tightest shorts of the season and could well have been the lovechild of Les the Scientist, from Vic and Bob's Big Night Out.

Tightest shorts... for the ladies (and some gentlemen).

Les's lovechild?

Probably because of all this scrutiny, the leaning one was getting quite ratty with everyone and stopped being a friendly figure of fun. Shanksy was getting little service and was getting frustrated. He tried flicks that came to nothing...

...then he tried moaning, before finally coming up with the perfect header from his one decent cross to reduce the defecit. Two appearances and two goals. 

He's still not match fit but the signs are promising.

Feed the Shanks and he will score?

It certainly shut up the Town fan in the lime green jacket who had wandered behind 'our' goal, lovingly placed his drink down, ignored it, shouted their players' names a lot, annoyed us even more and lit up a cigarette. Pleased with his excursion, he picked up his pint and staggered off.

Sadly, it would be his team that came away with the win as the Bay ran out of time. Mark was not impressed. However, we shook hands with Tony before leaving him and his friends to enjoy their moment of glory.

Now we are out of both the FA Cup and FA Vase, will we see the player floodgates open as in previous years? Only time will tell, but surely getting out of this league was always going to be the priority?