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?

13th August 2019 - Bishop Auckland (h)

So this isn't a good idea!
Who knew?

A cracking day was spent with the eldest daughter and Mrs Blogger at The York Maze. Dinosaurs hidden all over a Maize field under the warmth of a glorious summer sun...what more could you ask for?
The answer was: no traffic problems, as I drove Mrs Blogger home in the Blogmobile! That's not what we got. The satnav kept adding all sorts of roadworks and its ETA  kept rising until it reached 7:53! That was 23 minutes after kick off!
Thankfully, still maintaining a sensible speed and distance from the cars in front, the roadworks weren't as bad as predicted and I made it to Hillheads just on kick off.
I had just joined Silly Andrew and Woodie when Bishops took the lead. In my frustration, I'm afraid I took my rage out on my programme, hurling it angrily down onto the ground.

Anger vented upon paper... the unacceptable face of football!

To rub salt into the old wound, it was old boy, Denver Morris, who had done the damage. My worst fears were being realised. Saturday's wounds were still fresh. But how could we be losing? The sun was still shining and the air was warm!
By half time, we were still losing and Luke Salmon's game had been reeled in, thanks to injury. In his place came James Proctor for his earliest introduction of the season (30 mins).

In order to keep their interest in the game going, it was essential the lads avoided a repeat of Saturday's early second half goal. Nathan had obviously told them so they pushed forward with conviction and started ruffling a few of the Bishops' feathers. Thomas Bott started adding his weight to the attack and it was his battle with the visitors' Daryl Hall. This was definitely not the musician who had performed so admirably with John Oates in the 70s and 80s. Our Hall was built like a brick $%&£house and had a slight height advantage on our own defensive colossus. As they battled away, the game swang Whitley's way. When keeper Nick Liversedge cleared a ball straight to a Bay shirt, he was extremely relieved to see the lobbed ball drift over his head. The lads were on the up.
Soon after, and with the lights only just illuminating the action, the Bay were level. Another rushed defensive clearance went straight to Brad Hird. His shot made no mistake as it flew into the left hand post.

 Cue usual celebratory picture:

Where's the warmth gone?
Who cares: 1-1

Complete farce followed, that ended up with referee, Craig Chatten's, grip on the game being firmly ripped from him. As a corner entered the six yard box, Proctor (I think) 'inadvertently' punched the ball goalwards. The ball was hooked clear and the Bishops called for a freekick. but CC felt sorry for us and decided to award us a penalty instead. Cue accusations being hurled at him, and his hapless linesman, by our indignant visitors.

"It was a blue arm..."
"When you wake up tomorrow..."
"You're a joke..."
"Is that the fourth thing, you didn't see lina?"
The abuse carried on but he stuck to his decision.
"But nobody appealed for a penalty!"

VAR results are in: Bishops freekick. If only the ref could have waited until the following afternoon!

To be fair, the ref could only have seen arms go up and had no idea which player handled. Behind the goal, we all laughed at the decision and I must admit, I did feel guilty for getting a penalty from this sequence of play. My instinct to tell the ref it was all a tragic mistake was easily supressed and Craig McFarlane stepped up to confidently drill the ball wide.

Justice had been done? The fear that this golden opportunity would come back to bite our behinds was strong. We now all expected Bishops to drive on to claim the winner in controversial fashion. But to buck a recent trend, the Bay continued to have the best chances. In fact, the whole incident had motivated the lads while Bishops had turned into feral beasts, arguing every decision and trying mostly foul means to wrestle the game away from the Bay. Daryl Hall (not the one with luscious curly blond locks to excite all and sundry) and ex Bay man, Callum Munro were getting away with murder and play was frequently broken up by moments of handbag fighting. CC remained completely ineffective as he kept his cards in his pocket and wandered around without the slightest air of authority.
A breakaway section from behind Liversedge's goal had taken up residence away to his left hand corner and their discussion of the merits of pot noodle pizzas was interrupted by the wondrous sight of Elfie's drive that was too powerful for the keeper's dive to stop. The lads were ahead with barely 7 minutes remaining.

They went wild...

Wildness ensued!

... sort of.

Whitley's first three points of the season had been earned at the expense of our old pal Chan's boys. After the shenanigans that had gone on, it couldn't have tasted sweeter.

10th August 2019 Hebburn Town FA Cup (h)

Courtesy of WBFC Twiter

I went away for one week and things had gone to pot. The first game of the season had ended in a very respectable 1-1 draw with Newcastle Benfield but then Billingham Town, who, had been beaten 6-0 in the first game of the season (at home to Stockton), turned the lads over 3-0 at Hillheads. Crowds had been up, with renewed enthusiasm: 417 and 337. But the Hillheads faithfull were still waiting to see their first victory of the season. The hopes of seeing that happen for today's match seemed as unlikely as the chances of Hillheads staying dry. Thunder storms and showers were predicted throughout the day.



The day started with a fairly dry Gateshead 10k for the Boy Mark and I, followed by a trip in pleasant sunshine to Hillheads.

The sun indeed was shining and the Bay started as if they were solar-powered.
Only five minutes in Luke Salmon had the first chance but after rounding the Hebburn Keeper, his effort was saved on the line with a hint of handball.

Next up, it was Lee Kerr, followed by another Luke Salmon effort that was saved by the keeper's leg. On the downside, Nathan Stephenson was booked for disagreeing with the referee on one of his many puzzling, and some might say, scandalous decisions. Who says we have freedom of speech?

Finally, Brad Hird was put through and this time, he rolled the ball under the advancing keeper's body. Hillheads erupted.

The joy lasted four minutes. Two Hebburn penalties turned the first half on its head and all the lads' hard work had been undone. It was no coincidence that the rain started falling. The heavens had had their hearts broken!
There was worse to follow, just two minutes into the second half. A Hebburn freekick was turned in. 438 fans were mostly gutted. So was the home team. Four more goals (one a penalty), an Anderson own goal (sliding in perfectly at the far post to score) and a Bott sending off for a second booking were the 'rewards' for the home fans.
It was the footballing gods reminding us that there are no shortcuts to success. Nathan's brand of football will take to time to come good. Frustrated and cheesed off doesn't come close to explaining how The Boy Mark and I felt after the game. This will be a long road. I'm placing my faith in a Pony Rider charging to our rescue. Who knows what this next turn in the Bay rollercoaster will bring us?

Courtesy of Shanks' Twitter