9.7.19 Ellington (h)

It was raining but I was still in good spirits. Complete with camouflaged poncho, I set off for Hillheads. The only people I passed on the way were the hockey players leaving the ice rink, would Hillhead's great and good turn out to see its latest episode?
They were there and they shared my quiet optimism. My newly-designed season ticket had gone down well and I must admit I was rather pleased the result.
Talking to people around the ground, it really did seem like there was a new drive about the place.
Sky Blue Neil remarked that the pitch looked the best it had been in years, even though tonight was its first test. The fans who had given up their time to paint the ground, apologies I failed to show up yet again, had performed miracles.
A fund had also been started to repair the main stand's roof. This club has one amazing resource and it is its fans! They are the one thing that have remained constant. Turning up home and away during these downward spiralling seasons. Now, two of those fans are amongst the board members, bringing new verve and enthusiasm to an already hard-working set of individuals. Only a madperson would fail to make use of them!

Mmmmmm, nice pitch!

There was also a good turnout behind the goal... I was no longer Billy-No-Mates!

The teambuilding has been ongoing at a great pace and it looks like we have a talented team. Tonight's team included Jeff Smith, who apparently arrived with Nathan. Right from the off, he was pulling the strings in midfield.
A silver-haired (mostly) empressario, his prodding passes were gratefully received by the likes of Salmon, Brannon and Parnaby. With Lee Kerr joining in the prodding of the visiting defence, the home fans lapped it all up. By half time, the lads were 4-0 up. Salmon scored twice, we think Smith launched in the third one and Mickey C added a skillfully opportunistic fourth.

The second half continued in the same vein. Whitley pressed, Ellington defended, swore at each other then ocasionally managed a breakaway effort. The bay defence, looked in control and so for once, most of the attacking took place in the visiting half.
Goals five to seven were to follow in this half, in quick succession. At some point, the old war-horses: the tiring Kerr and Smith gave way to the young upstarts of Kieran Brannen and Max Emerson. It was these youngsters who tore at the visitors like starving dogs desperate for raw meat. Add in Mickey, who just toyed with Ellington all game, it was a pleasure to watch.
Number five featured Kieran surging towards goal before unleashing a sublimely placed shot.

Number six was a one Mr and Mrs Triallist may well be proud of but I can't be sure as the teamsheet didn't match the players on the pitch, IMHO. Whatever, it was another cracking strike. 

Finally number seven was another from the edge of the box. A real treat for the Bay fans!

It's been a while since we dared dream of anything more than poor mediocrity. I so hope that my excitement hasn't been pre-empted. I WOULD LOVE IT, if we had a decent team! 

6.7.19 Durham United (a) Friendly

I love this time of the footballing year. The weather is warm (it actually was) even in the Northeast, the pains of the previous year (s) have been nailed shut in a darkened box at the back of my mind, the teambuilding has been continuing at great pace, the right noises are coming out of the club with regards the hopes and expectations for the year...
What more could you want?
The Boy Mark and running Keith were involved in a stupidly-long Chevy Chase 20 mile trail run so couldn't make the game. I put out a request for a car share on the club's Twitter feed and Paul the Miller answered my call.
Picked up outside the little Sainsbury's, by him and his great children, in an extremely comfortable Mercedes was the perfect way to start the season. Conversation opened with the Women's World Cup and England's defeat in the semi-final (as well as their appearance on bottles of Lucozade sport) and eventually ended with today's game.
Optimism was the order of the day. We had Mr H2O bathrooms, Martin, to knock some business sense into the board along with Duncan Howell as the new commercial manager. Knowing both to be popular figures around the ground, the hope is that we can advance as a club commercially, building on the great work started by Ann Barkas. There is so much potential here, as long as it can be realised. All together we seemed to be heading?
There was a delay and a diversion to avoid a traffic jam at Testo's roundabout. Fancy closing off the A19 knowing that there would be hordes of Bay fans streaming towards Durham!

Possibly the only team sheet for the Big Match
1st half and 2nd half team.
Courtesy of Julian

To be honest (TBH for the kids), I was expecting at least five goals for the Bay but it soon became clear that the home team were no mugs. A young side that had been promoted to the Wearside League looked solid and the strange mix of players for the Bay's two teams meant there were so many introductions to be made.
As per usual, I hadn't much idea who anybody was, except for Lee Kerr, whose bald head shone like a halo in the afternoon sun.
The lads played some great stuff at times but there was a distinct lack of sharpness in front of goal.

A breakaway effort was saved well by the keeper and then another effort was expertly turned onto his own post by a Durham defender. There was, as usual, a lot of really good approach play few goalscoring opportunities.

Another great save followed but that pessimistic part of me was wondering when we would be made to pay. Sure enough, Ball, trialling in goal, made a bit of a balls-up of a clearance and there was Durham's ex-Doctor Who Matt(hew) Smith to slot into the empty net.
Little Gibbo and I were not impressed!

Another chance for the Bay was dramtatically turned away by Durham's keeper before half time called an end to a slightly underwhelming first half that reminded me that Rome wasn't built in a day.

I promptly set off around the pitch to get my place for the second half (before the crowds stole all the best spots) then had to re-trace my steps when I came up against the big sign that had been staring at me on the even bigger fence that was blocking my way. The sun had obviously got to me!

In the second, it was a completely different, and more experienced, Bay team. Right from the off, there seemed to be more purpose about them. Peter the Raven looked twice as fierce with his new 'Sparky' hair cut. Unfortunately, his difficult efforts on goal were generally wayward. In true fashion, however he kept running and was always in the right place, if not on target.

There was a great deal of fight in this new team and a determination not to give up and to show the 'young'uns' who were the bosses. New boy Michael Annang-Colquhoun, from South Shields, kept battering impressively away, collecting balls he had no right to win and shielding them so well with his body.

Max Emerson, promoted from the reserves also looked promising as he too caused problems for the United defence.

Despite a couple of freekicks that were well-saved, Durham, and their keeper were still holding the Bay at bay.
With time running out, it was Michael who was the 'fox-in-the-box', scoring in added time. There was still time for another of the Raven's efforts to sail wide but we had to be happy with a draw and some great football played.
Did I enjoy that moment though?

Courtesy of Whitley Bay FC Twitter

13th April 2019 - Shildon (h)

A long and frustrating season was at last drawing to a close. The brief promise from the start of the season had disappeared with the departure of Jack Foalle, bar occasional performances that had hinted at better times. In the morning I had enjoyed the Cragside 10k run with a time of 47 minutes under my belt. However, despite the sun shining in Northumberland, it was cold and windy. A situation that didn't change as we waited for the last game of the season to kick off.

A healthy crowd of 377 had turned up. There was no Callum Anderson or Craig '350 Bay games' McFarlane so me and the Boy Mark were instantly worried about the defensive side of the team. 

Noticeable from the outset was how together the officiating trio was. During the warm-up they ran in perfect symmetry then when the ref in the middle said the word "Go', to begin their faster paced run, they all carried on in the same slow plod. Coordination! Their warm-up done, there were bonding fist clenches between the trio then they trotted off. Completely contented with their togetherness.

Easily distracted?

As per recent form, after a bright start, Shildon took the lead. Thankfully neither the Boy Mark or I noticed as we were being distracted by Gibbo's daughter's attempts to explain why Hillheads needed more bins within a hand's reach. 

Little Gibbo then found a ladybird and began debating whether this particularly unusual ladybird, if placed in the ear could be used to translate all insect voices. As a result we were distracted from the fact that the lads were playing better but falling to another sucker punch just before half time. 

The Boy Mark was disappointed to be told we were losing 2-0. 

Moira demonstrates the multiple uses of Hillheads' barriers:
#1 hired out as team drying facilities

The consensus on changing ends for the second half was that the car park end was a lot colder and could really do with external heaters or under-paving slab heating. There was also the exciting premier of Gibbo's new Jacket which is rumoured to be the newly designed Bay away shirt...

Catwalk boy!

The second half continued with the Bay creating chances that were either missed by a lot, missed by a little or spoilt by the officials.

 We couldn't see the offside there and the game was effectively over when Shildon scored to make it 3-0. Our dynamic trio in black must have felt sorry for us, bearing in mind: 

1. we'd lost our last three games

2. it was cold 

3. it was the last game of the season.

So when a Luke Salmon corner swam through the air and curled in at the near post, the ref awarded a goal. Shildon didn't even protest much which showed that they were confident that we wouldn't get back into the game. 

In or not? Give Salmon it so he can finish top scorer!

Our officiating leader, Mr Pill, 's decisions were becoming bitter for the visitors to swallow and they began to get a bit hot and bothered as the lads pushed for another goal. As they argued with him, he was heard to repeat "Shut up!" three times in answer to three different Shildoners. This demonstration of assertive command of a football pitch had the young lads next to use in hysterics and whenever he was near, and nowhere near, they kept repeating his inspirational words. 

He made sure he had the final word when a robust tackle on the diminutive Kieran Brannen didn't go down too well. Branner's reaction meant him seeing red and brought a sad end to one of his more effective games. 

Argy bargy for the end of the season.

He had battled and tricked his way past players with a greater authority, that bodes well should he stay with us next season. Fingers crossed he does as, at last he seems to have a manager, New-Boy-Nathan, who appreciates what he can bring to the team. 

Another disappointing season ended with a 1-3 defeat. However there is more optimism around the ground. Even, old wbayblogger favourite, Dave Berry is optimistic! Let's hope he's right!

Have a great summer and here's hoping that next season is a vast improvement on the last two!

Don't forget on Sunday 5th May there is the Vase Veteran's game with proceeds going to Robbie Livermore's family. Kick off is 1pm with presentations afterwards in the Seahorse. 

23rd and 30th March 2019 - a week to forget!

Mitre Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup Semi final: Newcastle Benfield (a) 

I was so full of anticipation. Three wins and a draw under New Boy Nathan, we were the form team...for once. After a challenging day with years 5 and 6, it was finally time for the Mitre Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup Semi final! What a name: runs off the tongue! 

Postman Neil picked me up at 7pm and it was soon obvious that me and Neil weren't the only ones excited by the prospect of this long-winded competition. Every piece of parking in Benfield school, sports centre and football club had been taken so we had to park just off the Benfield Road. 

We also had to wait for the mother who, having brought about five kids with her, hadn't realised she would have to pay for them all. The match was already underway when we entered and there did indeed seem to be a great crowd. Finding a spot behind the goal Whitley were attacking, we found Bob and Moira, who had vowed not to attend another game...once again. The excitement of the Long-winded-Cup and the current form had brought them all out tonight!

Without the Long-Winded-Cup-Tied Dan Lister, New-Boy-Nathan had signed Spendymoor's Christopher Elliott. A big gamble bringing in a newbie keeper for such a big game, we could only hope that it paid off. 

Unfortunately, Dennis Knight had decided to make things hard for the debutant with a thunderbolt goal after ten minutes.

However, before the Dementors could suck all the happiness from the Bay fans, Olly Martin pounced to level things.

We were excited! Even Bob was smiling!

Super-Olly almost gave the Bay the lead with a cracking bit of skill but his lobbed effort just dropped wide of the far post. 

With few chances, we were momentarily distracted by Benfield's new wood-panelled gym. From this facility, the good citizens of Walkergate are able to pump iron and watch the blue-striped Benfield batter their opposition. As it was, the Bay were creating the better chances. Unfortunately, the pesky Knight popped up with another goal and at half time, the Bay were unfortunate to be behind. 

The half time walk to the far end revealed another pitch-side gym, this time an open-air affair. Also there was, what appeared to be a four-person gallows next to a basketball hoop... nowt as queer as East End Folk!

Ex-trawler-fishing nets behind the goal,
complete with tiny ocean-formed barnacles.

The second half was virtually a write-off. Whitley were second to every ball and Benfield laid into the visiting defence. In the 77th minute, it was that pesky Knight who completed his hat-trick and it all looked over.

The crowd was thinning out as the final whistle drew nearer. But Super Andrei was on hand to help again in the 88th minute. It was Craig McFarlane who managed to pick up a loose clearance and his pass was seized upon by Andrei. Suddenly we had hope!

A large amount of hysteria had set in amongst the Bay fans behind the home goal and when Super Andrei let fly in the final seconds of the game, we thought all our Christmases had come at once. But no, our celebrations were cut short by Benfield's mountainous number five (compared to Kieran Brannen anyway) telling us it had gone wide. 

Surely, there would be a reaction the following Saturday against Guisborough! 

Guisborough Town (h)

New-Boy-Nathan would have the lads sorted. Poor Guisborough would be annihalated in a wave of Blue-striped attacks and goals! Wednesday would be forgotten about and excited hopes for next season raised again! The Spring sun that had warmed us up the day before would shine over a glorious Bay performance!

Courtesy of Whitley Bay Twitter

Alas no. It was cold. The sun had disappeared. The Boy Mark and I had enjoyable parkrun in a sunny Prudhoe but by the time the match arrived, le soleil had had enough, as had most of the Bay's support. 

Plenty of room to read the programme on a freezing Spring afternoon!

So it seemed had the Whitley defence. With 16 minutes gone, the lads were 2-0 down, despite creating and missing a number of chances. The result was not a fair reflection of the match but then that's football. "It's a funny old game!" one moustrachioed 80s commentator said often enough. 

Then it started raining! The Boy Mark, who hadn't brought a waterproof coat, disappeared with Kinnon, Gibbo, Claire and the rest under the cover of the new stand. Smithy and I bravely remained, to watch over the goalcam. 

At least we were rewarded with some sublime trickery from the Slippery Salmon, rounding the keeper to slot home from six yards. 

The equaliser almost arrived just before half time but first Salmon then Andrei failed to come up with the goods.

The lads had been unlucky but then you make your own luck in this game, somebody once said.

By the time half time arrived, I had been abandoned by even the hardy Smithy. Football was certainly not fun for me. 

Maybe a cream egg and a cup of tea would revive my hopes! No, it didn't. 

There were chances at the start of the second half but I wasn't feeling invigorated as they kept getting missed. Also the wind decided to join the rain in pounding us. Even David Hall's dad had to resort to his tent-like poncho that covered both himself and his electric chair!

Then Andrei was taken off along with Olly and Branners. What on Earth was NBN (New Boy Nathan) thinking of?

Guisborough scored to make it 3-1 to the visitors and that looked to be that! 

But no! Up stepped Jonjon Wright to launch an unstoppable shot home from the edge of the box. 

 With captain Luke Taylor putting in some great tackles There was unexpected hope of a happy ending. Would we finally manage a great escape?

No. 

Guisborough scored ten minutes later to make it 4-2.

 I went home, had pizza, watched Harry Potter and forgot about football.

23rd March 2019 - Consett (h)

For the first time in a long time, I sped up the hill. Although this was mainly thanks to Mrs Blogger giving me a lift on her way to do a spot of shopping at Silverlink, it was also thanks to that dangerous thing called optimism. Not something that I often have much time for: the sun was shining, I hadn't worn a coat (although I did have many other layers on) and the Bay had won two games on the trot. All good in the world?
In contrast to that, we were up against a Consett team that had found it difficult since 2019 had reared its head. Fourteen games with only two victories for our visitors may have been form that the PN Bay team (PN -pre-Nathan) may have thought reasonable but it was hardly acceptable for this new incarnation.
After my most popular blog for well over a year had been my biggest rant maybe ever, it had also had a response from one of the club's stalwarts. They contacted me, concerned for my mental health, to put my mind at rest. The club is thankfully not in as big trouble as I had feared and that there were still a great number of good people working tirelessly to provide the team and club that we crave.

Courtesy of Whitley Bay Twitter

The fact that the club don't own the ground may account for the fact that improving the buildings may not be a top priority. The way North Tyneside is up for selling off every available green space for housing means all sports clubs must be looking over their shoulder. Not that I am saying this is going to happen, dear reader, far from it, but these are tight times for everyone: including local councils.
For the time being, the team is on the up and New Man Nathan has brought optimism with him. The morning of the match, he took half an hour's training with the reserves and invited three of their number to join the first team warm up. If the Bay are going to run teams on a smaller budget then these talented youngsters must be given their chance. It is good to see that New Man Nathan has made it a priority to do this. Hopefully we will see some of them appearing before the end of the season.
For now, the lads on the pitch were doing quite well for themselves.
It was good to see Bob and Moira sauntering through the Spring heat with our friend Jane. Their insistence that they would not be back this season, after witnessing the shambles that was the Stockton game, hadn't thankfully lasted long. Also surprisingly, there was a certain amount of bonhomie coming from them too!
The crowd looked bigger than normal and it was great to see 378 had taken advantage of a lack of Premier or Championship games to see a good game of football: something we have been starved of recently!

I hadn't had time to set up my camera when visiting Kyle Hayes had to tip over a Luke Salmon screamer. Soon after, running Keith and then Woodie appeared with his daughter, for her first ever Bay game (mother was away for the weekend so couldn't stop him). She seemed to find the whole affair bewildering!
The yellow ball that flew our way certainly seemed to interest her as she keenly watched everything going on. Even the wandering Barry was studied closely!
The game was certainly lively at both ends and there actually seemed to be some very good football on offer!
For once, when the ball clanged into a random bit of yellow metal that appeared to be keeping the netting poles at the allotment end up, I managed to catch it and deliver it swiftly for the Bay corner-taker. No nerves: just instinct on my part!
Little Neil wasn't even phazed with the 'roar' that accompanied the Bay's opening goal from Andrei 'here to help' Ardelean. He was Johnny-on-the-Spot to slam home when a Consett clearance failed.

The half time chat was all about the quality of the football and Brexit wasn't mentioned once!
The Bay maintained the pressure in the second half but Little Neil was more interested in another little friend who was sitiing with her dad. She wasn't bothered that she missed...
Craig McFarlane hitting the crossbar...

A long-range effort that was dramatically tipped over by Kyle Hayes...

A Kyle Hayes foot that somehow saved a certain own-goal...

A leaping Salmon headed goal from a corner...

Another final Salmon leap that was flipped just wide!

Although Little Neil had long since gone home to get her tea at the final whistle, it was quite clearly her presence that had given an extra boost to the team, as if they had needed it! A superb team performance against a good team. Sitting in the Seahorse after the game, it was nice to see the Prof, recovered from his recent injury. It was even nicer to hear him say he hadn't enjoyed the game. Similarly it was great to say I had enjoyed it! Life was good again.
Roll on Wednesday and the big semi-final we have no idea how we have got to!
Haway the Bay: let's pack out Sam Smith's Park.

13th March 2019 - Whickham (h)

Courtesy of WBFC Twitter

The mood around the club had improved slightly after the 2-2 draw at Shildon. Recovering from 2-0 down had at least shown that the lads had the character to come back when the chips were down. New boss Nathan Haslam now needed to make sure his first home match in charge ended up with the Bay getting the points.
I still wasn't happy to be heading up the hill. It was cold, Storm Gareth (or was that Gary?) was blowing the brave few a merry dance and the Bay still hadn't proved to me that they could put two good results together. I could be at home, in the warm, marking 30 year 6 science books! It was a close call but the Bay won out. Judging by the crowd, I wasn't the only one to have had a dilemma as to whether to come today or not.
Most of the 203 decided to stay within the protection of the two stands. Even Gibbo, Claire Mac and co had sought shelter. In the interests of close-up goal action, I convinced Coventry Neil to brave the elements at the Allotment End.
There was plenty of space for us, that's for sure.

The two teams were wearing their traditional home strips of blue and white and black white stripes. I was certainly glad not to be watching in black and white as to anyone with a blue colour-blindness the strips would have looked identical.
It was Luke Salmon who tried his luck first of all, but his effort was tipped away by keeper Dimitrios Tsapalos.

Thankfully, the lighter of the striped teams made the trip worthwhile with barely ten minuts on the clock.
It was the skillful Brannen, back in the midfield in place of Peter 'the Raven', whose cross struck a defender and there was Luke Salmon leaping onto the chance to drill home from the edge of the box.

Things got better for the 203, as the Bay went further ahead. This time, the wind confused both Bay and Whickham players and a cross ended up at the feet of Olly Martin, who swooped to make no mistake with his volley.

The Bay were 2-0 up, which was nice!

The match looked done and dusted seconds into the second half when an attempted clearance rebonded off Luke Salmon and into the net.

However, the team that had dumped us out of the FA Vase and beaten us in the league was not going to lie down. The wind went against the Bay this time, as Dale Burrell launched a long-range effort from just inside his own half that sailed over Bay returnee Dan Lister and into the net.
Play immediately swung to the other end and we were immediately celebrating a fourth home goal. Olly Martin setting up Dan Wright to score his first goal for the club.

Neil and I were delighted! Unfortunately, back came the visitors with their second goal. The last 20 minutes swung backwards and forwards but with no addition to the scoreline, Nathan New Boss had secured a home win at the first attempt! 4-2 final score and so far so good for our new bald eagle!

23.2.19 - 9-0! Things need to change!

The performance and result against Stockton had been bad enough but today was far worse. I had been disappointed at the way a loyal servant of the club had felt that she could no longer give to the club any more. We were on the lookout for a Commercial Manager...and are still looking! Since the vase victory days one volunteer after another has left the club. Such a drain from the club is probably why we are in the position we are in now.
Not one manager has finished a season he has started since Ian Chandler left after winning three Fa Vase finals in a row. This club is in a downward spiral and manager after manager has been used as a scapegoat.
When Andy Gowen was appointed, it was almost as if he was doing the Bay a favour being here but where were all the applicants lining up to take the job of manager of one of the North-East's most famous non-league clubs?
Ian Chandler's Bishop Auckland are now second in the Northern League while other Bay reject Marc Nash's Shields are fourth. We, on the other hand, are third bottom. Only the fact that there aren't enough teams in the league will mean we are probably going to avoid relegation. We are four points above second bottom Whickham and they have two games in hand!
The players on the pitch have worked tirelessly but there needs to be a new approach from on high. Is McIlduff aware how bad the club has become? Rumours are, he missed out on Saturday's marvellously entertaining show because he was in Cardiff watching the rugby.
 It is time for him to go to let in someone new. Not for having a weekend off but letting the club sink to the depths we are in now! Half of the ground should be condemned: plastic sheeting to waterproof part of the 'hospitality lounge' and a metal pole holding up the roof of the DJ hut are an absolute disgrace... not to mention the pathetic size of the Vase legacy stand! Where is the camera that the stand was supposed to have on its gantry? No comment!
I may not know the whole financial picture but that is because we are never told it. Surely shareholders are given details of the financial situation, yet everything is shrouded in mystery. As a result, the Bay stumbles ever lower. If there is, as rumoured, a £750,000 debt then that needs to come out and, if necessary, the club declared bankrupt and start again with people committed to building a sustainable club. Look at what has been achieved at Consett!

On the pitch, the teams have sunk down the leagues year on year. Only Nash's team that finished so strongly and gave us hope bucked the trend. Yet the supporters still turn up in big numbers, buy season tickets, buy merchandise, use the burger van and cheer the team across the Northern League. There is no communication with the fans, Twitter comments from loyal servant Julian are the only source of club information. Where are the fans forums with members of the board? Managers down the years have shown honesty and bravery coming to meet with their public but have we seen hide no hair of our illustrious chairman? Not even an apology after poor performances. We now look up to the likes of Stockton, Shields, Hebburn, Sunderland RCA: clubs that would love to have the same fanbase as ourselves. We used to be on a par with Dunston, West Auckland, Consett... How the mighty have fallen.
I, and many others, no longer enjoy watching Whitley games. I bought a season ticket as usual but this year put on the proviso that if things didn't improve then I would not be renewing. The only enjoyment many get is from the comaradery from other supporters. It can only be a matter of time before they cut out the unneccessary defeat and meet elsewhere.

Now Mick Mulhern has been given the old heave-ho. I feel sorry for him, he has just become another scapegoat for the club's failings off the pitch!
This has been a hard blog to write but has been a long time in the making. I only hope it manages to change something at the Bay: something needs to, for the sake of the club!

Oh, by the way... that was Hebburn's first win in eight games. Farcical!