8th February 2020 - Thornaby (h)

Six games on the trot the Bay had lost but today it was time for the big guns... my Bay socks purchased from 'Win or Lose'. A real retro look: blue and white stripeys with Dr Martins. Surely these fine accessories would do the trick.

The last time I had seen the Bay, was the 2-0 defeat to Guisborough, coincidentally the last time I wrote a blog. Since then, the lads had been knocked out of the Northumberland Senior Cup 2-0 at Morpeth before losing 9-8 on penalties at Consett in the league cup. This had followed a miraculous fightback from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with two extremely late goals. Yet another new player had arrived on the transfer merry-go-round, this time Andre Bennett had snuck in, unannounced by Twitter. The son of Sunderland favourite Gary Bennett had made a good impression inspiring the afore-mentioned fightback at Consett.

I really had been chomping at the bit to have another chance to try out my duo-cams, remembering to put the OLDER AND MUCH CHEAPER, FAKE GOPRO at the far end of the ground in case it attracted any unwelcome interest, I spotted some friends of mine who were at their first Bay game EVER, so went to stand and chat with them. In the process, I must have switched off my Gopro and missed the opener for Thoraby (as some of the locals spelt it). Not the start we'd been after. The goal had been scored by a one James Rowe which reminded me of a former British ice hockey referee called Mike Rowe. As a supporter you always felt confident that you would get a good game from him, sadly his namesake James wasn't making me feel so confident about today's game. Hadn't Bossman-Nathan passed my advice onto the players to make sure they scored before the opposition if they wanted to win? Obviously not.

On the plus side, my friends, one of whom had spent many happy hours sticking pins into both my fine blogging body (she is an acupuncturist) were thoroughly enjoying their broth from Tommy's Tea and Broth Shop.

Our black and white fans were thoroughly impressed with the broth.
Acupuncturist friend (Vicky pinsticks)  not included due to hair malfunction

They had also been impressed with the way that the Bay had been trying to play football with the usual neat passing moves. Unfortunately, the usual lack of final shot was frustrating.

There were a number of openings for the Bay and a few penalty shouts... see what you think but today, Graeme Hopper was giving us nowt! Oh how we wished for a Mike Rowe!

shout #1

shout #2

a shot...not a shout... from Giles.

shout no 3

Salmon hits the side netting.

However for all these shots and shouts, the Bay were still not able to score. This all changed when super-striker Craig the Mac played the ball through to Marcus Giles. The youngster, perfectly controlled the ball before lobbing the ball sublimely over James Dawson into the Thoraby net. (you'll have to go back in the archives to find out the Thoraby references).

The mood amongst the majority of the 343 there had improved vastly by half time and a cracking second half seemed on the cards. There was a worrying situation for your favourite Bay blogger as the roses creeping through the fence at the allotment end snatched my hat off me. Next time I'm bringing my secateurs! Not only did they wave in the wave of cam2, but they attacked and stole from me. Luckily, before they could run off, I rescued my property!
Craig McFarlane seemed to be waging a one-man quest for a goal as he tried everything. However the footing in the Thoraby penalty area appeared to be extremely tricky as our illustrous leader became the latest Bay player to slip at the crucial moment. He didn't seem too happy to be substituted later on but I'd like to think he had just run out of steam.
Connor Smith's arrival for Luke Salmon saw the winger popping up all over the place and after an amazing dribble, looked odds-on to score but he took it too far and the eventual shot thumped against the crossbar.

and Smith must score...

The instructions from the bench were clear as the lads continued to create, and waste openings, as their lack confidence in front of goal betrayed them. At the other end, my MUCH CHEAPER AND OLDER camera had nothing to show for its 45 minutes of recording. (I'll stop now btw, I think the message is out).

There was a final shot and penalty appeal in vain but it was not to be the Bay's day. Thoraby had battled for a draw in an entertaining game and got it. At least the sequence of defeats had been stopped.
Point of interest, before the last run of good form, the Bay drew their first two games... A draw against Consett and today mimic that sequence... so watch out Whickham!
Another plus was the fact that Vic and the gang had enjoyed the experience. Hopefully they'll be back soon!

11th January 2020 Guisborough (h)

Today was the day that the double goal cams would be used for the first time in anger... well maybe in friendly supportiveness. Christmas present 2016 would combine with Christmas present 2019 to give action from both ends of the game. It would be a great opportunity to catch Jennison's flying saves and all those great goal-line clearances from Bay's defenders on the way to securing the all important three points. It was going to be amazing... maybe a first in the Northern League! All I had to do was be in two places at once. Simple!
With the help of the ever-dependable Chris Smith, I was able to do just that. As I looked after my expensive present, he looked after the budget one, which would probably fetch very little on the black market, if stolen. I say this in case anyone reading this fancies nicking it at a future game. Also, I would like to add that there is no umcompromising videos of any intimate moments... the memory card isn't big enough. Oooh, missus!

The transfer merry-go-round spinneth once more, this time it was Sunderland West End's no-nonsense defender, Brad Forster arriving. He came straight into the team in the place of the unavailable Scott Lowery, the big man, Nathan was telling me before the match. He was also saying that he considered the squad he had available to be the most talented squad he had worked with and that now he was fighting players who wanted to play for the Bay off with a stick. This is great news but some of the supporters I chatted to later were wondering how these regular arrivees are affecting team moral.

The case of Dan Lister, who had performed heroics at times since fighting his way back into the team, was also mentioned. Had he been rested or dropped because he made a booboo at Shields? My understanding is that Dan is thought of in high regard by Nathan and the coaches. However he is only 18 and in need of periods of rest at times. This makes sense to me and talking to Nathan, is the one I believe.
Just like his predecessor, Nathan, I think is very approachable and personable. Whether the players share this view, I have no idea but I would like to think so. Having said that, I expect Nathan is a hard task master so who knows! He may be a complete dressing room devil able to destroy players with the click of his fingers!

One thing I hadn't noticed was the wind-assisted rebranding of the club's name, director Martin seemed less than enthusiastic...

ITLEY BAY FOOTBALL CLUB... is it catchy enough?

Chris tootled off to the other end, whilst I remained in unfamiliar territory behind Jennison's goal.

The first piece of action at either end was not the type that I wanted, although the travelling Guisborough fans were delighted when the visiting number 9, Luke Nixon half volleyed home a cross... barely 3 minutes in. 

"He's on a hot run at the moment!" they cried. I was delighted for them. 

We're losing, time to read the programme.

This had thrown Nathan's great plan into disarray. Before the game, he had been telling me that they were going to use the strong wind blowing towards the Allotment End in the first half and laugh loudly when it miraculously dropped at half time so Town could not take advantage of it. 

Here we were, 1-0 down against a team that had conceded one goal in four games, winning all four, what would the bald-headed maestro do now?

The lads were trying to play their neat football but Town were proving just too strong and the Bay's passing was just not up to scratch, especially the final ball. Having said that, Guisborough were hardly troubling Jennison either.
The lads were creating half-chances but their luck was out as Town's Ryan "going to play League Football one day, mark my words" Catterick was in good form.

James Fairley was looking bright on the wing but he had very little to aim at, while Connor Smith and James Martin were bombing down the wings.

In the end, half time arrived and the lads were still 1-0 down. Jennison had only had to pick the ball out of the net.

A bank of drizzle swept across Hillheads as the second half started and my offer from my new Guisborough-supporting best friends  to watch over the (cheaper not worth much) camera, didn't materialise. Placing it as high out of reach as I could, I decided to trust in the honesty of the Hillheads crowd.
As I walked away to the opposite end, Guisborough's Steven Roberts scored. Jennison's right-hand post not being part of his defensive armoury.

Jennison had to act smartly to keep out another effort as Whitley's offensive prowess fell apart.

 With loose passes to Guisborough's defence and missed opportunities to play team-mates in, there seemed to be numerous break downs in communication and I felt for James Martin as his overlapping runs were too often ignored.
The final noteworthy act was provided at the far end when Jennison was grateful to see an effort clear the bar.

2-0 was the final score. At least my new best friends would enjoy that. Unable to attend the talk-in with Nathan, Fergie and Rushie, I wondered how things would go. One thing I was sure of, was that there was still a long way to go for our top trio!

4th January 2020 - Newcastle Benfield (h)

Hope is a dangerous thing. Even though the Bay have run most of their fans through the mill over the last few years, hope springs eternal. So it was for the visit to our second nearest and dearest. The run of form before the 'disaster' at Shields had given my belief in the boys back. There was also the return of Andy Jennison in goal after the Shields winds had made Dan Lister look somewhat foolish.
 I was also excited to try out my new GoPro for the blogs.
What could possibly go wrong?

In the interests of saving the planet, I took the metro to Walkergate and so arrived just after two o'clock... far earlier than I was used to. I meant I could socialise with the locals and explore Benfield's latest wood developments. Any chance Whitley can have a wooden roof behind the goals? We could ask Benfield where they get theirs!

Counting with Benfield?
5,6,7,8... coming next?
Interesting Steps.

Nice garden furniture for a BBQ area?

 I was immediately drawn towards the Benfield Lion who was growling meekly at anyone who would listen. What would Sammy the Bay Seahorse say? Snort at them? That would be neigh good!

His growl is as soft as his bite... apparently.

With the new camera attached securely, ready to catch all the flying Bay goals, I was joined by the young Mr Thompson, who was on top form with his recognition of each Bay player. My own eyes, lacked his 2020 vision and my brain also lacked his memory. I really need a team sheet in front of me to spot anybody as the FIFA 19 name circles idea is still only theoretical. 

The Bay were playing neat football on a pitch that was slightly better than our other neighbour's but the end product was lacking. 

It was the pesky old timer Paul Brayson, aged 326, who stunned the whole ground. There looked to be nothing on when he picked the ball up on his right wing. But the wise old bird simply launched the ball goalwards and as it nestled in Jennison's net, there was a stunned moment of silence before the home fans both celebrated. 

The Bay were stunned and it got worse for them as PB turned the ball home after a mix-up in defence.

Mr Thompson was enjoying Marcus Giles' wingplay but his finishing was causing him consternation. That was, until the ball was cleared from Benfield's bottom left corner into their own penalty area. It was Giles who reacted quickest to score with the sweetest of strikes. Thomper was satisfied.

It appeared to have been the best possible time to score and we were sure they would equalise in the second half. But Michael C, who had been a real terror to the home defence, was well marshalled, by fair means and foul. He certainly received some rough treatment but he found himself more isolated as the game wore on. It was a terrible tackle from Benfield's Reece Noble that effectively finished both MC's and Noble's afternoon. The former limping off injured and the other with a red card.

After that, there was little left of note although a late Bay burst to the far post saw the effort flash wide.

A disappointing start to 2020. At least I was offered a lift home, which meant I could warm up quicker than I would have done. 

The 150th wBayBlogger did not have a happy ending.

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.