1st March 2016 -NL - Marske Town (h)

Last week's impressive 1-1 draw against second placed Guisborough had been followed up by a 2-0 away win at Jarrow Roofing. The latter earned without the contribution of the sent off Kane.
Tonight's crowd of just over 200 turned up with renewed hope of seeing the Bay pull further away from the relegation zone.

Pink One!

The hot news before the game was that Blyth's tough centre forward, Ash Davies had re-signed for the Bay. Unfortunately, Shanksy was injured for the game and Chris Youlden was named number 9: no offence Chris btw.

Howleenio!

The first half hour, however lacked chances but was brightened up by the barracking of the visiting pink-clad keeper by the Whitley Bay High School Ultras, who accompanied each goal kick with the phrase "You @%£$ &?%$?!#..." A real throwback to the happy days of the terraces in the eighties and nineties. They then turned their attention to a couple of lads at the front who they serenaded with "We've got Howleenio..." a reference to his skills on the school playground. Apparently they would barrack school playground games when not at Hillheads. Surely dedication to football fandom!
Then, once again, after half an hour the game woke up as the heavens opened and we headed for the soft lads option -  the covered stand. This was not for the WBHS Ultras nor Howleenio who continued their brave vigil. They were rewarded when Ash expertly ran onto a through ball before rounding the Pink One to send the lads wild.

Too much for some!

This lead lasted 7 minutes before Marske scored. It looked like another rubbish goal from a long way out but to be honest I was writing notes down and missed it. Soon after Marske had a game of pinball on the edge of the Bay box but thankfully the home side managed to clear. There was a chance for Whitley when a Marske defender passed back to Mr Pinkie. He had to dive to his right to keep the ball out.
At half time, it was disappointing to find that I couldn't partake in my new favourite delicacy / match treat: enormous cola bottle dipped in tea: Tommy hadn't been to the cash and carry: Haribo cola bottles just don't cut it: sorry Tommy.
Into the second half Whitley had their own game of pinball but the ball just wouldn't bounce into the net as Marske pulled everyone back (almost). After that Ash had a shot tipped over the bar before just missing out on a Pinkie one on one. The lads were playing some great stuff with Chris McDonald finding great space as he bombed up and down the wing. It was Ash Davis, however, who was at the centre of most of the Bay attacks.
It was exciting stuff! However, just when it looked like we were going to get another draw against a team near the top, a diving header crashed against the otherwise impressive Dan Gladstone's crossbar before bouncing over the line to give Marske the winner.
Cup game to come Thursday, lets hope for better luck then!