20th August 2016 - South Shields (H)

Stands well populated...unlike the rest of the ground.

The behind-the-goal-gang is sparse today.

The moneybags from South Shields were in town, although without mega-earner for the Northern League Julio Arca. Having easily won the second division championship, the Mariners were going to be tough opposition. Unfortunately the weather meant the crowd would be lower than expected as the heavens opened about 11:00 and carried on chucking out cats and dogs up to kick off and throughout the first half.
No surprise that the two stands were well populated, luckily I had brought my portable roof so I headed behind the goal as usual.

Supermac strikes again!

It certainly didn't look like there was a difference in the opposing teams' budgets as the lads battled all the way. In fact the best chances fell to the Bay and when Chris 'Supermac' Macdonald picked up the ball and jinked his way past a Shields challenge, he unleashed a drive that skipped off the wet turf and under the extremely visible visiting keeper, Chris Elliott. The tangerine-like Elliott was certainly not a happy bunny. Hearts were soon in mouths when Mr Dependable Steve Gibson had to clear a Shields effort off the line. New signing, Uni student Angelos Eleftheriadis, who arrived with plenty of top flight experience settled in extremely well and is one player I certainly hope stays. However his nickname needs to be worked on as neither Zorba the Greek or Mr Unpronounceable fits the bill.  
Despite the great work in defence, Gavin Cogdon scored the equaliser, rising unchallenged to score with a header.

But back came the Bay and would you believe it? The Bay took a short corner to Harry Potter's unknown son Tom and the youngster wove his magic to plant a ball perfectly onto the Shankster's head who applied the killing touch. At half time it was the first thing I mentioned to Mr 'don't play it short' Bob.
The rain eased off enough in the second half for the portable roof to be rested but as the half wore on, Shields were taking a firmer grip on the game. The equaliser came seven minutes later when a fantastic curling effort from David Carson beat Flynn at his far post.
The referee was proving ineffective and had spent most of the game telling both sides to 'play nicely'. As a result the visiting team flew in with a range of challenges that went unpunished. The main culprit was the flame-haired midfielder David Palmer who seemed to be getting away with the proverbial murder. However, when Callum Munro sent the whipper-snapper into the air with a delightful challenge, the referee decided to book the Bay defender. Palmer's attempt to knock him over similarly went unchallenged: Moira was incensed I can tell you! He wasn't even told that it was a naughty thing to do.
Palmer then looked to have had the last word as he finished off a Shields free kick with a superb 20 yard strike. But the Bay wouldn't lie down and in the 92nd minute it was the studious-looking Professor of football, Ross Wilkinson, who volleyed home from 8 yards after a Shanks lay-off.

The Professor had rescued a game that the Bay should never have been behind in. A just reward for all the hard put in by the boys. Now third in the league, the boys will face a tough week away to Shildon on Wednesday followed by next Saturday's El COASTICO. The Shildon game is one I can't attend because it's my 20th wedding anniversary and my wife doesn't want to spend it watching Whitley. Strange critters women!
So in my absence I hope the lads show the same determination that they have shown in the last three games. Whisper it: Chandler's blue and white army are on their way!