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.