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!