21st July 2018 - Sunderland U23s (h)

The day started off in cracking style as I returned a pleasing 23:21 mins at the Whitley Bay parkrun under the watchful gaze of the recently finished Spanish City. Although wearing the colours of my French favourites, for a change, I am immensely proud of the town once again. The parkrun has been attracting average crowds of nearly 400 over the last few weeks for a 5km course that includes the amazing 'new' prom. A free weekly event that is run by local volunteers, it is an amazing tribute to the running and walking community of Whitley Bay.
Then there is the Spanish City that had been an eyesore for so long. Even when I was a kid I remember there were very few people frequenting the funfair and on my occasional trips to the Ghost-train we usually had the train to ourselves. This weekend there was a buzz about the place after its renovation to a splendour that has been missing since...Newcastle last won something. Yes: that long!
After that, it was a trip to support our youngest as she marched for Newcastle Pride. There was a record attendance and great crowds on the route (not so good when Mrs Blogger needed to fight, not literally, her way through to have a wee in M and S). The region has come such a long way in this respect. It just shows that we are a region that, as a whole, can respect everybody regardless of religion, race and sexual orientation. That made me a proud citizen. As one sign said: we don't always have a choice in what we are!

The other proud institution we have is Whitley Bay FC. Today's visit of Sunderland attracted 382 fans and showed that people want the team to do well. Unfortunately, at the moment this club needs TLC. Yet again Mrs Triallist's sons were in evidence. The most significant of those was in goal: Triallist A. Things looked to be going ok for 'A' in the first 30 minutes. The defence managed to keep the visitors at bay with 'A' capably dealing with anything that came his way. Unfortunately, three quick goals flashed past him and that, was effectively, that. Aagainst a fitter, progfessional outfit, the lads battled on. They looked more potent in the second half, however the Sunderland defence and keepers (2 of them...but not at the same time) managed to keep them at arm's length. There was the battle and enthusiasm that we have come to expect from Bay teams of late, as well as the desire to play football but the final ball was still missing and when the keeper did make a rare mistake, the Bay were unable to take advantage. In the end, it was another defeat, 5-0, for the lads.
The calibre of opponents has been high in the last couple of games and on Tuesday night at Blyth, they will be put to the test again. The hope is that they will come out of this a stronger team, taking the experience with them into the league season. Only time will tell but the effort was there until the final whistle.


For the first time ever, I stayed behind after the match to hear what Andy Gowens and Mick Mulhern had to say for themselves.
A decent crowd turned up for the talk-in and whatever fans might think of the duo, they were both there and (mostly Andy) answered all the questions that were presented to them clearly and directly. In many ways, Andy and Mick have been on a hiding to nothing following on from that night in February when Hillheads resembled Newcastle Airport on the first morning of the schools summer holiday. Events that night have dominated the club since and as Andy reiterated over the course of the evening, it was time to move on. He emphasised the point that we needed to go forward with everybody pulling in the same direction. He is definitely wary of social media and I feel that he spoke from experience of having fallen foul of the 'keyboard warriors': but who hasn't? Social media doesn't have to be a bad thing, I would say... but that is just my opinion!
He said that he would like to invent a bluetooth device to allow the players to communicate with each other on the pitch. I wonder if this is what he had in mind:

The Bay first team equipped with new bluetooth communication headsets?

He spoke a lot of sense about the state of the club and the League. He has been around the Northern League to know that there are teams that are living with much bigger budgets than ours but he said that money didn't make great teams, although it helped. His vision was that those teams who wanted to pay big budgets would get promoted and leave the Northern League with 'manageably budgeted teams' left playing on a more even playing field. His priorities are a goalkeeper and striker but thought that the team squad and spirit was better than when he first arrived: this was backed up by some of the players at the back.

The worrying part of the evening was Andy's regular offers to sing: hopefully he is a better singer than I give him credit for!
Thanks Andy and Mick...Here's hoping you can find the way forward!

Are the repairs to the pitch a tribute to New Order's 'best of' album?
Well spotted Tinnon! 

16th July 2018 - Morpeth (h)

The post season continued where the 2017-18 season finished, with more bad news for bay fans. More players leaving and rumours of player dissatisfaction failed to improve things. My intended end of season review never arrived because I just felt too depressed after the hope that had existed before Christmas. For me, the season had effectively ended with the defeat to West Auckland in the FA Vase. There were the league performances away from Hillheads to enjoy: the 2-1 win in Shields being my own personal triumph. Even the ensuing flag-gate had a happy ending but that was the first game after New Year and about as good as it got. The team began to break up... then there was Nash-gate...and volunteer-exit-gate. However thoughout all this, amazingly, the crowds only dipped slightly: the fans were still there!

I still renewed my season ticket, more in hope than anything else and there was great excitement when I opened my envelope...the season ticket design had changed!!!!!!

Bay in season ticket change shocker!

On the pitch we could only hope that Andy Gowens and Mick Mulhern had just been unlucky last season and would find a way to make their new set of players gel together. With so many players wanting to leave, the management duo would have a clean slate. Sure enough, the players have started coming. The first two friendlies away to Bedlington (won 7-2) and Seaton Delaval (won 4-2) were greeted with a mixed reaction. Come along, Andy called to the fans, you might be surprised! The never-ending Triallist family have come to our rescue with one of the sons scoring twice alongside his brother 'B'. Tonight was no different, as sons 'A', 'B', 'C', 'D', 'E' AND 'F' were named in the line-up. Hopefully this football-factory of a family (Mrs Triallist must be a shadow of her former self) has produced the required standard of players for the Bay. 

It was good to see the hot weather had brought out the Bay's Cafe culture once again with the lovely Ann enjoying her Cappuccino Frotheramo alongside Chris and the delightful Jean, new owner of the Tommy's Tea Hut franchise. She was enjoying a Super-Whipperama Froth-magic while Chris was having a can of diet Coke! You've got class, there, son!

Don't forget to ask for the above drinks next time you visit your favourite Hillheads Emporium!

The team was a complete mystery to Bay fans: not just because of the influx of the Triallist boys!

Apart from Peter 'the Raven', Call A and Michael Bell, the rest were new to the recent team. Unfortunately goalkeeping looks to be a tricky position to fill, I was informed. Tom Kindley's return to the field after a lengthy period of absence ended prematurely. In goal tonight we had youngster Andrew Gibson from the reserves. Unfortunately in the reserves he played as a defender: a fact that was quickly found out by the experienced Morpeth forwards. After 24 minutes, the Bay were 4-0 down and certain negative soothsayers behind the goal were declaring a 12-0 defeat would be the result. 

Myself and the boy Mark still held some hope as we sat swinging our feet. 

I was delighted, just three minutes later when the lads scored their first goal of the season, or rather it was scored for them; courtesy of a morpeth defender who stretched in front of an unknown (by us anyway) Whitley attacker.

A slim chance of restored pride looked on the cards and the lads began to assert themselves more: for a couple of minutes anyway. Unfortunately, the four-goal difference was quickly restored. The lads certainly didn't deserve to be so far adrift at half time but the stark facts were staring them in the face. Pride was very much at stake! 

I had found a new spot to attach my camera by the time the second half started, however switching it to record proved beyond me as new boy Jack Foalle scored to begin the fightback. The lads suddenly had more impetus and confidence and Morpeth seemed to have lost theirs as the lads were quicker to everything. I had started recording by the time, the second eldest Triallist brother, B, Headed home and the lads were certainly flying. 

The Bay pressed forward with enthusiasm and purpose but eight minutes later, the result was sealed. Morpeth scored: 6-3. Although the boys continued to create chances and the visiting substitute keeper had to be on his metal to turn away a number of shots, there were no more goals. The second half had been a remarkable improvement and there was no shame in defeat. 

Saturday's visit of Sunderland U23s will need an improvement, especially in goal and defence (perhaps we could get a dedicated goalkeeper?). It will also be interesting to hear what plans Andy and Mick have for the team at the talk-in after the game...and whether they have been able to sign the players they wanted. This club deserves to have a top half team. At the moment, I don't think we are there yet. 

If the wantaway three players can get themselves new clubs then maybe we will be able to bring in new talent to significantly boost the team...at the moment though it is a big if!

Haway the Bay!

8th May 2018 - Newcastle Benfield (h)

The end of a season always conjures many emotions, this year it was one of great sadness as we said goodbye to one of the Bay's most loyal supporters. Before the kick off, there was a minute's applause for Allan Barkas who had passed away a few days earlier. Allan had always been a regular at the Bay matches, with his wife Ann, and I have had the pleasure of many conversations with them both over the years. Allan loved his football, and especially the Bay, and our conversations were always enjoyable. He was also a friend on Facebook and no matter what I posted in my life, you could guarantee that Allan would like it: whether it was football trips abroad, gigs attended, music liked and photos of family outings. He was interested in everybody and everything: a true gent. The applause was a fitting tribute to a genuine man, who would  be sorely missed.
For most, supporting the Bay is like having an extra family so in her time of sadness, Ann had those 'family members' around her....and that included the players who ran to comfort her at the final whistle.
RIP Allan: your spirit will live with us through our many happy memories of you.

c/o Whitley Bay fc Twitter

The match didn't get off to the start that any of us would have liked when Paul Brayson scored for Benfield. I was only making my way around the ground when the ball hit the back of the net. I was also still walking around when Jasper's effort at the end was ruled out for offside. Lady luck was still not smilling on us.
I found myself getting annoyed at the Benfield fans who had positioned themselves at the side and were applauding and praising the linesman for every decision that went their way. It must have been the hot weather getting to me.
I eventually arrived behind the goal. There, I joined Gibbo, Claire and Gibbo's daughter, who wanted to be known as 'The Chosen One'. She was obviously the only one who chose to join him in the Hillheads sun.

Hillhead's new feature....the wild meadow.
Completely ignored by Chris....

.....but not by ourselves. Real men wear dandelions!

There was joy for the home fans, however in the 23rd minute when Callum Johnston slammed home the equaliser.

One of the criticisms of Andy Gowen's new era is that he hasn't been very positive towards the players with little encouragement for the players. This was amply demonstrated by his reaction to the goal. Instead of shouting out "Well done!" or "Great strike!", The Bald-Eagled One cried out:
"Remember where that came from!"
I'm not sure the players understood this comment any more than we did but it's a useful cry for all of us... in all aspects of life.

As half time approached the game exploded into life. Firstly, the Bay's James Proctor had to clear off his own goalline then Peter 'the Raven' saved the day with a fantastic tackle and clearance. Callum J was then sent racing towards goal with Bay players either side of him but Benfield's defence brought him down and the freekick came to nothing. Juracell and CJ (Callum Johnston...looking for a nickname here) were terrorising the Benfield defence and with a bit more luck, might have had a hatful.

At the other end, Thomas Flynn managed a trademark flying one-handed save as both goals led a charmed life.

In the second half, great work from the Juracell bunny ended up with Callum J hitting the post then 'the Raven's' follow up flew over the bar.

Benfield had their own effort and luckily, Callum Anderson was on hand to off Flynn's line. Unfortunately, it was a familiar story in the final few minutes. Benfield scored two goals to give them the win. 3-1 seemed extremely harsh for the Bay. If Allan B had been watching this, I'm sure he would have said there was always next season. Here's hoping!

At the end of season presentation, the following players picked up awards:
Player of the season - Tom Flynn
Players Player of the season - Tom Flynn
Supporters Club Player of the season - Peter Glen-Ravenhill
Top scorer - Tom Potter
Young Player of the season - Aiden Haley
Goal of the season - Tom Potter (v Ryhope CW)

End of season review to follow...when the dust has settled.

17th April 2018 - Billingham Synthonia (h)

There was a guest Mr Twitter as The Kinnon took over the role for tonight's game: the effects of Nashgate will take a while to subside and one of those issues will be: who will take over the Twitter? Social media has become such an important part of daily life, to ignore it would be to the club's detriment.

My book is available on Amazon
for all the sci-fi buffs out there!
Gratuitous plug over!

 A meagre 157 turned up for the game against the league's bottom team and there was a downbeat end-of-season feel about the ground. The match itself was not much of a draw as it featured two teams that had each managed 1 point in their last six games. Hardly in-form. On top of this there was also the Bay's run of home form. The last home league victory was on the 10th October: a 7-0 footie fest against Ryhope CW. Since then, four draws have given some cheer but the other nine defeats have drained the spirits. For me, the state of the pitch has to feature highly on the blame list. Before the poor weather arrived, there were six wins and two draws. The only blot on the copy book was the 0-2 defeat in the FA Cup against Benfield.
However, was this just down to the pitch or have the team really not liked playing at Hillheads? Has some little, or big, gremlin been going around causing mischief on matchdays? Whatever it is, the gremlin needs to found and booted out of his / hers / its hiding place before the same happens next season.
I was delighted to get a mention in the club programme with an article for my sci-fi book, Albie, Fugitive of Tenebria (available at: bit.ly/AlbieFugitive) and my book launch at the Surf Cafe (bit.ly/AlbieLaunch). Thanks for that Mr 'Photobomb' Hall!

Mr Twitter-for-the-Night was disappointed that I hadn't included his outburst in the previous game when Team North had scored with one of their few shots on target, via a deflection. To be honest I didn't feel his outburst of "Get the @£$% out of here!" really warranted a mention, despite it coming 'from the heart'. Sos like Kinnster!

Camera ready...avoiding the sunset that blinded it in its usual spot.

Packed terraces?

The match started slowly and there was little for either goalkeeper to do until the 18th minute when the outside of Chris Salmon's boot leapt to deflect the ball past Synner's Michael Algie.

There was much joy behind the distraught one's goal and the Bay took courage from this and there were a number of good opportunities created. As usual, Captain Pete was at the centre of a lot of the action. However Potter was also looking lively and after hitting the post, he managed to trick his way into the area, past a couple of flat-footed Synners. Unfortunately, when he laid it off to Callum J, the youngster's shot rolled wide.

Rhys Groves, back in the team after a three-match absence, was making good use of his height and was unlucky to see his header fly just over. At half time the Bay were still 1-0 up but the entertainment on offer had, at times been lacking, forcing some to find their own way of amusing themselves...

Yoga anyone?

The second half opened with Billingham waking everyone up by hitting the bar with a speculative effort then Flynn had to dive sharply to save the follow-up. In repsonse, Captain Pete joined in with the woodwork gang when he connected with the post then a fine shot from the edge of the box was acrobatically tipped over.

But for once, the Bay were not to be denied and it was Jack Walker, for the second home game in a row, who was in the right place at the right time to turn and scramble the ball home. The home fans began to worry that we might actually win this one.

Unbeknown to me, Kinnon had decided to go for a Twitter pun-fest, but then I'm not the sharpest tool in the box when it comes to such exquisite word-play...

The pick of the night's goals came when Potter teased and bewitched a Synners' defender before unleashing a rocket of a shot. There was a distinct lack of a celebration but an effort he could be proud of.

The arrival of young Kieran Brannen enlivened a game that was threatening to fizzle out. His skill on the ball and willingness to attack the Synners defence was a pleasure to watch: there is hope for the future!
It was just left to the referee to leave a bitter Pill for the Bay defence to swallow when Foster Garton dived theatrically, IMHO, and he awarded Synners a penalty. That was duly converted by Joseph Smith.
3-1 was the final score and at last the bugbear was off the Bay's back. A home win at last!

There was a final twist to this tale that was only discovered when I got home and was probably the main reason the boys won...

 Yep, after the odd shoes from a couple of seasons ago, it was time for the odd socks that I had worn all day at work.

14th April 2018 - Team Northumbria (h)

The sun was shining when I finished the Cragside 10k in the morning and it was still shining when I set off to walk up to the ground. In fact, after the seemingly endless days of rain, snow and gloomy skies, the big yellowy-orange sphere made a welcome return! I only needed to wear three layers of clothes. I'm that hard! As a result, I hoped for the victory that would end the Bay's current losing streak. While I had been sunning myself in France (see my other blog some time in the future for more details of this: www.northernlensois.blogspot.co.uk)

There was an early shock for Flynn as he had to stretch full length to push out a Northumbria shot, then Josh Nearney had to come up with a perfectly timed tackle to deprive a visiting forward who was bearing down on Flynn. It wasn't a one-sided game, however and the Bay went close on a number of occasions. Callum Johnston was looking lively up front, ably supported by the wizardly dribbling of Tom Potter.

Flynn's goal, however still needed to be protected and a last-ditch clearance off the line was needed to keep the score goaless at half time.
There was some special half - time entertainment when a man wearing a moose head, pink t-shirt and gold sandals had to take a crossbar challenge as well as coping with Jasper's excitement at this new event...

Jasper shows his frustration at Mr Moosehead's miss!

Jasper can't hide his delight at Mr Moosehead's direct hit.

There was delight early in the second half when Potter apparated into the box. Completely unmarked by Team North, and unoticed by myself and Woodie (who had been chatting about the relevant values of the latest series of The Walking Dead), the magic one slammed a shot past Northumbria's Charles Murphy. Because of our chatter, the video was disappointing ...

Therefore here's an exciting celebration photo:

Unfortunately, the gods of football were not looking out for the Bay and a deflected shot sailed past an unlucky Flynn. This goal, according to Gibbo the Statto, was the fifth deflected goal out of the last six that the Bay have conceded. You don't beat Flynn with an ordinary shot!
The lads surged back and battered the away goal. They almost took the lead but the Raven from the Hill just couldn't get that final touch to Callum Johnston's cross.

They would rue this miss as a goalmouth scramble ended in Team North taking the lead. However, for once the Bay were to have the last word and when a freekick was floated in; Jack Walker managed to toe the ball over the hapless Murphy.
Final score: 2-2. The Bay had their first point at home since January's 2-2 draw with Guisborough.
The wait for the first home victory since November still goes on, although for the first time in nine games, the Bay had avoided defeat. It's a start.

30th March 2018 - North Shields (h)

The sun had shown its face briefly as I headed up the hill towards Hillheads at 10:40. In the opposite direction I spotted one of the Bay regulars heading in the opposite direction.
"Is the game on?" I queried, pulling off my headphones so I could hear him.
"...Just off to the pub first..."
"What time's kick off?" I replied. With all the traffic, I couldn't hear his answer but his signing of the number twelve with his fingers told me that I really should have paid more attention to the kick off time on the Marden Bridge fence poster. Durr!
Heading back home, via the Quarry so people in their houses didn't see me returning five minutes after passing them, I picked up some posters to drum up publicity for my new science fiction book (Albie: Fugitive of Tenebria) (https://goo.gl/U96Rfx) and it's accompanying book launch (bit.ly/AlbieLaunch) . Posters duly delivered, I finally completed my journey. Friends I knew who were Shields fans (yes I do have some) asked me how I thought the game would go and my mood was not optimistic. In fact it was downright negative, given yet another member of the Bay team had joined the Shields exodus. Matty Cornish had thrilled us all with his skill on the ball but now he had gone, the squad looked even thinner. Not even in my wildest expectations did I see anything happening today except a hammering for the blue and whites. 

Back fro a home game were Tom Flynn and Josh Nearney: both such important players in the line-up. Callum Anderson was named captain; days after signing a new 2-year contract. This was the first piece of good news coming out of Hillheads in a while and was very welcome. I was joined at the kick off by Long-haired Andrew and his son. It is always good to see the groundhopping pair but my negativity could not be contained as they questioned myself, Bob and Moira about the current Bay situation. One good piece of news was Kinnon's offer to read the Audible book of Albie: Fugitive of Tenebria ((https://goo.gl/U96Rfx) , although I'm not sure the Audible customers would appreciate his reading of each different chapter in a different regional accent. 
The first ten minutes on the pitch were edgy. Flynn was called into action in the sixth minute, saving smartly from Holmes. However, the football gods must, once again, have been angry with the Bay as another massive deflection, off an unfortunate Bay foot, saw Flynn deceived. That man Paul Robinson's effort sailed into the net. We feared the floodgates were about to open. For the next few minutes it looked ominous as Shields surged forward but slowly, the Bay regained their composure. With Chris Salmon and Tom Potter using both determination and speed to weave their magic on the wings, the visitors suddenly looked stretched. Brooks was unlucky to see his far post half volley charged down from a corner then Salmon came close with a curler.

Captain Callum, Graham Williams, David Hall and Aiden Haley's dogged tackling superbly combined with Peter Ravenhill's driving runs forward. The lads were more than matching their red counterparts. Nearney and Walker's surging runs out of defence were also helping to stretch the red defence. The football being played by the home team was exceptional, bearing in mind the state of the pitch. A particularly crunching tackle from Captain Captain set up another attack that ended up with PGR's shot being turned away for a corner. The blue and white section of the 749 crowd were lapping it up.

The referee then let the occasion go to his head as the enormously huge and towering Harmison firstly lunging with a high foot that crunched into the hapless (and much smaller) Williams' chest. As the two players fell to the floor, Harmison's elbow connected with his opponent's chest followed by the rest of his immense frame. The linesman thought he saw an elbow from Williams so the youngster was sent off while the big red lump was simply booked. The football gods were obviously having a laugh when they sent us this set of officials: Andy G was speechless. Any chance we could have a sensible referee at Hillheads? Half time arrived with the chance for the Bay to regroup.

I was also delighted to sell one of my books ((https://goo.gl/U96Rfx) to Chris, who seemed delighted to have something to do if the second half went badly.
The result of the sending off was only to drive the young Bay team forward and once they had adjusted to their new formation, they powered forward. Sean McCafferty had to be on his metal to turn away a cross from under his bar...

then Haley, fed by Nearney saw his long range effort saved.

A last ditch effort from a Shields defender prevented a headed goal. The Bay were on fire!

In between, Flynn was called upon to fling himself at a Richardson shot and Walker did well to close down Suddick. It really was end to end thrills and spills.
The Bay surged forward and in the 85th minute McCafferty looked unhappy at receiving the ball from a Shields defender. Sub Callum J and the Raven from the Hill swooped: the latter beating the hapless keeper before stabbing home into the empty net!

I wished that the game could have finished there and then but alas no. The gods of football were going to make us pay for having the temerity to score. Bainbridge it was who headed home in the 89th minute. To make my mood worse two delightful tinkers from my school decided to celebrate next to my ear. I was very controlled in my response. The single tear that trickled down my cheek the only sign of any emotion...if you ignored the screaming, beating of fists and kicking the concrete post that proved harder than my foot.
The final goal arrived when Flynn had charged upfield to help out at a corner. Dean Holmes it was who raced clear to score into the empty net.
The final score of 3-1 to Shields was a sickener but the Bay team had shown fight, resolve and determination. Whatever happens in the last few weeks of the season, we can only hope that these immensely talented young lads all decide to stay at Hillheads and we get an injection of experience. In my opinion this can only happen if we have a more open approach from the top... we want to support both the team and you: give us the reason beyond blind faith!

13th March 2018 - Sunderland RCA (h)

The silence from the top was telling. Reading the chairman's message in the match programme, there was no rallying call to get behind the team or explanation of what the club was going to do next. Instead, he talked about the Beast from the East which had paralysed the country in its icy grip. There was a welcome to Andy Gowens and Mick Mulhern but nothing about how he intended to support him. I know I expect too much! After all, Andy has only got until the end of the season. That's confidence!
Andy Gowen's notes paid tribute to Nashy and Co and the great job they had done. He also said how delighted he was to be back. He had struck exactly the right chord. He then called for everyone at the club to pull together to move forward. This is something that has to happen and all Bay fans hope this can happen. The wonderful volunteers were out in force, as always, and there were some new young ladies serving in Tommy's Tea Emporium. Mr MacIlduff was even visible near the turnstiles chatting to fans: a step forward.

Packed out at the Bay!

But the bad taste around Nash and Woody's departure still hung around as tales circulated about a board director who regularly and vociferously complained in public about how bad they thought the pair were doing. This cannot and should not be tolerated in the club and someone should have had a word. Personal views of the board should really be kept private and not broadcast. Instead, the situation was allowed to continue until the departure of our best management team in years. If, as rumoured, the individual still has a lot of power in the club surely for the sake of the club, they need to move aside. Until that happens, I can't see the togetherness that Andy calls for coming about. I desperately hope that Andy and Mick can pull things around. Good luck guys.
We had said goodbye to The Beast from the East and the Pest from the West now the Mini Beast from the East was looming on the horizon. As a result, it was cold. My arctic survival coat, purchased from NEXT many years ago, had been retrieved from the loft where it had resided for the last few years. It was my answer to any impending ice age that may come, along with my Bay hat and scarf. I was ready for anything. Unforunately not many had braved the elements as kick off approached: Hillheads was a bit of a lonely place. Maybe fans had been worried that if they had turned up they would have been asked to play. The new policy at the Bay may soon become: "If you are born, you are old enough!"

Available at:
  https://goo.gl/U96Rfx

It was great to welcome a new player, an ancient 19-year-old centre back Rhys Groves. He was pointed out to me as the 'big one' and he certainly wasn't hard to spot as he towered over the others. What was slightly worrying was the fact that the average of the Bay team was 18.54 (Thanks Mr Twitter for that!). Could we 'win with kids'?

Whitley Bay FC‏ @WhitleyBayFC Mar 13

Tonight's Bay side : Harley, Salmon, Walker, Haley, Groves, Summers, Potter, Glen-Ravenhill(C), Brooks, Johnston, Cornish SUBS : Jasper, Anderson, Bell, Hall, Brannen

Within a few minutes, the garden looked unfamiliarly rosy: the Bay had scored! I had been totally justified in taking time off from school work and planning my new book's launch. (for you sci-fi fans out there, it is called Albie: fugitive from Tenebria and is available at: https://goo.gl/U96Rfx - plug over with.) 

A great cross from the fit-again Brookster was turned in perfectly by the marauding Callum Johnson. The 216 fans were delighted and there was a palpable sense of relief at the goal.

This sense of optimism barely lasted as Sunderland's Colin Larkin was brought down by Whitley's Noah Summers, who was promptly given his marching orders. It seemed a harsh decision as there was some debate whether he was the last man. Soon after, the sense of unfairness grew.
Larkin found himself in acres of space and slotted past the on-rushing Callum Harley (in goal becuase the Flynnster was laid up in bed). The ball rolled along the line then appeared to hit the post and bounce out. The initial relief disappeared when the linesman ruled the ball had crossed the line before bouncing off the net's wheel. Naturally, this was disputed by the fans at that end of the ground. Harley produced his second quality save of the game, athletically punching the ball away to stop RCA taking the lead. In fact both Harley and new boy Rhys were looking confident in the makeshift defence, contributing a number of well-timed tackles and clearances. The 10 young Bay players bounced straight back, and took the lead again with 27 minutes gone. This time it was Matty Cornish who contributed a cracking curler from outside the box that left the RCA keeper clutching thin air.

Once again, however RCA were soon level. A failed clearance was finally headed in by Sunderland's Greg Swansbury.
This galvanised the 11 Sunderland men and they turned up the heat on the 10 men. Harley was forced to charge out of his goal to deal with a lose bouncing ball. His attempted clearance landed at the feet of RCA's right winger who fired towards goal but thankfully Chris Salmon was on hand to clear off the line.
The bald-headed Martin Swales, RCA manager, was dancing up and down the touchline, constantly roaring his disapproval at the decisions whereas, in contrast, Andy and Mick were calm; taking in the game and giving encouragement to their young team, which was good to see. 

...shouty, sweary bloke

Calm and collected...

Unfortunately, Mr Sweary was the one who was happier at the end of the first half as Stephen Callen put the visitors ahead. There was confusion as ref Craig Dean once again refused to blow the whistle to signal a goal: something the watching assessor would not have been too impressed with. 

The second half was predictably dominated by RCA. Although Harley and co battled gamely, the game was effectivelyover  when a  bout of ping pong in the box and a wicked deflection saw RCA take a 5-2 lead. By this point the Bay announcer had given up mentioning the goals, although he did do a medley of announcements when the sixth goal flew past Harley. 

Sub Jasper was unlucky when he almost beat the RCA keeper to a high through ball but it just wouldn't run kindly for the effervescent one and the final score was 2-6. 

Not the kind of start Andy and Mick would have wanted but these are early days and the fighting spirit of the Bay team was still there, although we need to have the experience of the likes of Flynn and Callum Anderson if the youngsters are going to thrive again.