13th August 2019 - Bishop Auckland (h)

So this isn't a good idea!
Who knew?

A cracking day was spent with the eldest daughter and Mrs Blogger at The York Maze. Dinosaurs hidden all over a Maize field under the warmth of a glorious summer sun...what more could you ask for?
The answer was: no traffic problems, as I drove Mrs Blogger home in the Blogmobile! That's not what we got. The satnav kept adding all sorts of roadworks and its ETA  kept rising until it reached 7:53! That was 23 minutes after kick off!
Thankfully, still maintaining a sensible speed and distance from the cars in front, the roadworks weren't as bad as predicted and I made it to Hillheads just on kick off.
I had just joined Silly Andrew and Woodie when Bishops took the lead. In my frustration, I'm afraid I took my rage out on my programme, hurling it angrily down onto the ground.

Anger vented upon paper... the unacceptable face of football!

To rub salt into the old wound, it was old boy, Denver Morris, who had done the damage. My worst fears were being realised. Saturday's wounds were still fresh. But how could we be losing? The sun was still shining and the air was warm!
By half time, we were still losing and Luke Salmon's game had been reeled in, thanks to injury. In his place came James Proctor for his earliest introduction of the season (30 mins).

In order to keep their interest in the game going, it was essential the lads avoided a repeat of Saturday's early second half goal. Nathan had obviously told them so they pushed forward with conviction and started ruffling a few of the Bishops' feathers. Thomas Bott started adding his weight to the attack and it was his battle with the visitors' Daryl Hall. This was definitely not the musician who had performed so admirably with John Oates in the 70s and 80s. Our Hall was built like a brick $%&£house and had a slight height advantage on our own defensive colossus. As they battled away, the game swang Whitley's way. When keeper Nick Liversedge cleared a ball straight to a Bay shirt, he was extremely relieved to see the lobbed ball drift over his head. The lads were on the up.
Soon after, and with the lights only just illuminating the action, the Bay were level. Another rushed defensive clearance went straight to Brad Hird. His shot made no mistake as it flew into the left hand post.

 Cue usual celebratory picture:

Where's the warmth gone?
Who cares: 1-1

Complete farce followed, that ended up with referee, Craig Chatten's, grip on the game being firmly ripped from him. As a corner entered the six yard box, Proctor (I think) 'inadvertently' punched the ball goalwards. The ball was hooked clear and the Bishops called for a freekick. but CC felt sorry for us and decided to award us a penalty instead. Cue accusations being hurled at him, and his hapless linesman, by our indignant visitors.

"It was a blue arm..."
"When you wake up tomorrow..."
"You're a joke..."
"Is that the fourth thing, you didn't see lina?"
The abuse carried on but he stuck to his decision.
"But nobody appealed for a penalty!"

VAR results are in: Bishops freekick. If only the ref could have waited until the following afternoon!

To be fair, the ref could only have seen arms go up and had no idea which player handled. Behind the goal, we all laughed at the decision and I must admit, I did feel guilty for getting a penalty from this sequence of play. My instinct to tell the ref it was all a tragic mistake was easily supressed and Craig McFarlane stepped up to confidently drill the ball wide.

Justice had been done? The fear that this golden opportunity would come back to bite our behinds was strong. We now all expected Bishops to drive on to claim the winner in controversial fashion. But to buck a recent trend, the Bay continued to have the best chances. In fact, the whole incident had motivated the lads while Bishops had turned into feral beasts, arguing every decision and trying mostly foul means to wrestle the game away from the Bay. Daryl Hall (not the one with luscious curly blond locks to excite all and sundry) and ex Bay man, Callum Munro were getting away with murder and play was frequently broken up by moments of handbag fighting. CC remained completely ineffective as he kept his cards in his pocket and wandered around without the slightest air of authority.
A breakaway section from behind Liversedge's goal had taken up residence away to his left hand corner and their discussion of the merits of pot noodle pizzas was interrupted by the wondrous sight of Elfie's drive that was too powerful for the keeper's dive to stop. The lads were ahead with barely 7 minutes remaining.

They went wild...

Wildness ensued!

... sort of.

Whitley's first three points of the season had been earned at the expense of our old pal Chan's boys. After the shenanigans that had gone on, it couldn't have tasted sweeter.

10th August 2019 Hebburn Town FA Cup (h)

Courtesy of WBFC Twiter

I went away for one week and things had gone to pot. The first game of the season had ended in a very respectable 1-1 draw with Newcastle Benfield but then Billingham Town, who, had been beaten 6-0 in the first game of the season (at home to Stockton), turned the lads over 3-0 at Hillheads. Crowds had been up, with renewed enthusiasm: 417 and 337. But the Hillheads faithfull were still waiting to see their first victory of the season. The hopes of seeing that happen for today's match seemed as unlikely as the chances of Hillheads staying dry. Thunder storms and showers were predicted throughout the day.



The day started with a fairly dry Gateshead 10k for the Boy Mark and I, followed by a trip in pleasant sunshine to Hillheads.

The sun indeed was shining and the Bay started as if they were solar-powered.
Only five minutes in Luke Salmon had the first chance but after rounding the Hebburn Keeper, his effort was saved on the line with a hint of handball.

Next up, it was Lee Kerr, followed by another Luke Salmon effort that was saved by the keeper's leg. On the downside, Nathan Stephenson was booked for disagreeing with the referee on one of his many puzzling, and some might say, scandalous decisions. Who says we have freedom of speech?

Finally, Brad Hird was put through and this time, he rolled the ball under the advancing keeper's body. Hillheads erupted.

The joy lasted four minutes. Two Hebburn penalties turned the first half on its head and all the lads' hard work had been undone. It was no coincidence that the rain started falling. The heavens had had their hearts broken!
There was worse to follow, just two minutes into the second half. A Hebburn freekick was turned in. 438 fans were mostly gutted. So was the home team. Four more goals (one a penalty), an Anderson own goal (sliding in perfectly at the far post to score) and a Bott sending off for a second booking were the 'rewards' for the home fans.
It was the footballing gods reminding us that there are no shortcuts to success. Nathan's brand of football will take to time to come good. Frustrated and cheesed off doesn't come close to explaining how The Boy Mark and I felt after the game. This will be a long road. I'm placing my faith in a Pony Rider charging to our rescue. Who knows what this next turn in the Bay rollercoaster will bring us?

Courtesy of Shanks' Twitter

24.7.19 Blyth (a)

Before this latest blog, I would like to pay my own tribute to the loss of our dear friend, Tommy Moody:

RIP Tommy

Picture courtesy of WBFC Twitter

One of my favourite Hillheads memories was the day the legend that is Tommy was rewarded for his services to the club by the naming of his beloved Tea hut after him. The man was a fantastic figure both around Hillheads and the Whitley Bay running circuit. Many a Saturday morning started with a Parkrun on the Links, where he often marshalled, and a discussion of the Bay's chances that day. His enthusiasm for both sports was boundless. It was a lovely gesture to see the Teahut, from which he always served the Boy Mark and I enormous Cola bottles, with it's sign erected. Long may it remain so named because he was a fantastic character with a great sense of humour. I will never forget his favourite way of addressing us "What sweets would the children like today?"

My thoughts are with his family, who I know have been bowled over by the response from his Hillheadian friends. 

Gone but not forgotten.

The school summer holidays have arrived and I was delighted, not only by the kind words from parents and children, but also the cards and presents from the children in my NE29-based school. My favourite has to be the one from the young man who has now moved on to high school and would always take great delight in celebrating next to me whenever Shields scored. The thought was definitely there but I'm not quite sure on the labelling!

The fun of a goal spree against Ellington was followed up by a similar festival against West Auckland Tams. The Wearside League outfit had stepped into the breach, at the last minute, replacing Marske United who were unable to raise a team. This, in itself, must have been a disappointment and concern for the ex-Northern Leaguers but it was also a disappointment for the home fans hoping for a cracking battle with old rivals: Nathan's former club. Played in an almost non-stop deluge, there was nothing for it but to don the wbayblogger poncho of camouflage. This action was likened to my audition for the Grim Reaper in Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey. My audition for which was disappointing as I felt I had it nailed only to lost out to William Sadler. Thanks Jeremy, for capturing my reprise of the role.

Grim Reaper aka wbayblogger: courtesy of WBFC's Jeremy Twitterbod

The following Tuesday it was back to Hillheads against Northern League Div 2's Ryton and Crawcrook that was played out under a beautiful evening sky. From the ridiculous to the sublime. Unfortunately the atmospheric pleasantness didn't suit the lads and they had to recover from a 2-goal first half deficit. Even so, only a Ryton equaliser robbed the Bay of the win.
Worryingly, the lads had looked second best at home to a team in a league below us and this was repeated when Sunderland West End snatched a 2-1 win. Once again, the unpredictability of the Northeast's weather systems had seen the match played out during torrential downpours. This had not been to the liking of my holidaying Mexican buddy Ned Kelly who tried his hand, unsuccessfully, at upstaging my Reaper performance. The two toughest tests so far and they lads had come up short on both occasions.
It was almost a full complement of wbayblogger buddies that set off for Croft Park the following Wednesday, with The Boy Mark driving Running Neil and I to an extremely sunny Blyth Spartans. Memories of mine and Neil's first footie 'date-night' were jogged by the sight of the stands: a real footie ground with roofed stand on all sides. There were even home fans with their team's shirts on! A rare treat to see! It felt like an actual occasion! There were over 400 fans there for a friendly... and not all of them were Bay fans!

The Three Amigos thoughtful under Blyth's roofed terrace!

To add even more excitement to the occasion, the teamshirt I managed to photograph had been printed on a computer... none of this Bic biro nonsense for these posh Blyth boys! And it was only a friendly. Crazy days!
Jeff Smith was back and it looked like his absence from the team sheet had been down to a rather nice continental excursion, judging by his tan.

A proper ground with stands and that.

After all the excitement, the match was a real battle and both teams looked to be desperate to please their managers. Although Blyth dominated possession, the lads looked good on the break and Ramsay almost succeeded in robbing Blyth's Mark Foden in goal on two separate occasions but lacked the support to make anything of the opportunities. It showed the fight that had been missing during large chunks of the previous two games and must have boosted the lads confidence. 

Unfortunately, Blyth showed just why they were three leagues higher than the Bay with two clinical finishes that flattered the home team at the break. The second goal was scored seconds before the half time whistle. 

Wandering around at half time it was interesting to note a now possible holiday destination. 

The Boys are thinking who could they get to take a holiday in North Korea? The list could surely grow!
 Is there a charter plane leaving from Blyth's International Airport?

Into the second half and the lads managed to pull themselves back into the game and it was Mrs Triallist's dear little Sammy D (Dinsley) who was set up perfectly by a superbly worked freekick to head home. That one had definitely been worked out on the training ground. The Bay's Anderson creating the space for SDT! Nice.

Despite some fantastic battling and effort, there was to be no equaliser but the lads had won the second half and restored some pride. The jury is still out on how they will fair when the competitions start in ernest but tonight's signs were promising.

9.7.19 Ellington (h)

It was raining but I was still in good spirits. Complete with camouflaged poncho, I set off for Hillheads. The only people I passed on the way were the hockey players leaving the ice rink, would Hillhead's great and good turn out to see its latest episode?
They were there and they shared my quiet optimism. My newly-designed season ticket had gone down well and I must admit I was rather pleased the result.
Talking to people around the ground, it really did seem like there was a new drive about the place.
Sky Blue Neil remarked that the pitch looked the best it had been in years, even though tonight was its first test. The fans who had given up their time to paint the ground, apologies I failed to show up yet again, had performed miracles.
A fund had also been started to repair the main stand's roof. This club has one amazing resource and it is its fans! They are the one thing that have remained constant. Turning up home and away during these downward spiralling seasons. Now, two of those fans are amongst the board members, bringing new verve and enthusiasm to an already hard-working set of individuals. Only a madperson would fail to make use of them!

Mmmmmm, nice pitch!

There was also a good turnout behind the goal... I was no longer Billy-No-Mates!

The teambuilding has been ongoing at a great pace and it looks like we have a talented team. Tonight's team included Jeff Smith, who apparently arrived with Nathan. Right from the off, he was pulling the strings in midfield.
A silver-haired (mostly) empressario, his prodding passes were gratefully received by the likes of Salmon, Brannon and Parnaby. With Lee Kerr joining in the prodding of the visiting defence, the home fans lapped it all up. By half time, the lads were 4-0 up. Salmon scored twice, we think Smith launched in the third one and Mickey C added a skillfully opportunistic fourth.

The second half continued in the same vein. Whitley pressed, Ellington defended, swore at each other then ocasionally managed a breakaway effort. The bay defence, looked in control and so for once, most of the attacking took place in the visiting half.
Goals five to seven were to follow in this half, in quick succession. At some point, the old war-horses: the tiring Kerr and Smith gave way to the young upstarts of Kieran Brannen and Max Emerson. It was these youngsters who tore at the visitors like starving dogs desperate for raw meat. Add in Mickey, who just toyed with Ellington all game, it was a pleasure to watch.
Number five featured Kieran surging towards goal before unleashing a sublimely placed shot.

Number six was a one Mr and Mrs Triallist may well be proud of but I can't be sure as the teamsheet didn't match the players on the pitch, IMHO. Whatever, it was another cracking strike. 

Finally number seven was another from the edge of the box. A real treat for the Bay fans!

It's been a while since we dared dream of anything more than poor mediocrity. I so hope that my excitement hasn't been pre-empted. I WOULD LOVE IT, if we had a decent team! 

6.7.19 Durham United (a) Friendly

I love this time of the footballing year. The weather is warm (it actually was) even in the Northeast, the pains of the previous year (s) have been nailed shut in a darkened box at the back of my mind, the teambuilding has been continuing at great pace, the right noises are coming out of the club with regards the hopes and expectations for the year...
What more could you want?
The Boy Mark and running Keith were involved in a stupidly-long Chevy Chase 20 mile trail run so couldn't make the game. I put out a request for a car share on the club's Twitter feed and Paul the Miller answered my call.
Picked up outside the little Sainsbury's, by him and his great children, in an extremely comfortable Mercedes was the perfect way to start the season. Conversation opened with the Women's World Cup and England's defeat in the semi-final (as well as their appearance on bottles of Lucozade sport) and eventually ended with today's game.
Optimism was the order of the day. We had Mr H2O bathrooms, Martin, to knock some business sense into the board along with Duncan Howell as the new commercial manager. Knowing both to be popular figures around the ground, the hope is that we can advance as a club commercially, building on the great work started by Ann Barkas. There is so much potential here, as long as it can be realised. All together we seemed to be heading?
There was a delay and a diversion to avoid a traffic jam at Testo's roundabout. Fancy closing off the A19 knowing that there would be hordes of Bay fans streaming towards Durham!

Possibly the only team sheet for the Big Match
1st half and 2nd half team.
Courtesy of Julian

To be honest (TBH for the kids), I was expecting at least five goals for the Bay but it soon became clear that the home team were no mugs. A young side that had been promoted to the Wearside League looked solid and the strange mix of players for the Bay's two teams meant there were so many introductions to be made.
As per usual, I hadn't much idea who anybody was, except for Lee Kerr, whose bald head shone like a halo in the afternoon sun.
The lads played some great stuff at times but there was a distinct lack of sharpness in front of goal.

A breakaway effort was saved well by the keeper and then another effort was expertly turned onto his own post by a Durham defender. There was, as usual, a lot of really good approach play few goalscoring opportunities.

Another great save followed but that pessimistic part of me was wondering when we would be made to pay. Sure enough, Ball, trialling in goal, made a bit of a balls-up of a clearance and there was Durham's ex-Doctor Who Matt(hew) Smith to slot into the empty net.
Little Gibbo and I were not impressed!

Another chance for the Bay was dramtatically turned away by Durham's keeper before half time called an end to a slightly underwhelming first half that reminded me that Rome wasn't built in a day.

I promptly set off around the pitch to get my place for the second half (before the crowds stole all the best spots) then had to re-trace my steps when I came up against the big sign that had been staring at me on the even bigger fence that was blocking my way. The sun had obviously got to me!

In the second, it was a completely different, and more experienced, Bay team. Right from the off, there seemed to be more purpose about them. Peter the Raven looked twice as fierce with his new 'Sparky' hair cut. Unfortunately, his difficult efforts on goal were generally wayward. In true fashion, however he kept running and was always in the right place, if not on target.

There was a great deal of fight in this new team and a determination not to give up and to show the 'young'uns' who were the bosses. New boy Michael Annang-Colquhoun, from South Shields, kept battering impressively away, collecting balls he had no right to win and shielding them so well with his body.

Max Emerson, promoted from the reserves also looked promising as he too caused problems for the United defence.

Despite a couple of freekicks that were well-saved, Durham, and their keeper were still holding the Bay at bay.
With time running out, it was Michael who was the 'fox-in-the-box', scoring in added time. There was still time for another of the Raven's efforts to sail wide but we had to be happy with a draw and some great football played.
Did I enjoy that moment though?

Courtesy of Whitley Bay FC Twitter

13th April 2019 - Shildon (h)

A long and frustrating season was at last drawing to a close. The brief promise from the start of the season had disappeared with the departure of Jack Foalle, bar occasional performances that had hinted at better times. In the morning I had enjoyed the Cragside 10k run with a time of 47 minutes under my belt. However, despite the sun shining in Northumberland, it was cold and windy. A situation that didn't change as we waited for the last game of the season to kick off.

A healthy crowd of 377 had turned up. There was no Callum Anderson or Craig '350 Bay games' McFarlane so me and the Boy Mark were instantly worried about the defensive side of the team. 

Noticeable from the outset was how together the officiating trio was. During the warm-up they ran in perfect symmetry then when the ref in the middle said the word "Go', to begin their faster paced run, they all carried on in the same slow plod. Coordination! Their warm-up done, there were bonding fist clenches between the trio then they trotted off. Completely contented with their togetherness.

Easily distracted?

As per recent form, after a bright start, Shildon took the lead. Thankfully neither the Boy Mark or I noticed as we were being distracted by Gibbo's daughter's attempts to explain why Hillheads needed more bins within a hand's reach. 

Little Gibbo then found a ladybird and began debating whether this particularly unusual ladybird, if placed in the ear could be used to translate all insect voices. As a result we were distracted from the fact that the lads were playing better but falling to another sucker punch just before half time. 

The Boy Mark was disappointed to be told we were losing 2-0. 

Moira demonstrates the multiple uses of Hillheads' barriers:
#1 hired out as team drying facilities

The consensus on changing ends for the second half was that the car park end was a lot colder and could really do with external heaters or under-paving slab heating. There was also the exciting premier of Gibbo's new Jacket which is rumoured to be the newly designed Bay away shirt...

Catwalk boy!

The second half continued with the Bay creating chances that were either missed by a lot, missed by a little or spoilt by the officials.

 We couldn't see the offside there and the game was effectively over when Shildon scored to make it 3-0. Our dynamic trio in black must have felt sorry for us, bearing in mind: 

1. we'd lost our last three games

2. it was cold 

3. it was the last game of the season.

So when a Luke Salmon corner swam through the air and curled in at the near post, the ref awarded a goal. Shildon didn't even protest much which showed that they were confident that we wouldn't get back into the game. 

In or not? Give Salmon it so he can finish top scorer!

Our officiating leader, Mr Pill, 's decisions were becoming bitter for the visitors to swallow and they began to get a bit hot and bothered as the lads pushed for another goal. As they argued with him, he was heard to repeat "Shut up!" three times in answer to three different Shildoners. This demonstration of assertive command of a football pitch had the young lads next to use in hysterics and whenever he was near, and nowhere near, they kept repeating his inspirational words. 

He made sure he had the final word when a robust tackle on the diminutive Kieran Brannen didn't go down too well. Branner's reaction meant him seeing red and brought a sad end to one of his more effective games. 

Argy bargy for the end of the season.

He had battled and tricked his way past players with a greater authority, that bodes well should he stay with us next season. Fingers crossed he does as, at last he seems to have a manager, New-Boy-Nathan, who appreciates what he can bring to the team. 

Another disappointing season ended with a 1-3 defeat. However there is more optimism around the ground. Even, old wbayblogger favourite, Dave Berry is optimistic! Let's hope he's right!

Have a great summer and here's hoping that next season is a vast improvement on the last two!

Don't forget on Sunday 5th May there is the Vase Veteran's game with proceeds going to Robbie Livermore's family. Kick off is 1pm with presentations afterwards in the Seahorse. 

23rd and 30th March 2019 - a week to forget!

Mitre Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup Semi final: Newcastle Benfield (a) 

I was so full of anticipation. Three wins and a draw under New Boy Nathan, we were the form team...for once. After a challenging day with years 5 and 6, it was finally time for the Mitre Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup Semi final! What a name: runs off the tongue! 

Postman Neil picked me up at 7pm and it was soon obvious that me and Neil weren't the only ones excited by the prospect of this long-winded competition. Every piece of parking in Benfield school, sports centre and football club had been taken so we had to park just off the Benfield Road. 

We also had to wait for the mother who, having brought about five kids with her, hadn't realised she would have to pay for them all. The match was already underway when we entered and there did indeed seem to be a great crowd. Finding a spot behind the goal Whitley were attacking, we found Bob and Moira, who had vowed not to attend another game...once again. The excitement of the Long-winded-Cup and the current form had brought them all out tonight!

Without the Long-Winded-Cup-Tied Dan Lister, New-Boy-Nathan had signed Spendymoor's Christopher Elliott. A big gamble bringing in a newbie keeper for such a big game, we could only hope that it paid off. 

Unfortunately, Dennis Knight had decided to make things hard for the debutant with a thunderbolt goal after ten minutes.

However, before the Dementors could suck all the happiness from the Bay fans, Olly Martin pounced to level things.

We were excited! Even Bob was smiling!

Super-Olly almost gave the Bay the lead with a cracking bit of skill but his lobbed effort just dropped wide of the far post. 

With few chances, we were momentarily distracted by Benfield's new wood-panelled gym. From this facility, the good citizens of Walkergate are able to pump iron and watch the blue-striped Benfield batter their opposition. As it was, the Bay were creating the better chances. Unfortunately, the pesky Knight popped up with another goal and at half time, the Bay were unfortunate to be behind. 

The half time walk to the far end revealed another pitch-side gym, this time an open-air affair. Also there was, what appeared to be a four-person gallows next to a basketball hoop... nowt as queer as East End Folk!

Ex-trawler-fishing nets behind the goal,
complete with tiny ocean-formed barnacles.

The second half was virtually a write-off. Whitley were second to every ball and Benfield laid into the visiting defence. In the 77th minute, it was that pesky Knight who completed his hat-trick and it all looked over.

The crowd was thinning out as the final whistle drew nearer. But Super Andrei was on hand to help again in the 88th minute. It was Craig McFarlane who managed to pick up a loose clearance and his pass was seized upon by Andrei. Suddenly we had hope!

A large amount of hysteria had set in amongst the Bay fans behind the home goal and when Super Andrei let fly in the final seconds of the game, we thought all our Christmases had come at once. But no, our celebrations were cut short by Benfield's mountainous number five (compared to Kieran Brannen anyway) telling us it had gone wide. 

Surely, there would be a reaction the following Saturday against Guisborough! 

Guisborough Town (h)

New-Boy-Nathan would have the lads sorted. Poor Guisborough would be annihalated in a wave of Blue-striped attacks and goals! Wednesday would be forgotten about and excited hopes for next season raised again! The Spring sun that had warmed us up the day before would shine over a glorious Bay performance!

Courtesy of Whitley Bay Twitter

Alas no. It was cold. The sun had disappeared. The Boy Mark and I had enjoyable parkrun in a sunny Prudhoe but by the time the match arrived, le soleil had had enough, as had most of the Bay's support. 

Plenty of room to read the programme on a freezing Spring afternoon!

So it seemed had the Whitley defence. With 16 minutes gone, the lads were 2-0 down, despite creating and missing a number of chances. The result was not a fair reflection of the match but then that's football. "It's a funny old game!" one moustrachioed 80s commentator said often enough. 

Then it started raining! The Boy Mark, who hadn't brought a waterproof coat, disappeared with Kinnon, Gibbo, Claire and the rest under the cover of the new stand. Smithy and I bravely remained, to watch over the goalcam. 

At least we were rewarded with some sublime trickery from the Slippery Salmon, rounding the keeper to slot home from six yards. 

The equaliser almost arrived just before half time but first Salmon then Andrei failed to come up with the goods.

The lads had been unlucky but then you make your own luck in this game, somebody once said.

By the time half time arrived, I had been abandoned by even the hardy Smithy. Football was certainly not fun for me. 

Maybe a cream egg and a cup of tea would revive my hopes! No, it didn't. 

There were chances at the start of the second half but I wasn't feeling invigorated as they kept getting missed. Also the wind decided to join the rain in pounding us. Even David Hall's dad had to resort to his tent-like poncho that covered both himself and his electric chair!

Then Andrei was taken off along with Olly and Branners. What on Earth was NBN (New Boy Nathan) thinking of?

Guisborough scored to make it 3-1 to the visitors and that looked to be that! 

But no! Up stepped Jonjon Wright to launch an unstoppable shot home from the edge of the box. 

 With captain Luke Taylor putting in some great tackles There was unexpected hope of a happy ending. Would we finally manage a great escape?

No. 

Guisborough scored ten minutes later to make it 4-2.

 I went home, had pizza, watched Harry Potter and forgot about football.