Whitley Bay FC (Home) Match Report

Opponent: Whitley Bay FC (Home)

Date/Time: 02 Feb 15:00

Competition: ANL1

Result: 2 - 1

Team:
Newton, Scott, Stewart, (Wells), L. Ryan, Stephenson, Keegan. Radigan,(B. Ryan), Walklate, Tarrant, Cogdon, Hodgson. Subs not used: Tait, Reay, Milner

Report:
The motormen severely dented Whitley Bays chances of retaining the ANL Championship with this victory, Whiltley Bay lay siege to the Nissan goal for the first 20 minutes with winger Dean Douglas hitting the post in the first minute. Full back Mark Taylor then beat Paul Newton in the Nissan goal but his shot rebounded off the bar. With Nissan seemingly unable to get out of first gear Whitley Bay were running the show, Lee Kerr went close twice but shot wide on both occasions. After 25 minutes Nissan had their first chance when Gavin Cogdon raced past the Bay defence but shot narrowly wide. Neil Radigan making his debut for the motormen then forced a save from Terry Burke and a minute later Cogdon grazed the post with another low shot. Whitley Bay boke the deadlock in teh 43rd minute when Paul Robinson beat Paul Newton with a brilliant shot. Nissan equalised 4 minutes into the second half when Cogdon found Neil Tarrant in space and he deftly lifted the ball over Burke. Newton was called upon twice in the space of a minute to save from Paul Chow as Whitley Bay responded to Nissans improved start to the second half. Paul Chow was guilty of the miss of the game when, having rounded the keeper he blasted over the bar from 10 yards. Gavin Cogdon was at the heart of everything eminating from a rejuvenated Nissan and it was he who forced a finger tip save from Burke. He then set up the winner when he placed a slide rule pass to substitute Ben Ryan and he finished clinically. Minutes later Tarrant thought he had put the game beyond doubt only to see his header rebound of the post. Whitley Bay went all out for the equaliser but Nissan were able to hang on for the three points. "Good look to Whitley Bay in next weeks FA Vase match against Truro. If they perform like they did today and can convert only 20% of the chances they will be in the next round", said Nissan Secreatry Rob Jones after today's match.

Scorers: Tarrant, B Ryan

Verdict:

"Although the early pressure came from Whitley Bay, Nissan Shaded the second half. "It was an excellent game and a big win that keeps us in the Championship race", said an elated Wilf Constantine after this memorable match."

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