Whitley Bay (Away): FA Cup: Saturday 3rd Sept 2011

Result: Whitley Bay 2 Marske United 0     Scorer: -

In the second game between the sides in the space of a week, Whitley were given a much tougher time by Marske, with both goals in Saturday’s FA Cup tie coming late in the game. Indeed, the visitors could consider themselves unfortunate not to have earned a replay after having much the better of the first half. Only an excellent goalkeeping display by Kyle Hayes, without doubt Whitley’s man of the match, kept the scores level at the interval after Marske had created a series of chances against a lack lustre Bay side.

Rain which began just before kick off continued for most of the game, with most of the 524 spectators watching from under the shelter of the stands.

Marske started much the livelier side and in the fourth minute they saw a shot by Karl Charlton deflected wide of the Bay goal after playing a neat one-two with Chris McGill.

Three minutes later, Adam Gell broke through on goal but Hayes blocked the shot then quickly gathered the ball.  With 14 minutes played, Charlton attacking down the Marske left brought a diving save from Hayes who conceded a corner as the visitors kept up the pressure.

Whitley had made little impression in the first quarter of the game but when they eventually found an opening, Phil Bell’s flick was collected by keeper Jonathan McDonald.

Midway through the half, a 20 yard shot from Bell flew wide of goal but Marske responded immediately with Hayes making a great diving save to keep out a first time effort from McGill.

Further efforts on target from Gell were kept out by Craig McFarlane and Robbie Dale, helping out in defence. Charlton’s free kick from the left was then pushed clear by Hayes as Whitley continued to come under pressure.

However, they were successfully holding on, and four minutes before the interval, Whitley came close to taking the lead when Darren Timmons brought a good save from McDonald from a close range header.

Whitley’s first half performance was well below par with the midfield unable to stamp their authority on the game, but part of the credit for that was down to Marske for their non stop effort and spirit to try and ensure a repeat of last weeks mauling was not to happen.

Half-time:  Whitley Bay 0 v 0 Marske United

At half time, Callum Anderson replaced Gareth Williams who had picked up an injury but the pattern of the game did not change significantly until shortly after the hour when Lee Kerr was brought off the bench.

Within seconds, he almost put Whitley ahead when, just inside the penalty area, he stretched to get a foot to the ball, lobbing it over the keeper. It was heading into the net but a brave last ditch clearance by Anthony Roberts cleared the ball off the line but in doing so Roberts collided with the upright and slid into the back of the net in obvious pain. Following a lengthy delay for treatment, he was able to continue but the momentum was beginning to change in favour of Whitley.

With just under 20 minutes left, a cross from Gary Ormston was headed behind by defender Adam Wheatley as Whitley pushed forward, and a minute later, Kerr chased a through ball from Anderson which appeared to be heading for McDonald. The unfortunate keeper spilled the ball and Kerr pounced to slot the loose ball into the net to the delight and relief of team mates and fans.

Pounder then fired narrowly wide after his free kick was not properly cleared.

In defence Whitley still had to be on their toes with Ormston and Timmons making important clearances, but the visitors’ confidence had been badly affected by the goal.

Lee Scroggins was close to doubling the lead with a shot across goal which went beyond the far post but three minutes from time he sealed victory in style with a powerful shot following a defensive mistake when the ball ricocheted off a defender and into his path.

Although the game was now won, Marske battled on and almost reduced the deficit when John Burton struck the bar with a header in stoppage time.

Full-time:  Whitley Bay 2 v 0 Marske United

It was far from a vintage performance by Whitley, but it was enough to earn them victory and a place in the First Qualifying Round where they will face a stern challenge away to Kendal Town, who are currently flying high, two leagues above Whitley.

Marske will be disappointed to have bowed out of the competition, but can take plenty of positives out of a much improved performance that had Whitley rocking for long spells.

Teams:

Whitley Bay: Hayes, Ormston, McFarlane, Timmons, Smith, Williams (Anderson), Scroggins, Robson, Bell (Kerr), Dale, Robinson (Pounder).

Not used: Downey, Rowe, Reid, Hammond.

Marske United:  McDonald, Donachie, Gamble, Gell, Roberts, Wheatley, Bradley (Seaton), Cochrane (J.Burton), Brunskill, McGill, Charlton.

Not Used:  Taylor, Robson, Jones.

Referee: Shane Sugden (Bishop Auckland)