Whitburn Athletic 3-1 Whitley Bay

<p>This week was always going to determine whether our recent run of late would be a good one or a bad one. Preperation wasn't at its best, which seen us hand debuts to 3 players on the day, with a number of key players missing, including a couple of early Saturday morning drop outs. We nearly made the worst start we've made all season, with 30 seconds on the clock Symington was put under huge pressure after a heavy back pass, resulting in the ball rolling wide of the far post. Our slow start continued as we had to defend a number of corners, while when in possession we couldn't seem to string more than two passes together. The away side then opened the scoring as confusion at the back allowed their forward to pounce in the 6 yard box and slot the ball into the far bottom corner. From that point on the defensive aspect of our game improved, and minutes after conceding, Nolan found himself with a chance in front of goal to bring us level early on, however his effort was saved well by the opposing keeper. The equaliser followed minutes later, Wilson who was back in the team today reacted well to a flick on and finished superbly with his instep on the half volley. Debutant Jason Pressling was next up with an opportunity, having seen his effort dragged just wide of the post, after a superb first touch to set up the opening. Other half chances fell to Sheldon and Newbrook, but neither resulted in a goal as we headed into the break on level terms.

<p>There wasn't quality on show throughout the second half either, as the game got scrappier the more the minutes ticked down. The game was open for opportunities but poor decision making combined with a lack of composure from both sides seen neither take full advantage of that as the only attempts came from long range. The game was always likely to be won by a scrappy goal if either side was to win this one, and that's exactly how the game finished. Smith's poor free kick found its way all the way through to Skinner who kept his calm and finished well from 6 yards out with his right peg. The game could and should have been won before it was, as Newbrook turned well to present himself with a clear chance on goal, however his delicate effort evaded everyone to float wide of the post. The points then were sealed, when Wilson broke down the right side to find Nolan on the edge of the area who teed up Smith to score our third of the day.

<p>As mentioned at the start, this game determined whether our recent run would look good or bad, thankfully we ground out 3 points despite a well below par performance to stretch our run to 5 unbeaten. We'll be looking for back to back home wins come next weekend, when we host Wideopen & District in the league.

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