‘SMASH AND GRAB’

An unpredictable season took another unexpected turn in sunny West Yorkshire.

After last week’s high class performance in despatching Kendal at the Parks, Whitley Bay travelled to Ben Rhydding with high hopes of doing the double over a side lying in 8th place. Unfortunately Ben Rhydding had other ideas

No doubt buoyed by their own last gasp draw against league leaders Wakefield last week, the home side came out fighting. Whitley Bay seemed to be knocked out of their stride by the energetic nature of the opposition, and what ensued was a fragmented and largely scrappy encounter. Both teams had moments and carved out scoring chances but the only goal of the first half was scored by the home team from a short corner on 30 minutes, a strong low shot into the corner giving Nat Flavell no chance. Whitley Bay forced two short corners before the break drawing saves from the home ‘keeper’ but it stayed at 1-0.

The small but enthusiastic travelling support hoped for better in the second half, but it was Ben Rhydding who carved out the first few chances, with Nat Flavell making a series of fine saves. A sluggish Whitley Bay continued to struggle to find their normal passing game, and were hampered by a series of injuries to their forwards, although each of them battled on. The best play in the match saw a Whitley Bay short corner with a shot from Bev Finlay saved, Cath Pendlebury followed up but her shot too was blocked, and Naomi Harkness then fired in a third shot only to see the home ‘keeper somehow make it a triple save.

As time approached it seemed as if all was lost, until the most bizarre goal of the season (so far). A long speculative ball from the back zipped past the Whitley Bay forwards and appeared to be heading for the back line, certainly the Ben Rhydding ‘goalie was satisfied that that was where it was going as she casually watched it go past. Unfortunately for her she had misjudged it and could only watch in horror as the ball hit the post and ran slowly across the face of goal. Bev Finlay was first to react and pounced to equalise with 30 seconds left. Cue much rejoicing and a welcome if barely deserved point! Although bearing in mind one or two recent results it was maybe Whitley Bay’s overdue turn for a slice of luck.