W/Bay 4s v North Shields (3-1)

ladies 4's

This was a 'must win' game for Whitley Bay following the bruising of multiple defeats on the trot, however, with the memory of an emphatic 5-1 win against North Shields earlier in the season, the 4s were hopeful for a positive result. It was a sluggish start from Whitley who quickly found themselves 1 nil down following a penalty flick goal from Shields. From that point on, Whitley Bay well and truly 'woke up', playing glorious hockey in testing weather conditions of howling winds, sleet and blinding sun which, being so extreme, felt like a second opposition! Strong attacking led to multiple short corner opportunities which were seized with aplomb. Gemma Crackett scored from a short corner set piece quickly followed by a second short corner goal from the stick of Tracy Cooke. Young Brooke Macgowan fired a cracker to the back of the board but the celebrations were soon cut short with the goal disallowed due to third party obstruction on the top of the D. At half time, Whitley Bay huddled up with the glow of a 2-1 lead. In the second half, Whitley Bay's strong performance continued with some stand out displays from young Laura Day who kept North Shields' defence on their toes, creating numerous goal opportunities and short corners. Tyler Macgowan took advantage of one of these shorts, placing a powerful and exquisite shot past the keeper to increase Whitley Bay's lead. Despite North Shields' valiant and well fought efforts, they failed to break Whitley Bay's defence, led by keeper Sarah Massen on fine form.