Men's 1s fire 5 past Bowdon

Whitley Bay & Tyne faced Bowdon 2s on a bitterly cold Sunday in North Shields.

The home team started very brightly and were awarded a penalty flick within the first 5 mins after Traynor was fouled in the area after a skilful run. Traynor converted high into the roof of the net to give the home team an early advantage. Whitley Bay & Tyne looked to build on this and almost went 2 up after a through ball from Stoddart was rifled at the goal by Lockey, only to be denied by the GKs helmet. The home team were controlling possession and again could have grabbed a 2nd when Stoddart was sent through on goal, but he could not finish passed the advancing GK. Finally the 2nd goal came late into the first half, when Baeder expertly finished from a penalty corner with a bullet of a drag flick. The half ended 2-0.

Bowdon started the 2nd half with more purpose and showed desire to get back in the game. Their persistence was rewarded when they managed to grab a goal back from close range in a crowded penalty area. Whitley Bay & Tyne however, stuck to their guns and soon scored 2 more goals in quick succession from Redpath and Hall to make the score 4.1 and effectively end the contest. In the final minutes the home side rounded off a brilliant display with a perfect team goal of one touch possession hockey as Titmus was on hand to deflect the ball home from the penalty area.

Whitley Bay & Tyne travel to Alderley Edge next week and will be looking for another win to climb the table and put pressure on Preston.