Comfortable Win for Men's 1s

Whitley Bay & Tyne faced local rivals Gateshead on a sunny Saturday in North Shields. After last week’s disappointing defeat they were expected to bounce back and collect all 3 points in this fixture.

Gateshead started with a defensive structure, looking to soak up attacks and try hit Tyne on the break with long route one passes. This was expected by the home team and was dealt with effortlessly by the back pair of Hayes and Heppell. Tyne were patient in their build up play and had success attacking at speed with quick balls down both wings. The home teams possession was rewarded when a penalty corner was converted by Belshire with a low drag flick. Gateshead were on the back foot and struggled to cope when Tyne switched the ball at pace. Andy Titmus found valuable space in the Gateshead area, and fired a reverse stick shot low into the bottom corner to double the lead. With confidence high, Tyne upped the intensity and a brilliant passing move down the right hand side was finished at the back post by Miles, for his first goal of the season. Tyne continued to make chances, but good work from the Gateshead keeper prevented more home goals. In the final minute of the first half, James Redpath made a rash challenge on a Gateshead forward, giving away a penalty corner and being sent to the sin bin for his troubles. He would be punished further when Gateshead’s drag flick was deflected home from close range to give them a glimmer of hope at half time at 3.1.

Tyne angry at conceding so late in the first half, got back to their passing and movement which gave them so much success in the first. Again the pressure told and a penalty flick was awarded. Belshire stepped up to grab his second of the game, despite the GK getting a healthy hand to the ball.

A comfortable win for Tyne who now travel to league leaders Sheffield next week.