Friendly

12th July 2004

Attendance -

Team - Hoggarth, Atkinson, Yael, Nicholson, Williams, Obern, Gildea.A, Campbell, Ormerod, Johnson, Bishop. Subs Jackson, Veart, McTiernan, Robinson, Bennett & "Mr Lynch". (That's what it says on the team sheet)

Report - by BJM - Whitby's first pre-season friendly saw a visit from near neighbours Darlington but despite them fielding a team of triallists, notably Aron Wilford (ex-Blue) in their ranks, Whitby failed to find a winning start even though they were more than a match for their full time opponents in the first half. The Blues were missing David Campbell who has retired due to injury as well as Linighan & Dixon, the latter being on holiday as is the manager. Whitby played some neat flowing football in the first period with Steve Johnson having an excellent game worrying the Quakers' defence on numerous occasions. Scott Nicholson was commanding as ever in defence though personally I'd prefer him in midfield but the forward line lacked any height or a decent target man. Former Blue Aron Wilford would fit this position nicely if only he can be enticed back again. The visitors took the lead in the 52nd minute when keeper Hoggarth made a clumsy challenge to concede a penalty that Wilford placed right in the bottom right corner of the net. Darlington doubled their lead shortly afterwards when the replacement keeper was beaten by a well struck but deflected shot from outside the area. David McTiernan made the scoreline respectable in the 82nd minute after a crunching tackle by Nicholson set up the attack. It's clear from this first game that Whitby need a striker to help out Ormerod but we knew that from last season. Hopefully there's time yet to sign someone. Another disappointment was the meagre crowd that turned out on a chilly, damp overcast evening although maybe the lure of Coronation Street & Eastenders proved too much.