UniBond Premier Division

16th October 2004

Attendance - 275

Team - D Campbell, Williams, Veart, Farthing, Linighan, Robinson, McTiernan(Johnson 45), Scaife, Ormerod, L Gildea, Nicholson. Subs not used: P Campbell, Atkinson.

Report - by Andrew Snaith - Dave Logan rested first-choice goalkeeper Ben Escritt, with the experienced Dave Campbell making his first appearence of the season between the sticks. Another long-serving Blue made his return as Graham Robinson came in for the suspended Neil Bishop.

Ant Ormerod should've given Whitby the lead early on when clean through but somehow sidefooted wide after some excellent build-up play.

Scotty Nicholson's 20th minute header finally put the Blues ahead after sustained pressure, keeper Shackelton was injured as he went up for the ball with the big Whitby midfielder. Eight minutes later, the lead was doubled when Craig Veart hammered home a scintillating 25 yard free-kick from a near-impossible angle straight into the top-right corner.

The Seasiders looked very comfortable until Liam Gildea was sent from the field. The combative forward had already been booked after kicking the ball away, and when he grappled with Selby on the ground, the official had no hesitation in producing a red card.

The second half, saw another forward Steve Johnson, finally returning from hamstring trouble after four weeks on the sidelines- Dave McTiernan made way. Johnson made an instant impact firing wide, and coming perilously close to finding the net when he volleyed Ormerod's cross just past the far post. Ormerod was in imperious form, at the heart of every move and one of the main reasons why despite a man disadvantage, the Blues still looked much the better side.

And with three minutes remaining, the former Middlesbrough striker got his reward when Craig Veart's perfect through ball was taken in his stride and slotted confidently into the bottom right corner from close range.

Frickley grabbed a late consolation in the 90th minute when the slippery ball got the better of keeper Campbell, and Tom Thornton slotted home from point blank range.

Well done Blues, well done Logie. Third place, another home win.