UniBond Premier Division

31st March 2008

Attendance - 368

Team - Whitby Town: Bell, Burgess, Newby (Thompson 29), Appleby, Tobin, Nogan (Bromley 72), Claisse, Hackworth, Raw, Brunskill, Charlton. Sub not used: Brumwell.

Report - from www.whitbygazette.co.uk A VALIANT rearguard display and some heroics from keeper Mark Bell edged Whitby Town a point closer to premier division safety on Monday night. Joint boss Graeme Clark said the spirit and determination of his side won the point, despite Hednesford enjoying the Lion's share of possession. "We defended exceptionally well and deserved everything we got from the match because of the spirit, passion and determination we showed to stay in the game throughout," he said. "Also, you have to take into account they have an exceptional home record. "We had some good chances and Karl Charlton was unlucky when his shot hit the inside of the post and rolled along the line. "The lads gave everything they were shattered at the end but Hednesford couldn't break us down." Clark said the Whitby players are now really fired up for the last four games of the season, starting at Kendal tomorrow and three wins should see them comfortably safe. Whitby are currently 16th, two points from the relegation zone but only three points from Worksop in ninth. On Monday night, Hednesford's Ross Dyer when he took the ball round Bell, but with a reduced angle to take his shot, he placed the ball into the left hand side netting. Alan Nagington made a good run from the right and just as he was about to shoot Rob Davies raced in to hit a shot onto a stanchion. Whitby were unlucky in the 25th minute when a shot from in-form Karl Charlton hit Paul Evans' left hand post and bounced across the line, enabling Evans time to get back and take possession of the ball. Bell saved from Ross Dyer after he had controlled a pass from the right and turned on the edge of the box to hit a shot straight at the keeper. Dyer then failed to capitalise on a mistake by Blues defender Stephen Tobin who failed to clear the ball from inside the penalty area, Dyer took possession but hit his shot over. Just before the interval, Dyer headed down a cross to Maguire who, from close range, attempted a scissors kick which somehow Bell blocked then from the rebound Davies fired in a low shot which was cleared off the line by Lee Nogan. Whitby almost caught their opponents unawares when a cross from on-loan Tony Hackworth found two players unmarked on the left but a shot hit the side-netting. Bell produced another excellent save to deny Nagington in the 64th minute and another home chance was wasted as Ro ss Dyer hit his shot straight at Bell. Hednesford then had to intervene with a timely tackle when Tom Raw broke clear into penalty area. Bell's heroics then continued as he made a double save to stop the Pitmen from taking all three points. He first denied Nagington by diving to his left. Then David Brown raced in to place a firm header on target but Bell managed to get back on his feet to block his effort. Marshall then placed a first time pace to Wayne Dyer who in turn slipped the ball to Ross Dyer who smashed the ball into Bell's face., holding the game up a few minutes. But he will have enjoyed the long journey home knowing his performance earned his side a valuable point.