Whitby Town FC - The Seasiders

Home Page

Fixtures, Results & Reports

+ Larger Font
- Smaller Font

Goose's Match Previews

Whitby Town v Northwich Victoria- Good Fri 22 Apr- 3.00pm- Match Preview

Town will be hoping it's a very Good Friday as they bid to finish as high as possible in the Evo Stik Premier following Tuesday's season-saving win at Mickleover.

The 4-2 win ensures the Blues' safety for another season and saw top-scorer Jimmy Beadle equal last season's tally of 15 goals, albeit in controversial fashion.

Manager Tommy Cassidy is hoping Whitby fans will improve on last weekend's 300-plus crowd with the promise of more attacking football for the last home game of the campaign.

"I'm looking forward to Friday, there's no pressure on us now.

"We want to entertain the crowd and win the game in front of our fans", he added.

Tuesday's success earned Town their fifth double of the season, with Ossett Town, Retford United, Hucknall Town and Ashton United also put to the sword.

The Seasiders will again be without Ashley Lyth, who ends the season with a two-game suspension.

Town have some unfinished business with Friday's visitors Northwich Victoria who sneaked past them in the FA Trophy back in November. The Cheshire club earned a 2-2 draw at the Turnbull Ground before edging home with an injury time winner in the replay.

The sides' first meeting in the league also went the way of Andy Preece's men, thanks to two second-half strikes in five minutes from Andrew Fowler and Michael Connor.

Fowler grabbed a hat-trick in a 4-2 win over Buxton on Monday night, but the Vics have failed to live up to expectations in their first Evo Stik Premier season.

They were amongst the favourites after being expelled from the Blue Square North last summer due to long-standing financial problems, but are set to finish outside the top ten.

Kick-off at the Turnbull Ground 3.00pm with admission the usual £7.50 Adults, £4.50 Concessions and £2.00 Under 18s. The club will present their end of season awards in the clubhouse after the game.

Mickleover Sports v Whitby Town - Tue 19th April ko 1945h

Whitby Town travel to Derbyshire tonight hoping to come back with three points and the guarantee of playing just one level below conference football, for the 13th successive season.

Tommy Cassidy's men need just one more win regardless of other results and face in-form Mickleover who only secured safety themselves at the weekend.

Cassidy told the Whitby Gazette:

"I'm looking forward to Tuesday, we now have a great chance to stay up."

But the ex-Newcastle United and Burnley midfielder is taking nothing for granted against a side with just one loss from their last eight games:

"We've got to improve. And those players who don't respond won't be here next year.

"We need to stay up then things have got to happen at the club in the summer- signing players etc."

Mickleover are playing at their highest standard of football after promotion from the First Division South last season.

Dick Pratley's men have enjoyed four wins out of five in the past month and after Saturday's win, Town will have to defeat Ashton once again tonight- Sports' hitman Karl Ashton who's notched seven goals from eight matches.

The sides met for the first-ever time on the opening day of the season at the Turnbull Ground when the Blues came from 2-1 down to triumph 3-2. Andy Campbell, Jimmy Beadle and Jamie Owens- who's now at Northern League Norton & Stockton- were on target in front of 306.

Mickleover secured their Premier Division status with a 2-1 home victory over third-bottom Burscough- Ashton bagged a brace in the success.

Meanwhile for the Seasiders, left-back Alex White, who went off with sickness on Saturday, is expected to be fit for the trip.

Kick-off at the Mickleover Sports Ground is 7.45pm with a supporters coach leaving the Turnbull Ground at 2.30pm- seats are just £10 each.

The Blues play their final home game of the season on Friday with a 3.00pm kick-off due to the Good Friday bank holiday.

Whitby Town v Ashton United - Sat 16th April 2011 - Preview

Whitby Town manager Tommy Cassidy has challenged his players to copy last week's performance against Buxton, when relegation rivals Ashton United visit on Saturday.

Cassidy was furious after Wednesday's 5-1 defeat against champions FC Halifax Town, he told the Whitby Gazette:

"It was a combination of two things, they are a very good side but I'm concerned with my team and we were way short. It was embarassing at times, the goals we gave away with individual mistakes.

"We have four or five players making the same mistakes every week and we got punished for it.

"It's a big game Saturday. If we play like we did against Buxton, we will win it, but we must replicate that performance."

The former Newcastle United star admitted that left-back Alex White was "a big loss" in midweek, but the ex-Stranraer man should be fit for Saturday's six-pointer.

It's the first of two games against closely-placed rivals, with a trip to Mickleover Sports on Tuesday, Cassidy knows it won't be easy with both sides in form, Ashton even beat promotion-chasers Matlock on Monday.

"They've gone through a great period and they could be out of trouble at the moment, so for us, it's a massive game", said the Blues boss.

"I can't wait for Saturday, I'm really up for it. Are my players thinking the same, I hope so."

One of Town's top players this year has been defender Ibby Hassan who, despite his recent sending off at Kendal, says he's "enjoying his football".

"I've probably bedded in a bit now, me and Kev Burgess, we've got a good understanding with Cammy behind us and the experience of Ash Lyth talking you through it.

"I don't do much talking, the lads talk me through it and I do the running."

The Seasiders triumphed 3-1 in Greater Manchester this past November when Andy Leeson, Chris Batchelor and Andy Campbell grabbed the goals. But with the Robins scooping five wins out of six in the league, the size of Saturday's task isn't lost on the big centre-half, who added:

"It's massive, absolutely massive. We've beat them once and we can do it again.

"Last week, we were looking at 12th or 13th in the league and it's still possible."

Saturday is Pay What You Want Fans Day, where spectators can hand over whatever sum they wish at the Turnbull Ground and the fans' favourite was quick to praise the Blues support:

"They've been fantastic all season. If we can get the same sort of numbers as the Halifax game and a bit of generosity with the buckets going round, it'll see us right for next season. It's been tough with all the postponements."

As for the match itself, Hassan assured fans: "We'll be up for it, we'll be up for it."

Kick-off at the Turnbull Ground is the usual 3.00pm, with the finale of the Whitby & District Primary Schools Penalty Shoot Out also taking place. Airy Hill and Lyth face off at the interval, with the winner facing Stakesby in the final at full-time.

Then Whitby Wanderers- Town's Supporters team take on Spark FC, representing radio station 107 Spark FM, from Sunderland.

Gazette editor Jon Stokoe is a weekly guest on the Wednesday Night Sports Show discussing his beloved Black Cats of the Wearside variety and one of the show's in-studio voices, Gary Mutimer is busy assembling a star line-up.

Mutimer currently manages Newcastle United's Ladies FC in the National Womens' Northern Premier Division alongside ex-Blue and Middlesbrough star Dean Gordon and will be hoping to take advantage of his assistant's many high-profile contacts.

The journalist, who actually supports Sunderland, has been putting colleagues, including Drivetime presenter Calum Hider and Local Music Show Producer Gruff Jones, through their paces at Northumbria University with his womens' team.

He revealed: "I'm looking forward to visiting the ground, meeting the people and having some fish and chips as well....after we've won."

Whitby Town travel to Derbyshire outfit Mickleover Sports, who sit three points and one place above them, for the first time, this Tuesday, with a 7.45pm start.

Whitby Town v FC Halifax Town - Wed 13th April ko 1945h

Whitby Town manager Tommy Cassidy has appealed for Blues supporters to back their hometown club, with the threat of being outnumbered against newly-crowned champions FC Halifax on Wednesday.

Neil Aspin's men won the Evo-Stik Premier Division title on Saturday with a 2-0 win at already-relegated Retford United, watched by over 600 travelling fans from West Yorkshire.

Cassidy, whose Whitby side are chasing their third successive home win said:

"I want the supporters to come in numbers from now until the end of season."

He also paid tribute to striker Andy Campbell who has two goals from three games after his recent return.

Cassidy stated: "Andy scores goals and he scored a vital one last week- that's his forte.

"You can't beat goalscorers- they win football matches."

Campbell made over 50 appearances for the former Halifax Town club and helped them out with his winner against Buxton last week, ending the Derbyshire side's title hopes.

Speaking about his two-year spell at the Shay, the 32-year-old former Middlesbrough striker revealed:

"I loved the club, they were absolutely fantastic with me.

"It was a difficult time. I got a career threatening injury and I was out for probably nine or ten months, but I met some lovely people who stuck by me and gave me loads and loads of support."

Campbell, who has already had supportive calls after his decisive goal last Wednesday, added:

"They're a massive club with good owners, a good chairman and good supporters.

"I'm buzzing and made up they're going back up to the right end of the scale and it'd be nice to see them back where they belong- in the Conference or even league football."

Speaking of goalscorers, FC Halifax have the division's third-highest in Jamie Vardy. The ex-Stocksbridge marksman has 24 goals in the Evo-Stik Premier so far. Two more would take the Calderdale club to 100 league goals.

The Shaymen have already beaten Whitby twice this season- first of all, in a 2-0 FA Cup victory and just seven days later, a 5-1 league thumping- both at Halifax.

The Blues have an injury doubt over left-back Alex White who damaged back muscles following a heavy challenge at Kendal on Saturday. The former Stranraer defender was substituted after just 26 minutes.

Otherwise, Cassidy should have a full squad to choose from. With results going against them over the weekend, the former Workington manager knows every point is vital to secure Premier Division football for Whitby.

Kick-off at the Turnbull Ground on Wednesday night is 7.45pm with admission the usual £7.50 for adults, £4.50 for concessions and £2.00 for under 18s.

Supporters will be able to choose their own gate prices on Saturday when the Blues are at home again, this time with relegation rivals Ashton United the visitors. It's the club's second annual 'Pay What You Want- Fans Day', with the Blues enjoying a bumper gate last season under the initiative, against Durham City.

The Whitby & District Schools Penalty Shoot Out concludes on Saturday with Airy Hill taking on Lythe at half-time for the right to battle Stakesby in the final at full-time.

Also, after that, a Whitby Wanderers side takes on 107 Spark FM- a radio station from Sunderland- managed by former Middlesbrough and England U-21 star Dean Gordon, that kicks off at 5.45pm.

Kendal Town v Whitby Town- Sat 9 Apr- 3.00pm- Match Preview

Tommy Cassidy believes his side can pile on the points if they continue their current efforts, which has yielded three wins out of three, including victory over promotion-chasing Buxton in midweek.

Cassidy told the Whitby Gazette:

"For us, the most important thing at the moment is making sure we're completely 100% safe from relegation, but if they can replicate Wednesday's performance for the next five games, I'll be very very happy.

"I don't want to be greedy, but if we can play the same way with the same passion and the same determination, we can get a lot more points."

The Blues are now five places and seven points clear of the Evo-Stik Premier dropzone but Cassidy is not completely satisfied.

"We're not out of the mire yet." he said.

"Over the last month we've gone a long way towards it, but we need another win.

"I don't want the players thinking its over with now and going into the safety trap."

The Seasiders have doubts over Dave McTiernan, who suffered a badly bruised foot during the Buxton win and Ibby Hassan, who continues to carry a shoulder injury.

However, physio Kenny Bolton thinks both players "should be ok", as Whitby look to claim just their second ever win in the Lake District town, at the eighth attempt.

The Blues won 1-0 back in March 1998 when Kendal were known as Netherfield- Andy Toman scored the fastest goal in Whitby's history after 17 seconds.

13 years on and the Seasiders have a run of just one win in nine against the Cumbrians who kept alive their faint play-off hopes with a 2-0 win over Whitby's third-bottom rivals Frickley Athletic.

Lee Ashcroft's men are eight points away from the top five in eleventh spot having struggled to just one win in six, including defeat at basement club Retford, prior to Tuesday's victory.

Meanwhile in North Yorkshire, Cassidy feels his squad are beginning to gel after smashing assistant Tony Elliott's target of seven points from their last three games.

He added: "The players know where we're coming from.

"We're saying to the players we think you can do it and they've proved us right- they've done it.

"I was a bit sceptical when I first came to the club, but I'm beginning to see the attitude of the players and recently it's been very very good."

Admission at the Lakeland Radio Stadium is £8.00 for Adults, £4.00 for Concessions and £2.00 for Children. Kick-off on Saturday is 3.00pm with a Supporters Coach leaving the Turnbull Ground at 10.30am- seats are priced just £10.

Whitby Town v Buxton- Weds 6 Apr- 7.45pm- Match Preview

The Blues are aiming to end a run of just one win in seven against third-placed visitors Buxton on Wednesday night.

The Bucks are well set for a play-off place despite needing a Chris Ovington goal eight minutes from time, to see off second-bottom Ossett Town at the weekend.

John Reed's men are unbeaten in their last ten outings- winning five and drawing five. They can still mathematically win the Evo-Stik Premier Division title, but must beat Town to stay on course.

Whitby manager Tommy Cassidy believes his side can well and truly disrupt Buxton's ambitions by picking up a win, he told the Whitby Gazette:

"I think we can beat Buxton. If we win four of our remaining games then we're safe, it's in our hands."

Cassidy again has the luxury of a full squad to choose from with seven matches left to play this season.

Back in August, goals from Colin Hunter and Kieran Lugsden sealed a 2-0 win for the Derbyshire outfit when the clubs first met earlier this season.

Lugsden has already notched 22 goals from 43 games in all competitions this term, but team-mate Mark Reed- Buxton's all-time leading scorer with nearly 200 career goals- is still two strikes ahead so far.

The Seasiders' top goalscorer Jimmy Beadle reached 13 for the season with Saturday's goal against Nantwich, it takes the midfielder within three of the 16-goal target he set to beat last season's haul.

The Blues will be hoping to move seven points clear of the Evo-Stik Premier's congested relegation zone with victory on Wednesday.

Tuesday's games see Frickley Athletic host Kendal Town and Hucknall Town travel to Ossett Town. Wednesday sees Burscough and Stocksbridge Park Steels clash, while Mickleover Sports battle Chasetown.

Admission is the usual £7.50 for adults, £4.50 concessions and £2.00 for under 18s with a 7.45pm kick-off. The Blues travel to the Lake District and Kendal Town on Saturday.

Whitby Town v FC United of Manchester- Weds 23 Mar 7.45pm- Match Preview

Town welcome FC United of Manchester and an estimated 4-500 travelling supporters to the Turnbull Ground this Wednesday.

The Seasiders will be hoping to follow up Saturday's draw at Chasetown with points against another play-off chasing side.

Tommy Cassidy's men will also have revenge in mind after a 4-0 defeat to the Red Rebels at Bury FC's Gigg Lane last month.

The Blues' manager told the Whitby Gazette:

"I don't think I'm being overly optimistic when I say we can win that game."

Skipper Tony Hackworth, who returned for the 2-1 win against Hucknall last week, was stretchered off in the first game at United and Cassidy paid tribute to his captain's display on Saturday.

"The two lads up front did brilliant. Hacky made a difference and Jimmy worked his socks off."

However, it was defender Kev Burgess who found the net with an acrobatic bicycle kick.

Cassidy joked: "I think he tried to clear it.

"But no, Kevin had a good game all round, he probably got man of the match."

The Blues will again be without striker Andy Campbell, but the ex-Middlesbrough marksman may be back for this weekend's trip to Matlock Town, after picking up a groin strain, two weeks ago.

Seventh-placed United are eleven games unbeaten and famously defeated League One Rochdale 3-2 in the FA Cup First Round, before losing out to the division's leaders Brighton, after a replay.

16-goal top scorer Mike Norton, their hero at Spotland, netted two more at fellow highflyers Buxton on Saturday in a 2-2 draw, including a last-minute leveller.

Victory on Wednesday could see them leapfrog the Bucks into fourth spot while a Whitby win also sets up a three place jump to 14th.

The Seasiders have never beaten the Lancashire club, who were set up in 2005 by Manchester United supporters angered by the Glazer takeover and the increasing influence of Sky Television.

Kick-off at the Turnbull Ground is 7.45pm with admission remaining at £7.50 for adults, £4.50 concessions and £2.00 under 18s. Supporters are advised to arrive early as United often travel in number- they had a higher average than landlords Bury in their first season at Gigg Lane and brought 800 fans to Whitby in 2008.

The Blues travel to Matlock Town on Saturday- the game is a 1.00pm kick-off as England play Wales at 3.

Hucknall Town v Whitby Town- Sat 16 Mar

The Blues have a massive six-pointer on Wednesday night when they visit fellow strugglers Hucknall, who they lead by just two goals.

The Nottinghamshire side are all that stand between Tommy Cassidy's men and a place in the relegation zone.

The former Northern Ireland midfielder is desperate to get his side back on the winning trail. He told the Whitby Gazette:

"We've got to go out Wednesday and get some points.

"That'll lift everybody."

On the subject of finding new signings good enough to improve things, he added:

"It's very difficult indeed. There's no point in me bringing in young players, we need old heads."

Hosts Hucknall share an almost identical record to the Blues, but have lost one more game and have a goal difference two goals fewer. They include one ex-Blue in their ranks- former Scarborough FC striker Robert Gill who had an indistinguished spell at the Turnbull Ground under Dave Logan in 2005.

Managed by another Tommy, Tommy Brookbanks, 'The Yellows' are without a league victory since November- a miserable 12-match run.

Brookbanks previously took Midlands minnows Carlton to seven promotions in 14 years, leaving them in the Evo-Stik First Division South when joining Hucknall last May.

Meanwhile, the Seasiders are sweating on the fitness of marksman Andy Campbell who limped off early on in last week's 2-1 loss to play-off chasing Matlock Town and missed Saturday's defeat by the same score.

Whitby have won three and lost three of their six previous visits to Watnall Road, the last being a 2-1 win in November 2002, when Graham Robinson and Stefan Zoll found the net.

Hucknall spent five years away from the Blues in the First Division of the-then Unibond League between 2004 and 2009.

Admission at Watnall Road is £8.00 for adults, £5.00 for Students/OAPs and £3 for under 16s. Kick-off is 7.45pm.

A supporters coach leaves the Turnbull Ground at 3.30pm, with seats still just £10 each.

The Seasiders are on their travels again this Saturday when FA Trophy giantkillers Chasetown provide the opposition in the West Midlands.

WHITBY TOWN V MATLOCK TOWN - WED 9TH MATCH - KO 7:45PM

After defeat in Wales to fourth-placed Colwyn Bay, the Blues' face another promotion chasing outfit in Matlock Town and 25-goal striker Ross Hannah at the Turnbull Ground this Wednesday.

23-year-old Hannah, a junior with both Sheffield Wednesday and United, has struck nearly half of his team's 54 league goals this term and netted two hat-tricks in his last four games!

He grabbed the league's Golden Boot last term and has top-scored for Mark Atkins' men every season since signing from neighbours Belper Town in 2008.

The Derbyshire outfit currently sit third in the Evo-Stik Premier and host the Seasiders in the return fixture at the end of the month.

They arrive in fine form, winning all six of their games last month and extending their unbeaten run to seven with a draw against Northwich Victoria on Saturday.

At the other end, only Worksop Town and FC Halifax have conceded fewer than Matlock's 33 in 29 games, including just four from their last seven outings.

Despite having yet to win at the Gladiators' Causeway Lane ground, Whitby have a good record against them at the Turnbull with a four match unbeaten run going back to 2006.

Manager Tommy Cassidy is unfazed by the 23-point gap between the sides and insists his side will play to win. He told the Whitby Gazette:

"If we play like we did in the first half at Colwyn Bay for the full 90 minutes on Wednesday night, we'll be all right."

Cassidy will again be without skipper Tony Hackworth, who is targeting Saturday's home game with Bradford Park Avenue for his return from an ankle ligament and heel injury.

Forward Ash Davis is still suffering from a groin strain and winger Dave McTiernan completes a three-match suspension.

If successful, it would also be Whitby's first home win over a side from the top-half of the league this season.

Kick-off at the Turnbull Ground on Wednesday night is 7.45pm, with admission still just £7.50 for Adults, £4.50 Concessions and £2.00 Under 18s.

Ossett Town v Whitby Town/ Halifax Farce

A DEVASTATING hammer blow” was the verdict of Whitby Town chairman Graham Manser after Saturday’s late postponement against league leaders FC Halifax Town cost the club an estimated £5,500.

The West Yorkshire side were set to bring around 500 supporters - much more than Town’s highest crowd this season - but despite passing a noon pitch inspection, the game was called off at 1.45pm, just over an hour from kick-off.

Many FC Halifax followers had already completed the 80-mile trip and some even helped Blues fans remove surface water from the pitch at the Turnbull Ground.

Whitby have already missed out on a weekend visit from FC United of Manchester, who have brought more than 1,200 supporters to games in the town, over the past two years.

Blues manager Tommy Cassidy said missing out on another game felt “like a kick in the teeth for the club.”

He also revealed: “As soon as Halifax’s team arrived, their manager Neil Aspin said to me ‘Tommy this is unplayable’ and he had a point.

“I was there when the referee inspected at noon and passed it on, but he said there had to be no more rain and by 1.45pm he’d called it off.”

The game has now been rearranged for Wednesday 13 April with less than half the travelling supporters expected to make the trip.

Whitby were set to host Matlock Town that night, but the Derbyshire side visit in little over a week instead, on Wednesday 9 March.

One of the Seasiders’ main sponsors, The Stables Restaurant on Guisborough Road, will host a Casino Night on Friday 11 March at no cost to the club, to try to recoup some of the lost earnings from Saturday’s postponement.

The night is just £5 a head and includes a buffet supper.

All are welcome but places are limited, so those interested in attending should contact Mr Manser on (01947) 605921.

Meanwhile, the Blues will again be without skipper Tony Hackworth for the six-pointer at Ossett Town tonight (Tues 1 March).

The 30-year-old former Leeds United man is still a fortnight away from a return, after damaging ankle ligaments at FC United of Manchester.

Striker Ash Davis will also miss out with a groin strain, though Ged Dalton and Andy Campbell are both expected to recover from a hamstring pull and broken nose, respectively. Dave McTiernan is suspended.

Cassidy has signed Joe Cornforth, a 20-year-old midfield player who came through the academy at Premier League Sunderland.

Cornforth, who can also play in the centre of defence, has figured for Blue Square Premier duo Grimsby Town and Darlington earlier this season.

Second-bottom Ossett trail Cassidy’s men by one place and three points.

They won a vital derby at fourth-bottom Frickley 1-0 on Saturday, with ex-Whitby forward Jamie Hopcutt on target.

It was just a second win since November for Phil Sharpe’s side and welcome revenge after a reverse against the same outfit, 11 days earlier.

The Blues can move up three places with a victory of their own, which is made more important as they visit Wales and second-top Colwyn Bay this weekend.

Admission at Ingfield is £8 for adults and £4 for concessions, with under 16s admitted free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult

Whitby Town v FC Halifax Town- Sat 26 Feb

Whitby fans face being outnumbered in their own ground on Saturday when runaway league leaders FC Halifax Town rock up on Saturday, with Blues followers desperate not to be outnumbered in terms of goals.

The Shaymen, managed by former Port Vale full-back and Harrogate Town boss Neil Aspin, have lost just three times all season and lead the Evo-Stik Premier by 13 points.

Formed last year when the old Halifax Town club went bust, they immediately clinched the First Division North Championship, finishing with over 100 points. They have a goal difference of +57 with strike duo James Dean(16 goals) and ex-Stocksbridge marksman Jamie Vardy (14) leading the way.

They arrive on the back of nine games unbeaten since the turn of the year and have already beaten the Blues 5-1 in September, after defeating what were Harry Dunn's men 2-0 in the FA Cup, seven days earlier.

It's the first time any club from Halifax has visited the Turnbull Ground, with perhaps the most famous meeting coming in 1983 when the then-Football League Halifax Town threw away a 2-0 lead to crash out of the FA Cup 3-2 at the Shay.

Derek Hampton, Ronnie Sills and Phil Linacre wrote themselves into the history books, within the Seasiders going on to lose out 1-0 at Wigan Athletic in the second round, with West Ham United waiting in the third.

It seems fitting then that this is the game in which 40-year-old Dave Campbell can overtake Hampton's record of 442 outings for the Blues. The veteran goalkeeper is still going strong in his third spell at the club and would become the second-top appearance-maker for Whitby Town if selected, behind the legendary Paul Pitman (484).

Campbell, who has Northern League, Northern Premier First Division and FA Vase winners medals with the Blues, joked:

"I never thought I'd make it this far to be honest.

"I'll see how long I can crack on for until I collapse."

Blues' manager Tommy Cassidy, who played for Newcastle United and Northern Ireland and managed Apoel Nicosia in the European Cup, described Town's biggest defeat for 23 years on Tuesday as "one of my most disappointing moments in football".

He added: "It was a mess from beginning to end.

"Our defending was abysmal.

"It was terrible- individual mistakes all over the pitch."

Cassidy says he is targeting one or two players, including an attacking midfield player, who he wants to have in the side for Saturday.

He also reassured fans he knows the club needs a centre forward but repeated that clubs are reluctant to let good strikers go during the season.

On opponents Halifax, he admitted:

"They could play one maybe two levels above, they'll win the league easily."

Skipper Tony Hackworth and forward Ged Dalton are both doubtful with ankle ligament and hamstring injuries respectively.

Meanwhile, striker Ash Davis missed Tuesday with a groin strain and is 50/50, alongwith fellow forward Andy Campbell, who is recovering well from a broken nose. Dave McTiernan will definitely miss out through suspension.

Admission at the Turnbull Ground remains just £7.50 for Adults, £4.50 Concessions and £2.00 Under 18s.

The Blues visit second-bottom Ossett Town on Tuesday night, with a supporters coach leaving the Turnbull Ground at 4.30pm. Fans wanting to travel should book in advance with Chairman Graham Manser.

North Ferriby United v Whitby Town- Tues 22 Feb

The Blues return to action after a 10-day break when sixth-placed North Ferriby United provide the opposition on Tuesday night, before runaway leaders Halifax rock up on Saturday.

John Anderson's men already defeated Town 1-0 last October at the Turnbull Ground and victory could put them back in the play-off positions.

The Seasiders will travel without skipper Tony Hackworth, who is now walking unaided after a ligament injury at FC United and teenager John McReady has returned to Darlington.

The young midfielder has been on the bench twice for the Quakers in the past week.

Town supremo Tommy Cassidy is under no illusions as to the size of the task for his side.

He told the Whitby Gazette:

"It'll be a very hard game down there.

"Theyre pushing for the playoffs."

He added: "We'll go down there looking to get something- at least the results weren't so bad for us over the weekend."

After Saturday's scheduled trip to Mickleover Sports was called off, fellow strugglers Burscough and Ashton United lost to FC United of Manchester and Marine respectively, to keep Town within touching distance of them at the wrong end of the table.

Victory for the fourth-bottom Blues would see them climb out of the relegation zone, but they're battling history with just one win in six against Ferriby. However, the East Yorkshire outfit may be ripe for the taking, having only won once in their last four outings, over the past month.

Meanwhile, the Whitby manager confirmed that new loan signing Alex White will make his debut at Ferriby- the left-sided former Stranraer defender signed on a month's loan from Cassidy's old club Workington, last week.

Veteran goalkeeper Dave Campbell (39) will equal Derek Hampton's record of 442 games for Whitby Town if selected, putting him joint-second among the club's all-time appearance makers.

The legendary Paul Pitman has played the most games (484) and scored the most goals (379).

Admission for Tuesday's 7.45pm kick-off is £8.00 for adults and £4.00 for concessions & under 16s.

The Blues welcome champions-elect FC Halifax Town to the Turnbull Ground on Saturday- the Shaymen who include ex-Blues boss Lee Nogan among their backroom staff, lead the Evo-Stik Premier by nine points.

Mickleover Sports v Whitby Town- Sat 19 Feb- preview

Blues manager Tommy Cassidy admitted he got his tactics wrong at FC United last weekend as his side prepare to battle relegation rivals Mickleover Sports this Saturday.

Only one point and a single place seperate the two teams on either side of the relegation line, with last season's First Division South Champions leading the way.

Dick Pratley's men enjoyed a vital win at Ashton United last weekend, while Town delivered a poor performance at Bury's Gigg Lane, to slump 4-0 against FC United of Manchester.

Cassidy said United looked very good but admitted he played it too defensively, telling his side to sit back and hit on the break after watching FC draw 0-0 at Frickley in midweek.

He told the Whitby Gazette:

"I will take my big share of the blame as I set up a bit of a shape that didn't work out."

Cassidy confirmed winger Dave McTiernan was sacrificed just before half-time for striker Ash Davis in a purely tactical move and that, given a second chance, he would have begun the game with two strikers instead.

The former Workington manager has brought in Alex White on loan from his old club for a month, but there'll be no return for another left-footed defender as Mark Robinson has joined Boston United, despite being close to a reunion at Town.

Cassidy said the Blues would miss previous loanee John McReady "desperately"- McReady, who this week went back to Blue Square Premier Darlington, made the bench for the Quakers' evening trip to Cambridge United.

The Whitby boss was disappointed with all aspects of Saturday's defeat, adding:

"I was wrong and some of the players didn't play well and we paid the price.

"They were never under any pressure, especially in the first half."

Third-bottom Frickley Athletic won at second-bottom neighbours Ossett Town on Tuesday to go level with the Seasiders on goal difference.

Whitby Town v Stocksbridge Park Steels- Wed 9 Feb- 7.45pm- Match Preview

The Blues face a real six-pointer on Wednesday night when fellow strugglers Stocksbridge Park Steels visit the Turnbull Ground.

Speaking after Saturday's draw with fifth-placed Marine, Tommy Cassidy admitted: "I don't know what I'm going to get on Wednesday.

"Whether it's going to be the good first half display, or the first fifteen minutes of the second half.

"We really need to play well for the full 90 minutes.

The former Newcastle United midfielder confirmed he was still looking to improve his side ahead of the midweek crunch clash, he revealed:

"We're looking at three or four players and waiting to hear back from them in the next few days."

"I should have John McReady back and Tony Hackworth is fit again."

Stocksbridge are three places and three points above fourth-bottom Town having played a game more and enjoyed a shock 3-2 win at promotion-chasing Kendal at the weekend.

It was the South Yorkshire side's third straight victory, after suprising fourth-placed North Ferriby in the League Cup in midweek and third-placed Matlock 3-1, the week before.

Gary Marrow's men are the top-scorers in the bottom half of the table with 42 goals.

Traditionally, Whitby perform well in this fixture. Despite back to back defeats against Steels last season, Town have won six of the two clubs' nine meetings and are 100% at the Turnbull Ground.

The potentially-pivotal return game takes place on Easter Monday 25 April- the final day of the season.

Kick-off on Wednesday is 7.45pm with admission still just £7.50 Adults, £4.50 Concessions and £2.00 Under 18s.

Town visit FA Cup giantkillers FC United of Manchester on Saturday, the club formed by Manchester United Supporters, play at Bury's Gigg Lane.

A supporters coach costing just £10 a seat leaves the Turnbull on Saturday morning, for more details keep an eye on www.whitby-town.com.

HUCKNALL TOWN v WHITBY TOWN- preview

Whitby Town hope to kick-start their season with a first win of 2011 at rivals Hucknall Town on Saturday.

The Nottinghamshire side are seemingly in comfortable midtable, sitting 14th, but only the bottom two have conceded more goals.

The Seasiders have a mixed record against them with five wins to three and four draws since the first meeting in September 1999.

Four players required treatment after the 1-0 weekend defeat to Chasetown, with Ibrahim Hassan cramped up following his first competitive game in nine weeks. Central defensive partner Kev Burgess will also see physio Kenny Bolton to check out his back strain that he played through last Saturday.

Strike pairing Andy Campbell(hamstring) and Davey Southern(knee) also inflamed old injuries but all should be fit and available for the trip south. Bolton is delighted with the progress of Jimmy Beadle, who suffered a broken arm just a month ago- the seven-goal midfielder was substituted to rest him with 20 minutes left on Saturday.

Manager Tommy Cassidy was pleased with the performance against Chasetown despite a disappointing result. He felt his side deserved a point but added: "football's like that".

He told the Whitby Gazette:

"Against North Ferriby and Worksop we played poorly, but that wasn't the case on Saturday and if we play like that again at Hucknall, I think we'll win."

The former FA Trophy finalists have won just one of their last six outings after a December completely without football. But the Seasiders, who lie fourth from bottom, are also struggling for victories, with one win in seven.

Admission at Watnall Road is £8.00 Adults, £5.00 Concessions/OAPs and £3.00 for Under 16s with the usual 3.00pm start. The Blues are also on the road this Tuesday when they finally visit third-bottom Frickley Athletic in a real six-pointer of a Yorkshire derby- kick-off 7.45pm for that one.

WHITBY TOWN v CHASETOWN- Sat 22 Jan- match preview

Whitby Town host FA Trophy stars Chasetown, who remain the only Evo-Stik League side left in the competition after overcoming Blue Square Premier Grimsby Town, last weekend.

Charlie Blakemore's men were good value for their win, even managing to miss a penalty in the 2-1 success and opposite number Tommy Cassidy thinks they'll provide tough opposition on Saturday.

He told the Whitby Gazette:

"We've just got to get on with it, Saturday. We have a very difficult game the way they're playing at the moment, Chasetown.

"I know a little bit about them, we have a connection with Grimsby and got a small report about them. The main thing is they're a strong side and a good unit."

Cassidy will welcome back defender Ibby Hassan, who hasn't played since November due to a combination of a three match ban and the weather, but may be without another centre-half in Kev Burgess.

Burgess strained his back at work earlier this week, though manager Cassidy is "hopeful" the former Darlington man can recover in time.

The former Newcastle United midfielder will be buoyed by a clean bill of health for striker Davey Southern and midfielder Tony Hackworth who have both overcome knee injuries after extensive work with club physio Kenny Bolton.

Ged Dalton will also be back to full fitness and midfielder Jimmy Beadle has had the cast removed from his broken arm, so may also be in contention.

Meanwhile, Cassidy has had his players training three times this week and explained his simple method for improving when the competitive action returns.

"You've got to get your basics right: passing, movement, talking to each other, first touch etc.

"If you can get the passing and movement right, the team will improve, but they're working hard, which I'm pleased about."

Returning to Saturday's match, the Blues' boss added:

"I know if everyone's at their peak we have a chance, but it's going to be very difficult."

Chairman Graham Manser has appealed for fans to show up in numbers to help the club, who currently sit fifth-bottom after a number of postponements, stave off any relegation worries and avoid any financial worries from the lack of regular home games.

He told the club podcast: "I was disappointed with the crowd against Worksop considering it was a bank holiday, we really need more support coming through the gate."

Last weekend's postponed home match with Buxton was also a shock to the Chairman, who reflected on the Turnbull pitch and the referee's choice to veto the game:

"There were one or two boggy areas, but I would suggest about 90% of it was absolutely fine. I thought it was a harsh decision."

Kick-off at the Turnbull Ground on Saturday is 3.00pm with admission the usual £7.50 Adults, £4.50 Concessions and £2.00 Under 18s.

The Blues' scheduled midweek trip to Frickley Athletic, will now take place a week on Tuesday (1st February).

Town host their Banquet and Ball featuring various turns and live music, as well as a luxury four-course meal at the Spa Pavilion on Friday 11 February.

300 tickets have been snapped up for the event, which was originally scheduled for the christmas holiday, but some limited places are available from Martin Hart on (01947) 601599.

Whitby Town v Buxton- Sat 15 Jan- preview

Town finally back at the Turnbull on a Saturday

The Blues host fourth-placed Buxton looking for a first win of 2011 and to avoid an unwanted double this Saturday at the Turnbull Ground.

The Bucks enjoyed a 2-0 success back in Town's first away trip of the season last August, thanks to goals from Colin Hunter and Kieran Lugsden when the sides first met this campaign.

Since then, John Reed's men have been going well and hitting the net has not been a problem with two seven-goal hauls so far, the latest coming last weekend over hapless bottom club Retford United.

The strikes have been shared out with Kieran Lugsden(11 goals), Michael Towey(11) and all-time leading scorer Mark Reed(10) the men to watch out for.

The Derbyshire side trail league leaders FC Halifax Town by 11 points with two games in hand and have a narrowly better overall record against the Seasiders with four wins to Town's three and two draws.

Manager Tommy Cassidy was relieved to hear that he has plenty of options to choose from, bar Jimmy Beadle, who has still been training, despite a broken arm.

Ged Dalton has shrugged off a back injury while physio Kenny Bolton has been working all week on returning movement to the troublesome knees of skipper Tony Hackworth and striker Davey Southern.

Cassidy told the Whitby Gazette:

"It'll be nice to have a full squad to pick from for the first time in a while."

The former Newcastle United and Northern Ireland star was delighted to extend midfielder John McCready's loan for an extra month from Darlington, though another teenager Paul Johnson has returned to Hartlepool United after his temporary stay.

However, Cassidy will have a ready-made-replacement in Ibby Hassan available again after a three match lay-off stretching back to November and the Blues' boss has been pleased with the centre-half's efforts to combat any rustiness:

"He's worked hard in training as all the lads have.

"They've really pushed themselves, as they had to do and thats one thing thats brightened things up for myself a wee bit."

Cassidy was disappointed to miss out on games against Yorkshire rivals and fellow bottom-half clubs Ossett Town and Stocksbridge Park Steels but sees the next two games as an opportunity.

"We've been thrown back in with Buxton and Chasetown and they're two good teams.

"If we play well to our potential, to 100%, we will give these teams a game.

"Teams have scored goals against us through our own mistakes not their creativity, we've given away some silly goals and we need to cut out the mistakes, but I'm confident we'll give them a good game."

Cassidy meanwhile confirmed that defender Steve Oakley has moved to Northern League Second Division Guisborough Town on loan.

Kick-off is 3.00pm for the Blues' first Saturday home game since 20th November.

Admission remains just £7.50 for Adults, £4.50 Concessions and £2.00 Under 18s.

Chasetown, the Evo-Stik League's sole representative in this week's FA Trophy Second Round when they host Blue Square Premier Grimsby Town, visit next weekend.

Ossett Town v Whitby Town- Sat 8 Jan- preview

The Blues have a first Yorkshire derby of the new year and a chance of a first double this season when Ossett Town provide the opposition this Saturday.

Whitby have won six, lost six and drawn two against the West Yorkshire outfit since their first meeting in 2004 when Anthony Ormerod ensured a 1-0 Blues' victory at the Turnbull Ground.

The Seasiders have a good record lately with just one loss in five and back to back 3-1 successes- Jamie Owens, Jimmy Beadle and Tony Hackworth netted in the most recent, again at home, this past September.

What manager Tommy Cassidy would give for an identical result after successive defeats, the straight-talking Northern Irishman this week warned his squad that they need to prove their worth from now until the end of the season.

"I'm challenging my players to make it known that they want to stay at the club and they are good enough to stay at the club, thats how football works."

On Monday's defeat to Worksop, he added: "It was a poor performance, I was very disappointed in the defending primarily, but throughout the team we didn't put them under pressure really.

"The lad (Jamie)Jackson, I'm told he's an up and down player- he was certainly up against us. He cut us to ribbons at times. They had one or two players who stood out a mile- one guy to score goals and another very sturdy at the back, we didn't have that."

Cassidy continued: "It's been a very difficult four or five weeks, for the players too. I need to get to know them, to know who's up for games and who isn't."

The good news for Whitby and their manager is a full squad should be available for Saturday's trip to Ingfield, depending on negotiations with Hartlepool United.

Cassidy is keen to keep 18-year-old Pools centre-half Paul Johnson at the Turnbull after a recent three-match loan spell which expired this week and is hopeful of making headway with his counterpart at Victoria Park, Mick Wadsworth, before the weekend.

Another defender Ibrahim Hassan returns after a marathon spell on the sidelines. Hassan was red-carded in November and hasn't played since following a three-match suspension.

Kick-off at Ossett is the usual 3.00pm with a supporters coach leaving the Turnbull Ground at 11.30am, seats are just £10 each.

Meanwhile, the postponed New Years Day clash at Frickley Athletic will finally take place on Tuesday 25th January and a third Yorkshire derby, the scheduled Boxing Day match with Stocksbridge is now on Wednesday 2nd February at the Turnbull Ground.

Frickley Athletic v Whitby Town, Whitby Town v Worksop(Sat 1/Mon 3 Jan)- previews

The Seasiders have two games in 48 hours to kick off 2011, firstly hoping to improve on a record of one win in six against Yorkshire rivals Frickley Athletic this Saturday.

Athletic recently parted company with manager Billy Heath and haven't kicked a ball since 20 November when they lost 3-0 at Burscough- they organised a friendly on Monday against North Counties East Premier outfit Parkgate at nearby Armthorpe's artificial pitch.

The West Yorkshire club lie three points and three places below the Blues in 17th, with a game in hand. Only bottom club Retford United have conceded more than Frickley's 40 leaked goals this season and, with a deficit of 19, only the Badgers are worse in terms of goal difference also.

The Seasiders managed to train at Durham's indoor Soccerarena dome on Monday and plan further practice this evening, though have been without players based in Whitby and Scarborough due to the road conditions.

Manager Tommy Cassidy has been disappointed with the disruptions to games and practice, he told the Whitby Gazette:
"I know everyone's in the same boat, but you do get frustrated, I've never seen anything like it in all my years.

We'll just keep our fingers crossed for the match to be on because we're back to square one with fitness levels."

But although ex-Workington manager Cassidy is keen to get some football in this weekend, he doesn't believe it's fair on his squad to be on the field at New Year, adding:

"I think it's a bad decision to make part time players play on New Years Day."

Leon Scott(knee) and Ged Dalton(back) are doubtful with skipper Tony Hackworth and striker Davey Southern, also carrying knocks to knee area will be assessed by club physio Kenny Bolton on Thursday night.

Top goalscorer Jimmy Beadle misses out with a broken arm that could keep the midfielder sidelined for over a month. Defender Ibrahim Hassan completes a three-match suspension, while goalkeeper David Campbell is expected to return from a groin injury, but still has a flu bug to fight off.

Admission at the Tech 5 Stadium is £8.00 for Adults, £5.00 OAPs and £3.00 Under 16s with a 3.00pm kick-off. A supporters coach leaves the Turnbull Ground on Saturday morning, with seats just £10 each- check www.whitby-town.com for the exact time.

Frickley are managed by ex-Worksop supremo Peter Rinkcavage, whose former club provide the opposition on Bank Holiday Monday at the Turnbull Ground.

WHITBY TOWN v WORKSOP TOWN

The Blues welcome back Ibby Hassan from a three-match ban, hoping to play their first home league game in seven weeks and gain revenge on seventh-placed Worksop Town on Monday afternoon.

The Tigers hammered Whitby, then under the tutelage of Harry Dunn, 5-0 back in August, after five second half goals, including four in six minutes.

Historically, the Seasiders have struggled against the Nottinghamshire outfit with just four wins out of 21 since December 1997, when the sides first clashed.

After Rinkcavage's depature, 39-year-old Scotsman Martin McIntosh, a journeyman defender with Rotherham United and St Mirren amongst others, took his first managerial job. The Midlands men have fared well since with just one defeat in 12, which was against Conference Premier Mansfield Town earlier this month.

Worksop haven't lost in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League since Saturday October 3rd, when Burscough were again victorious at their Victoria Park home.

Kick-off on Monday is 3.00pm at the Turnbull Ground with gate charges the usual £7.50 Adults, £4.50 Concessions and £2.00 Under 18s.

Whitby Town v Stocksbridge Park Steels- Mon 27 Dec

Whitby try to conclude 2010 with a first home league game in over six weeks when South Yorkshire rivals Stocksbridge Park Steels visit on Monday.

Tommy Cassidy's side are hoping to continue a run of just one league defeat in nine since the former Workington boss took the reins at the Turnbull Ground.

There are injury doubts over skipper Tony Hackworth, full-back Leon Scott and forward Davey Southern with all three suffering leg injuries in the 3-1 League Cup defeat against North Ferriby United.

Playmaker Ged Dalton may also miss out after a back injury picked up at Marine- Town's last Evo-Stik Premier outing. Goalkeeper David Campbell is expected to recover from a minor groin injury that saw him rested against Ferriby, while Jimmy Beadle(flu) and Ashley Davis(work commitments) should also return. Centre-half Ibrahim Hassan completes a three-match suspension.

Fourth-bottom Steels trail 14th-placed Town by five points but hold two games in hand, while the Seasiders have won six of the nine meetings of the clubs since 1998. However, Gary Marrow's side, while yet to register so much as a point at the Turnbull, have been successful in the last two clashes.

Kick-off is the usual 3.00pm with admission just £7.50 Adults, £4.50 Concessions and £2.00 Under 18s. The Blues face another Yorkshire derby on New Years Day when Frickley Athletic are the hosts.

Mickleover Sports v Whitby Town- Sat 18 Dec- 3.00pm- preview

Whitby will be hoping the side that beat Marine last weekend turns up ahead of that beaten in the League Cup when they make their first ever visit to the Mickleover Sports Ground on Saturday.

The Blues have doubts over striker Davey Southern, skipper Tony Hackworth and left-back Leon Scott who all suffered knee injuries in Wednesday's defeat. Ged Dalton missed the midweek clash after limping off following a crunching challenge just 30 minutes into his game against Marine, so may also be absent.

Manager Tommy Cassidy is hoping to extend the loan of in-form winger John McCready into the new year and defender Ashley Lyth is likely to return to the side, possibly alongside goalkeeper Dave Campbell, who was rested.

Sports lie third-bottom but sprung a huge suprise after beating second-placed Colwyn Bay 4-0 last Saturday. The newly-promoted Derbyshire outfit are on a mini-revival of three league games unbeaten and despite their lowly position, only three other Premier Division clubs have scored more goals this season.

Alex Steadman leads the charge for goals for last season's Division One South champions, with nine league strikes. Dick Pratley's men even managed a 6-6 draw at Nantwich Town in October despite leading 6-2 with 23 minutes remaining.

Town are bidding to extend a league record of just one defeat in their past nine matches.

Kick-off is the usual 3.00pm for Town's last scheduled match before Christmas, with admission a very reasonable £7 Adults, £4 Concessions and £1 Under 16s. A supporters coach leaves the Turnbull Ground on Saturday morning, costing just £10 a seat, more details on www.whitby-town.com

The Blues host Stocksbridge Park Steels in the Evo-Stik Premier on Monday 27 December, also a 3.00pm start.

Whitby Town v North Ferriby United- Weds Dec 15th- 7.45pm- preview

The Seasiders are hoping for their first football at the Turnbull Ground in nearly a month when their League Challenge Cup campaign kicks off on Wednesday. It will be the Blues' last home game before Christmas and a chance to extend their recent run under Tommy Cassidy to just one defeat in ten.

Localish rivals North Ferriby United provide the opposition- Ferriby have had an even longer enforced lay-off than the Blues, though their last result was a 2-0 win at league leaders FC Halifax Town, over three weeks ago. The Hull village outfit are on a fine run of just one win in seven and sit fifth in the Evo-Stik Premier Division, after just five league defeats this season.

The Blues need to watch United's all-time leading goalscorer Gary Bradshaw, who already has eight goals to his name this term. As well as Bradshaw, the Blues are bidding to improve on a poor record at the Turnbull against their former Vase rivals with no home win since Boxing Day 2006.

Hartlepool United's teenage centre-half Paul Johnson, who made what manager Tommy Cassidy described as a "brilliant" performance in Saturday's 3-1 win at Marine, is set to make his first appearance on home turf. Cassidy will welcome back Kevin Burgess after suspension, providing the centre-half can shake off a stomach bug and fellow defender Ashley Lyth is also likely to figure after completing a one-match ban.

John McCready left the field early at the weekend after his own illness battle and Ged Dalton lasted just over half an hour after a crunching foul late on, so Town could once again be depleted.

Kick-off is 7.45pm and the match must be settled on the night, with extra-time and penalties if necessary. Admission is still just £7.50 Adults, £4.50 Concessions and £2.00 Under 18s.
The Blues are on their travels again this coming weekend with third-bottom Mickleover Sports, who stunned second-placed Colwyn Bay 4-0 on Saturday, the hosts. It will be Town's first ever visit to Sports' Station Road ground.

The very latest on the status of both matches is available at www.whitby-town.com.

Marine v Whitby Town- Sat 11 Dec- 3.00pm- preview

Whitby hope for their first football in two and a half weeks when they visit Merseysiders Marine this Saturday.

The Mariners have been going well under Paul Lynch with just one league defeat in their last six, albeit a 6-0 thrashing at home to league leaders FC Halifax Town. The Crosby club sit ninth in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League, seven points above the Blues but having played two games more.

Trips to the Arriva Stadium, formely Rossett Park, have traditionally been tough with just three Whitby wins from 15 visits, since 1984. The last came in October 2004 when Scott Nicholson, Dave McTiernan and Anthony Ormerod were on target in a 3-2 win.

Other memorable scorelines at the ground, which has no spectator access down one side, include a 5-5 draw when the Blues were denied by two late goals. In a bizarre encounter, Lee Ure (2), Aron Wilford (2) and Graham Williams had put the Seasiders 5-3 up, with four minutes left.

The North West side boast the top scorer in all three Evo-Stik divisions with 19-goal marksman Jamie Rainford leading nearest challenger Chester's Michael Wilde by three goals. Rainford is in his second spell with the Mariners after returning from Division One North rivals Prescot Cables in March 2009.

Blues' manager Tommy Cassidy is without three defenders for one of the club's longest trips of the season. Kevin Burgess completes a two-match suspension, Ibrahim Hassan begins a three-match lay-off and Ashley Lyth serves one game for picking up five yellow cards.

In response, Cassidy will give a debut to highly-rated centre-half Paul Johnson(18) who is on a month's loan from Hartlepool United.

Kick-off on Saturday is the usual 3.00pm with admission at the Arriva Stadium as follows:
Adults £9, Concessions £5 and Under 11's go free with a paying adult.

Meanwhile, Town try for a second time to play their Evo-Stik League Challenge Cup Third Round tie with North Ferriby United next Wednesday.

Kick-off is 7.45pm at the Turnbull Ground with admission still just £7.50 Adults, £4.50 Concessions and £2.00 Under 18s. There must be a result on the night with extra-time and penalties, if necessary.

Due to the past fortnight's snow, the following games have been rearranged: Saturday 12 March: Bradford Park Avenue (home), Saturday 19 March: Chasetown (away), Wednesday 23 March: FC United of Manchester (home).

Whitby Town v North Ferriby United- Weds Dec 8- 7.45pm- preview

The Seasiders are hoping for their first football in more than two weeks when their League Challenge Cup campaign kicks off on Wednesday.

Local rivals North Ferriby United provide the opposition- Ferriby have had an even longer lay-off but their last result was a 2-0 win at league leaders FC Halifax Town. The Hull village outfit are on a fine run of just one win in seven and sit fifth in the Evo-Stik Premier Division, after just five league defeats this season.

The Blues need to look out for United's all-time leading goalscorer Gary Bradshaw, who started out as a junior at Newcastle United and already has eight goals to his name this term. As well as battling Bradshaw and co, Town are up against history with no win over Ferriby at the Turnbull Ground since Boxing Day 2006 when Matty Appleby, Graham Robinson, Tommy Raw and Danny Brunskill all scored in a 4-1 victory.

Town manager Tommy Cassidy will be without the suspended Kevin Burgess, who completes a two match ban, Ibby Hassan who begins a three-game lay-off and a third defender, Ashley Lyth, serves one match after picking up five bookings.

Despite suffering a car accident last week, Andy Campbell is expected to be fit for the clash, with Davey Southern also ready to return from a knee injury. The Seasiders' training has also been affected by the snow, with the team unable to get together since last Tuesday's FA Trophy defeat at Northwich Victoria.

Hartlepool United's teenage centre-half Paul Johnson signed on a month-long deal last week, is set to debut.

Kick-off is 7.45pm and the match must be settled on the night, with extra-time and penalties if necessary. Admission is still just £7.50 Adults, £4.50 Concessions and £2.00 Under 18s.

The very latest on the status of the match is available at www.whitby-town.com.

CHASETOWN v WHITBY TOWN - Sat 27th November KO 3pm

Whitby play their first ever game against Chasetown as league action continues this Saturday.

The 11th-placed Scholars, based just north of Birmingham, are currently playing their highest level of football after promotion through the Unibond Division One South play-offs, last season.

They destroyed Blue Square North Workington 4-0 in the FA Trophy on Tuesday night and are one of just five Evo-Stik League clubs still in the competition, following Town's defeat at the same time, in Cheshire.

Charlie Blakemore's men made history as the lowest ranked side to reach the FA Cup Third Round in 2008, after defeating Team Bath and nearby League Two big boys Port Vale. The Scholars eventually went down 3-1 at Championship side Cardiff City, who invited Chasetown to be their first opponents at the Welsh giants' new stadium in July last year.

Like his Whitby equivalent Jimmy Beadle, Chase's leading scorer Gary Hay has seven league goals to his name so far.

Blues' manager Tommy Cassidy was gutted after suffering his first defeat as Whitby boss at Northwich this week and wants more consistency from his players.

"We were robbed. We deserved to win the game. The first half we were very very good indeed- the best we've played, the second not very good and the result, of course, terrible.

"If I was going to be critical, though, I would say, we seem to be a one half team.

"We always have one half when we've done well, I think I blamed it on fitness when I first arrived but we've got to perform for longer periods.

"If you look at the two games played, we scored two tremendous goals, they scored three terrible goals and they went through. That's the way football can be cruel sometimes."

Looking forward to another long trip on Saturday, Cassidy admits his side are "down to the bare bones" with defenders Ashley Lyth, Kevin Burgess and Ibby Hassan all suspended and the ex-Newcastle United star admits he wouldn't mind a bit of divine intervention.

"We're without three mainstays of the back four but very confident of bringing a defender in. They(Chasetown) beat my old club Workington, who I know have problems, but to win four nil in the Trophy, they'll be firing on all cylinders- I hope it snows!"

The Seasiders also have question marks over Ged Dalton who limped off with a tight hamstring on Tuesday night and Davey Southern who had a scan yesterday on a knee injury, which kept him out of the midweek game.

A supporters coach leaves the Turnbull Ground bound for the West Midlands at 8.30am. Seats cost just £10 and admission at Scholars Park is: Adults £8, Concession & Under 16 £4, Under 5's & Armed Forces FREE (on production of a valid warrant card).

The Blues, who can go 14th with a win, entertain FC United of Manchester next weekend. After defeating League One Rochdale 3-2 earlier this month, Karl Marginson's side face Brighton & Hove Albion in Saturday's FA Cup Second Round.

NORTHWICH VICTORIA v WHITBY TOWN- FA TROPHY 3rd qualifying round replay

After a 70 minute delay and a classic 2-2 cup draw, Town will need at least another 90 minutes to book their place with the Blue Square Premier sides in the FA Trophy First Round.

Tommy Cassidy's men travel to Northwich Victoria on Tuesday night after John McAliskey cancelled out Andy Campbell's strike within seconds of the restart. All this with six minutes remaining and after Nick Liversedge's own-goal horror put Victoria ahead, only for Chris Batchelor's spectacular 18-yard half-volley to bring the sides level early in the second half.

Cassidy confirmed he's expecting Leon Scott to recover from a groin injury, with Ashley Lyth also desperate to return after a knock to his foot kept the defender out of Saturday's game.

Victoria, who saw off Division One sides Lincoln United and Glapwell in previous rounds, could be without three key defenders with Steve Woods and on-loan Preston right-back Dominic Collins, both limping off in the second half at Whitby. Towering Frenchman Julian Cherel will definitely miss out through suspension.

As well as a place in the first round of the proper of the competition for the first time in over a decade, Town stand to gain £4,000 should they beat the former Conference kings in midweek. The Blues are also hoping to continue a run of just one defeat in eleven and a five match unbeaten spell under Cassidy.

Should the scores be level once again after 90 minutes, extra-time, and if necessary, penalties, will follow. Kick-off is 7.45pm and a supporters' coach leaves the Turnbull Ground, Whitby at 2.30pm, with seats just £10 each.

Admission charges at the 5,000 capacity Victoria Stadium are: £12 - Adults (Seated), £10 (Standing); £10 - Concessions (Seated), £8 (standing); £5 - Students/Youth (12-16), £2 - Under 12.

Meanwhile, the Blues' Evo-Stik League Challenge Cup home tie with North Ferriby United, originally set for Wednesday night, has now been rescheduled for Wednesday 8 December.

Whitby Town v Northwich Victoria- FA Trophy- Sat 20 Nov- 3.00pm- preview

Whitby Town will equal their longest run in the FA Trophy for a decade if they can see off fellow Evo-Stik Premier Division side Northwich Victoria on Saturday.

It's the Cheshire side's first visit to the Turnbull Ground with £4,000 and a possible clash with York, Darlington or Gateshead in the next round at stake and Whitby manager Tommy Cassidy insists a Trophy win can kick-start Town's season.

"Everyone in this league can beat everyone else. Northwich are top three or four, if we can beat them on Saturday, we can beat anyone. I'm going into this game positively. I want to be able to say to the players, now we've beaten them, we can move on up the table."

Northwich, managed by former Bury schemer Andy Preece, sit fourth in the Evo-Stik Premier and defeated the Seasiders, then under Harry Dunn, 2-0 in September. The Vics were relegated from the Blue Square North despite finishing 12th last season, after financial problems.

Reflecting on the weekend's 2-2 draw which saw the Blues concede a two-goal half-time lead and have Ibby Hassan sent off late on, Cassidy added: "I thought in the first half, we were decent and we had chances for another goal."

The former Apoel Nicosia manager also revealed one of the areas he's hoping to strengthen as soon as he can: "I think up front we need more. I'm a great believer in the Andy Carroll story, where you have a striker who leads the line physically, which we don't have."

The Vics, who suffered their fifth league defeat of the season on Wednesday- 3-1 at Marine after the Evo-Stik League's top scorer Jamie Rainford's 27-minute hat-trick- are on a mixed run of late. They suffered a shock 6-1 home defeat at their Victoria Stadium when Kendal Town visited last month, but turned over FA Cup giantkillers FC United of Manchester at the weekend. The former Conference National club's leading goalscorer is Wayne Riley with eight strikes.

Town boss Cassidy also wants to raise spirits around the club, but is in no doubt where his priorities lie: "We've got to stay in this league thats imperative. "I'm looking to get a few good results and get three or four hundred through the gate. A good cup run makes everyone happy- I'm looking for that."

Chris Batchelor is expected to return from his ankle injury and fever, with Andy Campbell also likely to shake off a calf strain which saw him taken off in the second half last Saturday. Ashley Lyth should also be fit after a foot injury, but is slightly more of a doubt than his team-mates.

Kick-off on Saturday at the Turnbull Ground is 3.00pm with admission the usual £7.50 Adults, £4.50 Concessions and £2.00 Under 18s.

If the tie finishes level, there will be a replay at Northwich's Victoria Stadium on Tuesday evening, otherwise Town entertain North Ferriby at the Turnbull Ground on Wednesday in the Evo-Stik League Challenge Cup, kick-off 7.45pm.

WHITBY TOWN v BURSCOUGH- Sat 13 Nov- 3.00pm- preview

Whitby Town entertain Burscough in Evo-Stik Northern Premier League action on Saturday, keen to extend their winning run to four games under recently-appointed manager Tommy Cassidy.

Cassidy was pleased with last week's hard-fought 3-1 win at Ashton United but refused to go overboard stating: "Any win's a good win. We deserved it over 90 minutes. It was a decent performance, but i think we can do much better."

The former Workington boss has brought his number two at the Reds and Newcastle Blue Star, to assistant him at Whitby. 40-year-old Tony Elliott who was with the Liverpool Academy, is currently a goalkeeping coach at Blue Square Premier Darlington.

Cassidy confirmed that the players' fitness would be first on the new man's agenda adding: "The fitness levels leave a lot to be desired. We can be a much fitter side and we'll be working on that. You'll see a different team round about the Christmas time."

Looking ahead to Saturday's clash against a side Whitby have beaten just four times in 18 attempts, Cassidy revealed he was worried about the size of the squad with Chris Batchelor likely to have a fitness test pre-match due to an ankle injury. "We are very short on players, but at the same time, the worst thing a manager can do is bring in two or three players and they dont better the team, they've got to be right. I've got my eye on one or two and something may happen before Saturday, I doubt it, but it may do."

The Linnets defeated Town 1-0 six weeks ago in the two clubs' first meeting this season and sit in ninth spot, some five points ahead of the Blues, having played two games more. Andy Gray's men have lost just once in their past five league games.

Kick-off at the Turnbull Ground on Saturday is the usual 3.00pm with admission still just £7.50 Adults, £4.50 Concessions and £2 Under 18s.

ASHTON UNITED v WHITBY TOWN- Sat 6 Nov- 3.00pm- preview

The Blues are bidding to end a run of seven winless games against Saturday's hosts Ashton United. Our last victory over the Hurst Cross club was in September 2006 when Danny Brunskill struck twice in a 2-1 win, under Lee Nogan.

Manager Tommy Cassidy said: "I'm not a great believer in the record thing, if my players from one to eleven are up for the game, we'll play well and we can break that record.

"I don't know that much about them(Ashton). I'm more concerned about sorting my own team out. Once you do that, you're halfway there. Of course, I'll make enquiries about opposition every week- Saturday's a very important game."

Regarding his current players and any new additions, Cassidy added: "I've seen them play three games now and im beginning to form opinions. I believe we'll need a minimum of three or four players, even at this moment, if we're going to try and progress over the next 18 months.

"It's up to the players who are already here to prove that they can stay in the team. But you need three or four games to make a judgement, I won't judge a player over 90 minutes. It is very early days at the moment."

Danny Johnson's side are currently 12th in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League, five points and five places above Whitby. The Blues, on a run of three wins from their last four outings, will need to look out for hitman Aaron Burns, who's blasted ten goals in six games, including two in a 3-2 losing cause at North Ferriby last weekend.

Town have three players who had aches and pains following Saturday's 3-1 win over Clitheroe in the FA Trophy. Ibby Hassan's patellar tendonitis flared during the game and he had to limp off on the hour mark, but is expected to return from the knee-based condition at Ashton. Dave Southern(back) and Andy Campbell(hamstring) are also set to shake off their respective injuries in time for the Greater Manchester test.

Kick-off at Hurst Cross is the usual 3.00pm with admission prices as follows: £8 Adults, £5 U-14's(free with adult), and free for serving members of HM forces with appropriate ID. Whitby's trip to Kendal Town originally scheduled for this coming Tuesday, will now take place on Saturday 9th April.

A supporters coach leaves the Turnbull Ground at 9.45am on Saturday morning, with seats priced at just £10.

WHITBY TOWN v CLITHEROE- FA TROPHY- SAT 30 OCT- preview

The Blues fight it out for £3,000 and a place in the final qualifying round of the FA Trophy on Saturday when Clitheroe pay their first ever visit to the Turnbull Ground.

The Lancastrian outfit are a club on the up, losing just twice in league action so far, they sit fourth in the Evo-Stik First Division North- their highest-ever position in the football pyramid. Managed by former Kendal Town boss Peter Smith, Clitheroe are a young side with a number of teenagers in their squad and joint top goalscorers in Ashley Parillon (ex-Preston North End) and Danny Williams(previously at FC United), aged 22 and 20 respectively.

Clitheroe, who'll be playing in pink for Saturday's game, were also at Wembley Stadium in the FA Vase final, one year before the Blues enjoyed their finest hour. However, sadly for the Ribble Valley side, they, like Whitby's opponents North Ferriby United, were the victims of a 3-0 defeat- Brigg Town their slayers.

Much of the work around their Shawbridge home has been down to successive promotions from the North West Counties League, under Eric Whalley- now nearby Accrington Stanley's chairman and the sales of key players. Probably the most famous of those departed is goalkeeper Carlo Nash who left the club for Crystal Palace less than a month before that 1996 Vase final. 37-year-old Nash now represents Stoke City in the FA Premier League.

In the previous round, Clitheroe caused an upset after winning 2-0 at fellow Lancastrians' Burscough, who defeated Whitby in league action last month. Smith's side have also yet to concede in the competition after defeating Evo-Stik Division One South Leek Town 5-0 at the preliminary stage. The Seasiders enjoyed a hard-fought victory of their own in the last round when goals from Andy Campbell and Davey Southern late on, saw off Southern Premier League Hednesford Town- Bob Scaife's last match in charge.

New manager Tommy Cassidy- fresh from a 2-1 success over Retford United in his first proper game as Blues' boss- has a full squad to choose from as he tries to lead Town to the third and final qualifying round. Clubs from the Blue Square North- including Blyth Spartans and Harrogate Town enter at that stage.

Kick-off is the usual 3.00pm at the Turnbull Ground- if the scores are level after 90 minutes, a replay will take place at Shawbridge on Tuesday night with a 7.45pm start.

More on Clitheroe can be found at: http://www.clitheroefc.co.uk

Nantwich Town v Whitby Town- Sat 23 Oct- 3.00pm- preview

Whitby Town begin a new era at Nantwich on Saturday, though goalkeeping coach Dennis Wheeler is likely to be picking the side, with new manager Tommy Cassidy meeting players for the first time that morning.
Cassidy said: "I'll be down at the game, but I wont be involved really until after Saturday's match. I'll have a chat with the lads, they'll go out and perform and hopefully get a win. I'll have 90 minutes in the stand, maybe have an input during the game, but I'll have to see about that."

The 59-year-old former Newcastle United and Northern Ireland player, had great success with Workington in the Northern Premier and sees a lot of parallels between the Cumbrian side and the Blues.

"Very much so, I told Graham- the Chairman- when i spoke to him, that they are a bit of an outpost and i dont mean that disrespectfully. But there's a hardcore of fans which is important, you've got to build that base up.

"At Workington, we had two or three hundred fans and got that up to five or six hundred because we did very well and got the results, but also I think it was our football. It worked out very well and they're a very similiar club to Whitby- well run, no debt and waiting for something to happen- that's why I've come to Whitby."

"Supporters come to watch good football, as well as winning football and it's hard to get that balance right. I'm looking to get the fans of Whitby up to five or six hundred, the only way to do that is to play winning football and if we can play good attractive football on the way, its a big bonus."

Cassidy also revealed pals from nearby helped make his mind up after deciding to turn down an offer from Cyprus, where he got Apoel Nicosia to the last 16 of the European Cup in his first management job.

"I've got a lot of friends from the Middlesbrough area and the unanimous opinion was Whitby are a well run club, looking to get promotion to the Blue Square North. That was a big attraction to me, I've already done that with Workington and I know I can do it again and I want to do that with Whitby.

"I've been to Whitby before as Workington manager, it's a lovely little town and I'm looking forward to getting the football team up and running. I'll weigh up the size of the current squad and see if I can make it better."

The Seasiders will have a full squad to choose from, except goalkeeper David Campbell who continues his holiday in the USA- the visitors are bidding to extend a five match unbeaten run. Their Cheshire hosts are second from bottom, but have rattled in 14 goals during three eye-catching games- one of which resulted in a 6-6 draw. On that occasion, the Dabbers roared back from 6-2 down with 21 minutes left, to deny fellow-strugglers Mickleover Sports.

More recently, the men in green, managed by veteran players, Kevin Street and ex-Shrewsbury defender Darren Tinson, lost 3-2 on Tuesday to in-form Matlock Town, whose striker Ross Hannah fired all three goals. In the first round of the FA Trophy, Michael Lennon scored four times as Nantwich hit First Division South Prescot Cables 6-2, last weekend.

Whitby are bidding to end a miserable run against the North West side, after a 3-0 defeat at the Turnbull Ground last season when the Blues finished with just eight men. A sending off for top scorer Jimmy Beadle on the opening day of last term also did them little favours in a 3-2 reverse. In five meetings, the Blues' only win was in January 1997, 3-1, on the way to FA Vase glory at Wembley Stadium- Ian Williams, Neil Hodgson and Paul Pitman on target that day.

Kick-off at Weaver Stadium is the usual 3.00pm Saturday, with a supporters coach leaving the Turnbull Ground at 9am sharp and seats costing just £10. Admission is £9.00 Adults, £6.00 Senior Citizens/Students and £2.00 Under 16.

Hednesford Town v Whitby Town- Sat 16 Oct- preview

The Blues begin their FA Trophy campaign on Saturday with a long trip to former Northern Premier League side Hednesford Town.

The Seasiders and the Pitmen have shared three wins a piece, with one draw since their first meeting in the same competition in January 1994.

The West Midlands outfit, managed by Rob Smith and Larry Chambers, spent three years in the then Unibond Premier League after relegation from the Blue Square North, before rejoining the Southern League in 2009. They currently lie eighth in the Zamaretto League- a southern equivalent of Whitby's league.

The last clash between the teams was a 3-1 Whitby win on their travels, when Andy Thompson(2) and Karl Charlton were on target under former manager Graeme Clark.

Both sides enjoyed their finest hours in the 1996/97 season. The Blues won the FA Vase at Wembley Stadium and enjoyed their first ever Northern League Championship, promotion to the Unibond League and an appearance in the First Round of the FA Cup. The Staffordshire club reached the Fourth Round of the world's oldest cup competition, eventually losing out narrowly to then Premiership Middlesbrough.

The Seasiders will welcome back defender Kevin Burgess from suspension but are without goalkeeper Dave Campbell for Saturday's game. Should the tie finish level, there will be a replay at the Turnbull Ground on Wednesday night

Admission prices at Keys Park, a Grade B Stadium of Conference National standard, with a 6,000 capacity, is £10.00 and £8.00 for adults- £6.00 and £5.00 for concessions. Kick-off is the usual 3.00pm.

Whitby Town v Kendal Town- Sat 9 Oct- 3.00pm- preview

Whitby Town aim to extend their unbeaten run with back to back wins, when Kendal visit the Turnbull Ground on Saturday.

Lee Ashcroft's men finished fifth last term, doing the double over the Blues with 3-2 and 2-0 victories. The Seasiders have a dreadful all-time record against the former Netherfield club, with just one win in their last eight meetings, thanks to a sole Graham Robinson strike in 2006. Town did manage two further victories against the Lake District outfit including a 6-2 FA Cup thumping.

The Black and Whites currently sit sixth but after just one win in five are lacking form. This rearranged fixture was scheduled for Wednesday originally, but was brought forward after both clubs' original opponents reached the third qualifying round of the FA Cup. Whitby were set to host Matlock Town.

Blues' caretaker manager Bob Scaife will be without defender Kev Burgess who serves a one match suspension after a second yellow card at Burscough, last month. Striker Jamie Owens should return after missing Tuesday night's win at Retford through work commitments.

Kick-off at the Turnbull Ground is the usual 3.00pm, with admission set at £7.50 Adults, £4.50 Concessions and £2.00 Under 18s. There is no midweek game currently scheduled.

WHITBY TOWN v COLWYN BAY- Sat 2 Oct- 3.00pm- preview

The Blues renew rivalries with 11th-placed Colwyn Bay on Saturday- Whitby's first home game since the opening day of the season, six weeks ago.

It's also been over seven years since Town met the newly-promoted Welshmen, on that day they drew 1-1 in North Wales, thanks to a Lee Ure goal. In five meetings, Harry Dunn's men have never won away against Bay, whilst the Seagulls have never defeated the Blues on home soil.

In overall clashes between the teams, Whitby have four victories to Colwyn's three, with three draws. So far this term, Saturday's visitors have had much the better of it, losing just once and defeating the likes of Kendal and Marine, as well as, holding Halifax, who beat the Blues twice in seven days.

The Seasiders will be bidding to end a run of just one win in ten games and hoping to welcome back ex-Cardiff City striker Andy Campbell from injury. Defender Ibby Hassan, limped off with more knee trouble on Monday during the 1-1 draw at Bradford so may also miss out.

Bay, promoted from the First Division North last season, are player-managed by Dave Challinor, the former Tranmere Rovers defender who previously held the world record for the longest throw in football- 46.34 metres. Challinor celebrates his 35th birthday on the day of the game- Town will be hoping that's all he's celebrating on Saturday!

Kick-off at the Turnbull Ground is 3.00pm with admission just £7.50 Adults, £4.50 Concessions and £2.00 Under 18s. The return game in Wales is on Saturday 5 March.

WHITBY TOWN v NORTH FERRIBY UNITED- Weds 22 Sep- 7.45pm- preview

The Seasiders host famous rivals North Ferriby United on Wednesday night. Since Whitby's 3-0 victory over the East Yorkshire side in the 1997 FA Vase, the clubs have met on eleven occasions, with five Town fins, five Ferriby victories and one draw.

United have an ex-Blue in their ranks with playmaker Ged Dalton making the switch south to Church Road in the summer. Dalton scored 4 goals in 28 appearances for Whitby last season. The East Yorkshire outfit, Town's closest rivals, have lost just once in their last six outings including victories to nil over two sides who defeated the Blues earlier in the season- Worksop and Buxton.

The Seasiders are struggling with senior duo Jimmy Beadle and skipper Tony Hackworth both doubtful with injuries. The pair missed Saturday's second defeat in two weeks at Halifax, the second time this season that the Blues have let in five goals.

Local lad Chris Batchelor, who played 14 minutes at the Shay, will make his Turnbull Ground return with striker Ashley Davis and 18-year-old on-loan Darlington midfielder Corey Barnes set to make home debuts.

Kick-off at the Turnbull Ground on Wednesday is 7.45pm with admission the usual £7.50 Adults, £4.50 Concessions and £2.00 Under 18s. The Blues are away this Saturday in a rearranged game at Burscough.

FC HALIFAX TOWN v WHITBY TOWN- EVO STIK PREMIER 18th SEP- preview

Whitby's target is revenge on Saturday as they return to the Shay, site of a 2-0 FA Cup defeat just seven days earlier. FC Halifax Town were the pre-season favourites for the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League championship, but have yet to set the division on fire after three draws out of six games since promotion from the First Division North.

Neil Aspin's side have only suffered one loss, at Chasetown, but still lie just ninth in the table. Speaking after the game, Aspin was pleased with his side's performance, preferring to concentrate on chances created, rather than chances missed, including an open goal from two yards out, by ex-Harrogate striker Danny Holland.

Whitby manager Harry Dunn thought his lads had weathered the Halifax storm early in the second half last weekend, before goals from Shaymen substitutes Scott Metcalfe and prolific sharpshooter James Dean put the game to bed. Blues' midfielder Jimmy Beadle conceded the West Yorkshire outfit could have won "four or five", adding:

"We should be achieving more than we have. The lads don't just go home and forget about it, we're racking our brains about what's wrong."

Beadle himself will miss out after suffering a dislocated finger that required an operation last week, skipper Tony Hackworth, defender Darren Craddock, who limped off on Saturday and left-back Mark Robinson are also injury doubts. Meanwhile, left-sided midfielder Chris Batchelor, 23 has rejoined the club after a spell at Pickering Town. Batchelor played under Dave Logan at Whitby between 2004 and 2005, making 16 appearances. Corey Barnes, an 18-year-old midfielder has also joined on a month's loan from Blue Square Premier Darlington.

Kick-off at the Shay is 3.00pm, with admission prices as follows: Adults £11, Concessions £8, Under 12s £5, Under 7s £2.

FC HALIFAX TOWN v WHITBY TOWN- FA CUP 1ST QUALIFYING ROUND- SAT 11 SEP- preview

Whitby begin their FA Cup adventure on Saturday with a tough trip to fellow Evo-Stik Premier outfit FC Halifax Town, but manager Harry Dunn is relishing the challenge.

"To be honest, I'd rather go to Halifax with 1,000 or 1,500 people watching than a local side where they might struggle to scrape 150 and it's still a banana skin and a hard game to win. It'll be a difficult game for us, but also a difficult game for Halifax", stated the Blues' boss who guided Blyth to the Third Round proper in 2009.

"You can't pick and choose opposition, we'll do our homework and take each game as it comes. Hopefully we'll do better than last season.

"I know Halifax manager Neil Aspin very well, he's been around for a long time, like myself and I'm sure they won't be taking it lightly."

Aspin has plenty of experience as a player in the country's top cup competition after a run in 1995-96 as a Port Vale right-back. Under the legendary John Rudge, Vale defeated Crystal Palace and Everton on the way to a fifth round replay defeat at Aspin's old club Leeds.

The 45-year-old Gateshead-born manager, took the reins with the reborn Shaymen a year ago, steering them to promotion from the First Division North. Aspin is cautious going into this weekend's Yorkshire derby, as his side bid to improve on last season's final qualifying round defeat at Blue Square Premier Wrexham.

"Saturday's game is a tie where both teams would probably have preferred to get someone else, because you're unfortunate if you get a team from your own league at this stage of the competition. But we're pleased to have the home advantage."

The old Halifax Town club went into administration in February 2008 and never recovered, finally folding three months later. As a Football League team, they took on the Blues in a famous FA Cup first round tie in 1983. Whitby's last trip to the Shay saw them 2-0 down at half-time, only for the then-Northern Leaguers to stage an amazing fightback. Goals from Derek Hampton, Ronnie Sills and Phil Linacre secured a memorable 3-2 victory.

The Seasiders went on to lose 1-0 at Wigan Athletic in the second round, missing out on a lucrative tie at London giants West Ham United as a result.

Kick-off at the Shay is 3.00pm, with admission prices as follows: Adults £11, Concessions £8, Under 12s £5, Under 7s £2.

NORTHWICH VICTORIA v Whitby Town- Sat 4 Sep 3.00pm- preview

Town make their first-ever trip to Northwich Victoria on Saturday for what has become 'Non League Day' around the country.

With England playing Bulgaria on Friday evening, there are no games in the Premier League or Championship this weekend, so supporters of the big boys are encouraged to follow their local club. For this match only, the recently-built Victoria Park will admit season-ticket holders at English League clubs for £5, with Under 14's accompanying them, let in for just £1.

The Blues will give a late fitness test to goalkeeper Nick Liversedge who missed Monday's draw with Frickley due to a hand injury. Manager Harry Dunn who believes this season's Northern Premier League will be "the toughest for a long long time", will make a decision to start with Liversedge or veteran David Campbell- 17 years his senior- on the afternoon of the game.

Three players- Jamie Owens(dislocated toes), Kevin Burgess(calf) and Ibrahim Hassan(knee)- are carrying knocks, but all are expected to recover in time to appear. Defender Ashley Lyth, who missed both Bank Holiday games with a groin injury may play some part after joining in Monday's warm-up.

The Vics began this season with successive victories over Retford, Bradford and Hucknall that have catapulted them into fourth spot. In contrast, Town have just a single victory with Dunn believing his team are "not gelling".

The Blues' boss added: "We havent quite reached the level we should be playing at for the players we have. At the end of the day, I think we should've done better, the players know they should've done better and it's up to us to put it right."

Dunn denied a lack of fitness after just four pre-season friendlies was to blame, adding Town were one of the few clubs in the league to kick-off with a fully-fit squad. That's a squad which may be added to with the manager "hopeful something will be done" in time for Saturday's trip.

Admission charges at the 5,000 capacity, 1,800-seat stadium are as follows: £12 - Adults (Seated), £10 (Standing); £10 - Concessions (Seated), £8 (standing); £5 - Students/Youth (12-16), £2 - Under 12. Kick-off is 3.00pm.

Directions for those travelling independently(a bus will leave the TG and costs just £10): Take the A169 Pickering, A64 York, Leeds, M62, via M60, to junction 10, then join the M6 motorway (signposted Birmingham), leaving at junction 19, Take the A556 towards Northwich. After two and a half miles you will pass through traffic lights and the Smoker Public House on your left hand side. Continue on the A556 for a further quarter mile then immediately prior to the start of a dual carriage way bear right via traffic lights onto the A559 sign posted Northwich after a further three quarters of mile at traffic lights turn right. Continue for one mile on the A559 then at the cross roads by the Black Greyhound Public House turn left into Wincham Lane. Immediately past a Car Show Room turn left into Wincham Avenue and proceed to the roundabout, which is almost at the end of the Avenue. The Stadium entrance is on the right hand side just beyond the roundabout.
Sources: www.theaa.com http://www.northwichvics.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=28&Itemid=97

The Seasiders host West Yorkshire rivals Ossett Town on Wednesday evening from 7.45pm. Phil Sharpe's men are currently one of just two clubs who remain unbeaten in the division. The other is Ashton United, who were close to collapse during the summer, after losing a five-figure claim for liability from an opposing player injured in a tackle.

Whitby Town v Frickley Ath - Mon 30 Aug- 3.00pm

Whitby Town striker Jamie Owens is set for his first home start tomorrow (Bank Holiday Monday) when Frickley Athletic visit the Turnbull Ground for a Yorkshire derby.

Blues' boss Harry Dunn confirmed the summer addition from the Wearside League will be in his starting eleven with more changes possible. Ashley Lyth missed Saturday's defeat at Buxton with a groin strain. Fellow defenders Ibrahim Hassan and Kev Burgess, as well as midfielder Leon Scott, are also struggling after picking up knocks during the same game.

Frickley, who include ex-Blues' midfielder Richard Dunning in their ranks, have failed to score in their opening three games. The West Yorkshire outfit lost out to a disputed goal at last season's fifth-placed side Kendal, but held FC Halifax 0-0 on Tuesday night and early pacesetters Ashton by the same score on Saturday.

In past meetings spanning over 30 years, Whitby hold 16 wins, to Frickley's 11, with five draws. The most memorable match likely being a legendary FA Trophy clash at the Turnbull which attracted a near-2,000 crowd weeks before the miners' strikes in February 1984, and ended with a 2-0 Town victory. The Seasiders went on to record their longest-ever Trophy run, eventually ended by Dagenham in a quarter-final replay.

Last season, the teams drew 1-1 in a twice-postponed tie at Frickley's Westfield Lane, with Andy Leeson on target for Town. The home game, which also took place in August, saw Whitby triumph 3-1- Karl Charlton(2) and Ibrahim Hassan got the decisive goals.

Kick-off at the Turnbull Ground is 3.00pm. Admission is frozen from last season at £7.50 Adults, £4.50 Concessions and £2.00 Under 18s.

Buxton v Whitby Town - Sat 28 Aug- 3.00pm

Two teams smarting from heavy midweek defeats meet in Derbyshire on Saturday. Town suffered a 5-0 humbling from Worksop on Wednesday night after conceding four goals in seven minutes- striker Peter Knox notching three of them. Meanwhile at the same time, the Bucks went down 4-0 at home to another Nottinghamshire side- Hucknall Town.

Harry Dunn is expected to welcome left-back Mark Robinson to a full-strength Whitby side hoping to emulate last season's 2-0 win at the Silverlands when skipper Tony Hackworth netted twice. However, that was the Blues' first win over John Reed's men since the Seasiders' First Division promotion campaign of 1998.

Buxton also lost their opening game, at fancied FC Halifax 2-1, and sit bottom of the table- one of six clubs without a point so far at this early stage of the season.

Anyone travelling independently by car should follow Sat Nav code: SK17 6QH or take the A169 from Whitby, through Pickering onto the M62 and then the A6. Drop down hill into Buxton on the A6, Junction with A53 (Buxton) At mini-roundabout turn left (signposted Matlock) A6, At Safeway roundabout take 2nd exit (right) B5059 (not shown) (signposted Poole's Cavern and Country Park), Turn right onto High Street (London Road Lights) - A515 Turn right on Buxton Market at Joe Royle's shop, Turn left onto Concert Place then Hardwick Square South. Continue forward onto Silverlands. Ground on right after 400 metres.

Kick-off is the usual 3.00pm with admission set at Adults £8, Concessions £5 and Under 10’s are admitted free if accompanied by a paying adult.

Town return to home action on Bank Holiday Monday when Frickley Athletic are the visitors for a Yorkshire derby. Kick-off 3.00pm.

Worksop Town v Whitby Town - Wed 25th Aug 2010 - 7.45pm

The Blues' first away day takes them to Cannon Park, home of Worksop Town FC on Wednesday night. The Tigers groundshare with their local rivals Retford United and have already signed a number of players from the Badgers. Chris Bettney, the former Hull City winger being arguably the most significant mover between the Nottinghamshire clubs. Both Whitby and Worksop began the new Evo-Stik Premier League season with wins. Town defeated newly-promoted Mickleover Sports 3-2 at the Turnbull Ground, while Peter Rinkcavage's men came from behind to pip Nantwich 2-1. Peter Knox and Ryan Mallon supplied the Tigers' goals. Harry Dunn will be hoping his side, who welcome back goalkeeper Dave Campbell, can emulate last season's result in the corresponding game- a 4-0 win with all goals coming in the second half. That victory was just the fourth for Whitby in 20 previous meetings against their Midlands opponents. A supporters coach leaves the Turnbull Ground on Upgang Lane, Whitby at 4.00pm. Kick-off is 7.45pm with admission as follows: Adults £10, Concessions £5 and U16's free if accompanied by a paying adult. Sat Nav: DN22 6QF(Leverton Road, Retford).

Whitby Town v MICKLEOVER SPORTS- Sat 21 Aug 2010- 3.00pm

Whitby Town kick off their Evo-Stik Northern Premier League season this Saturday when newly-promoted Mickleover Sports visit the Turnbull Ground. The Derbyshire outfit won the First Division South, their second successive championship, by seven points, scoring 93 goals in the process.

Sports enjoyed a record-breaking 16-match winning run between October and February last season and to celebrate have released a 4.3% volume 'Sweet 16' beer. As recently as April 2009, the Derby suburb were in the same league as Pickering Town- the North Counties East Premier- before emulating the Blues' achievement in 1996-98, by winning back to back titles.

It will be the first ever meeting between the clubs. With 226 through the gate at Station Road, Dick Pratley's men had the fourth-highest attendance in their division, last term.

Town manager Harry Dunn has the luxury of a virtually full-strength side to choose froom. Only 39-year-old goalkeeper David Campbell misses out. The veteran is doing a coast to coast bike ride in aid of Diabetes- a collection will be held throughout the afternoon, in the WTFC Club Shop, beneath the main stand.

Dunn admits he's likely to start with on-loan striker Jamie Hopcutt on the bench. The young forward, signed for a month from Blue Square Premier York City, is described by the Town boss as "nippy", but still gelling with his new team-mates. Goalkeeper Nick Liversedge, big centre-half Darren Craddock and tricky winger Dave McTiernan all begin second spells with the Blues, though 29-year-old former Hartlepool United left-back Mark Robinson is set for a full debut.

Fellow newcomers, strike pairing Robbie Hawkes and Jamie Owens may also appear for the first time in competitive action for the Seasiders. Admission prices have been frozen from last season, with Town now charging one of the cheapest gates in the division at £7.50 Adults, £4.50 OAPs and £2.00 Under 18s. Kick-off is the usual 3.00pm.

The Blues then travel to Worksop Town on Wednesday, who they defeated 4-0 in the same fixture last season, with Tony Hackworth(2), Ashley Lyth and Andy Campbell all on target in the second half. Buxton host Whitby on Saturday week and Town also enjoyed away day success at the Bucks' Silverlands HQ, last time out, chalking up a 2-0 win.