Whitby Town FC - The Seasiders

Blues robbed by referee

Whitby Town 2-2 Hucknall Town

28th April - The final league game of the season at the Turnbull Ground certainly wasn't an 'end of season kick about' as both teams fought throughout the game to increase their points tally.
An excellent first half performance saw Whitby go in 2-0 ahead but after 2 penalties & 2 subsequent sending offs, the game was turned on it's head as the visitors pulled themselves level.
Whitby began as bright as the sunshine bathing the pitch & took a 7th minute lead when Graham Rennison headed home Logan's left wing free kick from 10 yards out and off the underside of the crossbar. Six minutes later with the home side in full flow, it was 2-0 when Craig Skelton managed to skip around a defender to deliver an inch perfect cross for Lee Ludlow to power home his 20th league goal of the season.
With Whitby defying their lowly league position, it was the 25th minute before the visitors troubled the Whitby defence when Taylor's long range free kick beat everyone to skid agonisingly past the post. At the other end of the field, Hucknall keeper McCarthy made a great save to deny Canavan in the 36th minute when he tipped his shot around the post.
Ten minutes into the second half seemed to be the turning point of the game as Whitby seemed well in control until then. Hucknall centre forward Martin turned Logan to make his run on goal but the Whitby skipper tripped him, giving away a penalty & receiving his marching orders from referee Mr Drew. Martin dispatched the kick with venom to bring them back into contention. On the hour, Martin had a snap shot well saved by Riches as he dived to his left.
The ten men of Whitby could have made the game safe in the 67th minute when Robinson was tripped inside the Hucknall area to win a penalty but this time the defender stayed on the field of play. Up stepped Dave Goodchild in the absence of Logan & woefully side footed the ball wide of the goal. Had that gone in, the game could well have been over. The final twist in the tale came on 71 minutes when Martin again found himself upended in the area, this time it was Ferguson who was the offender. Had he not appeared to slap Martin, he may have only received a yellow card but after that, a red was the only option. Yet again, Martin coolly placed the ball in the corner of the goal to make it 2-2.
In the very last minute of the game, Graham Robinson fought his way into a good position only yards from goal but he blazed the ball high & wide of the target.
Clarkes of Whitby 5-a-side Penalty Shoot-out Competition Final West Cliff CP 5 Fylingdales 1

Blues cruise in NRSC

Whitby Town 3-1 Northallerton

26 April - Whitby despatched their Northern League neighbours by 3-1 with a powerful second half display that lacked the killer touch to win by a bigger margin. Northallerton battled well from the outset & held Whitby until the 29th minute when a good interplay between Robinson & Skelton was finished off by the latter with a deft chip over the keeper. They went 2-0 up in the 42nd minute when Skelton again proved to be a thorn in the visitors' side. His jinking run ended with a goalbound shot but was touched over the line by Graham Robinson.
Whitby were given the chance to increase their lead in the 56th minute when Eccles was floored in the Northallerton area but keeper Darren Poole denied Dave Logan with a good save by blocking the ball, yet Logan was given a second chance when the rebound fell to him but he volleyed over. They were only denied a further 10 minutes however and some excellent work by March was almost finished off by Robinson who saw his shot parried by Poole but Skelton was on hand at the far post to poach his second & Whitby's third goal of the game. Northallerton got a deserved consolation goal in the 67th minute when Whitby substitute March sliced a right wing cross past Riches into the net to make it 3-1. They should have had a second with 2 minutes remaining when Edwards found himself one on one with Riches but he shot wide of the target from close range.
Whitby Town - Riches, Rennison, Logan, Goodchild, Graham, Pearson, Cramman, Eccles, Robinson, Canavan, Skelton - Subs : Ludlow (10), Ferguson (8), March (6)
In the semi-finals of the North Riding Senior Cup, Whitby will be at home to York City. Date to be arranged during the pre-season.

Blues slump continues at home

Whitby Town 0-1 Gateshead

24 April - Dismal weather conditions and a dismal crowd, Whitby's lowest for years, were matched by the same standard of football this evening on a rain-soaked Turnbull Ground where an early strike from Gateshead's Gareth McAlindon was enough to take all three points.
Whitby gave a debut to keeper Marc Riches & welcomed the return of Gary Pearson, both from Durham City but were fielding a weakened side without Logan, Robinson, Key & Graham.
Neither side stamped any authority on the game where Whitby squandered the better first half chances but overall Gateshead looked the more comfortable of the two sides.
The winning goal came from a sharply taken free kick on the right wing which caught the Whitby defence flat-footed & allowed McAlindon time & space to pick his spot with a well executed drive from outside the penalty area. Two minutes later Pearson delivered an inch perfect crossfield pass into the path of Ludlow but was denied by a good save from visitor's keeper Swan. On the half hour however it was Riches turn to shine when he pulled off a full length flying save to deny Bates a spectacular goal from 20 yards.
The second half became more bogged down & both teams struggled to put anything together, being limited to long ball passes & hopeful breakaways more reminiscent of the old Northern League days. Riches was called upon again in the 57th minute when he foiled Proudlock's breakaway & played confidently throughout the game.
More chances were created in the dying minutes of the game as both teams tired & Ludlow was again unfortunate to see his shot skid past the post after some excellent dribbling skills in the Gateshead area. In the last minute, Gateshead should have put the game out of reach when Sunley slipped the ball through to former Whitby player Richie Alderson but with the goal at his mercy he blazed high & wide of the mark.

Blues dumped on again!

Colwyn Bay 2-1 Whitby Town

21 April - Whitby Town travelled to North Wales for their final Unibond Premier away game of the season, and they left with nothing.
After last week fine performance between the posts David Goodchild pulled on the No1 jersey to replace David Campbell!!
Colwyn Bay were the better of the two teams during the opening period and took the lead in the 34th through Deiniol Graham when he blasted the ball home from 10 yards out. It was 2-0 before the break when Kevin Graham scored an own goal.
Whitby were more of a force in the second half and went close on a couple of occasions through Lee Ludlow.
Graham Robinson pulled a goal back in the 65th minute when he swept home Pitts' cross, but the Blue revival didn't materialise, and Whitby slumped to another defeat to lowly opposition.
One high spot was the return of Lee Ure after 6 months out through injury. Lee was virtually assaulted at Hucknall and now gets the chance to exact revenge next saturday at home when the thugs arrive.
Whitby Town - Goodchild, Pitts, Logan, Ferguson, Graham, Rennison, March, Cramman, Eccles, Skelton, Ludlow. Subs - Robinson, Ure, Key.

Plucky Blues!

Whitby Town 1-1 Bishop Auckland

16th April - After conceding yet another early goal, Whitby did well to raise their game for a battling draw at the Turnbull today. Goalkeeper Dave Campbell (Pelvic injury) & Dean Macauley (knee ligaments) were both added to the home side's ever increasing list of injured players. Bishops started the game in dominant fashion & took a deserved lead on 8 minutes when Danny Brunskill latched onto a loose ball to confidently slot past Campbell into the net. They could have increased their lead soon afterwards when former Whitby player Mickey Dunwell blazed his chance over the bar despite having time to compose himself. With 18 minutes gone Bishop's Danny Mellanby went even closer when his rocket of a shot struck the underside of the crossbar with the keeper well beaten.
Whitby's first real effort on goal came in the 27th minute when Logan's corner kick was met by a brave diving header from Goodchild but his work was in vain as the ball skidded the wrong side of the post. The same player went close 4 minutes later when new signing Michael Canavan from Durham City flicked the ball into his path. The defender didn't capitalise on the chance however & he shot over the bar from close range.
A couple of minutes before the half time interval, Whitby keeper Campbell collapsed in agony & the game was held up about 6 minutes while he was stretchered off the field & taken to hospital. Apparently it was a pelvic injury carried over from a previous game that caused the trouble. Central defender Dave Goodchild took over between the posts & made several admirable saves to keep the Blues in the game.
Ten minutes into the second half Whitby were denied the equaliser by an excellent save by Jones as he tipped Graham's header over the bar. Whitby continued to pressurise & almost scored on the hour when Robinson's flick on to Skelton was blazed over the bar. Skelton made amends in the 70th minute though when he was on hand to strike home the equaliser from 10 yards after some good work by Robinson. As the minutes ticked by, Bishops upped the pressure in search of a winner & only some good saves by Goodchild from Mellanby & Bayles kept Whitby on level terms.
Whitby Town Campbell ( Ferguson 44) Macauley (Robinson 50), Logan Goodchild Graham Rennison Skelton March Cramman Canavan Ludlow Sub not used Eccles

Ludlow's dodgy strike earns a dodgy point

Frickley Athletic 1-1 Whitby Town

14th April - From the Frickley Athletic web page - note that references to "the blues" means Frickley! The Blues faced Whitby Town this afternoon without the services of Gary Duffty, Rob Hanby and Ian Edge who were all injured. Mark Tyrell came in at left back with Andy Gregory playing down the right and Phil Brown coming into midfield. Craig Marsh made his First Team debut after being promoted from the Reserves and responded by scoring a crucial equaliser. The match was barely a minute old when the visitors grabbed a controversial opening goal. A corner from the left was half cleared only for a thunderous 18 yard shot to beat Mark Wilkinson but Andy Gregory looked to have cleared the ball off the line. The Assistant Referee had other ideas and signalled the ball had crossed the line and, despite numerous protests, the goal stood. Four minutes later Whitby had another chance when Logan fired over the bar from just inside the box. Slowly the Blues started to come back into the game and with their first real chance of the match an equaliser came. On 22 minutes Gregory's long throw from the right was flicked on by Chris Hurst for CRAIG MARSH to head in at the far post. Two minutes later Duane Beckett and Marsh combined on the edge of the box for Beckett to break clear in the box but Campbell came out quickly to block Beckett's effort well. Then Blues continued to press but didn't manage to create another good chance until just before the break when Tyrell put over a cross from the left which held up in the wind, taking it away from Campbell. Marsh knocked it back to Gregory whose first time shot looped goalwards but was headed clear with Campbell stranded. Frickley started the second half more positively with Beckett seeing his low left wing corner elude everyone and almost creep in at the far post. On 55 minutes Gregory's free-kick from the right picked out Hurst whose header beat Campbell and looked to be heading inside the near post but it was headed clear by a defender on the line. The ball was then swung back in and Tyrell Shot just over from 18 yards. On 59 minutes the Blues had the ball in the net from another Beckett corner but it was disallowed for an infringement. Phil Brown then put a 25 yard shot wide of the left hand post but the Blues had nothing to show for the pressure. On 72 minutes Marsh was felled outside the box giving the Blues a free-kick some 22 yards out. Steve Price stepped up to take it but Campbell pulled off a good save, diving to his left to push the ball over the bar. The chances dried up as the half went on but at the other end the visitors hardly threatened at all. In fact Wilkinson had very little to do in the whole game. In the end it was probably 2 points dropped, especially as Colwyn Bay suffered a heavy defeat at Stalybridge Celtic - a 6 point gap would have been much better than a 4 point gap.

Cammy cock ups cost Whitby dear!

Whitby Town 0-2 Barrow

10th April - Whitby's dismal home form continued tonight on a windswept Turnbull Ground after gifting Barrow two goals in a game devoid of many clear cut chances. Within 25 seconds of the kick off Barrow went ahead when Grant Holt took his opportunity to waltz through the heart of the Whitby defence, skip around keeper Campbell & gleefully stroke the ball into the open goal. It was the worst possible start for the Blues yet they could have levelled the scores in the 4th minute with what proved to be their only chance of the half. Graham Robinson dived to head goalwards from a left wing corner but saw the ball flash agonisingly past Simon Bishop's post. The game itself proved extremely difficult for both sides due to the gusting wind but neither side troubled the keeper until the 46th minute. Good work by Ludlow at the byline saw his cross met by a weak header from Robinson in front of the Barrow goal but keeper Bishop had no trouble collecting the ball. Barrow almost increased their lead in the 74th minute when Housham broke through the Whitby defence only to be denied by an excellent one-handed save by Campbell. The Whitby keeper turned villain 3 minutes later however when he committed a howler in his own area. His mis-kick dropped invitingly at the feet of Barrow's Lee Ellison standing on the 18 yard line & all he had to do was side foot the ball back into the gaping goalmouth to make it two-nil to the visitors. Bishop was forced into action in the very last minute when he denied Goodchild a consolation goal, saving at the near post.

Runcorn sink the Blues

Runcorn 2-1 Whitby Town

7th April - From the Non-League Paper - A goal in each half secured a well deserved victory for Runcorn in an entertaining game in testing conditions.
Runcorn began brightly and could have scored as early as the fifth minute when a david robinson free kick went just wide of the post.
Runcorn's young strike force of John McAllister and Alan Cowley caused constant porblems for the Whitby defence and Cowley was unlucky not to score after ten minutes.
Whitby should have opened the scoring after 17 minutes when Lee Ludlow was fouled in the box by Mike Tomlinson.
Kenny Cramman then hit the resulting spot kick against the post.
The visitors pressure continued. Danny Key hit an excellent drive against the bar whilst keeper Mark Winstanley made a fine save from Craig Skelton.
Runcorn weathered the storm and took the lead through McAllister, who unleashed a tremendous dipping 25 yard shot to leave Blues keeper David Campbell stranded.
The home side saw Gary Lunt increase their lead in the 62nd minute after a superb through ball from Cowley.
Whitby's consolation goal in the last minute when Cramman's free kick was diverted into his own goal by defender Peter Ellis.
Whitby Town - Campbell, Pitts, Cramman, Rennison, Graham, MacAuley, Key, Robinson, Ludlow, Eccles, Skelton. subs - Buck, Jonhson, Logan.

Goochy saves the day!

Whitby Town 3-2 Marine

31st March - After some dismal home performances of late, Whitby gained three badly needed points against strugglers Marine at the Turnbull Ground today.
After a tentative opening start in difficult conditions, it was the visitors who took the lead in a bizarre fashion. Neil Black's mis-hit drive from outside the Whitby penalty area seemed to bobble past everyone before nestling in the far corner of the goal on 19 minutes.
Whitby got back on level terms on 35 minutes thanks to a well-timed header from full-back Graham Rennison who rose high to make contact with Logan's corner kick. Just before the interval marine could have regained the lead when left-back Randles hammered a drive inches past the outside of Campbell's post.
The second half burst into life after 67 minutes when Marine keeper Chris Clarke did well to smother Lee Ludlow's drive but the rebound wasn't cleared well enough as Graham Robinson pounced on the loose ball to score from the edge of the area past two defenders on the goalline.
The scores were levelled once more on 80 minutes after some poor marking by the Whitby defence led to Anton Lally bundling the ball over the line after it was headed back to him from Gamble's cross.
A minute later however, the Blues were back in the lead with the goal of the game. Dave Logan provided the corner & David Goodchild headed home the ball with a superb header from 10 yards out into the top corner of the net, giving the keeper no chance.
Man-of-the-match.......... has to be Graham Robinson. Apart from his goal, his tireless running & workmanlike performance over the full 90 minutes was excellent.
Half-time Penalty Shoot-out sponsored by Clarkes of Whitby
West Cliff CP 5
Lythe CP 0

Home game - guess what?

Whitby Town 1-3 Hyde United

Hyde's top scorer Simon Yeo hit the post as the visitors dominated the first half. Beeston rocketed the ball into the top of the net from a corner to give them the lead on 20 minutes. They had the ball in the net again after a 30 yard blockbuster from Hall- but much to his horror- it was ruled out for offside!!!! The Blues came out for the second half, a much more determined side. They deservedly equalised on 48 minutes when Goochy headed home Eccles corner. Whitby then had a long spell of possession but were unable to make it count. Hyde broke away and forced a corner which Hall struck home unmarked. Ludlow and Skelton had good chances to score, but ultimately Hyde made it 3-1 when Yeo beat Campbell from close range after Whitby were caught on the break with no defence!
Whitby: Campbell, Pitts, Ferguson(Dixon 45), Goodchild (c), Graham, McAuley, Key, Eccles, Ludlow, Skelton(Johnston 80), Cramman. Sub not used: Robinson.

More home woe for Whitby

Whitby Town 0-1 Gainsborough Trinity

23rd March - Whitby Town lost yet another home game today when Gainsborough Trinity were the benificiaries of Whitby generosity. But the game was ruined by an appalling display from the man in black! It was Whitby who made most of the running but Trinity took the lead through a wicked deflection that the Blues mystery keeper could do nothing about.
From Andrew Snaith
Not a big crowd tonight (200-250 at most). Cammy had flu but Frank Johnston put in a strong performance in his place. Logie also had flu so Kev Graham had to play left back. Robbo had the first real chance when he ran strongly from midfield but Martin saved well low to his right. Martin repeated the dose with another good stop from Ludlow moments later. Trinity took the lead in very lucky fashion on 35 minutes when a shot from the edge of the area which looked to be going wide took a massive deflection of a Whitby defender which totally wrongfooted Johnston and landed in the opposition corner of the net. The second half was very physical and I counted at least three scuffles involving more than ten players- one which involved 18 or so took place on the edge of the Gainsboro. box after a terrible challenge on Danny Key. March had a shot cleared off the line with twenty minutes remaining and the Blues were possibly a little unlucky to lose and probably deserved a share of the points. Robbo booted one of their players in retaliation for an earlier challenge which the referee missed- and was booked. Goochy was also booked as was Kev Graham as the match threatened to boil over into a full on brawl. Again and again the ref missed numerous fouls by Gainsboro players but spotted the retaliation from the Whitby lads- terrible referee, even worse than the usual shite. Hope Sunday's is better.

Late strike denies Blues the points

Gateshead 1-1 Whitby Town

21st March - Whitby Town were cruelly denied all three points at the International Stadium tonight when a late 87th minute strike from former Turnbull midfielder Richie Alderson snatched a draw for the Tynesiders.
Whitby had taken the lead through another old boy, this time a Gateshead old boy, Graham Robinson, in the first half, and battled well throughout.
Better report to follow...

Seasiders find some form

Accrington Stanley 0-2 Whitby Town

17th March - report from the Non-League Paper - Two second half defensive errors cost Accrington dear as they crashed to a disastrous defeat at home to Whitby Town (disastrous for who!). Stanley had early chances when in the third minute Mark Brennan gained possession and found Mark Ceraolo. He laid the ball ooff to Gary Williams who fired wide of the goal (OO that was close.).
In a half of few chances, Lee Ludlow attempted to chip the ball over Stanley keeper Jamie Speare on 38 minutes, but the ball went high over the croosbar.
Four minutes into the second half a good stanley move down the right saw Russel Payne create a good chance for williams, who cut inside Kevin Graham, but his shot was well saved by visitors keeper Dave Campbell.
The Seasiders went ahead on 53 minutes when Kenny Cramman crossed to the unmarked Dean MacAuley, whose looping header went over Speare and into the net.
Ten minutes later Acrrington gifted the visitors a soft second goal when Lee Ludlow latched onto a through ball, beating the offide trap and seeing speare off his line, chipped the ball over him into the goal to secure the points. Accrington tried to get back into the game but couldn't break down a well disciplined Whitby Defence.
Whitby Town - Campbell, Rennison, Logan, Goodchild, Graham, MacAuley, Robinson, March, Ludlow, Cramman, Eccles - Subs - Skelton, Ferguson, Pitt.

Frickley battle back to deny Seasiders

Whitby Town 2-2 Frickley Athletic

13th March - Whitby twice surrendered the lead in a game that both teams were desperate to win though only one clear cut chance was made in the entire first half. Yet again it was a pin-pint free kick from Blues skipper Dave Logan that broke the deadlock when he thundered a wickedly curling ball around the Frickley wall past keeper Wilkinson on the stroke of half time.
Six minutes into the second half, Frickley levelled the scores when a right wing free kick wasn't dealt with by the Whitby defence, allowing Chris Hurst to drive home from close range. Whitby regained the lead on the hour again from a free kick but this time the ball was drifted out to the far post where Lee Ludlow did well to head the ball back across goal where it caused mayhem inside the 6 yard box. As a group of players from both sides hacked at the ball it was a Frickley player who sliced the ball into his own goal..... ironically it was the man who scored for them earlier, Hurst.
Whitby may have gone further ahead 2 minutes later but Eccles deft lob went over the bar. Frickley fought back well & were rewarded on 65 minutes when a right wing corner was thundered home by a towering header from Dean Jones. The visitors looked the more threatening side in the latter stages yet it was Whitby who could have sneaked the result 10 minutes from time when Ludlow's shot was beaten away for a corner by Wilkinson. Ludlow went close again from the same corner but saw his header flash over the crossbar.
Whitby Town - Campbell Key LOGAN Graham Rennison Cramman March Macauley Ludlow Robinson Eccles
Subs: Goodchild (9) Ferguson Skelton (2)
Half time penalty competition sponsored by Clarkes of Whitby :
Danby 5-2 Lythe

Lancaster do double over sorry Whitby

Lancaster City 3-1 Whitby Town

10th March - report from the Non-League Paper - Lancaster City maintained their position near the top of the Unibond Premier after they came from behind to Whitby Town.
The Seasiders took the lead in the 11th minute when Anthony March confidently placed his shot past Lancaster keeper Mark Thornley.
Lancaster took a while to recover and they equalised after 33 minutes when good work from Colin Potts and Brian Welch set up Dean Martin who fired in a powerful shot past David Campbell from the edge of the area.
The goal lifted the home side and they took the lead on 39 minutes when a good cross from the right from Potts found Chris Ward who controlled the ball before placing a left foot shot past Cammy into the net.
Lancaster then added a third on the stroke of half time when Potts drilled a shot past Campbell from just inside the area.
The second half saw Whitby more content to try to keep the scoreline down and attack on the counter.
The main talking point of the second half came with Ten minutes to go when Whitby keeper Campbell handled the ball outside the area but was only given a yellow card by the ref.
The resulting free kick was cleared by the Whitby defence. The only real chance from either side in the last ten minutes fell to Lee Ludlow when his shot was turned around the post by Lancaster keeper Mark Thornley.
Craig says - Another very disappointing result from a Whitby Town side that appear to have totally lost the plot in 2001. From a healthy 8th position and lookng good for a decent finish, we have slipped down the table to 15th spot. Two wins in the next two games against sides that are 2nd and 3rd bottom should see the Blues safe from a relagation dogfight, but stranger things have happened. If we get nothing, expect a very nervous end of season.
Manager Harry Dunn said in the Gazzette recently that any player that doesn't give his all for the team will be on their way out. Quite simply it means that there will not be many players left after May.
Whitby Town - Campbell, Rennison, Logan, Goodchild, Ferguson, Key, March, MacAuley, Ludlow, Skelton, Cramman. Subs - Robinson, Graham, Eccles.

We win AGAIN!!

Burscough 2-3 Whitby Town

24th February - Hurray, we won. Goals from Graham Rennison, Lee Ludlow and Craig Skelton gave the blues a welcome victory after the debacles of our previous two Unibond League matches.
Apologies for the lack of a report but one will appear as soon as possible.

WE WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guisborough Town 1-3 Whitby Town

20th February - OK it was only Guisborough and it was in the NRSC but hey, who cares! Two goals from Lee Ludlow and an own goal means we go through to the final eliminator. watch this space!

awful whitby hammered again

Whitby Town 1-5 Lancaster City

After taking a lead as early as the 11th minute, the day went from bad to worse for the Blues as their opponents gradually got a stranglehold of the game & ran out comfortable 5-1 winners. Lee Ludlow scored his 17th goal of the season when he beat the offside trap & coolly waltzed past keeper Mark Thornley as he ran from his goal to walk the ball into the empty net. Lancaster levelled the scores after a defensive blunder by Mark Taylor giving the ball away in his own half of the pitch on 29 minutes. The right wing cross found the league's second top scorer Chris Ward totally unmarked to volley home from close range. Four minutes before the interval City took the lead thanks to yet another error when Kevin Graham swung & missed the ball allowing Ward to dribble round Campbell & tap home their second and his 31st goal of the campaign. Just after the break the visitors were unlucky not to increase their lead when Ward again found himself in space but his shot flew just over the Whitby upright with only the keeper to beat. Whitby almost pulled a goal back on 64 minutes when Dave Logan's corner kick was headed agonisingly over the Lancaster bar but that was as close as they got because 6 minutes later it was 3-1 after referee Mr Birkett deemed it was a penalty when the ball struck Goodchild. Despite a valiant effort by Campbell he was unable to stop Kenny Mayers adding to their tally. Five minutes later in went goal number four when a good move by Marten & Welch was polished off when the latter chipped the ball over Campbell into the net. Whitby were denied a consolation goal in the dying minutes of the game when Thornley dived to tip Logan's free kick around the post. The final humiliation came with almost the last kick of the game when what looked like a harmless long ball caused a total cock-up between Campbell & Ferguson. The keeper failed to call for the ball & Ferguson lashed to clear it but instead the ball skimmed off his boot to Potts who casually side-footed into the goal to make it 5-1. In Friday's Whitby Gazette, Manager Mr Dunn wrote after the 5-0 thrashing at Bamber Bridge that "Players will be moved out of the club if they don't give effort & will to win". On today's showing it's hoped that players take heed & show a marked improvement in forthcoming games, beginning on Tuesday night away to Northern League side Guisborough Town in the North Riding Senior Cup. Congratulations & thanks must go to the two teams in the half-time penalty shoot-out competition, Airy Hill & Lealholm primary schools. Airy Hill won 3-2 but the performance of those 11 year olds was the highlight for most of the Whitby fans at the Turnbull Ground today.

Inconsistent Blues stuffed at Brig

Bamber Bridge 5-0 Whitby Town

10 February - Whitby Travelled to Bamber Bridge and got stuffed 5 nowt. When I can be arsed to write a report that no one wants to read I will do. Brig scored three in the last 10 minutes which sounds a bit harsh!
Well done to Marske United who won in the Vase 5th round at Marlow! And also to Bedlington who were impressive winners at Oadby.

Cracking win for Whitby

Gainsborough Trinity 1-3 Whitby Town

27th January - The Blues made their way down to Lincolnshire to meet a Gainsborough side who hadn't lost at home since September. It was the home side who made the better start and it was no suprise when they took the lead in the 12th minute. Lee Ellington's cross from the left was turned home by Gavin Bassender.
Whitby were not in the game at this point and nearly slipped another goal behind when when charles misjudged a bouncing ball.
It was left to top scorer Lee Ludlow to draw the Seasiders level when he left unmarked at he to squeeze a tight angled shot past home keeper Curry.
The second half saw a much more positive Whitby and they eventually took the lead in the 69th minute when Anthony March diverted Lee Ludlow's free kick, into the back of the net.
A minute later the advantage was double when an excellent Graham Robinson diving header met Pitts cross and he found the bakc of the net.
A great win for Whitby against a good Trinity side was well deserved in the end.
For another report try the Trinity Web site by Clicking here

Leaders crush Blues

Emley 4-0 Whitby Town

20th January - Whitby Town travelled to the new home of Enley FC today for their Unibond league encounter. The home side have moved to Wakefield to try and get some support for their ambitious push for promotion to the conference.
Emley took and early lead when in the 10th minute Danny Day headed home a Brambrook cross. The Blues went close with a typical Logie free kick flying over.
Straight after half time, the Blues nearly equalised when Lee Ludlow's effort was tipped over by the home keeper Cuss.
Whitby soon went 2 behind though, when a Miles Thorpe 25 yarder beat Cammy after 51 minutes. On the hour it was three when Thorpe headed home.
Ecceles nearly pulled one back for Whitby when he got through the defence, but again the keepe made a fine block.
The end for Whitby came in the 89th minute when Nicholson scored after a goalmouth scramble.
Whitby Town - Campbell, Pitt, Logan, Rennison, Dixon, Taylor, March, MacAuley, Robinson, Ludlow, Eccles, subs - Skelton, Graham, Williams.

Super Lee bags Four

Whitby Town 5-1 Colwyn Bay

13th January - Whitby Town showed a much welcome return to form at the Turnbull today with their best win of the season and their first in the league for over a month and their first at home for nearly three months.
With David Logan absent, the Blues gave a debut to new signing Mark Eccles who has just signed from Northern League Tow Law Town.
Whitby were given a shock in the third minute when the Visitors took an early lead through the Colwyn Bay No.9 Micky Lennon. Whitby tried hard a slowly clawed their way back into the game when in the 20th minute some good work down the flank by Graham Robinson saw a deep cross elude the away keeper and Lee Ludlow headed home.
Whitby started to look good with new boy Eccles fitting in well, and despite the visitors looking dangerous on the counter attack, it was The Blues who took the lead in the 34th minute.
A fine cross field ball from MacAuley found Ludlow in space a he calmly slotted the ball past the keeper.
Just before the half time whistle Ludlow grabbed his Hat-trick when Goodchild's ball over the top found the Blues hitman in acres of space at the back post he duly tapped the ball home.
Whitby were always in control in the second half and in the 64th minute Eccles scored a great individual goal when he beat two defenders and blasted home to make the score 4-1.
In the 74th minute the Bay keeper hauled Eccles down in box, and earned himself a red card. Hat-trich hero Ludlow stepped up to hammer the spot kick home and make the final score 5-1.
A much welome win at home the Seasiders but next week Emley are the opponents and they will be a much tougher nut to crack.

Ten Man Blues show some guts

Whitby Town 1-1 Worksop Town

6th January - After Boxing Day's dismal performance, Whitby finally put an end to their losing streak with a much improved performance against Worksop Town. With much-hyped articles in the local Whitby Gazette about the return of former Tow Law player Chris Waddle to the Turnbull Ground, a good crowd of 522 turned out to brave the freezing conditions. How many of those fans came purely to see Mr Waddle, one can only speculate. However all of them will have been hugely disappointed to find his name not even on the teamsheet for this afternoon's fixture. After speaking to one of the Worksop players it appears he was injured after playing in a testimonial game at Tow Law during the week & may be out of action for up to 4 weeks. Though bad news for those 'not-too-regular' fans who turned out today, it was a big plus for Whitby & on their second half display could easily have won all 3 points. Missing from the Blues line-up today were Carl Chillingsworth (loaned out to Billingham Town to regain his scoring prowess) & Gary Messer (released by the club this week). Making their first appearances at the Turnbull were Dean Macauley signed a while back from Pickering Town but injured until recently and Ben Walker who came to us from Northern League neighbours Marske United. Ben played at Bishop Auckland in the League cup & scored twice. Whitby got off to the worst possible start when they went a goal behind after only 4 minutes after some shocking defending let in Andy Gray (not the ex-Everton, now Sky Sports presenter) to drive the ball into the net through a huddle of players. Within a minute Dave Logan had an opening to level the scores but he blasted high & wide of the mark after good work from Robinson. The equaliser came 10 minutes later from Lee Ludlow. Dave Goodchild's right wing cross fell at the striker's feet at the far side of the penalty area & he looked to have lost the opportunity when he drifted in towards the keeper but after side-stepping Holmshaw in the Worksop goal, he blasted home from close range. The remainder of the half was a tight fought contest though nothing compared to the half to follow. After Dave Goodchild was hacked down midway through the first half, he got up & minutes later received a booking from referee Alvin Dale for a reckless challenge. This was to prove expensive as in the 52nd minute he received a second yellow card & was promptly dismissed from the field leaving the Blues to battle on with only 10 men. The game threatened to boil over into a full scale battle after Craig Skelton appeared to be blatantly fouled in the visitor's penalty area but the referee ignored the pleas & as one thing led to another, players from both sides ploughed into each other. If particular players from both sides had been sent off, no-one could have complained but the referee took the easy way out & booked a Worksop player hoping to calm the situation. Neither side took any heed of this & consistently fouled, pushed & kicked their way around the pitch. Despite increased Whitby pressure, Worksop could have gone 2-1 ahead in the 67th minute when right-back Ludlam drifted a chipped shot over Campbell's crossbar. Whitby upped the pace shortly after & in the 72nd minute Robinson headed Logan's free kick over the Worksop bar. With 5 minutes remaining, Whitby had their best chance of grabbing the points when Logan's through ball found substitute Ben Walker in space outside the area with only the keeper to beat. As Holmshaw ran out to intercept he did just enough to make the Whitby striker lob the ball against the underside of the bar. Holmshaw was again called into action a minute later when he was on hand to block a blistering drive from Craig Skelton to make sure the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Whitby Town - Campbell Pitts Logan Goodchild Taylor Rennison Macauley Key Robinson Skelton LUDLOW - Subs: Walker (11) Williams,I (5) Graham (8)

Another Whitby loss, what a downer

Whitby Town 0-1 Droylsden

26th December - Any Christmas festivities at the Turnbull were cut short as the visitors Droylsden condemned Whitby to their third successive home defeat & their 5th loss in the past 6 games with a 1-0 victory in the Boxing Day fixture. With Anthony March (broken arm) adding to the already lengthy injury list, the Whitby side had an unbalanced look with 3 forwards on the subs bench at the start of play. Even when Ludlow & Chillingsworth made it onto the pitch, neither could manage to haul the Blues back into the game. The visitors took the lead in the 13th minute with some clinical finishing from striker Nathan Peel when he broke free to drive his shot into the far corner of the goal past David Campbell. Whitby tried to respond immediately when Ian Williams' dipping 20 yard drive was comfortably held by Droylsden keeper Paul Philips. The keepers from both sides had fairly little to do all afternoon as both sets of strikers made hard work of testing them out. With 20 minutes gone, Whitby's influential midfielder Danny Key was replaced by Lee Ludlow after being injured in a challenge earlier. On the half hour Droylsden's Frank Gibbons found himself in a good position but shot wide of the Blues goal without forcing Campbell into a save. Minutes later a mis-hit shot from Graham Robinson fell kindly into the path of Craig Skelton but his weak shot was easily dealt with by Philips. Just before half time both Logan & Ludlow had chances to level the scores but again never caused the keeper any concern. After a fairly even first half, the second period saw Whitby try to up the tempo but despite all their possession, they were unable to make any problems for the visitors' defenders. Time & again, good build-up play was spoiled by a bad final ball, basic passing to feet seemed to be almost alien at times. Ludlow, Robinson & Skelton all had chances in the second half but all went begging as the Blues struggled to make any impact. Although the attendance was hoped to be higher for the game, it's doubtful whether 361 fans will continue to turn out to support the Blues in the freezing conditions endured today if the performances don't improve rapidly.

No Christmas cheer for Blues

Altrincham 3-1 Whitby Town

23rd December - Whitby Travelled to Cheshire to take on high flying Altrincham in today's Unibond League encounter. Altrincham scored after five minutes. A cross field ball was knocked back across the Whitby goal by Ian Williams, David Campbell allowed the ball to slip from his hands giving Altrincham striker Finney the chance to score. Whitby tried hard to get back into the game but Altrincham increased their lead in the 29th minute when from a corner the ball fell to Finney again and he shot home from 12 yards. Graham Robinson came close for the Blues, but shot wide.
In the second half Finney completed his hat-trick in the 70th minute.
Whitby grabbed a consolation with seven minutes left when Lee Ludlows shot dribbled through the legs of the Alty keeper.
Whitby Town - Campbell, Pitt, Williams, Goodchild, Taylor, Dixon, March, Key, Renison, Skelton, Robinson, Subs: Ludlow, Messer, Graham.

Dixon off as Blues tumble

Whitby Town 0-1 Stalybridge Celtic

16th December - After 3 postponed games Whitby were hoping to inflict a second league defeat on their visitors Stalybridge at the Turnbull Ground but found themselves on the receiving end of some rough tactics & indecisive refereeing as they went down by a goal to nil.
Stalybridge showed why they're sitting high in the league by creating the better chances especially in the first half. The best of the early exchanges all came from the visitors with Bauress sent a long range drive dipping over the Whitby bar & Jones shot into the side netting from close range. With a minute of the first half remaining, Celtic's defender Martin Filson unleashed a tremendous shot from around 30 yards which thumped off the top of Campbell's crossbar. Most of the play ended in frustration for the Blues & their best and only chance of the first half came from Stalybridge defender Bauress when his attempted back pass beat keeper Ingham & scraped past the foot of the post on the stroke of half time.
All through the first half there had been numerous stoppages for foul play, mainly from the visitors, & the second half continued in similar vein until the 52 minute when what looked to be an innocuous challenge on the Stalybridge by-line quickly erupted into a 20-man brawl with boots & fists flying from all directions. Referee Andy Hogg & both his assistants eventually restored some sort of order & the culprits appeared to reap their just rewards when Stalybridge had Filson booked and Bauress sent off for his part in the punch-up. The latter leaving Logan with a bloodied nose from his contact with him. Calm seemed to be restored after a 5 minute hold up when one of the assistant referees spoke to Referee Hogg & he called over 2 Whitby players. The numbers were levelled when he booked Danny Key & then dismissed Ben Dixon for a reason not known as the defender didn't appear to be anywhere near the trouble.
With play resumed it was in the 70th minute that Stalybridge scored what turned out to be the decisive goal. Filson's huge punt upfield found Jones free & although Blues players appealed wildly for an offside decision that never came, the striker calmly slotted the ball past Campbell. In the dying minutes Whitby almost grabbed an equaliser when Craig Skelton's header left keeper Ingham stranded but his effort rolled just the wrong side of the post.
Stalybridge centre-forward Matthew McNeil should have ended the game earlier but missed two simple chances, blazing wide each time.

Revenge mission accomplished

Leek Town 0-1 Whitby Town

2nd December - Whitby travelled to Leek today hoping to avenge the previous weeks defeat by the same opponents.Whitby were still without the injured Goodchild and Graeme Robinson together with long term casualties Lee Ure and Kevin Graham. As a consequence, manager Harry Dunn gave league debuts to new signings Craig Skelton from Darlington and Anthony March from Jarrow Roofing with youngsters Walker and Grout on the Bench
On a very heavy pitch it took 11 minutes for any action to take place when Leek's McDermott crossed to the back post and was met by Callan who shot past the post from 17 yards.
Whitby did nit threaten until the 19th minute when David Logan's 28 yard bending shot flew straight into Bank's arms.
Whitby were increasing the pressure and gaining control winning three corners ib quick succession when suddenly in the 28th minute Leek broke out, Mason far out on the right and 20 yards from goal, cut inside Logan and from an acute angle his shot appeared to be heading for the far corner of the Whitby net when a marvellous save from David Campbell tipped the ball away for a corner.
One minute later, the Visitors took the lead. Rennison sent a through ball over the top of the home defemnce for Chillingsworth to collect and lob the ball over the advancing Banks and into the net.
Whitby started the second half on the offensive. In the 53rd minute Lee Ludlow fired against the crossbar and in the56th minute Logan's 27 yarder brought a good save from Banks.
Ten minutes later Skelton hit the top of the crossbar with a header from an Ian Williams right wing cross.
Whitby were battling away with tremendous spirit and skill on a very difficult surface.
Skelton shot just wide from 27 yards in the 81st minute before Leek's barnstorming finish was denied by Dave Campbell.
Whitby were hemmed into their own penalty area with Campbell doing well to tip over Sandeman's dangerous cross before deep into injury time Hawtin's header appeared to be destined for the back of the Whitby net when somehow Campbell clawed the ball from under the Crossbar, a brilliant save!
A great display from the Blues who fully deserved the win.
Whitby Town - Campbell, Williams I, Logan, Rennison, Taylor, Dixon, March, Key, Skelton, Chillingsworth, Ludlow. Subs - Messer, Walker, Grant.

Is this a serious competition?

Bishop Auckland 4-2 Whitby Town

29th November - We lost 4-2. Scorers were Craig Skelton 49 mins. Ben Walker 54 min. Team; Campbell.D, Hayley.C, Logan.D, Grant.L, Taylor.M, Rennison.G, March.A, Robinson.A, Haslem.N, Skelton.C, Wells.D Subs; Walker.B, Chillingsworth.C Craig Skelton was sign from Darlington as he was released by them. Ben Walker was signed from New Maske. Attendance was a huge 79!

Blues get stuck in the Turnbull mud.

Whitby Town 1-2 Leek Town

25th November -Three points slipped away, literally, at the Turnbull Ground today when visitors Leek Town splashed their way to victory over an injury ravaged Whitby side. Despite the return of Ian Williams from Gretna, the home side added Dave Goodchild & Graham Robinson to the long list of injuries. The latter on crutches due to a chipped ankle bone. The first half was played in almost constant rain & it was a credit to both sides to see the effort they both put into the game, though actual football was at a premium under the circumstances.
Whitby took a bizarre lead in the 17th minute when Taylor's speculative punt forward from his own half caused a misunderstanding between Leek keeper Mark Statham & central defender Dale Hawtin. The defender taking it into his own hands to make the clearance, his swing at the ball only sent it spinning towards his own goal. Though the visitors appealed against it, the assistant referee deemed the ball had crossed the line to give Whitby the lead. Leek almost replied immediately when Dave Whittaker's long range drive skidded past the post. They levelled the scores on the half hour thanks mainly to some dreadful defending by the Blues. Wayne McDermot's left wing cross flew to the far post, over the arms of Campbell to find Andy Mason unmarked to easily nod the ball into the net.
Just before the interval they could have taken the lead when Callan's corner was met again at the far post, this time by Twigg, who headed the ball into the side-netting.
Whitby began the second half brightly and were unfortunate not to make it 2-1 when Chillingsworth was set free by an accurate pass from March. The tricky striker made his way through the heavy mud to slot the ball past the keeper but then saw Colin Rose slide the ball away before it went into the goal. Minutes later keeper Statham made a brave save at the feet of Gary Messer to deny him a goal & in the process both players needed treatment. Messer left the field of play after the collision which seemed to cause the Blues to lose their shape somewhat.
The killer blow came in the 70th minute & yet again, the defence were to blame when Sandeman's right wing cross was met by Darren Twigg to head home. The marking was appalling & keeper Campbell had no chance of stopping the goal.
Leek were the team who were the most dangerous of the two sides as they attacked down the relatively mud-free flanks whereas Whitby continually tried to plough their way through the centre of the pitch which resembled something from the Somme.
Next Saturday the two teams meet again hopefully a better surface with one or two Whitby players back from injury.

Boring boring coconut flooring

Spennymoor United 0-0 Whitby Town

21st November - Whitby played the Moors last night and Brewery Field in the Unibond Cup. Something tells me Harry Dunn isn't taking this competition seriously seeing as how he played a team that no-one has heard of. Sorry everyone, I won't get a report from this game, as by all accounts, nothing happened.

Tigers show more bite than Blues

Hyde United 3-2 Whitby Town

18th November - Whitby Town travelled to Hyde for their Unibond league clash today. It was the home side who took the lead when Mark Beeston headed home a corner that Danny Key couldn't keep out despite his best efforts on the goal line. The Blues hit back straight away when top scorer Lee Ludlow raced through when the Tigers defender slipped and he duly slotted the ball home.
The home side regained the lead in the 60th minute when another header, this time from the substitute Band found the target after a great cross. Dave Campbell in the Whitby goal had no chance.
The Tigers looked the more assure than Whitby at this stage and it was no suprise whent they went and scored their third in the 71st minute when Hanson nudged the ball past Cammy after doing well.
Whitby sub Gary Messer pulled a goal back in the 88th minute when his shot took a big deflection, and despite some last minute goal mouth action the Blues couldn't get the equaliser.
Whitby Town - Campbell, Key, Logan, Goodchild, Dixon, Rennison, Connell, Ludlow, Chillingsworth, G Robinson. Subs - Messer, A Robinson, Taylor

More Penalty woe for Whitby

Whitby Town 2-2 Bishop Auckland Bishops won 4-3 on pens

14th November - Whitby Town once again fell victim to the dreaded penalty shoot-out curse as they were sent tumbling out of this season's FA Trophy. The Blues led twice and gave everything to an entertaining encounter, but it was not enough to progress into the next round.
Whitby made a promising start and twice threatened the visitors' goal in the early stages through Dave Logan and Lee Ludlow. Bishops then went close on 15 minutes when the lively Mellanby struck a fierce drive inches wide of Campbell's right hand post.
In an evenly contested first half, the Blues opened the scoring when, from a free-kick given for a push on Graham Robinson, skipper Dave Logan blasted in a great shot which flew past the keeper, aided by a slight deflection.
But the visitors levelled three minutes before the break when Mellanby pounced on a loose ball and fired past Campbell from five yards for 1-1.
Whatever Harry Dunn said to revitalise his troops obviously worked, as the Blues regained the lead two minutes into the second half.
A free-kick launched deep into the box was flicked on and Graham Robinson bundled the ball over the line from close range. Tempers frayed in the Bishops' camp, and the match boiled over, with the referee reaching for his yellow card. Stephen Bell then burst clean through for the away side, and an equaliser looked a certainty, but Whitby keeper Dave Campbell made a great blocking save.
On 65 minutes, the scores were level again when Gallagher made a terrific jinking run and squared to Mellanby, who fired home in style for 2-2.
Bishops almost snatched the game at the death when sub Andrew Shaw fired a real humdinger that forced Campbell into a sharp reflex save. The Blues battled hard in extra-time, but it was the visitors who looked most likely to score, with Campbell again pulling off a great save to thwart Danny Brunskill.
So the game went into a penalty shoot-out and gave Whitby the chance to break their spot-kick jinx. But the omens looked bad when Dave Goodchild's effort was saved by Bishops keeper Steven Jones.
As everyone else netted, Dave Campbell then had to save Shaw's penalty - and did so to give Whitby fresh optimism. But Graham Rennison fluffed his effort and Bishops scored the deciding goal. Bishops' reward is a tie away to Altrincham.

Ten Man Town take all the points

Barrow 2-3 Whitby Town

11th November - The Blues travelled accross the pennines to Barrow for today's Unibond league clash. It was Whitby who left with all the points after a Late Lee Ludlow strike cancelled out the home sides fight back. Earlier Whitby had New boy Anthony Robinson sent off for his second bookable offence. Graham Robinson had put the blues ahead with 20 yard scorcher, and after his name sake was sent off, Gary Messer swivelled in the box to give the Blues a two goal cushion. The home side fought back and in the 81st minute they pulled a goal back. It was level 3 minutes later, but Ludlow pounced a minute after that to seal the win for the Blues. A full report will follow...

Home game off but Barrow game on! Eh??

Saturday's HOME game against Barrow has been cancelled due the waterlogged pitch. However the two clubs have decided that they will play each other that day AT Barrow as they are keen to play a game before their FA Cup tie against Leyton Orient. So far Tuesday night's FA Trophy replay at home to Bishop Auckland is ON.

Replay off!!

Tuesday's FA Trophy replay at home to Bishop Auckland was postponed Monday morning. The field is rather wet to say the least. The game will now take place the following Tuesday evening, November 14th at 7.30pm. This means the home League Cup game against Gateshead that night will be re-arranged with a possible date of December 12th.
The two new faces who played at Bishop Auckalnd on Saturday were keeper Frank Johnson & substitute Nathan Haslem. Johnson was signed from Wearside League team Nissan while Haslem is a former Bishop Auckalnd player.
There still seems to be a lot of debate on the web site fan's forum as regards whether Stuart Dawson is still a Whitby player. After chatting to Club Secretary Charlie Woodward today he assures me that Stuart is still on loan at Spennymoor but can be called back at any time by Whitby.

Replay for Blues

Bishop Auckland 1-1 Whitby Town

4th November - Whitby travelle to fellow Unibond League rivals Bishop Auckland for today's FA Trophy 1st round. Chilli score after 27 minutes but Bishops equalised on the hour when Renno defelcted the ball past the Blues new keeper.. Full report to follow....

Own goal blunder halts Blues

Whitby Town 1-1 Bamber Bridge

28th October - A waterlogged & galeswept Turnbull Ground was the setting for today's game where both sides battled bravely against the elements to scrap out a 1-1 draw with Whitby scoring both goals.
The atrocious weather kept the crowds away and the game was played in a first half of torrential rain & a second half of howling gales so perhaps a draw was a fair result.
Whitby took the lead in the 14th minute when Dave Logan's corner kick was headed home by David Goodchild from close range. A minute later Bamber's Leon Smith had a great chance to level the scores but blazed over the bar. The visitors kept pressing & forced Campbell into two great saves in the 22nd minute when he foiled Keeling both times after some good work on the right flank by Farley.
On the half hour Whitby went close when some good work on the right wing by Williams ended with keeper Stewart diving at the feet of Lee Buggie to save a certain second goal. Just as Whitby were pressing forward, Bamber hit them on the break & launched a counter attack down the left wing where Phil Denny's speculative cross was headed into the Whitby net by Blues midfielder Lee Connell. His diving header was meant to be a clearance but instead it flew into the goal off the underside of the bar giving Campbell no chance. That at least kept up Connell's goal-a-game record while on loan for a month from Bury...... two for, one against.
The rain subsided in the second half only to be replaced by high gusting winds making play as difficult as the first half. Shortly after the break Bamber went close when Keeling found himself unmarked in front of goal but he rushed the shot & knocked the ball over the bar. The rest of the half was painful to watch at times with both teams struggling to come to terms with the worsening conditions. With 5 minutes remaining Bamber's keeper Stewart had to leave the field with a calf problem to be replaced in goal by defender Mark Jones. Whitby thought they'd sneaked a late winner when Lee Ludlow pounced on a loose ball to hammer home only to be ruled offside by the Assistant Referee.
Having Ben Dixon & Lee Ure out injured & Graham Robinson away on holiday, the Blues fought reasonably well but Bamber had chances of their own so the result seemed fair enough.
Whitby Town - Campbell, Williams, Logan, Goodchild (1-0 14 mins), Taylor, Rennison, Key, Connell, Messer, Buggie, Radigan. Subs: Chillingsworth ( Key 59) Ludlow ( Messer 75) Grant (Connell 85)

Ure injury marrs fine win

Hucknall Town 0-1 Whitby Town

24th October - The Blues travelled south to Notts tonight to face Hucknall Town. This is the second time in as many weeks that the club has had to get to their furthest games south in midweek. Like the last visit to Nottinghamshire against Worksop, it was
Whitby who were the better side throughout. Only this time it was the Blues who left with all three points.
Whitby made a reasonable start on a wet a slippy night, but there were no real openings until Lee Ure weaved his way past five Hucknall players from the right hand side, into the box and forced an excellent save form the home keeper.
A minute later Ure was clattered by a crude challenge from the Hucknall no5 and recieved lengthy treatment.
Whitby continued to play the better football, limiting the home side to speculative long drives forward more akin to Rugby Union.
It was Lee Ure again who gave gave the home defence a scare when he burst through the middle, beating only four players this time, but his excellent shot from 12 yards smashed against the bar with the keeper beaten.
With 5 minutes left in the half Ure broke through yet again only to be challenged by former Notts County defender Wayne Fairclough. Fairclough took the ball, but left his foot in high and took Ure out. Ure was left prone on the floor. He was carried off but luckily there was no break. Unluckily though, he will be out for a fair while as it appears that he has badly damaged one the major ligaments in his leg.
The second half was much the same as the first with Whitby again playing the better stuff, with Hucknall content to kick lumps out of the Blues at any opportunity!
The Whitby goal came in about the 70th minute when a free kick from Logan was floated in and nodde back out to the edge of the box where loan signing Lee Connell took a lovely first touch playing himself into space on the D of the area before hammering the ball into the top corner.
Whitby didn't have many more clear cut chances only the odd defensive scare in the Blues area looked like creating a home goal. Forward Morris headed wide when it looked easier to score, but the Blues hung on for a valuable three points.
Whitby Town - Campbell, Williams, Logan, Goodchild, Taylor, Rennison, Key, Connell, Messer, Buggie, Ure - Subs - Chilli,Ludlow, Radigan.

It's a Win at last

Whitby Town 3-1 Runcorn

21st October - After last week's humiliating FA Cup exit at Easington it was back to business for Whitby with a 3-1 home win against Runcorn.
Whitby welcomed two new faces into the side with Lee Connell & Lee Buggie joining the Blues on a month's loan from Bury FC. Both players fitted in well, showing their class & Connell made an excellent start with a well taken third goal.
Whitby had a nervous start & let Runcorn have the better of the early exchanges. Both teams lost a player in the 5th minute after a clash of heads between Whitby's Ben Dixon & Runcorn's Chris Price, the latter's header going only inches wide of the goal.
The visitors were unfortunate not to take the lead in the 15th minute when John McAllister's long range drive dipped over Campbell & slammed against the crossbar. However they did manage to make the breakthrough on 32 minutes when the Whitby defence were caught out by Moseley's dash down the left flank. His cross found it's way past Campbell & McAllister was unmarked in front of goal allowing him the simplest of tap-ins to give them the lead.
Their celebrations lasted a mere 2 minutes before Dave Logan's right wing free kick was dummied by Robinson to allow the ball to run free to Mark Taylor who headed home at the far post. Finally spurred into action Whitby continued to pressurise the Runcorn defence but were almost caught out in the 41st minute when Moseley's volley dipped just over Campbell's bar. A minute later McAllister went close when Benson's pass let him through for a shot at goal. His shot screamed over the bar when he should have at least hit the target.
A minute before the interval Whitby took the lead with a superb solo effort from Lee Ure who jinked his way past a couple of defenders before burying the ball out of Acton's reach into the far corner of the goal.
The second half continued in similar vein with both teams playing entertaining football, Whitby pushing forward & Runcorn hitting them on the break. Runcorn's Watson went agonisingly close on the hour when his shot, after good work by Ness, was driven into the side netting.
The game was effectively won in the 67th minute when Whitby pushed forward with Robinson passing the ball into the path of Lee Connell. The on-loan midfielder struck the ball sweetly & it curled into the corner of the net past a despairing Acton to make it 3-1. The same player went close once more with a long range shot in the 75th minute but had to watch the ball cannon off the foot of the post back to Chillingsworth who hit it wide of the mark. Chillingsworth almost scored a last gasp goal when he headed Logan's free kick just over the bar.
Whitby Town - Campbell Rennison Logan Goodchild TAYLOR Dixon URE CONNELL Messer Buggie Robinson Subs: Chillingsworth (9) Williams (6) Key (7)

Blues CUP SHOCKER

Easington Colliery 1-0 Whitby Town

14th October - Despite the temptation to write "We were crap" & end the report, Easington deserve better than that for their battling performance today.
The home side were always going to be the hungrier of the two sides & despite numerous protests about their keeper only receiving a yellow card for handling the ball outside his area, Whitby should have disposed of their former Northern League rivals with some considerate ease. Going in 1-0 down at half time after a lethargic display it was always going to be an uphill battle against a team who relied on their physical attributes to combat Whitby's supposed superior skill factor.
The crucial goal came about in the 32nd minute when Mark Taylor stumbled with the ball outside the Whitby penalty area allowing a home striker to shoot goalwards. That was error number one which was swiftly followed by number two when Dave Campbell swung a boot at the ball to make a clearance but instead saw the ball slice tamely off his boot into the path of Ian Matthews who calmly volleyed it back into the open goal.
Even the shock of going behind didn't seem to spur the Blues into more urgent football, indeed 5 minutes later Easington could have gone two up when Campbell was forced to make a good save to palm away a shot from Andrew Allen.
No doubt the half-time team talk must have got through to the Whitby side as they attacked straight from the restart. Within a minute of the start Gary Messer should have levelled the scores after Dixon's pin-point cross was headed wide of the goal from close range. Again shortly afterwards Easington had a golden chance to put the game beyond doubt when Matthews broke clear of the Whitby defence only to shoot wide of the mark with only the keeper to beat. As the game went on even the introduction of Logan & Chillingsworth failed to trouble the Easington defence although the 77th minute could have been a turning point when Thompson in the home goal clearly handled the ball well outside his area. Referee Mr Drew decided it only warranted a yellow card despite Whitby having two keepers dismissed already this season for similar offences.
Whitby continued to push forward & were again fortunate not to be caught napping when Davies forced Campbell into a fine save from his powerful header in the 84th minute. Whitby paid the ultimate price for taking their lower league opponents for granted & found themselves bundled out of the FA Cup with some ease.
As Gateshead were held to a 1-1 draw at Bamber Bridge, Tuesday's home game will be cancelled unless another game is scheduled in the meantime.

Battling Blues go down to Tigers

Worksop Town 3-2 Whitby Town

10th October - An excellent display by Whitby Town this evening was overshadowed by the fact that they left Worksop with nothing to show for it. With two defeats in their last two games the Blues had to make changes for this game with Dave Campbell and skipper Dave Logan missing through injury.
The Blues signed goalkeeper Kevin Tye from Kettering Town on loan for this match and he was thrown straight in at the deep end.
Worksop had the first chance of the game when Whitehead went close with a cross shot that went inches wide. In the 7th minute Lee Ure on the right hand side broke clear and provided a good low shot for Lee Ludlow, but the Worksop defender did enough to put the Whitby striker off.
Two minutes later a Ludlow break from a Danny Key through ball saw him bundled off the ball in the box, but the referee waved away the Whitby appeals. Almost immediatley Whitby were on the attack again when a right hand cross from Messer found Ludlow again but his first time volley flew over the bar.
Whitby were dominating proceedings at this stage and Goodchild came close after quarter of an hour when his fierce shot was blocked by the Tigers defender. Lee Ludlow then showed some fine skill when he cut in from the left and sent the ball curling round the post from 18 yards.
After this sustained Whitby pressure it was the home side who took the lead when Carl Smith hit a crisp 20 yard low shot into the bottom corner,
From the kick off Whitby almost conceded again when the Blues loan keeper Tye saved well at the feet of Johnson.
But within seconds Worksop won a corner and the left foot of Chrissy Waddle found the head of Townsend in the box to make it an undeserved 2-0 to the home side.
Whitby continued to dominate and went close through Ludlow again before Gary Messer's excellent shot with his outside of the boot hit the angle of post and bar with the keeper beaten.
Whitby started the second period with fire in their bellies and two minutes after the restart Messer headed home Ludlows cross to make the score 2-1.
Worksop tried to push forward and looked more positive in this half but it was still the Blues who were dominating play. Goodchild had a good chance in the 57th minute, but Holmshaw in the home goal gathered the ball at the second attempt, befor Gooch could finish. On the hour Ludlow missed another great chance when he headed straight at the keeper from 6 yards out, and from the clearance the home side broke upfield were Johnson scored their third from a tight angle after a brave effort from Tye in the Whitby net.
On the 68th minute Chillinsworth replaced Ludlow, and Whitby were awarded a penalty for a clear push on Robinson. Goodchild stepped up and drilled the ball low to the keepers right to bring the score abck to 3-2.
Whitby had numerous close chances to equalise in the remaining 20 minutes but the ball just would bounce right when it mattered.
The final whistle blew and the Blues had lost their third Unibond game in row, but to leave without even a point was very rough on the Lads.

Blues stumble again

Bishop Auckland 2-1 Whitby Town

6th October - Whitby Town fell to a second defeat in three days against old rivals Bishop Auckland. Scorer of both goals for the home team was Michael Dunwell who had a spell at the Turnbull Ground last season. Whitby started the better of the teams with Robinson and Williams combining well to free Chillingsworth who shot against the legs of the home keeper Jones. Bishops Skipper Salmon was booked after 22 minutes and was lucky not to receive his marching orders from Referee Wallace for an off the ball incident a minute later.
The Blues were dictating the play and were confidently dealing with a lively Bishops attack but were unable to produce any clinical finish in the last part of the pitch.
Bishops took the lead when striker Dunwell pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the box to hit an 18 yeard ground shot past Campbell. Moments later, Town were refused a penalty when a Bishops defender appeared to clear off the line with his hand.
An entertaining, if unproductive half for Whitby, ended with Campbell saving well from Dunwell.
Two minutes into the second half, Radigan was booked for a late tackle on Bayles. Graham received a nasty knee injury on 56 minutes and was replaced by Ure who immediately showed his pace with a good right wing cross which went begging. After 65 minutes Bishops went two up, a clever turn by Smith gave Dunwell the chance to shoot home from 6 yards.
Immediately Messer replaced the lack-lustre Ludlow and straight away tested Jones with an 18 yard effort. Whitby tried to get back into the game but poor finishing by Ure and especially Chillingsworth kept Whitby goalless until the 85th minute when Radigans inswinging free kick beat a hesitant home keeper.
In the end Whitby got nothing from a game they could easily have won with a better performance from a "powder puff" attack against a steady but not spectacular Bishops team.

More late agony for Whitby

Whitby Town 0-1 Emley

3rd October - On a windswept night at the Turnbull Ground it was visitors Emley who left with the points after both teams battled hard to overcome the conditions.
The first half was dominated by Emley who had the advantage of the high winds but the Whitby defence held firm against almost constant pressure. In the 8th minute Jones' long throw caused problems in the Whitby defence when he found Wilson waiting to volley goalwards. Fortunately for the Blues it flew wide of the net.
Whitby were confined to their own half for most of the half but on the half hour they broke away to go close when Ben Dixon blasted his shot just wide of the goal from the edge of the Emley area. Minutes later Emley threatened to get the first goal when Tonks found Wood free on the right hand side of the Whitby penalty area. With Campbell lured off his line, the forward chipped the ball just over the crossbar to earn Whitby a reprieve. Two minutes later Tonks went even closer to scoring but it was for the Blues. His clearance screamed inches past his own goalpost as he tried to clear the ball to safety.
With wind advantage in the second half Whitby should have made better use & threatened the Emley goal more than they did. With Dave Logan substituted at half time due to injury, the Blues firepower from free kicks was badly dented.
The visitors defence held firm throughout & were always dangerous on the break. One such move came in the 73rd minute when Wilson found Nazha in space on the left wing. He cut inside earned a corner as his shot was deflected. The resulting kick was flicked goalwards at the near post by Thorpe & only an excellent reaction save from Campbell kept the scores at 0-0. Four minutes later Whitby had their best chance when Radigan's 30 yd free kick cannoned off left back Jones' outstretched leg & thudded against the outside of the post with keeper Cuss well beaten.
With 10 minutes remaining Whitby should have taken the lead when a great move down the right flank led to Lee Ludlow crossing the ball into Chillingsworth's path but the striker, falling backwards, scooped the ball over the bar from close range.
That mistake proved to be costly as in the following minute Emley took the lead after Campbell only managed to parry a shot into the path of Thorpe who dispatched it clinically into the net.
Whitby tried to fight back & in the last minute went agonisingly close after the ball fell into a crowd of players before rolling past the far post.

Away draw for Blues

2nd October - Whitby Town have been handed an away tie in the 3rd qualifying round against Northern League Easington Colliery.
And who have this NL side just signed? Non other than record breaking former WTFC striker, Paul Pitman!! Could be tricky, but at least it ain't Bedlington!

Cup Joy for Blues

Chorley 0-2 Whitby Town

30th September - Whitby Town successfully made it through a tricky FA Cup second qualifying round with a fine 2-0 victory over Chorley. Chorley started the game the brighter of the two sides and came close as early as the 2nd minute when Eatock fired a shot in on Dave Campbell's goal only for a deflection to take it over the bar. From the resulting corner, Chorley went close again with David Logan clearing off the line.
Whitby's best chance came in the 19th minute when Blues top scorer Lee Ludlow rounded the defender but hit his shot into the side netting.
Carl Chillingsworth also went close when his fine shot was cleared by the keeper for a corner. Danny Key, who was having another outstanding game, then had a shot which somehow went over.
HT Chorley 0-0 Whitby Town
Early in the second half, Kevin Graham went close when his shot hit the wrong side of the net. Whitby were controling the game now but they had to wait until the 78th minute before the breakthrough came. Lee Ludlow lost the defender and beat the keeper easily.
The introduction of Lee Ure brought more worries to the Home defence and he had a couple of good chances before finally sealing the game for the Blues in the 87th minute. He broke the offside trap, ran at goal and calmly curled the past the advancing home keeper Marsh.
In all a highly satisfying victory for Whitby in what could have been a really tricky tie, as some of our UL premier league rivals have found out today!

Last minute Horror show robs Blues

Whitby Town 3-3 Spennymoor United

26th September - Looking to make dramatic amends for Saturday's appalling performance, Whitby seemed to be cruising to a comfortable 3-1 win with only 10 minutes remaining. Sadly the 'self destruct button' was pressed and two of the points went back with the Moors.
The wet greasy conditions appealed to the somewhat physical tactics adopted by Spennymoor with Messrs Jones & Snowden taking every opportunity to upend anything in a blue shirt that came within striking distance especially in the opening half hour.
Whitby took the lead on 16 minutes after Spennymoor's latest acquisition, former Whitby midfield Andy Toman, forced Campbell to give away a corner kick. The kick was cleared upfield to Lee Ludlow who ran straight for the Moor's goal, beating a defender before side-footing the ball wide of Jackson in the visitor's goal. Six minutes later Danny Key, Whitby's midfield dynamo & man of the match, made a surging run from his own half only to be clattered by Matty Snowden to concede a 22nd minute penalty. With the fans waiting to cheer the second goal, keeper Jackson saved Logan's fierce spot kick as he deflected the ball over the bar off his thigh. Whitby had several more chances during the half to add to their lead but squandered them all. Chillingsworth & Goodchild both missed close range headers & in the 32 minute the former beautifully controlled the ball before knocking the ball over the bar with a spectacular overhead kick.
Whitby had an early warning of things to come as soon as the second half began when the Moors were unfortunate not to equalise with a swift break. On 50 minutes however, the Blues increased their lead when Ludlow knocked the ball in Chillingsworth's path & the striker craftily turned his marker before slotting the ball wide of Jackson. Three minutes later Ludlow beat both Snowden & the keeper before pulling his shot wide of the goal. With 25 minutes remaining, Spennymoor reduced the deficit when Andy Toman was left unmarked & he happily volleyed the ball into the corner of the goal from 10 yards.
Whitby exposed the Moors defence once more in the 80th minute when Lee Ludlow cut inside from the left wing & chipped the ball into the goal over the keeper for his second & Whitby's third goal. They didn't have time to celebrate however as straight from the kick off something happened that's often seen but rarely accomplished. Craig Veart was alert enough to spot Campbell off his line & hammered the ball goalwards. Campbell scampered backwards but was helpless to stop the ball dipping just underneath the bar to make it 3-2.
The dying minutes were always going to be nerve-wracking but when Chris Leonard's free kick from his own half was heading straight to Campbell there seemed no danger until the keeper fluffed the catch & allowed the ball to run loose in the area. In the following meleé it was centre half Matty Snowden who poked home the equaliser.

Lacklustre Town go down

Whitby Town 0-2 Burscough

23rd September - Two goals in a minute gave a poor Burscough side a victory at the Turnbull Ground as Whitby struggled to make any chances of their own the whole game. In one of the poorest performances in quite a while, Whitby never threatened Blasbery in the Burscough goal.
Robinson & Taylor were both injured for the Blues & Dave Campbell was suspended after his sending off against Blyth. Campbell's deputy, Dawson made several crucial saves to keep the scores level with Mark Wilde being denied three good chances. Whitby never got to grips with the task in hand with result having a feel of an end-of-season knock-about at times, no urgency, no passion.....
Dave Logan went close twice in the 17th & 18th minutes with a free kick, then a dipping shot forcing Blasbery to tip the ball over the bar for a corner. Wilde caught the Whitby defence flat footed in the 38th minute when he outpaced them to find himself with only Dawson to beat but the keeper made a fine save diving away to his right. As the first half drew to a close Logan had another long range shot tipped over & another drive from the defender struck the head of Danny Key sending the ball fizzing just over the bar.
Burscough gave the Blues another warning straight from the start of the second half when Wilde again broke free & yet again Dawson's outstretched hand saved the day. Six minutes later it was the same combination.... Wilde in the clear, shot & Dawson saved once more. With an hour gone centre forward Lawless finally rounded Dawson but his effort was cleared off the line.
The killer blows came in the 80th & 81st minute. Substitute Robbie Talbot caught Dawson napping with his shot from well outside the penalty area & the ball squeezed inside the post to make it 0-1. Reeling from the blow Whitby found themselves 0-2 down a minute later when Ben Dixon had the ball taken away from him. Before they knew it, Marvin Molyneux had collected the ball & rounded Dawson to slot home their second goal.

Town on top!

Blyth Spartans 0-2 Whitby Town

16th September - From the non-league paper and written by Blues secretary Charlie Woodward.
Whitby reaped the benefit of their determination to play a game after finding their scheduled game with Colwyn Bay cancelled after the Welshman failed to secure the necessary juice for the Journey.
Blyth went close as early as 40 seconds into the game when Steven Stewart's effort was ruled offside, then moments later Glen Robson spurned a good opportinity.
Lee Ludlow almost turned in Graeme Williams fierce low cross from the right but the games early promise seemed to wilt in the warm sunshine.
Ludlow missed a good chance on the half hour mark before Spartan's new loan singning Mark Nesbitt headed tamely over the cross bar.
Whitby's veteran captain showed his younger counterparts how it should be done in the 50th minute when he got free on the left and provided a perfect cross for Danny Key to slot home at the far post.
Tthe Blue then seemed contant to defend their lead and apart from a smart save from Dave Campbel in goal from Ian Chandler's back header, Whitby rarely looked in trouble.
Stewart had no luck with 15 minutes remaining when his 16 yard effort felled Blues defender Ben Dixon on the line.
Whitby wrapped up the points when sub Carl Chillingsworth provided a cross for Neil Radigan to head strongly past home keeper Burke. Burke then denied Chilli twice more in injury time.
For a Spartans view point click here!

Gateshead match off- no fuel stops play

Whitby's next away game at Gateshead on Wednesday 13th September has been postponed due to a chronic shortage of fuel in the UK!! The seasiders have players from Doncaster Scarborough and even Lincolnshire as well as Teesside, so due to the escalating fuel crisis at the moment the Whitby board have informed Gateshead that they can't make it. Don't worry, the whole thing is sanctioned by the NPL. Saturday's game against Colwyn Bay is also in danger.

Mariners dump Blues

Marine 4-1 Whitby Town

9th September - Whitby Town travelled to merseyside for their Unibond league match today, defending a 5 match unbeaten run. With Marine making a sluggish start to the season, the Blues were hoping to carry on their recent good form. They didn't.
Neil Radigan had an early chance and should have scored but he hit his shot straight at the keeper. From the resulting clearance, Marine's Randle powered hot a shot from 25 yards.
Worse was to come for Whitby with Marine extending their lead in the 14th and 28th minutes through Robinson and Gawtry. The Blues went in a half time 3 down.
In an effort to shore up a dodgy midfield, Harry Dunn brought on Gary Messer and Mark Donnelly. This didn't really have any affect. Whitby did pull a goal back in the 51st minute when Rennison's presice cross was headed home by Chillingsworth.
The home side re established their 3 goal cushion in the 72nd minute when substitute Black, who had had a stroming second half eluded Rennison, for Morgan to fire home.
In all a poor Town performance with a sloppy midfield exposing the 3 centre half far too often.

Ten man Blues hang for win

Whitby Town 1-0 Blyth Spartans

5th September - After Saturday's less than entertaining 0-0 snore it was great to see football played as it should be. There was more action & flowing moves in the first 10 minutes of this game than the 90 played previously with both teams eager for points. The match could easily have been turned on it's head minutes into the second half when an Assistant referee deemed that Whitby keeper Dave Campbell had handled the ball outside his penalty area. Referee Morbin produced a card from his pocket & to the keeper's horror it was red. The rules clearly state the punishment for this offence but Whitby fans can think back a couple of weeks to their game at Spennymoor when the home keeper did exactly the same thing yet only received a yellow card. With a man advantage for 42 minutes of the second half, Blyth were still unable to pierce Whitby's defence. Whenever they did manage to get past the defenders, stand-in keeper Dave Goodchild was on hand to thwart everything thrown at him.
Whitby started the brighter of the two teams & showed their intentions in the very first minute when Chillingsworth drove at the Blyth goal from 30 yards only to see the ball sail harmlessly over the bar. Ten minutes later Neil Radigan's right wing cross found lee Ludlow at the far post but just headed the ball past the wrong side of the post. Soon after Whitby went even closer when Logan's corner kick was headed against the post by Goodchild with the keeper stranded.
Blyth's best effort of the half saw Glen Robson make a weaving run from his own half only to blaze his shot wide of goal from just inside the area. With 35 minutes played, Whitby took the lead when Danny Key lobbed a pass into Lee Ludlow's path. With keeper Burke racing off his line, the striker chipped the ball over him into the net. With half time approaching, Ludlow had yet another chance when his snap shot thudded against the foot of Burke's post but rebounded to safety.
A minute before Campbell's sending off, Ludlow almost made it 2-0 when he latched onto a through ball from Robinson. The bounce fooled Blyth centre forward Forster & the Whitby striker nipped in to shoot from a narrow angle only to see the ball cannon off the woodwork yet again.
Once the Whitby keeper had been dismissed, Blyth were favourites to level the scores but Whitby managed to snuff out any chances the visitors created & even caused problems themselves. This was a shadow of past Blyth teams & rarely troubled a well marshalled Whitby defence as everyone rallied round to hang onto the lead.
The final minutes saw Blyth increase the pressure & had chances go begging right up until the final whistle but still made no impact on the home defence.
It was a first rate team performance by the Blues & it would be hard to single out one player. Lee Ludlow had a good game in attack, Dave Logan's passing seems to get better with each game yet Graham Robinson stood out as his workrate was superb, covering every inch of the pitch for his team.
Whitby Town- Campbell, Williams, Logan, Goodchild, Taylor, Dixon, Key, Robinson, LUDLOW, Chillingsworth, Radigan.
Subs: Messer (9) Ure (7) Rennison

Goalless draw shock!

Whitby Town 0-0 Accrington Stanley

2nd September - Whitby maintained their unbeaten start to the season against fellow high-flyers Accrington with a dour goalless draw. Both teams had chances to gain the points but a combination of poor finishing & some good goalkeeping kept the game scoreless.
The game started brightly enough with both sides trying to get an early breakthrough. In the 5th minute Graham Robinson back headed a corner kick to Lee Ludlow who volleyed over the bar from 10 yards. Seven minutes later there was some concerted pressure from the visitors who almost went ahead when Crasher's far post header was cleared off the line by Taylor with Campbell beaten for what was the only time in the game. A minute later Patterson's left wing cross met by a powerful header from new signing Paul Mullen but the striker spurned a glorious opportunity by heading wide of the target. Graham Robinson almost scored soon afterwards when his header skimmed the crossbar with keeper Jamie Speared well beaten. Just before the half hour Lee Ludlow again went close as he latched onto Campbell's long downfield clearance but once more his volley was tipped agonisingly round the post to safety.
The second half began with a lucky escape for Whitby when in the 52nd minute a right wing cross beat everyone to flash across the face of goal before going out of play. Danny Key headed onto the bar a cross from Chillingsworth in the 55th minute when he could possibly have done better.
A good three-man move between Payne, Watson & Mullen ended in the latter making a mess of a clear chance when he side-footed his attempt straight at Campbell in the Whitby goal.
In the dying minutes of the game Whitby had 2 chances to grab a late winner but again both went begging. Dave Logan's free kick fell nicely for Robinson who toe-poked the ball over the bar from close range & then Lee Ure found himself in a clear shooting position but chose to pass instead of go for goal.
Accrington could even have poached the points in time added on when they too missed a pair of golden chances. Campbell saved well to foil Mullen yet again & with almost the last kick of the game substitute Watson blazed the ball over the bar.

Ludlow's late strike snatches a point

Stalybridge Celtic 1-1 Whitby Town

28th August - Whitby Town made two changes to the side that drew with Altrincham last Saturday, with David Logan replacing the injured Neil Radigan and Gary Messer preferred up front to Lee Ludlow
From the start, it was the home team who played the neat football and kept the Blues pegged back with Campbell the busiest keeper.
Whitby's first effort came after 10 minutes when Robinson's long range effort was capablty dealt with by Ingham in the Celtic goal. The home side then attacked strongly with Campbell having to race off his line to thwart Parr. Stalybridge took the lead on 26 minutes when a cross from McNeil,who had been the home sides best attacker was headed into the far corner by Sullivan.
Town almost equalised when Carl Chillingsworth cleverly laid the ball on for a Messer opening, but his shot was well saved by Ingham at the second attempt. Despite a near miss by Chillingsworth after 41 minutes, Whitby lost the midfield battle in th first half, looking a faded team.
At the start of the second half Mark Donnelly replaced Ewart who had been struggling with the physical side of the game in the first half.
Stalybridge seemed content to sit back on their slender advantage and Town came more into the game. Numerous minor injuries and free kicks broke up the pattern of play, only highlighted by Logan firing two free kicks close to goal.
After 70 minutes Ludlow replaced Messer, and ten minutes later he forced home a Logan free kick despite home protests that the ball had not crossed the line.
The remaining ten minutes produced a feast of action and Chilli almost won it for the Blues but Ingham saved well. At the other end Campbell saved well at the foot of the post to deny Sullivan.
Whitby Town - Campbell, Rennison, Logan, Goodchild, Dixon, Taylor, Key, Ewart (Donnelly 45), Robinson, Messer (Ludlow 70), Chillingsworth. Sub not used - Ure

Blues fight hard for share of spoils

Whitby Town 2-2 Altrincham

26th August - A hard fought draw was just about the right result between two teams who have had an indifferent start to the season. Whitby with 2 wins from 2 games & Altrincham tipped for a return back to the Conference trying to get over a 2-0 defeat in midweek at Accrington.
The visitors almost took the lead within seconds of the kick-off, forcing Whitby 'keeper Dave Campbell to make the first of his many excellent saves.
Whitby settled after this early fright & were knocking the ball around with confidence when on 14 minutes they were caught out by an Altrincham attack which ended with Steve Hawse placing a well aimed shot past Campbell to give them the lead.
Spurred into action, Whitby went close on 19 minutes when Dave Goodchild powered a header over the crossbar from Neil Radigan's free kick. Stuart Coburn in the Altrincham goal seemed to have a dislike for the high ball & it showed on 26 minutes when Radigan's corner kick sailed over his head into the path of Ben Dixon who bundled the ball over the line with the help of his thigh to make it 1-1. Carl Chillingsworth was unlucky to see his volley flash inches past the post from Goodchild's knock down before the Blues took the lead in spectacular fashion on 34 minutes. Neil Radigan, a constant threat to the visitors until he was forced to leave the field injured in the second half, collected the ball well outside the corner of the Altrincham area. His cross cum shot curled wickedly into the far corner of the goal giving Coburn & his defenders no chance to clear it. On the stroke of half time Campbell again produced a fine save to keep Whitby in the lead when he denied Hawse adding to his opening goal.
The second half saw Altrincham pick up the pace & attack more in search of an equaliser. On 49 minutes Kevin Ellinson, the visitors most dangerous player, waltzed past 3 Whitby defenders before Campbell again produced the goods to pull off a fine save. Two minutes later Whitby could have put the game beyond reach when Radigan slipped a precision pass through to Chillingsworth but just as he was about to shoot, Turkington made a last ditched tackle to save his team. With just over an hour gone Quayle had a golden opportunity to level the scores when he was unmarked as he placed his header goalwards. Fortunately for the Blues his effort hit the outside of the post.
Altrincham's persistence was finally rewarded in the 73rd minute but it was a scrappy piece of defending by Whitby that allowed substitute Landon in to poke the ball past the keeper.
With the seconds ticking away Altrincham could have snatched all 3 points when Quayle again missed a great chance as he shot wide of the goal from close range
Whitby Town - Campbell, Key, Rennison, Goodchild, Dixon, Taylor, Radigan (Donnelly 64), Robinson, Ewart, Ludlow (Ure 73), Chillingsworth (Messer 86)

Lee and Chilly show their class.

Spennymoor United 1-2 Whitby Town

22nd August - Whitby Town received a few shocks before this match even started when record goalscorer Paul Pitman appeared in a Spennymoor shirt! Ben dixon was unavailable for the Blues as was Kevin Graham who had been involved in a car accident earlier.
From the start both teams found the pitch hard going due to the bumpy surface, but after 12 minutes an excellent through ball from Graham Robinson put Lee Ludlow clear but home keeper Jackson did well to narrow the angle and block the shot.
The Blues went close again when a Taylor freekick was mishandled by Jackson but with the Whitby attack about to pounce the moors defence cleared.
For the Moors Wheldon had a shot blocked by Rennison and Pitman mis-hit a clear chance after a clever ball from Veart. On 28 minutes Jackson was booked for handling the ball outside the area, and Dave Goodchild's fierce free kick was blocked by a good defensive wall. A minute later, Jones became the second home player to be booked for a crude challenge on Carl Chillingsworth.
The highlight of a drab first half came in the 44th minute when a Chillingsworth drive from 30 yards hit the upright and flew away for a corner.
The game sprung into life in the 48th minute when a debateable home corner was headed home by Sowden despite Goodchilds despairing efforts. Two minutes later Ewarts dipping 20 yard free kick was well held at the foot of the post by Jackson in the Moors goal.
In the 55th minute Sowden became the 3rd home player to be minute after making one crude challenge on Chilly too many. Chilly nearly equalised on the hour when once again Jackson produced a last ditch save to deny him.
The equaliser came minutes later when the home defence was split by Radigan's through ball and Lee Ludlow turned to shoot into the corner.
Gary Messer replaced Mark Donnelly after 65 minutes and Ludlow dropped back into midfield. The Blues then took a deserved lead on 75 minutes when Robinson played Ewarts cross field ball for Ludlow to thunder home a 12 yard drive pasr Jackson.
With ten minutes left Chillingsworth went close again with a volley and Jackson was called upon to make another save from Raddison's blistering 30 yard drive. Lee Ure replaced Chilly with three minutes left, but the Blues easily held on to maintain their fine start to the season.

Super Blues grab opening day win

Droylsden 1-3 Whitby Town

19th August - Whitby Town travelled to Manchester for their first Unibond league game of the season against Droylsden. The Blues were missing three key players with David Logan, Dave Goodchild and Keeper Stuart Dawson all suspended after lasr season's bad tempered Presidents Cup Final against Trafford.
The match turned out to be a scrappy affair and the first action happened in the 15th minute when the Droylsden no. 9 tackled Dave Campbell, the blues keeper after the ball had been played. The player got away with a ticking off. The Blues went close 6 minutes later when a free kick was floated into the box and Graham Robinson's towering header just drifted wide of the post. The Blues were awarded another free kick in the 24th minute and Carl Chillingsworth fired home but the referee disallowed the goal for some reason.
In the 33rd minute Droylsden went close went a Kimmet cross was not capitalised upon by the Bloods' strikeforce. Whitby Town took the lead when Lee Ludlow was put through on goal and blatantly brought down by the goal-keeper who was lucky to stay on the pitch. Carl Chillingsworth stepped up and coolly fired home from the spot.
Droylsden equalised one minute before the break when Dave Campbell was lobbed from the edge of the box after some good work from the Droylsden forwards.
The second half was as scrappy as the first and Blues keeper, Cammy, was kept busy and made a particularly fine save from Loams in the 57th minute. Blues boss, Harry Dunn made a brave decision to replace the strikeforce of Chilly and Ludlow with Gary Messer and Lee Ure. The decision paid off immediately when Messer caused confusion in the home box and Lee Ure calmly passed the ball into the back of the net to give the Blues the lead.
Droylsden battled back but to no avail and in the final minute a short corner was finished off by Graham Rennison after good work by Radison.

Chilly's hot but Ferriby fight back

Whitby Town 2-2 North Ferriby Utd

Whitby finished their pre-season programme with a 2-2 draw against newly promoted UniBond 1st Division side North Ferriby United. Played in energy sapping heat throughout, it was an entertaining game which was spoilt a little in the second half when the numerous substitutions were made thus disrupting pay.
The first half was controlled by the Blues with Carl Chillingsworth showing no ill-effects after his 2 games as a guest of Scarborough during the week.
Once again the striker was in devastating form. He was presented with a golden opportunity in the 2nd minute when he rounded Ferriby keeper Sharp but took far too long to roll the ball into the open goal. Before he could tap in he was tackled by a Ferriby defender leaving him somewhat embarrassed. He made amends in the 13th minute with a gem of a goal after Graham Robinson headed into his path. As Sharpe came off his line the striker casually lobbed the ball over him into the net.
The visitors should have levelled the scores on the half hour when Andy Flounders side footed wide of a virtually open goal but his blushes were spared a minute later when Darren France was allowed to stroll through the Whitby defence unchallenged before striking home a deflected goal. The scores weren't level long before Chillingsworth notched his second of the game in the 36th minute. He curled the ball into the far corner of the net past a despairing Sharpe from the corner of the Ferriby area.
With the numerous changes, Ferriby came back into the game in the second half & went close with a header from Mike Blythe in the 55th minute. Five minutes later Phillips sent a free kick curling past the Whitby upright with substitute keeper Campbell well beaten. Campbell came to their rescue in the 83rd minute when he made two fine saves in a minute. First he saved a vicious free kick from Flounders, then made a reaction save to foil France. Ferriby got their deserved equaliser with 3 minutes remaining when France headed his second of the game over Campbell.
Whitby begin their league campaign next Saturday away to Droylsden with out 3 key players all suspended from last season. Goodchild & Dawson miss 1 game whereas Logan will be absent for the first 3 games.

Whitby Town 3-2 Rotherham Utd

A last minute goal by Lee Ludlow gave Whitby a hard fought victory over a very strong Rotherham side to maintain their impressive run of pre-season results.
The game saw the return of two former Blues players with Paul Burke playing for Rotherham & Gary Messer on the subs bench for Whitby with a view to re-sign if possible.
Whitby were given an early scare in the 10th minute when full back Wustermann flashed a powerful header inches over the Whitby bar but the home side replied ten minutes later when Logan's crossfield ball was driven just past the Rotherham upright. Whitby took the lead in the 25th minute when
Dave Logan's corner was poorly punched out to the edge of the area by keeper Pettinger where Graham Rennison was on hand to head the ball back into the net.
Both teams battled well & just before half time Paul Burke had a golden opportunity to level the scores when Garner picked him out on the right wing with a pin point cross. Burke's shot beat Dawson in goal but saw his effort hit the far post & rebound out to safety.
The Nationwide League side showed how dangerous they were on the break when they eventually equalised on the hour when Danny Hudson scored an excellent goal by chipping the ball over replacement keeper Campbell, into the opposite top corner of the net.
The final 20 minutes saw some fine finishing from both sides resulting in 3 more goals. On 70 minutes Pettinger made a superb flying save from Logan's free kick to conceded a corner. Logan took that kick too & Robinson's near post flick was clinically finished off by Chillingsworth to make it 2-1.
With 5 minutes remaining Rotherham broke away again and Hudson scored his second of the game when he converted a good pass from Holyear giving Campbell no chance.
With the game heading for a draw Lee Ludlow became the hero as he calmly slotted the ball between Pettinger's legs after Robinson had done well to get the ball back to him from the by-line.

Chilly too hot for Ilson

Whitby Town 2-0 Ilkeston Town

29th July - Whitby completed their second home win in as many days with a hard fought victory over Ilkeston Town in the glorious summer sunshine. Northern League side Morpeth Town were beaten 2-1 by a mainly trialist Whitby side on Saturday thanks to goals from Wells & Robinson but the Ilkeston game was going to be a true test for the UniBond side. Both teams seemed evenly matched throughout the game until the final 15 minutes when Carl Chillingsworth scored twice in 5 minutes to seal the win. Ilkeston were first to go close when Shelby's quick turn flat-footed the
Blues defence but saw his shot drift inches past the far post in the 14th minute. Ten minutes later Whitby's Donnelly went closer still when his 30 yard drive skimmed the crossbar leaving keeper Love helpless.
A minute later Donnelly became provider when his cross picked out Chillingsworth at the far post who's header was saved by Love. Dave Campbell was called into action on the half hour when his excellent block denied Kirkwood the opening goal. The first half ended all square which was a true reflection of the game.
With just over an hour played, the game burst into action when Carl Chillingsworth was desperately unlucky to see his long range shot cannon off the far post with Love well beaten. The rebound fell kindly for Williams however but his weak shot was easily saved. Substitute Mike Young had an explosive shot whizz past the far post in the 73rd minute before Whitby finally broke the deadlock 3 minutes later. It came from some great work on the right wing by Neil Radigan. His pinpoint cross cut out the defenders & dropped at the far post where Chillingsworth scored with a diving header.
Five minutes later the game was put beyond Ilkeston's reach when he scored his second of the game after beating the offside trap. Cool thinking by the striker left Love helpless to deny the goal as he chipped the ball over him into the back of the net.
The only downside to the day's play was the meagre attendance, it should really have been a lot higher considering the quality of opposition.

Chilly's back but Hudson departs

1st July - A couple of points rising from last night's AGM saw the return of Carl Chillingsworth from Coleraine. Carl's re-signed for the club after an excellent season with the Irish team. Bad news is that the reports of Chris Hudson signing for Harrogate Town are true. There have been a couple more signings though & as soon as I know who they are, I'll let you all know

Thanks to Brian Murfield for the comprehensive home reports and my dad for the stop press reports.