Blue Star Vs Whitley Bay

Blue Star didn't start very confidently thus long-established team Whitley Bay piled the pressure on early & looked the more confident side. But Blue Star managed to keep them at bay until the 34th minute when Mark Minto raced down the right wing & crossed into the penalty area where the ball met the head of striker Paul Chow, Star keeper Summersgill was beaten but luckily the ball clipped the outside of the post. However up the other end of the pitch Star made a gallant effort shortly before half time when Ben Webster sent a long range effort just over the bar.

After the break the Star looked much more lively, & began testing Whitley's defence with numerous strong runs down the wings. Then shortly after the hour mark Ben Pringle powered the ball past Whitley keeper Burke and the Star were 1-0 up.

But Blue Star weren't in-front for long after only 3 minutes Whitley answered back when Chow gave a great finish from 15 yards out, leaving Summersgill with no chance of saving.

During the rest of normal time both teams battled for the winner with both great striking & defensive efforts, but despite this Blue Star just couldn't pull a goal out of the bag and the game went into extra time for the second time in a week!

Blue Star started the additional time period with extra gusto and we went ahead in the 4th minute when Chris Emms finished off a move that cut through the Whitley Bay defence. Blue Star really began to play and looked by far the fittest team as Whitley began to lag in energy. Star should have had the game signed & sealed with great chances from both Douglas and Gordon but they were unfortunately denied by Burke.

Then, with 9 minutes left Whitley once again drew level when Livermore fired home from close range. Both sides were now in search of the winner more than ever but, Burke denied Emms once again...

A replay at Whitley Bay looked imminent, but alas 1 minute into stoppage time Livermore dramatically beat Summersgill once again to provide Whitley with a 3-2 victory. Disappointing, especially when we had beaten Whitley comfortably in a friendly game earlier in the season.