Our Robins came out victorious yesterday, beating Whitley Bay by one goal to nil in a festive Boxing Day rendition of El Coastico.
Over 1600 people came to watch the game today, which is fantastic for growing non-league football in the North East. Thank you all for coming, and long may it continue!
Shields flew out of the blocks, creating pressure on Whitley Bay keeper Asikaogu and tackling him in the first few seconds. Sadly, nothing came of the opportunity.
Robins’ striker Stephen Hall had an early opportunity to put us ahead, after nicking the ball inside the opposition box. However, he missed the target from close range and failed to capitalise on the moment.
Hall had a few good chances in the first half, namely in the 11th minute. He met the end of a cross from Reece Wanless, after some trickery on the wing.
After 20 minutes of football played in the opposition’s half, Whitley Bay sprung a fast counter, which caused confusion between keeper Callum Elliot and Euan Anderson. Their collision was minor, and Elliot did well to collect the loose ball.
A few minutes later, Shields had a penalty denied, as Jake Lish made a run into the Whitley Bay box, before being brought down by Kanda. After the appeals from the Robins players, the referee decided against awarding the foul.
Shields were prepared for this game; the high press was a constant highlight of the performance. It was aggressive, calculated, and resulted in the only goal of the game.
It looked inevitable that Hall would come away with a goal from this game with a goal, and in the 36th minute, he did just that. Once again spearheading the high press, Hall stole the ball in the Whitley Bay box and used the outside of his right boot to curl in off the post. Shields had the lead they worked so tirelessly to achieve.
In the second half, it was the opposition’s turn to respond. Straight after the break, Livermore of Whitley Bay came very close to an equaliser, seeing his curling effort from the edge of the box strike the woodwork.
Shields had another penalty shout in the 55th minute, as Jordan Lashley was brought down in the penalty area. The Robins fans behind the goal were in uproar, but the ref was having none of it.
The Robins defended resiliently in the second half, managing the game well and eventually keeping the clean sheet.
It was a very different approach compared to the first half, but it proved fruitful in the end. However, not before the threat of a last-minute free kick on the edge of the Robins’ box, which was saved by Callum Elliot.
In the end, our Robins left Hillheads Park with three points, closing a huge gap on the playoff positions. But most importantly, a win on Derby Day.
Full Time: Whitley Bay 0-1 North Shields
