Whitehaven AFC

Wearside League Results

22/12/2007      Hartlepool   1    Whitehaven   2

A much changed side from the previous week saw Whitehaven maintain their title aspirations with this narrow victory over a lively Hartlepool side.  The hosts could count themselves very unfortunate not to have earned at least a point from this encounter as they pressed for almost the whole of the second half.  Michael Farrer was the match winner for Whitehaven, earning the penalty from which Stephen Hewitt scored following up Mark Moore's saved spot kick, and threading through an excellent ball for Hewitt to add his second.  Hartlepool scored in the 88th minute following another penalty award, but the visitors hung on to secure 3 points.

29/12/2007     Whitehaven   3   Teesside Athletic  1 

In awful conditions at the County Ground, Whitehaven beat a competetive Teesside team to keep their position in the League table.  Michael Farrer gave his side the perfect start after 8 minutes firing in from the edge of the area.  Jack Fryer then kept his side in front with a reaction save as Teesside fought to get back in the game. Stephen Hewitt then added to the score just before half-time, prodding home after Craig Lewis had hit the post with his header.  Darren Donald then scored in the 74th minute after the move of the match involving Mally Holliday, Farrer and Hewitt, before Teesside were awarded a controversial penalty 6 minutes later.  This was duly converted to complete the scoring.

05/01/2008    Whitehaven   5   Willington  0

A Darren Donald hattrick was the highlight of this good team performance, but with a little more care Whitehaven should have scored more.  In-form Michael Farrer and Mally Holliday also got onto the scoresheet, as Willington seemed to have little answer to the speed and direct running of the home attack.  The only concerns on the day were the injuries to Craig Lewis and Wayne Collins, but hopefully these will not be serious.  Once again the backline kept to their task to deny any real threat to Jack Fryer's goal, but the half chances they did manage to create were well handled by the big 'keeper.

Cumberland County League Premier Division

05/01/2008     Silloth   1    Whitehaven Reserves   2

The Reserves kicked off the New Year with a hard fought win over Silloth in windy conditions.  Craig Nicholls opened the scoring on 16 mins with a brilliant free kick from distance, but the hosts put Whitehaven under severe pressure for the rest of the half.  Craig Routledge made several fine saves to keep his side in front, but was beaten just before half-time as Silloth broke from deep in their own half to score.  Defensively the Whitehaven back line were superb in the second half as they repulsed everything thrown at them, and they looked increasingly dangerous on the break.  They snatched all 3 points with a clever header from Tony Connolly with 12 minutes to go, and so start the second half of the season with a win.

Shipowners Cup Quarter Final

12/01/2008   Whitehaven  5  New Marske  2

Whitehaven progressed to the semi finals of the Shipowners Cup in an entertaining game at the County Ground. Leading 1-0 at half time through a close range finish from Wayne Collins . Early in the second half David Dustin added a second following up his first shot which came back off the post. The visitors hit back immediately with a header by Michael Kinnear from a well worked set piece only for Mike Farrer to put the hosts 3-1 up. Sam Gracey brought his side back into the game but further strikes from Dustin and Farrer ensured Whitehaven's safe passage to the next round. The visitors even had chance to add to their tally with a spot kick which they missed but by then the game was lost. The game was played in excellent spirit with no bookings and was well refereed by Mr. Broadbent. 

19/01/2008   Whitehaven  3  Hartlepool  4

This see-saw game turned out to be one of the worst displays for some time as the hosts raced into a 3-0 lead inside 20 minutes, then proceeded to throw the game away with a succession of schoolboy errors.  Credit the visitors, they kept their nerve and ran the second half until their industry paid off.  Mike Farrer David Dustin and Stephen Hewitt had put Whitehaven in a seemingly unassailable lead until Kyle Anderson grabbed a goal back just before half-time.  Then a penalty converted by Lee Haggen was quickly followed by strikes from Stephen Chapman, and the excellent Shaun Ross to give the visitors a well earned victory.

26/01/2008   East Durham Utd.  0  Whitehaven  6

Lowly East Durham were put to the sword by a visiting side anxious to put the previous weeks performance out of their minds.  An early penalty by Wayne Collins after David Dustin was fouled put the visitors one up after 4 minutes.  An own goal doubled the advantage with 12 minutes gone, but the hosts still battled away up until half-time.  Mike Farrer ended a sweet move on 54 minutes, and scored again 10 minutes later as East Durham started to struggle.  Dustin fired home a thunderbolt on 70 minutes, but then the visitors squandered a number of chances before debutant Andrew Dalling turned in a Darren Donald cross with 6 minutes to go to complete the scoring

 Cumberland County League Premier Division

02/02/2008   Longtown  4  Whitehaven Reserves 3

Played on a gluepot of a pitch in poor conditions, Longtown emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins.  Unfortunately the talking point of the game was the referees performance, awarding four penalties during the game, three to the home side. Andrew Dalling scored twice for the team and was unfortunate not to add to this tally, and Robert Fowler grabbed the other.  Special mention for Scott Underwood who filled the goalkeepers position at short notice, and couldn't be faulted for any of the goals scored against him. 

Shipowners Cup Semi-final

09/02/2008   Whitehaven  AFC  3   Cleadon  0

Whitehaven eased to the final of this prestigious cup for the second year running by beating Cleadon at the County Ground.  Goals from David Dustin and Stephen Hewitt put the hosts in the driving seat in the first half, and a penalty from Wayne Collins completed the victory after Darren Donald was felled in the area midway through the second half.  Jack Fryer had little to contend with during the game, but his excellent save just before the interval kept the visitors from getting into the game, and earned himself a clean sheet.

16/02/2008   Annfield Plain  2   Whitehaven AFC   1

Whitehaven lost ground in the League with this stuttering performance which now finds them down to fourth. Under pressure from the start Whitehaven had to thank some poor finishing from the home side, and the crossbar which enabled them to go in at the break 0-0.  Stephen Hewitt then gave us the lead following an excellent through ball, and we seemed to be getting on top when the hosts equalised following our inability to clear a long throw-in. An injury to goalkeeper Jack Fryer put us under more pressure which eventually told deep into the game as Annfield scored to take all three points.

16/02/2008   Whitehaven Reserves   0   Carlisle City   3

Whitehaven were sadly out of sorts in this Cumberland County League game and were deservedly beaten by a rejuvenated Carlisle City side who belied their lowly status.  The only bright spots were the debut appearances of Stephen Blackwell and Dean Fox who made the step up to County League from Under 16's.  Both featured during the game and didn't let anyone down, the latter claiming a "goal" which was cleared off the line when it appeared otherwise.  Ryan Woods also made a welcome reappearance following his return from Germany with the RAF.

League Cup Quarter Final

23/02/2008   Whitehaven AFC   7   Jarrow   3

Whitehaven blew away the challenge of Jarrow to stride into the semi-finals after going a goal down after 18mins.  From then on Whitehaven dominated proceedings being 4-1 up at half-time courtesy of strikes from Graeme Lilly, Craig Lewis, David Dustin and Stephen Hewitt.  Jarrow didn't help matters having Andy Earl sent off just before break, and Whitehaven even had time to miss a penalty kick before Andy Bartlett reduced arrears.  Darren Donald then added to his sides total shortly afterwards before Stephen Hewitt completed his hattrick with two quality finishes.  Bartlett grabbed his teams third in the 88th minute, but the game was well and truly out of their reach by then.

01/03/2008   Whitehaven AFC   2    Coxhoe Athletic   3

"Embarrassing" was joint boss Kenny Wallace's after match assessment as we stumbled to another costly defeat.  With poor defending and weak finishing, things couldn't get much worse at the County Ground on Saturday, and with such erratic performances promotion seems like a million miles away.  Trailing 2-1 at the break, Mike Farrer, one of few to emerge with any real credit, added to his first half strike to bring his side level, only for the visitors to take advantage of more indecision to restore their lead.  Craig Lewis thought he'd salvaged a point with the last kick of the match, only for the assistant referee to chalk it off for an alleged handball.

Cumberland County League

01/03/2008   Carlisle City   6    Whitehaven Reserves   0

City took full advantage of an horrendous wind in the first half of this game to lead 3-0 after 20 minutes.  Stand-in keeper Craig Nicholls had no chance with any of the goals, and the defence worked overtime keeping the hosts attack at bay.  Claims for a penalty were turned down when Chris Cripps was felled in the area, and the same player steered the ball wide after good approach work from Andy Dalling.  Dalling had the ball in the net soon into the second half only for it to be chalked off for offside, and from then on City added to their tally despite some good approach work from Whitehaven which petered out. Clinical finishing proved to be the difference as Whitehaven find themselves mired in a relegation battle.

08/03/2008  Whitehaven AFC  2   Guisborough Black Swan  0

On a deteriorating pitch, Whitehaven dominated this game from start to finish but found it hard to penetrate a hard working Gisborough defence.  With shots hitting the cossbar and the post, it took the hosts 42 minutes to find the net from a header by skipper Graeme Lilly.  Things were not much better after the break, but Mike Farrer doubled Whitehavens lead when he rounded the keeper and slotted home.  The visitors goal had a charmed life, but there was no addition to the scoring and 'Haven claimed all three points.

15/03/2008  Easington Colliery   1   Whitehaven AFC   0

A tight game in the North East went the hosts way, but Whitehaven can feel slightly aggrieved as they played their part in a hard fought match.  The game was settled midway through the second half, although the visitors did have chances to equalise but, in line with recent performances, they managed to waste them.  Matters were made worse with the sending off of Mally Holliday, who reacted to an horrendous tackle on him, and he must now await the referees report.  Good to see Jack Fryer back after a hand injury, but the team are now falling further behind in the race for the title.

Cumberland County League

15/03/2008   Whitehaven Reserves   5   Hearts of Liddlesdale  0

This was a comprehensive victory fully deserved by the team.  With Andrew Dalling (2) and Stephen Priestley (3) leading the line in fine style, the side played some attractive football, and led 2-0 at the break, the second a sweetly struck Dalling free kick.  Strong performances from Christian Hail, and Chris Cripps at the heart of defence, and John Gannon, Aitor De Gea Rico, and Graham Hewitt in midfield ensured there was little for Hearts to develop as an attacking force but all in all everyone in the team contributed to a vital victory.

22/03/2008  Harton & Westoe   0   Whitehaven AFC   2

Goals from Mike Farrer and David Dustin gave the visitors a deserved victory as they pursued their quest for Northern League football.  Despite the heavy hailstorm just after the break, and a biting wind, Whitehaven played their usual brand of attacking football, and should have added to their tally with steadier finishing.  What was pleasing was managing to keep a clean sheet at the end of the game after conceding eight goals in five games. 

26/03/2008  Guisborough Black Swan  0  Whitehaven AFC  1

The long midweeker to Guisborough was well worth the trip after we returned with all three points. The hosts decided to play 5 out of their Premier team for this fixture but it was to no avail, as Whitehaven played some good football to deny them.  Mike Farrer was especially effective up front with his speed and ability to turn, and it was he who won the penalty that was to be so decisive in the 30th minute.  Carl McGrady converted, and the visitors could have extended their lead but for the home 'keeper, as Daz Donald, Stephen Hewitt and David Dustin all went close.

29/03/2008   Whitehaven AFC   3    Ashbrooke Belford House   1

Whitehaven made it three wins in a row with this victory, and it was richly deserved.  Mike Farrer added to his significant goal tally to put the hosts in front.  Stephen Hewitt then added a second soon after the break to double the advantage, only for Ashbrooke to pull a goal back on 80 mins.  Darren Donald then made the game safe without further trouble 3 mins later to keep the pressure on for a top two finish.

05/04/2008   Whitehaven AFC  3    Harton & Westoe  1

Whitehaven made hard work of this game which saw them move up to third in the Wearside League. With just the bare eleven taking the field, Harton found themselves a goal down after 3 minutes when Mike Farrer finished off a flowing move by slotting the ball home after good work from Darren Donald.  Phil Nicholson then levelled matters with a 30 yarder after poor passing by the home defence.  Stephen Hewitt then put the hosts 2-1 up at the break, and after hitting the bar and woodwork four times, Mally Holliday made the game safe for the home side  with a super strike on 78 minutes.

Wearside League Cup Semi-Final

12/04/2008   Whitehaven AFC  0   New Marske  1

A disputed penalty kick on 59 minutes decided this closely fought contest which was evenly balanced throughout.  Chances were few and far between, and although we can reasonably claim to have the better of them, none were taken.  Nicholas Ward made the most of the penalty for the visitors after Wayne Collins was adjudged to have fouled a New Marske attacker as he strode into the box.  Claims for a penalty at the other end when Mike Farrer appeared to be pushed, were waved away however. Nevertheless, New Marske played good football to progress to the final and are on course to complete a League and Cup double after finishing bottom of the league last year.

Cumberland County League

16/04/2008    Whitehaven Reserves   1    Netherhall   6

Defensive errors gifted Netherhall 4 goals in ten second half minutes and effectively ended the game as a contest.  It had all started so brightly for the hosts who had their chances before Netherhall grabbed a goal before half time after good approach work.  Andy Dalling finished a flowing move to put Whitehaven on the scoresheet, but the visitors had the final say with a goal in the 90th minute, a result which the hosts hardly deserved.

16/04/2008   Jarrow  1   Whitehaven AFC  7

Arriving just before the kick off, Whitehaven found themselves a goal down after 3 minutes, but then proceded to get their best result of the season.  Stephen Hewitt (4) Darren Donald, Carl McGrady and Robert Fowler were the scorers, but Mike Farrer was in his element as he tore the home defence to shreds with his pace.  This was a setback to Jarrow who still have games in hand in the race for the top two, but Whitehaven were emphatic in their victory and gave themselves a confidence boost ahead of difficult games ahead.

19/04/2008   Whitehaven AFC   5   Annfield Plain   1

Three more valuable points were earned in this encounter as the hosts made it 6 league wins in a row at the County Ground.  Craig Lewis gave Whitehaven the lead with a powerful header from a corner kick before Kirkbride equalised soon after following defensive hesitation.  Darren Donald put his side back in control and Carl McGrady added a third from the penalty spot before half time.  Annfield hardly got out of their own half after the break and it was no surprise when Mally Holliday and Mike Farrer added to their goal tally before the final whistle.

Cumberland County League

23/04/2008    Whitehaven Reserves   1   Aspatria   3

Second in the league Aspatria made hard work of beating the Reserves in this end of season encounter.  With late injuries and cry offs, Whitehaven started the game with the bare eleven but had chances to open the scoring before Aspatria grabbed a goal just before half time.  Once again defensive lapses cost the home side dearly as the visitors eased in front with two more goals, but Whitehaven did get on the scoresheet courtesy of an own goal, but just couldn't find the net as the game drew to a close.

23/04/2008   Boldon CA   2    Whitehaven AFC   4

Playing yet another midweek fixture away from home, Whitehaven made it seven in a row in the league with goals from Stephen Hewitt (3 ) and Mike Farrer.

26/04/2008   New Markse  3  Whitehaven AFC   1

Whitehaven took the long trip to New Marske looking to make it 8 league wins in a row, however they were to be disappointed as New Marske took all 3 points. Playing against a strong wind first half, Whitehaven defended well and limited the home side to just one chance which Fryer dealt with brilliantly, however injuries to Craig Lewis and Steven Hewitt meant an early reshuffle for the visitors. Slightly against the run of play Whitehaven managed to open the scoring when Kevin Holliday tapped in a corner after Wayne Collins had helped it on. Within minutes of the second half restarting Dustin found himself one on one with the home keeper but fired wide. New Marske then pinned Whitehaven back and won thereselves a penalty kick with Wayne Collins adjudged to have fouled. Nicholas Ward made no mistake from the spot. Two scrappy goals from a defensive point of view saw New Marske run out 3-1 winners.

28/04/2008   Whitehaven  5  Windscale  0

With a few players missing through injury this was a good win for Whitehaven, and the result never looked in doubt, especially after the first goal had been scored. Mike Farrer was the pick of the bunch for Whitehaven as he ended the game with a hat-trick. His first was a deft flick from a Holliday cross, his second was a well taken half volley and he slotted his third past the Windscale 'keeper. Kevin Holliday and Robert Fowler scored the others for Whitehaven. Another pleasing fact was the clean sheet after conceding 5 goals in the last 2 games.

03/05/2008   Coxhoe  0  Whitehaven  3

A solid performance by Whitehaven saw them run out comfortable 3-0 winners and in all truth it should have been more but for some wayward finishing. Stuart Shaw, making his full debut was impressive in and advanced midfield role and it was the returning Steven Hewitt who opened the scoring for the visitors after good work from Robert Fowler. Before half time the lead had been doubled when Mike Farrer finished off a quick Whitehaven breakaway. After half time Coxhoe came into the game a little more without really creating anything and another swift breakaway saw all 3 points wrapped up as Michael Farrer doubled his goal tally. A big bonus was the return of Craig Robson after his groin surgery.

10/05/2008    Whitehaven  2  Silksworth  1

Whitehaven left it late to beat a Silksworth team whos performance was better than there league position suggests. Mike Farrer opened the scoring after only 4 minutes and Whitehaven looked to be cruising until against the run of the play Silksworth equalised after poor defending by the hosts, and it was Craig Robson who was the hero scoring the winner in the 86th Minute after good work from Darren Donald. Whitehaven could have scored more but for the away 'keeper who made a string of fine saves to deny them.