Whitehaven Amateurs Results
Whitehaven 3 - 0 Team NorthumbriaOur first home game of the year got off to a winning start as the students failed to match our industry and crisp passing. Craig Robson scored at the double, and Mike Farrer added a 30 yarder to give the team a winning start, and it probably should have been more but for some inspired goalkeeping. 1-0 at half-time looked scant reward for our domination of the game, and Lee Dixon had his effort chalked off for offside in what would have been a unique double....scoring first in both seasons of NL2. Following the break we gave the scoreline a more realistic look, but you had to feel somewhat sorry for the TN goalie who kept it from being a cricket score.
Netherall 4 - 2 Whitehaven Reserves
Travelling to the reigning champions on the first day of the season was never going to be easy, however if some refereeing decisions had gone our way we could and probably should have came away with at least a point. Whitehaven started well and were looking to exploit a narrow Netherall team by using our wide players however Netherall still looked to play short sharp football and they took the lead when Keith Anderson headed in a left wing cross after 10 minutes, Whitehaven responded within 5 minutes when good work by Gary Hewitt found Robert Fowler unmarked at the back post to volley us level. Netherall started to get on top as the half wore on and a contentious decision gifted them a penalty which they converted to make the half time score 2-1. The second half started with Whitehaven working hard to try and get back into the game however some poor defending saw Netherall awarded another penalty which again they converted. Whitehaven never let there heads drop and there hard work was rewarded when Steven Priestley finished smartly to give us a glimour of hope however it was to prove a frustrating day as first we were denied a clear penalty for handball and the officials got another decision wrong when a Netherall attacked knocked the ball out of the 'keepers hands and tapped the ball into an empty net. Whitehaven Team, W.Collins, P.Stephenson, G.Burns, L.Smith, Graeme Hewitt, S. Hewitt, Gary Hewitt, S.Shaw, R.Fowler, A.Dalling, S.Priestley. Subs, D.Norman, S.Pears.
Northallerton 2 - 2 Whitehaven
On relection this will probably be seen as a good result, getting a point away from home against a newly relegated side, but it could have been so much better. Craig Robson opened the scoring early in the game, and Stephen Hewitt made it 2 before the break with a well taken effort. The hosts got back in the game with a thunderbolt from 30 yards which 'keeper Brian Miller did well to try and save, and then got a share of the points with a deflected shot that had Miller going the wrong way late in the game. Whitehaven missed the opportunity to take all three points late in the game when a scuffed shot trickled past the post.
Bransty Rangers 3 - 1 Whitehaven Reserves
Whitehaven played possibly the worst they have in over two seasons and it is no surprise they came away with nothing from this game, although the start they made was encouraging as playing with the wind at their backs they penned Bransty back for periods of the first half. This pressure paid off after 20 minutes when Scott Pears opened his account for the season finishing well following a Dalling knock down. This goal had an adverse affect on Whitehaven as instead of continuing to play the way they did they decided they would over complicate the play. Bransty equalised after poor marking off a corner to make the score 1-1 at half time. The second half started with Bransty dominating proceedings as they continued to just knock it long, from one of these long balls they managed to take the lead after a quick counter attacking move. Whitehaven tried to get back into the game but to no avail and Bransty wrapped up the 3 points in the 93rd minute when Whitehaven were pushing for the equaliser. Whitehaven Team, J.Fryer, P.Stephenson, G.Burns, W.Collins, S.Graham, B.Fowler, Graeme Hewitt, Gary Hewitt, S.Pears, A.Dalling. Subs, T.Palmer, M.Pilkington, S.Blackwell.
Whitehaven 2 Darlington RA 0
Not the best game in the world but another three points in the bag to keep our unbeaten run going. Kev Connelly and Stephen Hewitt the scorers in a game we never looked like losing.
North Shields 1 Whitehaven 2
After all the team rebuilding at North Shields they expected to get a result in this midweek match. Once again Whitehaven showed their resilience to take all three points, just as they did in the corresponding fixture last year. Another excellent team performance with our defence on top and working well as a unit.
Whitehaven Reserves 2 Mirehouse 3
In torrential rain this was never going to be an easy game, however Whitehaven could and probably should have got something out of the game. Mirehouse started well and found themselves 1-0 up after poor defending saw them awarded a free header inside the home penalty area. Almost immediately Whitehaven found themselves level when a Paul Stephenson cross was dropped into his own goal by the Mirehouse 'keeper. Just before half time, Mirehouse took the lead for the second time when a deflected shot found its way past Fryer in the home goal. The second half started with Whitehaven probing to find an equaliser however it was Mirehouse who scored the next goal with a quick counter attack. Whitehaven lifted themselves and pushed to try and get back into the game and were rewarded when Scott Pears tapped in with 15 minutes remaining. Whitehaven tried but failed to get the equaliser they probably deserved. Whitehaven Team, Fryer, Stephenson, Palmer, Collins, Burns, Graeme Hewitt, Smith, Shaw, Gary Hewitt, Pears, Dustin. Subs, Priestley, Dalling, Blackwell
Whitehaven 4 Birtley Town 1
A thoroughly entertaining game in which the visitors took the lead, but after a Kev Connelly strike on 35 minutes we never looked in real danger of losing. Further strikes from Lee Dixon, Stephen Hewitt and Connelly again put the game beyond Birtley's reach, the latter a superb strike from the edge of the area. This result keeps us in top spot with 13 points from 5 games. Early days yet, but a good start.
Whitehaven 1 Crook Town 3
A disappointing game from our point of view where Crook took the game by the scruff of the neck and bullied us out of it. Early goals put our visitors 2-0 up, and just as we got back into the match before half-time with a Graeme Lilly strike from a corner, Stuart Shaw became embroiled in an incident and was sent from the field. Most observers felt that both players involved should have gone, but although we battled hard with ten men, lady luck deserted us and Barrie Fowler turned the ball into his own net to give Crook a 3-1 win
Aspatria 7 Whitehaven Reserves 1
Travelling with a slightly depleted squad this heavy defeat hurt Whitehaven as they defended well for the first 45 minutes however some terrible defending in the second period saw Aspatria run out easy and deserving winners. Pilkington and Woodend both made solid full debuts and big things are expected of the two 16 year olds. The half time score was 1-0 as resolute defending saw us restrict Aspatria to half chances. The second half started terribly with us conceding a goal within the first minute and from then on heads dropped and Aspatria ran out easy and convincing winners. Whitehaven Team, Benbow, Pilkington, Graham, Collins, Burns, Graeme Hewitt, Gary Hewitt, Priestley, Palmer, Woodend, Pears. Sub, Blackwell.
Gillford Park 1 Whitehaven 1
The Bank Holiday weekend was complete when we failed to take all three points from the League newcomers. After dominating the first half, all we had to show was a Gary Hodgson goal, and numerous chances were wasted. After the break Gillford made us pay for our misses by applying pressure of their own and equalising through Sean Bannon. We didn't create enough in the latter stages even though Gillford were reduced to ten men when Bannon was dismissed from the field for dissent, and we had to settle for just one point.
Marske Utd 2 Whitehaven 2
After taking an early lead through David Dustin, Whitehaven kept their hosts at bay for the remainder of the half without suffering a shot on target. Marske's approach work was good, but our defence were excellent after a rocky start and restricted Marske to long range efforts. It was a different story after the break, and two quick goals put Marske in the driving seat. In truth they should have added to their tally, but the introduction of Stephen Hewitt and Mike Farrer livened things up for us. Both went close before "Chewy" turned the ball home following a free kick 3 minutes into added on time, to take a well deserved point.
Whitehaven Reserves 5 Cleator Moor Celtic Reserves 1 (Benevolent Cup)
Whitehaven dominated this game for long spells and the scoreline was a fair reflection of the game. Whitehaven had a few chances to score before they did but eventually scored after a brilliant through ball from Luke Smith was converted by the in form Scott Pears. Collins then had a chance with a header from a corner however he failed to convert so the half time score was 1-0. Whitehaven started the second half quickly and it was no surprise that they scored 3 quick goals to all but kill the game first Scott Pears added his second of the game with a sharp finish following good work from Graham and Woodend, then Gary Hewitt finished a good team move and when Smith scored a header from a free kick there looked to be no way back for Celtic. Stuart Shaw got in on the act when his cross found its way into the far top corner and even a poor decision to award Cleator Moor a penalty couldn't dampen the mood of the Whitehaven lads as they won there first game of the season. Whitehaven Team, Miller, Stephenson, Graham, Collins, Smith, Graeme Hewitt, Gary Hewitt, Shaw, Woodend, Pears, Fox. Subs, Pilkington, Priestley, Robson.
Brooks Mileson League Cup
Whitehaven 0 Consett 3
We battled hard against quality first division opponents who are unbeaten in their last 7 league games, but class told in the finish and the best team won. Paul Henderson-Reay made the most of two defensive errors in the first half, and although we had a fair share of the play we didn't really test their 'keeper. Mike Farrer, Darren Donald and Stuart Shaw all had half chances, but the difference was definitely in the finishing. Martin took the opportunity to rest some players with one eye on the FA Vase on Saturday, and all the squad have now had game time in the last two games.
Frizington Whitestar 1 Whitehaven Reserves 0
Whitehavens poor league form continued with a result that was perhaps unfair, Frizington were ahead within 5 minutes after a shot was unluckily turned into his own goal by Wayne Collins, this was the only shot on target that Frizington managed in the first half and Whitehaven had a couple of chances to get back into the game but Tom Palmer rushed his shot and Bradley Woodend couldnt find a telling cross when in a dangerous position. Half time score 1-0. Whitehaven came out in the second half and started playing the football they were capable of and this helped them create a couple of half chances however non of these could be converted. Frizington were playing on the counter now and had a couple of chances to kill the game but there was still time for Scott Pears to have a shot cleared off the line for Whitehaven before the full time whistle went. Whitehaven Team, Miller, Stephenson, Graham, Collins, Smith, Graeme Hewitt, Woodend, Gary Hewitt, Fox, Pears, Palmer. Subs, Burns, Pilkington.
FA Vase
Whitehaven 0 Cheadle Town 2
After all the pre match hype, Whitehaven gave their most inept performance of the season so far in this important competition. Early chances went begging as no-one seemed willing to take responsibilty for shots on goal, and tried to pass when well positioned. Cheadle relied on long balls from the back to put the home back line under pressure, where "Tino" Hodgson and Graeme Lilly tidied up well. Without any real meaningful effort on target it was 0-0 at the break. The introduction of O'Brien for Cheadle turned the game as he showed the hosts how to finish. Firstly, on 70 minutes, he made the most of a defensive header which landed at his feet at the edge of the area. His crisp shot gave Jack Fryer no chance. Then he popped up again in the right place as Fryer made a superb save onto the post and the rebound fell to his feet. The hosts knew it wasn't to be their day when Lee Dixon and Darren Donald missed opportunities to gain consolation in the final few minutes, but it wasn't to be, and Cheadle progressed to the next round.
Wigton 1 Whitehaven Reserves 0
Whitehaven's poor run of league form continued, however they left wondering how they failed to get anything out of this game after they equipped themselves pretty well. The new centre back pairing of Collins and Stephenson looked solid and Woodend once again impressed, this time at right back. Whitehaven started brightest and could have taken the lead Stephenson heading wide from a corner under pressure. Wigton slowly started to get into the game without really threatening the visitors goal until the 30th minute when a wonderstrike found the back of the net, a volley from just outside the box flew into the far corner giving Miller in the Whitehaven goal no chance. Half time score 1-0. Whitehaven started the second half trying hard to get back into the game and were unlucky they weren't awarded a penalty for a foul which would have been given anywhere else on the field and when we had a shot blocked on the line by what looked like a hand we knew it wasnt going to be our day. Whitehaven Team, Miller, Woodend, Norman, Collins, Stephenson, McGrady, Quaile, Pears, Fox, Priestley, Graham. Subs, Palmer, Pilkington
Whitehaven 2 Seaham Red Star 1
Still suffering the after effects of their FA Vase exit, Whitehaven looked lethargic in the early parts of the game. However the boys rallied after half-time and we took all three points after grinding out a result. Credit Seaham, they tried to make it hard for us and brought plenty of men behind the ball after they equalised, but with five minutes to go, Kev Connelly got the winner .
Ernest Armstrong Trophy
Whitehaven 2 Brandon Utd 1
A thoroughly entertaining game saw Whitehaven progress to another home tie against Darlington RA after beating a competent Brandon side who competed well. Goals from Connelly and Robson made the game safe, the former a great strike from the edge of the area. Brandon looked to force extra time when the dangerous Liam Bramley beat Brian Miller with 8 minutes to go, but the defence held firm.
Crook Town 1 Whitehaven 1
A "backs to the wall" job saw Whitehaven grab a deserved point after Stuart Shaw gave us the lead before half-time. Up until then the visitors had coped well with everything the home side could muster. With Craig Lewis, Adam Johnson, "Tino" Hodgson and Barrie Fowler in front of Brian Miller, the defence looked solid until Miller was beaten with a wonder strike from 30 yards out. Hitting on the break, Whitehaven seemed to have grabbed all three points when Craig Robson found the net in the final minute, only to have it chalked off for offside.
Whitehaven 3 Thornaby 1
Whitehaven made it seven unbeaten in the league when they beat Thornaby. The game was quiet until Thornaby were given a penalty when Graeme Lilly was ajudged to have fouled Dean Fox in the area. Luckily Brian Miller made an excellent save. Taking the lead through Craig Robson, Whitehaven's Stephen Hewitt thought he'd doubled the advantage when he had a goal disallowed for offside. Then Thornaby equalised with a 25 yard strike when a corner was cleared to the edge of the area, Tomlinson striking it first time past an unsighted Miller. Then Connelly scored twice from Robson centres in the second half to win it for the home side.
Whickham 1 Whitehaven 6
A controlled display saw Whitehaven ease past Whickham to consolidate their second place in the league. "Tino" Hodgson gave the visitors an early goal when he forced home an attempted corner clearance. Stuart Shaw added a second before Kev Connelly netted right on half-time. Darren Donald prodded home 10 minutes into the second half before Connelly made it 5-0 with fifteen minutes to go. Rook then beat Brian Miller for a Whickham consolation before Connelly completed his hattrick from the penalty spot after Robert Fowler was fouled in the area.
Netherhall 2 Whitehaven Reserves 0 (Benevolent Cup)
Whitehaven defended superbly and were unlucky not to at least take the tie into extra time, although it looked like they would do until 2 late goals gave netherhall the victory. The game started with Netherhall on top but due to solid defending found themselves resorting to shots from 30 yards plus that never really tested stand in 'keeper Roy Robson. Whitehavens chances were limited in the first half as they stuck to the task of frustrating Netherhall brilliantly. half time 0-0. With the first attack of the second half Whitehaven should have been in front, Priestley running through one-on-one with the 'keeper but screwed his shot wide, and shortly after a fantastic ball in from Collins was collected by Pears 8 yards from goal but he again missed a big chance to put Whitehaven ahead. Whitehaven continued to defend impeccably, throwing bodies in front of the ball to protect Robson, however with 78 minutes on the clock Netherhall took the lead when a great delivery from a harshly awarded freekick found itself to the back post and after a good save from R bson the rebound was knocked in. Whitehaven lost a bit of shape following this goal as heads dropped and it was no surprise when Netherhall scored again with 5 minutes remaining following a screamer from the edge of the area. Team: Robson, Stephenson, Graham, Collins, Smith, Hewitt, Fox, Rothery, S. Pears, Priestley, Palmer. Subs Fitchett, L. Pears
Brandon 0 Whitehaven 3
Whitehaven played there first game since the 12th December and produced an outstanding performance to claim a big 3 points. On a boggy pitch Whitehaven started the game brightly and looked to dominate proceedings from the first whistle and it took just 15 minutes to take the lead Connelly benefiting from a loose clearance from the home 'keeper and finishing well from a tight angle. Whitehaven's defence was on top form denying the Brandon attackers any space and Mally Holliday just in front was breaking everything up when Brandon tried to play through. On 37 minutes Connelly made it 2-0 with a carbon copy of the first goal and on 40 minutes he had a good shot saved but managed to score the rebound to make the half time score 3-0. The second half was much the same as the first with Whitehaven restricting Brandon space and chances and although we didnt add to our tally it was a very satisfying performance.
