Source: Whitby Gazette
Published on Thursday 6 September 2012 07:10
WHITBY Town’s winless start to the season continued when they suffered a second close defeat to title contenders FC United of Manchester in just over a fortnight.
Having been applauded off the pitch in a 3-2 defeat in Lancashire last month, another tight game beckoned on Wednesday - but a single goal consigned Whitby to a sixth defeat in succession.
Despite the alarming start, chairman Graham Manser believes a swift change of fortune is just around the corner.
“If any more opposing chairmen congratulate the Blues on their performance and standard of football and state that they don’t know why we haven’t won a game, I will throw myself off the pier,” he said in his programme notes.
“With the exception of one, each game has been lost by a single goal and in the exception we lost by two goals in stoppage time.
“I am not too despondent, the team is playing well and I feel it is only a matter of time before the results are achieved.”
Despite the sides’ contrasting fortunes in the league so far, there was little to choose between them as chances were at a premium in a tight first half.
Whitby’s Graeme Armstrong had the first crack at goal after some neat build-up play but the big frontman dragged his shot wide.
FC United threatened in the air with impressive centre back Adam Jones thumping a header goalwards from a deep corner but not enough to trouble Liversedge.
FC United’s Mike Norton had an unexpected chance to open the scoring from the type of slip-up that boss Darren Williams is so keen to stamp out.
Keeper Liversedge was dispossessed on the edge of the box by Norton who slid the ball right across the face of goal from an acute angle.
Whitby might have edged in front just before half-time had Shane Henry’s shot well struck shot from skipper Mark Robinson’s cross not been blocked en route to the top of the net.
The Blues’ man of the match Tom Portas then went close after the restart with a lung-bursting run forward before unleashing a skimming past keeper James Spencer but a fraction wide of the far post.
However, the Bury-based visitors got that stroke of luck which has agonisingly eluded Whitby so far this season on 58 minutes. Norton’s header from a deep cross from the right was tipped on to the bar by Liversedge but Matthew Wolfenden was on hand to convert the rebound.
Whitby instantly set out to level the scores and it took an alert stop from Spencer when Henry played a neat one-two with Nathan Mulligan before cracking a decent hit towards goal.
In one of Whitby’s slickest moves of the game, the ball was played out wide to sub Jamie Clarke, in his first game back at the Turnbull since arriving back from Darlington 1883. The veteran striker drove a smart ball across goal and it missed Robinson’s outstretched foot by millimetres.
Defender Alex White, fresh from scoring against AFC Fylde on Saturday, then strode forward and tried his luck with a speculative rocket which kept on rising.
With the introduction of Clarke, Whitby looked more creative but late substitutions combined with United players dramatising injuries to run down the clock ensured the visitors left with the three points, while Darren Williams’ men are left to rue what might have been.
Whitby Town: Liversedge, James, Robinson (c), Burgess, White, Portas, Hassan (Snaith), Tait, Armstrong (Clarke), Mulligan, Henry. Attendance: 482.
Whitby Town 0 FC United of Manchester 1
Showing posts with label Whitby Gazette. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Whitby Gazette. Show all posts
Thursday, September 06, 2012
Wednesday, September 05, 2012
You are here Sport > Football Blues hoping for bumper gate - and first points
Source: Whitby Gazette
WHITBY Town are hoping for a bumper gate tonight (Wed)- and their first points of the season - when they take on high-fliers FC United of Manchester at the Turnbull Ground.
The Blues have endured a nightmare start, with five EvoStik League defeats out of five, but boss Darren Williams insists all their matches so far have been close and that Whitby have dominated much of these fixtures, without reward.
Whitby ran FC United close in a 3-2 reverse last month and were applauded off the pitch by the large crowd at Bury’s Gigg Lane - Williams sees no reason why that level of performance can’t be repeated.
He told the Whitby Gazette: “We are looking forward to tonight’s game.
“We know it will be a good footballing game, it will not be a scrappy game or a long ball situation.
“I’ve spoken to a few of FC United’s backroom staff who have said ‘we’ll see if we can come to your place and snatch your wallet again.’”
Although the Blues played well in August’s away match, Williams is aware that tonight could be a completely different scenario.
“We will have to work hard to get the spoils,” he stressed.
“Fingers crossed we will be able to get our first points on the board and give the lads a lift ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie.”
With the weather forecast looking good for today, it is hoped the fixture will attract a good crowd, with more than 600 turning up to see last season’s clash between the two.
“Hopefully, people can see how well we’ve played - it’s not a case of us getting trounced every week because we’re not good enough,” he added.
“We’ve just been creating our own problems and if we cut those out, we will be okay.”
Tonight’s game kicks off at 7.45pm.
* See Friday’s Whitby Gazette for report of Whitby v FC United game.
WHITBY Town are hoping for a bumper gate tonight (Wed)- and their first points of the season - when they take on high-fliers FC United of Manchester at the Turnbull Ground.
The Blues have endured a nightmare start, with five EvoStik League defeats out of five, but boss Darren Williams insists all their matches so far have been close and that Whitby have dominated much of these fixtures, without reward.
Whitby ran FC United close in a 3-2 reverse last month and were applauded off the pitch by the large crowd at Bury’s Gigg Lane - Williams sees no reason why that level of performance can’t be repeated.
He told the Whitby Gazette: “We are looking forward to tonight’s game.
“We know it will be a good footballing game, it will not be a scrappy game or a long ball situation.
“I’ve spoken to a few of FC United’s backroom staff who have said ‘we’ll see if we can come to your place and snatch your wallet again.’”
Although the Blues played well in August’s away match, Williams is aware that tonight could be a completely different scenario.
“We will have to work hard to get the spoils,” he stressed.
“Fingers crossed we will be able to get our first points on the board and give the lads a lift ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie.”
With the weather forecast looking good for today, it is hoped the fixture will attract a good crowd, with more than 600 turning up to see last season’s clash between the two.
“Hopefully, people can see how well we’ve played - it’s not a case of us getting trounced every week because we’re not good enough,” he added.
“We’ve just been creating our own problems and if we cut those out, we will be okay.”
Tonight’s game kicks off at 7.45pm.
* See Friday’s Whitby Gazette for report of Whitby v FC United game.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Four points for Blues against top five teams
Source: Whitby Gazette
WHITBY Town’s encouraging run of form continued as they took points from top five opposition for the second time in four days.
However, the battle to beat the drop took on a new twist as Buxton’s 3-1 win at Mickleover Sports put the Blues back in the relegation zone - not that this fazes player/boss Darren Williams.
Speaking to the Whitby Gazette this morning, ex-Sunderland star Williams said although falling back into the drop zone was unfortunate, he was not too concerned about it and added that other teams should be more concerned about his side’s timely run of good form.
Williams said in a conversation with FC United keeper James Spencer, the gloveman revealed he knew nothing about the second half save he made to deny Whitby’s Alex White what would have been the winning goal.
The warm spring sunshine attracted a good crowd of more than 600 for Wednesday night’s EvoStik League match against supporters’ team FC United, who are pushing hard for a promotion place via the play-offs.
In a carnival atmosphere at the Turnbull, the Blues made the better start with youngster Nathan Mulligan’s free-kick skimming the top of the defensive wall and just wide of the far post with five minutes gone. Williams then decided to have a pop with his 25-yard screamer not missing by much.
The Lancastrians took 17 minutes to register an effort on goal with Carlos Roca planting a soft free-kick straight into Blues’ keeper Nick Liversedge’s clutches.
But a minute later, the away side did threaten when, with no other options available to him, Matthew Wolfenden remained ice cool and cracked a vicious angled drive narrowly over.
In a spell in which FC United illustrated why they are towards the top end of the table, skipper Kyle Jacobs put in a cracking cross from the right and Mike Norton got to the ball before Liversedge but was unable to angle it goalwards.
At the other end, defender Kev Burgess forced a save from keeper James Spencer from a close range header and when the impressive Tom Portas’ dangerous low cross caused havoc in the United back four, Dave McTiernan’s well-hit shot was diverted over by Spencer.
At the break, Whitby knew they had a chance of taking maximum points from the visitors if they could contrive something special and the moment nearly arrived on 54 minutes. A cross from full back Ibby Hassan was only half-cleared and McTiernan’s thumping drive was superbly tipped over by Spencer.
A minute later, FC United went close as Stephen Johnson worked some space on the edge of the penalty area and his shot destined for the net took a deflection wide.
The Blues brought on the inventive Jimmy Beadle in a bid to win the game but it was former Stranraer defender, and Whitby’s man of the match, Alex White, who came closest to breaking the deadlock.
McTiernan’s first attempt hit the bar from a tight angle while Spencer recovered well to quickly block White’s follow-up.
With 10 minutes left, it looked as though FC United had stolen the points when the ball fell invitingly for Greg Stones who somehow blazed over with the goal at his mercy. It spoke volumes of Whitby’s organisation that FC United failed to really test Liversedge all evening.
Beadle wasn’t too far away with an acrobatic volley from captain Mark Robinson’s long throw late on but Whitby won’t be too dissatisfied with a point, following on from Saturday’s impressive win over title-chasing Northwich Victoria.
Whitby Town: Liversedge, Hassan, Robinson (c), Burgess, White, McTiernan, Portas, Williams (Lyth 88), Mulligan, Appleby (Beadle 71), Smith. Co-op man of the match: White. Attendance: 614.
Whitby Town 0 FC United of Manchester 0
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Blues ready to welcome large FC Utd crowd
| FC United of Manchester fans soak up the sunshine in glorious weather ahead of tonight’s money-spinning game at Whitby Town |
Source: Whitby Gazette
The supporters’ club routinely bring hundreds of fans to away games and Whitby will be hoping the sunshine will have attracted a large travelling contingent from over the Pennines for tonight’s EvoStik League game.
The Blues are on a rich vein of form with seven wins out of 11, having seen off second-placed Northwich on Saturday.
Tonight’s game kicks off at 7.45pm.
Match report and pictures in Friday’s Whitby Gazette
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Vics and FC United huge home games for Blues
Source: Whitby Gazette
WHITBY Town face a huge eight days in their battle to remain in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier, including back-to-back home games this week, writes Andrew Snaith.
Darren Williams’ men tackle FC United of Manchester on Wednesday, before travelling to leaders Chester three days later - but it’s second-placed Northwich Victoria at the Turnbull Ground this Saturday (24 Mar).
The Cheshire side, who are living a nomadic existence after being kicked out of their Football League-standard stadium, have just one league defeat in six, though that was a 4-1 drubbing at mid-table Kendal earlier this month.
Managed by ex-Port Vale schemer Martin Foyle, the Vics squeezed past basement club Burscough 2-1 on Tuesday.
The title-chasers, who trail Chester by five points, had to come from behind to edge their midweek outing.
However, the former Conference club have the best away record in the league, with just two losses and 39 points netted from 17 outings.
The Blues have never beaten them, with a 4-2 defeat in last season’s corresponding game at a fog-swept Upgang Lane and a 2-2 draw in the FA Trophy, followed by injury-time heartbreak in the replay.
Last November, in Williams’ fifth game in charge, Northwich won 2-0 at their former Victoria Stadium home, despite a spirited Town display.
The victory at Marine last weekend, against the division’s seventh-placed team, just four points from the play-offs, was both spirited and accomplished.
Whitby defender Alex White (23) agreed it was the Blues’ best showing of the season, describing it as: “An all round great performance that showed we can match higher teams in our league.”
He added: “We played as if it’s a home game, with confidence and that definitely puts teams off.”
Victory tomorrow would again give the Seasiders a chance to climb out of the four relegation positions.
Nearest club Frickley, just one point above the Blues, host strong-travellers Marine, while Mickleover, on the same tally, visit Burscough.
Chasetown, who Town can also overtake providing they lose and Whitby win, have a six-pointer at home to second-bottom Buxton.
West Midlands outfit Chase have beefed up their survival hopes by signing ex-Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie (34) this week, after his release from Blue Square Premier neighbours Kidderminster Harriers.
Meanwhile, White, a former Hartlepool United and Stranraer centre-half, also told the Whitby Gazette: “The results lately have proved how strong we are as a team and showed the strength in depth we’ve got.
“We’ve won five out of six away games and not many teams have done that, not even Northwich Victoria, so it shows how well we’re doing.
“We should be going in confident and we’re at home as well, that makes things better, with our fans behind us.”
The Blues then play host to one of the division’s best-supported sides in FC United of Manchester.
The Red Rebels currently sit sixth, but could be as high as third by the time they arrive at the Turnbull Ground, on Wednesday night.
It was estimated that the postponement of the original fixture against the Lancastrians, first set for the opening Saturday in February but ruined by a hard frost, could cost the Blues more than £6,000 in lost revenue.
However, a good turn-out, with player-boss Williams insisting that Town supporters can be the club’s “twelfth man” in the battle to stay up, should make a big dent in that figure.
United have played in front of four-figure crowds in their last six games, losing just once and defeating fourth-placed Hednesford Town on their travels, last week.
They’re another side that Whitby have yet to beat in seven attempts, though three of the last four clashes have ended all square.
FC eased past the Blues last September, in their first meeting this season. Watched by 1,408 people at Gigg Lane, Bury, they won 3-0 against the lacklustre visitors, then led by former chief Tommy Cassidy.
Whitby’s physio Kenny Bolton fully expects Williams to shrug off hamstring and ankle knocks ahead of a busy playing schedule, with defender Ibby Hassan also set to overcome a calf strain that forced him off last weekend.
Hassan and his team-mates will need to be wary of the Reds’ strike pairing of Matt Wolfenden and Mike Norton, with the duo grabbing 29 goals between them, so far in the current campaign.
Admission for both games is still just £8 for adults, £5 concessions and £2 for under 16s. Northwich is a 3pm kick-off on Saturday afternoon, while United’s visit is a 7.45pm start, with supporters advised to arrive early.
The Blues visit runaway leaders Chester, for the first ever time, a week on Saturday (31 Mar).
WHITBY Town face a huge eight days in their battle to remain in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier, including back-to-back home games this week, writes Andrew Snaith.
Darren Williams’ men tackle FC United of Manchester on Wednesday, before travelling to leaders Chester three days later - but it’s second-placed Northwich Victoria at the Turnbull Ground this Saturday (24 Mar).
The Cheshire side, who are living a nomadic existence after being kicked out of their Football League-standard stadium, have just one league defeat in six, though that was a 4-1 drubbing at mid-table Kendal earlier this month.
Managed by ex-Port Vale schemer Martin Foyle, the Vics squeezed past basement club Burscough 2-1 on Tuesday.
The title-chasers, who trail Chester by five points, had to come from behind to edge their midweek outing.
However, the former Conference club have the best away record in the league, with just two losses and 39 points netted from 17 outings.
The Blues have never beaten them, with a 4-2 defeat in last season’s corresponding game at a fog-swept Upgang Lane and a 2-2 draw in the FA Trophy, followed by injury-time heartbreak in the replay.
Last November, in Williams’ fifth game in charge, Northwich won 2-0 at their former Victoria Stadium home, despite a spirited Town display.
The victory at Marine last weekend, against the division’s seventh-placed team, just four points from the play-offs, was both spirited and accomplished.
Whitby defender Alex White (23) agreed it was the Blues’ best showing of the season, describing it as: “An all round great performance that showed we can match higher teams in our league.”
He added: “We played as if it’s a home game, with confidence and that definitely puts teams off.”
Victory tomorrow would again give the Seasiders a chance to climb out of the four relegation positions.
Nearest club Frickley, just one point above the Blues, host strong-travellers Marine, while Mickleover, on the same tally, visit Burscough.
Chasetown, who Town can also overtake providing they lose and Whitby win, have a six-pointer at home to second-bottom Buxton.
West Midlands outfit Chase have beefed up their survival hopes by signing ex-Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie (34) this week, after his release from Blue Square Premier neighbours Kidderminster Harriers.
Meanwhile, White, a former Hartlepool United and Stranraer centre-half, also told the Whitby Gazette: “The results lately have proved how strong we are as a team and showed the strength in depth we’ve got.
“We’ve won five out of six away games and not many teams have done that, not even Northwich Victoria, so it shows how well we’re doing.
“We should be going in confident and we’re at home as well, that makes things better, with our fans behind us.”
The Blues then play host to one of the division’s best-supported sides in FC United of Manchester.
The Red Rebels currently sit sixth, but could be as high as third by the time they arrive at the Turnbull Ground, on Wednesday night.
It was estimated that the postponement of the original fixture against the Lancastrians, first set for the opening Saturday in February but ruined by a hard frost, could cost the Blues more than £6,000 in lost revenue.
However, a good turn-out, with player-boss Williams insisting that Town supporters can be the club’s “twelfth man” in the battle to stay up, should make a big dent in that figure.
United have played in front of four-figure crowds in their last six games, losing just once and defeating fourth-placed Hednesford Town on their travels, last week.
They’re another side that Whitby have yet to beat in seven attempts, though three of the last four clashes have ended all square.
FC eased past the Blues last September, in their first meeting this season. Watched by 1,408 people at Gigg Lane, Bury, they won 3-0 against the lacklustre visitors, then led by former chief Tommy Cassidy.
Whitby’s physio Kenny Bolton fully expects Williams to shrug off hamstring and ankle knocks ahead of a busy playing schedule, with defender Ibby Hassan also set to overcome a calf strain that forced him off last weekend.
Hassan and his team-mates will need to be wary of the Reds’ strike pairing of Matt Wolfenden and Mike Norton, with the duo grabbing 29 goals between them, so far in the current campaign.
Admission for both games is still just £8 for adults, £5 concessions and £2 for under 16s. Northwich is a 3pm kick-off on Saturday afternoon, while United’s visit is a 7.45pm start, with supporters advised to arrive early.
The Blues visit runaway leaders Chester, for the first ever time, a week on Saturday (31 Mar).
Friday, February 17, 2012
Chairman speaks out on Whitby Town’s finances
Source: Whitby Gazette
WHITBY Town chairman Graham Manser has written an open letter to the people of the town to address speculation over the club’s long-term financial position.
The Blues lost between £6,000 and £7,000 after the big match at home to FC United of Manchester recently was frozen off, with the game now rearranged for a Wednesday, leading to a lower gate than would be expected on a weekend.
Despite branding the postponement “a disaster” in last Friday’s Gazette, Mr Manser is reassuring everyone connected with Whitby Town FC that the problem is temporary and is urging everyone to pull together to avoid relegation and stay in the EvoStik League’s top tier.
“Firstly can I set everybody’s minds at rest in that there is no long-term problem with the financial health of the club,” said Mr Manser.
“If we are relegated we will have to cut our cloth accordingly.
“Secondly - yes, there is a temporary cash flow problem following from the postponement of the FC United match which is being addressed.
“We will not know the eventual loss until FC return on Wednesday 28 March.
“Let us hope they are pressing for a play-off place as they will bring more supporters.
“If supporters would like to help financially why not join the weekly draw, it is only £1 per week – just contact me.
Mr Manser says he would like to thank everybody who has shown their “well-intentioned if somewhat misplaced” concern.
“We have always enjoyed a very good relationship with the league and you can see from our fixtures that all the long travels are either in autumn or spring.
“There have been suggestions that we should have played FC at home on 10 March but that is a League Cup weekend and FC already have a game.
“To be fair to the league they have given us Burscough away on that day which is very thoughtful.
“I am sure the manager would prefer to play FC at home midweek rather than Burscough away midweek.
“We cannot really expect the league to alter FC’s fixtures to suit a home game for this club.
“Obviously there would be a severe impact on other fixtures in the league and total disruption.
“It was just this club’s bad luck the bad weather struck and we will have to get on with it and solve the problem ourselves.
“I have always said that I am available to discuss anything with anybody at any time and before people jump on bandwagons, I suggest they telephone me to find the full facts.
“Let us put this behind us we need to all pull together to stay in this tremendous league.”
If you have any fund-raising ideas to help Whitby Town Football Club, call Mr Manser on (01947) 605921.
Published on Monday 13 February 2012 15:19
WHITBY Town chairman Graham Manser has written an open letter to the people of the town to address speculation over the club’s long-term financial position.
The Blues lost between £6,000 and £7,000 after the big match at home to FC United of Manchester recently was frozen off, with the game now rearranged for a Wednesday, leading to a lower gate than would be expected on a weekend.
Despite branding the postponement “a disaster” in last Friday’s Gazette, Mr Manser is reassuring everyone connected with Whitby Town FC that the problem is temporary and is urging everyone to pull together to avoid relegation and stay in the EvoStik League’s top tier.
“Firstly can I set everybody’s minds at rest in that there is no long-term problem with the financial health of the club,” said Mr Manser.
“If we are relegated we will have to cut our cloth accordingly.
“Secondly - yes, there is a temporary cash flow problem following from the postponement of the FC United match which is being addressed.
“We will not know the eventual loss until FC return on Wednesday 28 March.
“Let us hope they are pressing for a play-off place as they will bring more supporters.
“If supporters would like to help financially why not join the weekly draw, it is only £1 per week – just contact me.
Mr Manser says he would like to thank everybody who has shown their “well-intentioned if somewhat misplaced” concern.
“We have always enjoyed a very good relationship with the league and you can see from our fixtures that all the long travels are either in autumn or spring.
“There have been suggestions that we should have played FC at home on 10 March but that is a League Cup weekend and FC already have a game.
“To be fair to the league they have given us Burscough away on that day which is very thoughtful.
“I am sure the manager would prefer to play FC at home midweek rather than Burscough away midweek.
“We cannot really expect the league to alter FC’s fixtures to suit a home game for this club.
“Obviously there would be a severe impact on other fixtures in the league and total disruption.
“It was just this club’s bad luck the bad weather struck and we will have to get on with it and solve the problem ourselves.
“I have always said that I am available to discuss anything with anybody at any time and before people jump on bandwagons, I suggest they telephone me to find the full facts.
“Let us put this behind us we need to all pull together to stay in this tremendous league.”
If you have any fund-raising ideas to help Whitby Town Football Club, call Mr Manser on (01947) 605921.
Published on Monday 13 February 2012 15:19
Monday, February 06, 2012
Wintry woe wipes out Whitby’s sports fixtures
Source: Whitby Gazette
THE entire Whitby area’s sports fixtures were wiped out by wintry weather at the weekend.
Whitby Town’s money-spinning league match at home to well supported FC United of Manchester was postponed on Saturday morning due to a frozen pitch.
A gate of 1,000 was possible with FC United fans already in Whitby the previous night.
However, the game is now likely to be played midweek instead which will drastically affect the attendance and mean the club misses out a financial bonanza.
The entire Eskvale and Cleveland League and Teesside League programmes were wiped out, along with the Scarborough and District Saturday League. The rugby fixtures at The Showfield for Whitby Rugby Club 1sts and 2nds were also affected.
Junior fixtures yesterday also fell victim to the snow and ice.
Published on Monday 6 February 2012 14:51
THE entire Whitby area’s sports fixtures were wiped out by wintry weather at the weekend.
Whitby Town’s money-spinning league match at home to well supported FC United of Manchester was postponed on Saturday morning due to a frozen pitch.
A gate of 1,000 was possible with FC United fans already in Whitby the previous night.
However, the game is now likely to be played midweek instead which will drastically affect the attendance and mean the club misses out a financial bonanza.
The entire Eskvale and Cleveland League and Teesside League programmes were wiped out, along with the Scarborough and District Saturday League. The rugby fixtures at The Showfield for Whitby Rugby Club 1sts and 2nds were also affected.
Junior fixtures yesterday also fell victim to the snow and ice.
Published on Monday 6 February 2012 14:51
Monday, September 26, 2011
Blues boss looking forward to FC United clash
Source: Whitby Gazette
WHITBY Town manager Tommy Cassidy is looking forward to Wednesday night’s trip to FC United of Manchester and believes there’s more to come from on-loan striker Callum Hassan, writes Andrew Snaith.
The powerfully-built 6’3” 18-year-old played as a lone striker in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Matlock, making a memorable debut.
And Cassidy thinks the youngster from Hartlepool United will improve throughout his month with Town.
The Blues’ boss told the Whitby Gazette: “We’ve got to get to know him very well, at the moment, he’s still a stranger in the camp.
“I thought he did all right, he’s won his headers and probably on Wednesday night, we’ll see him play better.
“I think he will be successful here in the next four weeks.”
The former Northern Ireland star paid tribute to another midfielder, also on a temporary spell from Victoria Park, Lewis Hawkins.
Cassidy is hoping the teenager can recover after limping off with a knee injury at the weekend, adding:
“I thought he did very very well indeed, his passing was good and he ran at people.”
Approaching the first anniverary of his appointment, the Whitby manager thinks too many draws have cost his side so far:
“After 11 games and you’ve only lost four of them, you think you haven’t done badly, but there’s been six draws,” he said.
“So we’ve lost 12 points in those games, (on Saturday) I put someone on to try and win the game.
“But it’s a long season, we’ve got to try to build for the future and I think I am doing at the moment.”
Cassidy also revealed he’s received an offer from Northern Counties East side Barton Town Old Boys for striker Rob McDermid, who didn’t feature on Saturday.
The Ulsterman wants the frontman - a towering presence like Hassan - to stay with Whitby.
He admitted the summer capture from Kirkbymoorside needs football, but is still part of his plans at the Turnbull Ground.
Meanwhile Cassidy thinks the Blues have a real opportunity to end their six-match winless run against United on Wednesday.
Cassidy enthused: “I’m really looking forward to getting down there, I think the pitch will suit us as we try to play a bit of football now.
“Maybe a year ago or last season, I’d have thought it would be very difficult.
“But I still think we’ve got a great chance of winning the game.”
The Lancashire side, formed by Manchester United supporters in 2005, play at Bury’s Gigg Lane and currently lie ninth in the Evo Stik Premier.
Kick-off is 7.45pm, with admission set at £8 adults, £5 over 60s and £2 under 18s.
The Blues entertain North Ferriby United on Saturday in the FA Cup second qualifying round, with £4,500 prize money at stake.
Blues boss looking forward to FC United clash
Published on Monday 26 September 2011 09:14
WHITBY Town manager Tommy Cassidy is looking forward to Wednesday night’s trip to FC United of Manchester and believes there’s more to come from on-loan striker Callum Hassan, writes Andrew Snaith.
The powerfully-built 6’3” 18-year-old played as a lone striker in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Matlock, making a memorable debut.
And Cassidy thinks the youngster from Hartlepool United will improve throughout his month with Town.
The Blues’ boss told the Whitby Gazette: “We’ve got to get to know him very well, at the moment, he’s still a stranger in the camp.
“I thought he did all right, he’s won his headers and probably on Wednesday night, we’ll see him play better.
“I think he will be successful here in the next four weeks.”
The former Northern Ireland star paid tribute to another midfielder, also on a temporary spell from Victoria Park, Lewis Hawkins.
Cassidy is hoping the teenager can recover after limping off with a knee injury at the weekend, adding:
“I thought he did very very well indeed, his passing was good and he ran at people.”
Approaching the first anniverary of his appointment, the Whitby manager thinks too many draws have cost his side so far:
“After 11 games and you’ve only lost four of them, you think you haven’t done badly, but there’s been six draws,” he said.
“So we’ve lost 12 points in those games, (on Saturday) I put someone on to try and win the game.
“But it’s a long season, we’ve got to try to build for the future and I think I am doing at the moment.”
Cassidy also revealed he’s received an offer from Northern Counties East side Barton Town Old Boys for striker Rob McDermid, who didn’t feature on Saturday.
The Ulsterman wants the frontman - a towering presence like Hassan - to stay with Whitby.
He admitted the summer capture from Kirkbymoorside needs football, but is still part of his plans at the Turnbull Ground.
Meanwhile Cassidy thinks the Blues have a real opportunity to end their six-match winless run against United on Wednesday.
Cassidy enthused: “I’m really looking forward to getting down there, I think the pitch will suit us as we try to play a bit of football now.
“Maybe a year ago or last season, I’d have thought it would be very difficult.
“But I still think we’ve got a great chance of winning the game.”
The Lancashire side, formed by Manchester United supporters in 2005, play at Bury’s Gigg Lane and currently lie ninth in the Evo Stik Premier.
Kick-off is 7.45pm, with admission set at £8 adults, £5 over 60s and £2 under 18s.
The Blues entertain North Ferriby United on Saturday in the FA Cup second qualifying round, with £4,500 prize money at stake.
Blues boss looking forward to FC United clash
Published on Monday 26 September 2011 09:14
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Five hundred expected at Whitby for FC United clash
Source: Whitby Gazette
WHITBY Town welcome FC United of Manchester and an estimated 400-500 travelling supporters to the Turnbull Ground on Wednesday (23 Mar) night.
The Seasiders will be hoping to follow up Saturday’s draw at Chasetown with points against another play-off chasing side.
Tommy Cassidy’s men will also have revenge in mind after a 4-0 defeat to the Red Rebels at Bury FC’s Gigg Lane last month.
The Blues’ manager told the Whitby Gazette: “I don’t think I’m being overly optimistic when I say we can win that game.”
Skipper Tony Hackworth, who returned for the 2-1 win against Hucknall last week, was stretchered off in the first game at United and Cassidy paid tribute to his captain’s display on Saturday.
“The two lads up front did brilliantly. Hacky made a difference and Jimmy [Beadle] worked his socks off.”
However, it was defender Kev Burgess who found the net with an acrobatic bicycle kick.
Cassidy joked: “I think he tried to clear it.
“But no, Kevin had a good game all round, he probably got man of the match.”
The Blues will again be without striker Andy Campbell, but the ex-Middlesbrough marksman may be back for this weekend’s trip to Matlock Town, after picking up a groin strain, two weeks ago.
Seventh-placed United are 11 games unbeaten and famously defeated League One Rochdale 3-2 in the FA Cup first round, before losing out to the division’s leaders Brighton, after a replay.
Sixteen-goal top scorer Mike Norton, their hero at Spotland, netted two more at fellow high-fliers Buxton on Saturday in a 2-2 draw, including a last-minute leveller.
Victory on Wednesday could see them leapfrog the Bucks into fourth spot while a Whitby win also sets up a three place jump to 14th.
The Seasiders have never beaten the Lancashire club, who were set up in 2005 by Manchester United supporters angered by the Glazer takeover and the increasing influence of Sky Television.
Kick-off at the Turnbull Ground is 7.45pm with admission £7.50 adults, £4.50 concessions and £2 under 18s.
Supporters are advised to arrive early on Wednesday as United often travel in number - they had a higher average than landlords Bury in their first season at Gigg Lane and brought 800 fans to Whitby in 2008.
The Blues’ game at Matlock Town on Saturday is a 1pm kick-off as England play Wales at 3pm.
WHITBY Town welcome FC United of Manchester and an estimated 400-500 travelling supporters to the Turnbull Ground on Wednesday (23 Mar) night.
The Seasiders will be hoping to follow up Saturday’s draw at Chasetown with points against another play-off chasing side.
Tommy Cassidy’s men will also have revenge in mind after a 4-0 defeat to the Red Rebels at Bury FC’s Gigg Lane last month.
The Blues’ manager told the Whitby Gazette: “I don’t think I’m being overly optimistic when I say we can win that game.”
Skipper Tony Hackworth, who returned for the 2-1 win against Hucknall last week, was stretchered off in the first game at United and Cassidy paid tribute to his captain’s display on Saturday.
“The two lads up front did brilliantly. Hacky made a difference and Jimmy [Beadle] worked his socks off.”
However, it was defender Kev Burgess who found the net with an acrobatic bicycle kick.
Cassidy joked: “I think he tried to clear it.
“But no, Kevin had a good game all round, he probably got man of the match.”
The Blues will again be without striker Andy Campbell, but the ex-Middlesbrough marksman may be back for this weekend’s trip to Matlock Town, after picking up a groin strain, two weeks ago.
Seventh-placed United are 11 games unbeaten and famously defeated League One Rochdale 3-2 in the FA Cup first round, before losing out to the division’s leaders Brighton, after a replay.
Sixteen-goal top scorer Mike Norton, their hero at Spotland, netted two more at fellow high-fliers Buxton on Saturday in a 2-2 draw, including a last-minute leveller.
Victory on Wednesday could see them leapfrog the Bucks into fourth spot while a Whitby win also sets up a three place jump to 14th.
The Seasiders have never beaten the Lancashire club, who were set up in 2005 by Manchester United supporters angered by the Glazer takeover and the increasing influence of Sky Television.
Kick-off at the Turnbull Ground is 7.45pm with admission £7.50 adults, £4.50 concessions and £2 under 18s.
Supporters are advised to arrive early on Wednesday as United often travel in number - they had a higher average than landlords Bury in their first season at Gigg Lane and brought 800 fans to Whitby in 2008.
The Blues’ game at Matlock Town on Saturday is a 1pm kick-off as England play Wales at 3pm.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Cassidy concedes tactics wrong in FC United loss
Source: Whitby Gazette
WHITBY Town manager Tommy Cassidy admitted he got his tactics wrong at FC United last weekend as his side prepare to battle relegation rivals Mickleover Sports on Saturday (19 Feb).
Only one point and a single place separate the two teams on either side of the relegation line, with last season’s First Division South champions leading the way.
Dick Pratley’s men enjoyed a vital win at Ashton United last weekend, while Town delivered a poor performance at Bury’s Gigg Lane, to slump 4-0 against FC United of Manchester.
Cassidy said United looked very good but admitted he played it too defensively, telling his side to sit back and hit on the break after watching FC draw 0-0 at Frickley in midweek.
He told the Whitby Gazette: “I will take my big share of the blame as I set up a bit of a shape that didn’t work out.”
Cassidy confirmed winger Dave McTiernan was sacrificed just before half-time for striker Ash Davis in a purely tactical move and that, given a second chance, he would have begun the game with two strikers instead.
The former Workington manager has brought in Alex White on loan from his old club for a month, but there’ll be no return for another left-footed defender as Mark Robinson has joined Boston United, despite being close to a reunion at Town.
Cassidy said the Blues would miss previous loanee John McReady “desperately” - McReady, who this week went back to Blue Square Premier Darlington, made the bench for the Quakers’ evening trip to Cambridge United.
The Whitby boss was disappointed with all aspects of last Saturday’s defeat, adding: “I was wrong and some of the players didn’t play well and we paid the price.
“They were never under any pressure, especially in the first half.”
Third-bottom Frickley Athletic won at second-bottom neighbours Ossett Town on Tuesday to go level with the Seasiders on goal difference.
However, three points for Whitby on their first-ever visit to the Mickleover Sports Ground could move them four places higher, with Cassidy adding: “In this league, teams beat each other.
“We can’t afford to lose on Saturday.”
The Blues have won just once in their last seven outings, but defeated the Derbyshire outfit on the opening day of the season, 3-2.
Andy Campbell, Jimmy Beadle and Jamie Owens were on target for Town, back in August.
Club physiotherapist Kenny Bolton said skipper Tony Hackworth, who was stretchered off on Saturday, should be out for two weeks with ligament damage.
It was first feared the ankle was broken, which would have ended the midfielder’s season.
Town should otherwise be unchanged for the game which kicks off at the usual 3pm tomorrow, with a supporters’ coach leaving the Turnbull Ground at 9.30am.
Tickets are just £10 each.
The Blues travel to fifth-placed North Ferriby United this Tuesday (22 Feb).
Published on Thu Feb 17 08:19:11 GMT 2011
WHITBY Town manager Tommy Cassidy admitted he got his tactics wrong at FC United last weekend as his side prepare to battle relegation rivals Mickleover Sports on Saturday (19 Feb).
Only one point and a single place separate the two teams on either side of the relegation line, with last season’s First Division South champions leading the way.
Dick Pratley’s men enjoyed a vital win at Ashton United last weekend, while Town delivered a poor performance at Bury’s Gigg Lane, to slump 4-0 against FC United of Manchester.
Cassidy said United looked very good but admitted he played it too defensively, telling his side to sit back and hit on the break after watching FC draw 0-0 at Frickley in midweek.
He told the Whitby Gazette: “I will take my big share of the blame as I set up a bit of a shape that didn’t work out.”
Cassidy confirmed winger Dave McTiernan was sacrificed just before half-time for striker Ash Davis in a purely tactical move and that, given a second chance, he would have begun the game with two strikers instead.
The former Workington manager has brought in Alex White on loan from his old club for a month, but there’ll be no return for another left-footed defender as Mark Robinson has joined Boston United, despite being close to a reunion at Town.
Cassidy said the Blues would miss previous loanee John McReady “desperately” - McReady, who this week went back to Blue Square Premier Darlington, made the bench for the Quakers’ evening trip to Cambridge United.
The Whitby boss was disappointed with all aspects of last Saturday’s defeat, adding: “I was wrong and some of the players didn’t play well and we paid the price.
“They were never under any pressure, especially in the first half.”
Third-bottom Frickley Athletic won at second-bottom neighbours Ossett Town on Tuesday to go level with the Seasiders on goal difference.
However, three points for Whitby on their first-ever visit to the Mickleover Sports Ground could move them four places higher, with Cassidy adding: “In this league, teams beat each other.
“We can’t afford to lose on Saturday.”
The Blues have won just once in their last seven outings, but defeated the Derbyshire outfit on the opening day of the season, 3-2.
Andy Campbell, Jimmy Beadle and Jamie Owens were on target for Town, back in August.
Club physiotherapist Kenny Bolton said skipper Tony Hackworth, who was stretchered off on Saturday, should be out for two weeks with ligament damage.
It was first feared the ankle was broken, which would have ended the midfielder’s season.
Town should otherwise be unchanged for the game which kicks off at the usual 3pm tomorrow, with a supporters’ coach leaving the Turnbull Ground at 9.30am.
Tickets are just £10 each.
The Blues travel to fifth-placed North Ferriby United this Tuesday (22 Feb).
Published on Thu Feb 17 08:19:11 GMT 2011
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Blues bid to continue their November reign
Source: Whitby Gazette
Published Date: 03 December 2009
By Andrew Snaith
WHITBY Town hope to carry on their unbeaten form of November into Saturday's big home match against FC United, which could pull in a gate of 1,000.
Blues boss Harry Dunn is hoping to field an unchanged side, despite the weather putting a freeze on midweek training.
Published Date: 03 December 2009
By Andrew Snaith
WHITBY Town hope to carry on their unbeaten form of November into Saturday's big home match against FC United, which could pull in a gate of 1,000.
Blues boss Harry Dunn is hoping to field an unchanged side, despite the weather putting a freeze on midweek training.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Blues denied by 94th minute strike
Published Date: 10 September 2009
A LAST-gasp equaliser from FC United of Manchester denied a heroic Whitby Town side all three points on Wednesday night.
Blues boss Harry Dunn said despite a strong defensive performance, the draw seemed more like a defeat after FC United buried a 94th minute leveller.
"To be fair to them, they had an awful lot of pressure most of the second half, we defended manfully but couldn't defend the last corner, they scored, we kicked off again and the final whistle blew," said Dunn.
"We went 1-0 up through Jimmy Beadle and both Karl Charlton and Ryan Blott had chances but didn't put them away and a second would have finished the game.
"We were disappointed not to hang on."
In front a crowd of 1,716 at Bury's football league ground Gigg Lane, the Blues went in front on 66 minutes when Beadle's powerful drive was deflected past FC keeper Sam Ashton.
Town looked set to earn a precious away win but were undone when FC United substitute Jerome Wright let fly with a left-footed shot from the left wing that crept inside the near post.
Until then, Whitby were on course for their first win in three games, having defended brilliantly against an onslaught from the highly-rated home team.
Whitby could have even added a second with 20 minutes to go when Charlton broke free in the final third, but stroked a shot just wide of the post.
The referee added on five minutes after a Ben Deegan challenge on Town's Denny Ingram led to a 22-man confrontation in the middle of the park. United made full use of stoppage time, pressing the Whitby goal and finding the breakthrough with Wright's clever finish
FC United 1 Whitby Town 1
A LAST-gasp equaliser from FC United of Manchester denied a heroic Whitby Town side all three points on Wednesday night.
Blues boss Harry Dunn said despite a strong defensive performance, the draw seemed more like a defeat after FC United buried a 94th minute leveller.
"To be fair to them, they had an awful lot of pressure most of the second half, we defended manfully but couldn't defend the last corner, they scored, we kicked off again and the final whistle blew," said Dunn.
"We went 1-0 up through Jimmy Beadle and both Karl Charlton and Ryan Blott had chances but didn't put them away and a second would have finished the game.
"We were disappointed not to hang on."
In front a crowd of 1,716 at Bury's football league ground Gigg Lane, the Blues went in front on 66 minutes when Beadle's powerful drive was deflected past FC keeper Sam Ashton.
Town looked set to earn a precious away win but were undone when FC United substitute Jerome Wright let fly with a left-footed shot from the left wing that crept inside the near post.
Until then, Whitby were on course for their first win in three games, having defended brilliantly against an onslaught from the highly-rated home team.
Whitby could have even added a second with 20 minutes to go when Charlton broke free in the final third, but stroked a shot just wide of the post.
The referee added on five minutes after a Ben Deegan challenge on Town's Denny Ingram led to a 22-man confrontation in the middle of the park. United made full use of stoppage time, pressing the Whitby goal and finding the breakthrough with Wright's clever finish
FC United 1 Whitby Town 1
Monday, October 27, 2008
More than 1,000 pack in for Blues' clash
Published Date: 27 October 2008
By Andrew Snaith
STRONG winds meant the first-ever four-figure Unibond League crowd at the Turnbull Ground had to settle for a goal-less draw on Saturday.
An estimated 750 fans made the trip across the Pennines to back the Manchester United supporters' club, but their first visit to the town saw them greeted with freezing gales which battered the Yorkshire coast.
As a result, flowing football was at a premium but both sides, to their credit, worked patiently to keep the ball on the immaculate playing surface prepared by groundsman Eric Wilson.
Town were bidding to extend their unbeaten league run to nine matches, but the visitors themselves were in the midst of a decent run, with just one defeat in six matches.
Indeed, it was FC United who inflicted Whitby's last UniBond League defeat when the sides met at Bury's Gigg Lane in August.
The Seasiders were unchanged from the side which ended Guiseley's unbeaten league run in midweek, however it was United who threatened first when Danny Warrender's weak effort from distance was easily gathered by Nick Liversedge.
On 18 minutes, Simon Garner's left wing free-kick was directed wide by Danny Williams arriving late at the far post.
Whitby came close for the first time when in-form Jimmy Beadle nodded narrowly over the top from a good position after a series of deflections favoured the home side.
Just before the break, Beadle, who had four goals in five outings going into the match, tried a trademark drive from range which flew narrowly off target.
The Seasiders kept up the barrage with successive corners culminating in a United defender having to clear off his own goal-line.
The second half saw Whitby start as they'd ended the first with Michael Rae using his strength to hold off a defender as he battled into the area, but could only scuff a shot straight at United keeper Sam Ashton.
Ashton's opposite number was called into action on the hour mark. It took a great reaction save from Town keeper Liversedge to keep out Jerome Wright's goalbound volley.
The rebound was then deflected past the near post by covering Whitby defender Craig Bishop.
FC looked the more likely side to break the deadlock as the match wore on and came close on 75 minutes. It was Garner who came forward from his left-back position.
The Lancastrians' number three took on and beat three or more Whitby players before miscontrolling when through on goal and allowing Liversedge to claim.
Whitby's sole change came on 82 minutes when striker Tom Raw left to loud applause and was replaced by veteran forward Lee Nogan.
However, the action was all happening at the other end and United should really have won the game with just five minutes left.
Garner's pinpoint free-kick to the far post fell perfectly into the path of skipper Dave Chadwick, who somehow let the ball skim off the top of his head from point-blank range, when any kind of firm contact would have brought the winning goal.
As it was, Adam Carden's ambitious 25-yard effort gratefully caught by Liversedge two minutes from time was the last action of a decent game considering the overhead conditions.
Both sets of supporters were also deserving of credit for providing a superb atmosphere.
Many Blues followers were disappointed to see the ever-popular Danny Brunskill left on the subs' bench on his return alongside teenage winger Sam Garvie.
However, both should have the chance to cause their bosses a welcome selection headache ahead of Saturday's FA Trophy trip to Stocksbridge with a good display at Pickering Town tonight.
Whitby Town: Liversedge, Burgess, Bishop, Lyth, Forster, Beadle, Huggins, Hackworth, Raw (Nogan 82), Rae, Scott. Subs not used: Brunskill, Brumwell, Garvie, Campbell.
Attendance: 1,079
Match sponsor: Autocool Radiators. Matchball sponsor: Rainham Industrial Services Ltd.Whitby
Co-operative WTFC Man of the Match: Jimmy Beadle.
Result: Whitby Town 0 FC United of Manchester 0
By Andrew Snaith
STRONG winds meant the first-ever four-figure Unibond League crowd at the Turnbull Ground had to settle for a goal-less draw on Saturday.
An estimated 750 fans made the trip across the Pennines to back the Manchester United supporters' club, but their first visit to the town saw them greeted with freezing gales which battered the Yorkshire coast.
As a result, flowing football was at a premium but both sides, to their credit, worked patiently to keep the ball on the immaculate playing surface prepared by groundsman Eric Wilson.
Town were bidding to extend their unbeaten league run to nine matches, but the visitors themselves were in the midst of a decent run, with just one defeat in six matches.
Indeed, it was FC United who inflicted Whitby's last UniBond League defeat when the sides met at Bury's Gigg Lane in August.
The Seasiders were unchanged from the side which ended Guiseley's unbeaten league run in midweek, however it was United who threatened first when Danny Warrender's weak effort from distance was easily gathered by Nick Liversedge.
On 18 minutes, Simon Garner's left wing free-kick was directed wide by Danny Williams arriving late at the far post.
Whitby came close for the first time when in-form Jimmy Beadle nodded narrowly over the top from a good position after a series of deflections favoured the home side.
Just before the break, Beadle, who had four goals in five outings going into the match, tried a trademark drive from range which flew narrowly off target.
The Seasiders kept up the barrage with successive corners culminating in a United defender having to clear off his own goal-line.
The second half saw Whitby start as they'd ended the first with Michael Rae using his strength to hold off a defender as he battled into the area, but could only scuff a shot straight at United keeper Sam Ashton.
Ashton's opposite number was called into action on the hour mark. It took a great reaction save from Town keeper Liversedge to keep out Jerome Wright's goalbound volley.
The rebound was then deflected past the near post by covering Whitby defender Craig Bishop.
FC looked the more likely side to break the deadlock as the match wore on and came close on 75 minutes. It was Garner who came forward from his left-back position.
The Lancastrians' number three took on and beat three or more Whitby players before miscontrolling when through on goal and allowing Liversedge to claim.
Whitby's sole change came on 82 minutes when striker Tom Raw left to loud applause and was replaced by veteran forward Lee Nogan.
However, the action was all happening at the other end and United should really have won the game with just five minutes left.
Garner's pinpoint free-kick to the far post fell perfectly into the path of skipper Dave Chadwick, who somehow let the ball skim off the top of his head from point-blank range, when any kind of firm contact would have brought the winning goal.
As it was, Adam Carden's ambitious 25-yard effort gratefully caught by Liversedge two minutes from time was the last action of a decent game considering the overhead conditions.
Both sets of supporters were also deserving of credit for providing a superb atmosphere.
Many Blues followers were disappointed to see the ever-popular Danny Brunskill left on the subs' bench on his return alongside teenage winger Sam Garvie.
However, both should have the chance to cause their bosses a welcome selection headache ahead of Saturday's FA Trophy trip to Stocksbridge with a good display at Pickering Town tonight.
Whitby Town: Liversedge, Burgess, Bishop, Lyth, Forster, Beadle, Huggins, Hackworth, Raw (Nogan 82), Rae, Scott. Subs not used: Brunskill, Brumwell, Garvie, Campbell.
Attendance: 1,079
Match sponsor: Autocool Radiators. Matchball sponsor: Rainham Industrial Services Ltd.Whitby
Co-operative WTFC Man of the Match: Jimmy Beadle.
Result: Whitby Town 0 FC United of Manchester 0
Monday, September 01, 2008
FC United of Manchester beat the blues of Whitby
Published Date: 01 September 2008
By Andrew Snaith
WHITBY Town's slump continued after a fifth straight defeat, this time at the hands of new boys FC United on Saturday.
The result leaves the Blues struggling at the bottom of the table.
The club formed by Manchester United followers angered by the Glazer takeover three years ago were indebted to a farcical second goal which changed the game after Whitby had enjoyed the better of the early exchanges.
The Blues recalled ex-boss Lee Nogan to the side, with Kevin Burgess returning from injury and new signing Jimmy Beadle handed a debut.
Town began well in front of more than 2,000 supporters at League Two Bury's Gigg Lane, the current home ground of FC United.
However, a number of corners came to nothing, and from their first real attack, United found themselves ahead on 12 minutes. It was neat and well rehearsed as the men in red zipped the ball in quick triangles around Town's defence, but Mark Tinkler and Ashley Lyth were left flat-footed as Kyle Wilson nipped in to slot past keeper Ben Escritt from close range.
Alex Janes headed down accurately but too close to United keeper Sam Ashton from a right-wing free-kick after arriving at the far post – but continued pressure finally brought a Whitby equaliser just after the half hour.
Skipper Tony Hackworth raced onto a through ball and forced his way to the right edge of the United box where his early shot deflected off the boot of a covering defender, looped over Ashton and into the top-left corner of the net.
But just to typify the Blues' season so far, makeshift defender Tinkler pulled up with a leg injury four minutes later, and limped off, to be replaced by Richard Forster.
And Town were lucky not to go in at the break with a deficit when a minute before half-time, Wilson marginally beat the offside trap but fired straight at Escritt when one-on-one with the gloveman.
Whitby began the second half strongly and Hackworth again strode clear but saw his unconvincing angled drive charged down by a backtracking defender.
Burgess struck an optimistic 25-yard effort which Ashton caught comfortably and cleared to the other end where United almost re-took the lead. A corner was forced and the set piece was headed goalwards by Simon Carden, only for a blue head to divert it off his own goal-line.
The Lancastrians kept up the pressure but were handed an enormous slice of luck on 66 minutes.
Carlos Roca twisted and turned by the touchline on the right flank, 12 yards from goal. Shadowed by Alex Janes, the United sub slipped as he tried another stepover, but found the nearby linesman flagging for a free-kick, much to the disbelief of both sets of fans, plus Janes.
Roca then got up to curl the free-kick into the Town box where Carden's header was blocked on the line, only for Wilson to nod home from point blank range.
The former Skelmersdale man then hammered the final nail in the Town coffin just two minutes later.
This time there were no officials to blame as the Blues' defence parted like the Red Sea, leaving Wilson to complete his hat-trick.
Whitby should have pulled a goal back with nine minutes remaining.
A terrible error from United captain Dave Chadwick saw him gift the ball to Tom Raw inside the Reds' penalty area, but he hesitated and Chadwick got back to block.
More misfortune struck for the visitors seconds later when Ashley Lyth clashed heads with Carden, and collapsed to the ground unconscious. Luckily, nearby players reacted quickly to place the Whitby defender in the recovery position, but he was stretchered from the field still out cold, and with all three changes made, Town had to continue the match with only 10 men.
However, with Garvie tricking his way down the right flank frequently, the Blues had one more gilt-edged chance deep into injury time.
Again it fell to Raw as he collected Danny Brunskill's long ball over the top, but when one-on-one with the stranded Ashton on the edge of the area, the striker chipped straight into the United stopper's hands.
Whitby: Escritt, Burgess, Janes (Garvie 69), Lyth, Tinkler (Forster 35), Nogan (Brunskill 76), Huggins, Beadle, Raw, Hackworth, Charlton. Subs not used: Ledgeway, Brumwell. Attendance: 2,071
Result: FC United of Manchester 3 Whitby Town 1
By Andrew Snaith
WHITBY Town's slump continued after a fifth straight defeat, this time at the hands of new boys FC United on Saturday.
The result leaves the Blues struggling at the bottom of the table.
The club formed by Manchester United followers angered by the Glazer takeover three years ago were indebted to a farcical second goal which changed the game after Whitby had enjoyed the better of the early exchanges.
The Blues recalled ex-boss Lee Nogan to the side, with Kevin Burgess returning from injury and new signing Jimmy Beadle handed a debut.
Town began well in front of more than 2,000 supporters at League Two Bury's Gigg Lane, the current home ground of FC United.
However, a number of corners came to nothing, and from their first real attack, United found themselves ahead on 12 minutes. It was neat and well rehearsed as the men in red zipped the ball in quick triangles around Town's defence, but Mark Tinkler and Ashley Lyth were left flat-footed as Kyle Wilson nipped in to slot past keeper Ben Escritt from close range.
Alex Janes headed down accurately but too close to United keeper Sam Ashton from a right-wing free-kick after arriving at the far post – but continued pressure finally brought a Whitby equaliser just after the half hour.
Skipper Tony Hackworth raced onto a through ball and forced his way to the right edge of the United box where his early shot deflected off the boot of a covering defender, looped over Ashton and into the top-left corner of the net.
But just to typify the Blues' season so far, makeshift defender Tinkler pulled up with a leg injury four minutes later, and limped off, to be replaced by Richard Forster.
And Town were lucky not to go in at the break with a deficit when a minute before half-time, Wilson marginally beat the offside trap but fired straight at Escritt when one-on-one with the gloveman.
Whitby began the second half strongly and Hackworth again strode clear but saw his unconvincing angled drive charged down by a backtracking defender.
Burgess struck an optimistic 25-yard effort which Ashton caught comfortably and cleared to the other end where United almost re-took the lead. A corner was forced and the set piece was headed goalwards by Simon Carden, only for a blue head to divert it off his own goal-line.
The Lancastrians kept up the pressure but were handed an enormous slice of luck on 66 minutes.
Carlos Roca twisted and turned by the touchline on the right flank, 12 yards from goal. Shadowed by Alex Janes, the United sub slipped as he tried another stepover, but found the nearby linesman flagging for a free-kick, much to the disbelief of both sets of fans, plus Janes.
Roca then got up to curl the free-kick into the Town box where Carden's header was blocked on the line, only for Wilson to nod home from point blank range.
The former Skelmersdale man then hammered the final nail in the Town coffin just two minutes later.
This time there were no officials to blame as the Blues' defence parted like the Red Sea, leaving Wilson to complete his hat-trick.
Whitby should have pulled a goal back with nine minutes remaining.
A terrible error from United captain Dave Chadwick saw him gift the ball to Tom Raw inside the Reds' penalty area, but he hesitated and Chadwick got back to block.
More misfortune struck for the visitors seconds later when Ashley Lyth clashed heads with Carden, and collapsed to the ground unconscious. Luckily, nearby players reacted quickly to place the Whitby defender in the recovery position, but he was stretchered from the field still out cold, and with all three changes made, Town had to continue the match with only 10 men.
However, with Garvie tricking his way down the right flank frequently, the Blues had one more gilt-edged chance deep into injury time.
Again it fell to Raw as he collected Danny Brunskill's long ball over the top, but when one-on-one with the stranded Ashton on the edge of the area, the striker chipped straight into the United stopper's hands.
Whitby: Escritt, Burgess, Janes (Garvie 69), Lyth, Tinkler (Forster 35), Nogan (Brunskill 76), Huggins, Beadle, Raw, Hackworth, Charlton. Subs not used: Ledgeway, Brumwell. Attendance: 2,071
Result: FC United of Manchester 3 Whitby Town 1
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Not good enough!
Blues' boss orders big improvement
Published Date: 29 August 2008
By Duncan Atkins
WHITBY Town joint boss Phil Brumwell is calling for a big improvement following a wretched start to the season which sees his team pointless and virtually propping up the league.
The Blues have lost to Buxton, Frickley, Matlock and Kendal in a nightmare start to their UniBond Premier campaign and took five hours until they found the net, against Kendal on Monday.
But the good news is the Blues have finally landed midfielder Jimmy Beadle on loan from York City for an initial period of one month.
Beadle (20) goes straight into tomorrow's squad to play FC United of Manchester.
"Hopefully he will add a bit of steel," said Brumwell.
"We've been chasing him for a while and Graeme Clark has done a lot of work getting him in."
Brumwell is now hoping the Blues will improve their results and performances as they bid to zoom up the table.
"It's not good enough in the club's and the supporters' eyes," he said. "We've played four average sides – not outstanding sides – but they've worked hard, been organised and we're not dealing with route one balls over the top.
"We're getting punished due to individual errors and not defending properly as a team.
"The club expects more, we expect more and the lads were devastated after losing to Kendal."
The 3-2 home defeat to the Cumbrians leaves the Blues bottom but one of the premier division, with only Prescot Cables below them on goal difference.
A hat-trick of defensive blunders contributed to Whitby's downfall as they found themselves two down inside five minutes.
"At 2-0 down it's an uphill challenge. It was the same sort of goals, with a long ball over the top, which we haven't dealt with for the first four games," said Brumwell.
"In the second half I couldn't fault the lads, they were energetic and looked like they could create something."
Tomorrow, the Blues visit newcomers FC United of Manchester in a game which is expected to attract a large turnout.
"You can go to some terrible places in this league but going to Gigg Lane in front of a big crowd, personally I would see it as a morale booster," said Brumwell.
"We did that last season at AFC Telford and we rose to it.
"We will be playing in front of a big crowd at a league standard stadium and I hope some of the younger lads don't freeze.
"We will be fighting to go there for a win and then we've got Ossett Town at home on Wednesday so we need to start picking up points."
A supporters' bus for tomorrow's game leaves the club house at 10am but supporters must book.
Published Date: 29 August 2008
By Duncan Atkins
WHITBY Town joint boss Phil Brumwell is calling for a big improvement following a wretched start to the season which sees his team pointless and virtually propping up the league.
The Blues have lost to Buxton, Frickley, Matlock and Kendal in a nightmare start to their UniBond Premier campaign and took five hours until they found the net, against Kendal on Monday.
But the good news is the Blues have finally landed midfielder Jimmy Beadle on loan from York City for an initial period of one month.
Beadle (20) goes straight into tomorrow's squad to play FC United of Manchester.
"Hopefully he will add a bit of steel," said Brumwell.
"We've been chasing him for a while and Graeme Clark has done a lot of work getting him in."
Brumwell is now hoping the Blues will improve their results and performances as they bid to zoom up the table.
"It's not good enough in the club's and the supporters' eyes," he said. "We've played four average sides – not outstanding sides – but they've worked hard, been organised and we're not dealing with route one balls over the top.
"We're getting punished due to individual errors and not defending properly as a team.
"The club expects more, we expect more and the lads were devastated after losing to Kendal."
The 3-2 home defeat to the Cumbrians leaves the Blues bottom but one of the premier division, with only Prescot Cables below them on goal difference.
A hat-trick of defensive blunders contributed to Whitby's downfall as they found themselves two down inside five minutes.
"At 2-0 down it's an uphill challenge. It was the same sort of goals, with a long ball over the top, which we haven't dealt with for the first four games," said Brumwell.
"In the second half I couldn't fault the lads, they were energetic and looked like they could create something."
Tomorrow, the Blues visit newcomers FC United of Manchester in a game which is expected to attract a large turnout.
"You can go to some terrible places in this league but going to Gigg Lane in front of a big crowd, personally I would see it as a morale booster," said Brumwell.
"We did that last season at AFC Telford and we rose to it.
"We will be playing in front of a big crowd at a league standard stadium and I hope some of the younger lads don't freeze.
"We will be fighting to go there for a win and then we've got Ossett Town at home on Wednesday so we need to start picking up points."
A supporters' bus for tomorrow's game leaves the club house at 10am but supporters must book.
A 3,000 crowd to welcome Blues
Published Date: 29 August 2008
By Andrew Snaith
WHITBY Town face their first ever meeting with UniBond League Premier Division newcomers FC United of Manchester tomorrow, desperate to end an unprecedented start to the season of four defeats out of four.
FC United was formed by Manchester United supporters disappointed by the Glazer takeover in June 2005.
Since then, successive promotions have taken the club from the North West Counties League to the Unibond League Premier Division, after a comfortable 4-1 play-off final victory over Skelmersdale in front of 3,258 at Gigg Lane, Bury.
United have kept up the big crowds this season with 2,825 taking in Monday's 1-0 defeat to Boston. This exceeded the crowd at League Two landlords Bury's only home game so far by 146.
So far, FCUM have made an unremarkable start to their maiden top flight campaign, kicking off with a 3-3 draw with Matlock before a 2-0 defeat at fellow promoted side Cammell Laird, a sole win over Buxton on Saturday and Monday's defeat.
Kick-off at Gigg Lane is 3pm with admission set at £7.50 adults, concessions £5 and U18s £2.
Town fans are due to be segregated for the first time since the FA Cup defeat to Hartlepool in 2003, with away supporters confined to one quarter of the main stand.
Central defender Richard Forster and striker Danny Brunskill are likely to miss out with calf injuries.
Danny Farthing is still awaiting news of a knee scan so Mark Tinkler may fill the void at the centre of defence.
Midfielder Steve Huggins has a tight hamstring but should be okay while defender Kevin Burgess (ankle) and keeper Dave Campbell (hernia) are back in contention.
By Andrew Snaith
WHITBY Town face their first ever meeting with UniBond League Premier Division newcomers FC United of Manchester tomorrow, desperate to end an unprecedented start to the season of four defeats out of four.
FC United was formed by Manchester United supporters disappointed by the Glazer takeover in June 2005.
Since then, successive promotions have taken the club from the North West Counties League to the Unibond League Premier Division, after a comfortable 4-1 play-off final victory over Skelmersdale in front of 3,258 at Gigg Lane, Bury.
United have kept up the big crowds this season with 2,825 taking in Monday's 1-0 defeat to Boston. This exceeded the crowd at League Two landlords Bury's only home game so far by 146.
So far, FCUM have made an unremarkable start to their maiden top flight campaign, kicking off with a 3-3 draw with Matlock before a 2-0 defeat at fellow promoted side Cammell Laird, a sole win over Buxton on Saturday and Monday's defeat.
Kick-off at Gigg Lane is 3pm with admission set at £7.50 adults, concessions £5 and U18s £2.
Town fans are due to be segregated for the first time since the FA Cup defeat to Hartlepool in 2003, with away supporters confined to one quarter of the main stand.
Central defender Richard Forster and striker Danny Brunskill are likely to miss out with calf injuries.
Danny Farthing is still awaiting news of a knee scan so Mark Tinkler may fill the void at the centre of defence.
Midfielder Steve Huggins has a tight hamstring but should be okay while defender Kevin Burgess (ankle) and keeper Dave Campbell (hernia) are back in contention.
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