Whitley Bay & Tynemouth Hockey Club

The midfield, well supported by fullbacks Craig Duffy on the right and Dan Coleman on the left, produced a series of attacks which put the experienced Gateshead defence to the test. Despite the pressure, goal-scoring opportunities were not forthcoming and neither shots on goal nor penalty corners resulted. Gateshead were limited to breaks out of defence and it was one of these which led to the award of a penalty corner. This was converted to give Gateshead a 1-0 lead, much against the run of play. The nightmares returned for WBTHC and this was reflected in their play. They resorted to headless chicken mode and looked like handing the game to the opposition. Confidence and competence evaporated and Gateshead finished the half the stronger side.

Strong words at half-time and some tactical changes were hopefully going to change WBTHC's fortunes. An improvement was almost immediate when they were awarded a penalty corner which was clinically dispatched by Ean MacKellar to level the scores. This proved to be the turning point in the game. Confidence was restored and WBTHC played to their potential. Waves of attack resulted in a fine goal by the ever reliable Tom Fuller. Combination play by Craig Duffy and Abel Petho on the right and Dan Coleman and Stephen Worth on the left constantly threatened the Gateshead goal. With only a minute left on the clock, Stephen Worth scored what must be an early contender for goal of the season. After receiving the ball at the top of the D, he produced a reverse stick shot which almost burst the roof of the net to give WBTHC 3s a 3-1 victory.

WBTHC 3 (3-1) Gateshead 4