The good news train continues to make its way through the ESFA Cup stations. William Howard have just overwhelmed a decent Whitley Bay High School team and ran away with a 4-1 victory.
Here is Mr Davies’ match report…
To be honest the game is a blur. The lads were terrific from start to finish and continued to show the hard work, endeavour and teamwork which separates them from any other team I have had the pleasure of coaching at WHS.
This one is short. Oliver Martindale got our first goal after 15 minutes when a great ball into the box found him at the back post and he bundled it over the line. 1-0.
Ben Morton gave the WBHS fullback the run around throughout the game but was rewarded for his early attacking threat after 20 minutes when he scored from 10 yards after some nice football. 2-0.
William Howard continued to use the advantage of the conditions in the first half when a long ball was played through by Tom Bolger, Oliver Martindale used his pace to latch on the end of the pass and roll the ball under the rushing keeper from 20 yards. 3-0 at half time.
The second half had us against the wind and the horizontal rain. The boys dug in deep and defended well against the WBHS tactics of hit it long to the big lads and use the wind. 20 minutes in to the second half they got their reward, after battling the elements, WHS broke on the counterattack. The ball was played down the left by Theo Taylor and the ball found itself being cleared by the defender. Olly Martindale latched on to the loose ball, took a touch and let fly from 25 yards. This had the keeper scrambling and he could only watch the ball go over his head and into the net. 4-0.
WBHS scored 10 minutes from time and continued to cause a threat. Thankfully, 4-1 was the final score and the lads are now in the draw for the final 16 in the country. A huge achievement and we await the draw in the new year.
