Match Did not go well for depleted Bay as they lose on road again

A THIN travelling squad of players succumbed to inevitable defeat against Didsbury HC as Whitley Bay and Tynemouth Hockey Club’s men failed to pick up points on the road again - ending up 6-3 losers.

A Phil Ithurralde goal at the end of the first half gave them a lifeline to hold on to.

However, they then conceded three goals - one of which was an own goal.

Bay struggled to gain any sort of a grip on the first half and there was little rhythm to their play.

Every time they gained momentum it was lost by a sloppy pass or a poor piece of control.

Matters were made worse when captain Jervis Fleming limped off on 20 minutes after being struck late after winning the ball.

If Bay thought they had created any momentum going into the second half with that late goal it was blown away within the opening minutes of the restart.

Andrew Jackson passed to Didsbury’s forward line inside his own D and they played a 1-2 round Jordan Thompson in goal.

Only five minutes later calamity struck again when Thompson could not clear the ball and it trickled across the goalmouth for an easy fifth goal for Didsbury.

Bay finally went on the offensive themselves and the pressure started to pay off.

One of numerous turnovers let Alex Lockey in and he did not waste the opportunity.

Again a high-pressure turnover led to the same outcome as Lockey’s shot crashed in off the post and Bay thought they might be back in the game at 5-3.

However, they could force another goal and in the dying seconds conceded a penalty corner and a sixth goal.

Bay host bottom team Bowdon HC on Saturday, a match they must now win or they will be drawn into the bottom-table fight.

■■BAY’s men’s second string drew 1-1 with Sunderland Broom and the thirds lost 5-2 to Norton Firsts.

■■THE senior ladies’ side was emphatic 5-0 winners over the University of Leeds.