Guisborough Town 2-0 Whitley Bay

Match Report

Guisborough Town made it four successive winswith a thoroughly deserved and convincing 2-0 win over high-flying Whitley Bay at the KGV Stadium on Saturday.

It was also a third win on the trot for Guisborough’s Assistant Manager Paul Crager, in the final game of deputising for his banned Manager Steve Bell who is now available to resume his No 1 role.

Both Guisborough’s goals came in the first half with the impressive Kurt Howes scoring the first in the 26th minute while ten minutes later an own goal by Whitley’s Scott Lowery, deflecting a Howes cross into his own net.

After seeing his side overcome Bay with relative ease, Crager commented:  “I thought this was a fantastic performance by the lads today.

‘CONTROLLED THE GAME’

“It was a totally deserved victory as we controlled the game throughout.  If I am being picky the only issue I have is that I’d like to see us being more ruthless.

“As I said at the Whickham game, I knew we would need the entire squad to get us through this latest game and the lads who came on for us against Whitley Bay did a great job for us.

“So it’s now back over to Steve – I’ve done my job in his absence and now I can retire ha ha!” joked Paul. “But on a serious note this excellent run of wins sets us up for the big Vase game at Emley next Saturday, 21 October,” added Paul.

Overall, Guisborough controlled the game for prolonged periods and although they went in at half-time two goals to the good, a 3-0 scoreline would have been a fairer reflection of play and the Priorymen’s superiority.

The Bay gave it a go for the first 15 minutes after half-time but never seriously threatened Guisborough.  

With a strong starting line-up and a talented bench, Guisborough looked solid right through the team and particularly at the back.

Kurt Howes put in a Man of the Match performance – not just for his goal but for his all-round non-stop movement throughout the game, proving a nightmare at times for defenders and his speed and determination.

As a result of this latest victory – watched by another excellent KGV crowd of 365 – Guisborough climbed to seventh in the table, their highest position so far this season.

Report: Bill Perfitt
Photos: Dan Clark