“We’ve shown absolute character”

Whitley’s joint manager Derek Forrest was still getting over the excitement of the dramatic stoppage time winner at Bishop Auckland when he spoke after the game. “Let’s put everything into place first, there’s been Covid, the opening game (at Garforth) a fantastic win, then a little bit of isolation, no training, but we trusted these lads. And to win they way we won, with a man down and after we gave a penalty away, we’ve actually shown absolute character, great character! There were good performances around the pitch, we’ve got lads who look after themselves and I think that’s really important.

“It’s difficult to single anybody out really, they were all outstanding. I think it almost felt like we had more to come and in the last few minutes Tony and me said to them, ‘come on let’s win, let’s go for it.’  Then of course we lose a man and you think ‘now it’s going to be tough.’ Yet they still keep going do these lads, they win together, lose together, draw together. It’s a mentality that we do well.

“I’m absolutely delighted! Football can be cruel as we all know but tonight this was absolutely great. It was a good to see our fans back again; it was a good night for football and you know, sometimes you do get your reward for putting in the effort!

Matty Weirs, whose signing was only announced a few hours before kick off got the winning goal two minutes into stoppage time and Forrest was delighted with the Club’s latest acquisition. “We’ve brought in Matty and it was great for him to score tonight.” In terms of adding to the squad he commented, “Do you just wait and try all your squad? We’ve had a few changes obviously and we’ve struck while the iron’s hot. Yes, it’s all positive tonight!”