WBFC Pre 2020 Archives

1969 Whitley Bay V Slough Town

01/02/1969: WHITLEY BAY  3  SLOUGH TOWN 2

FA Amateur Cup 2nd Round

The southern favourites for the Amateur Cup came to Hillheads on a cold February day. The Bay launched into an early attack and a dangerous cross from Gatens caused panic, Wright forced a corner. Play then swiftly turned to the other end and Chater kicked off the line with the keeper beaten.

Slough began to find their feet on the hard pitch and looked dangerous. It was against the run of play when O’Hara and Wright combined in a great series of short passes, the ball eventually reaching Sloan who shot from the edge of the penalty area past Reynolds.

After thirty minutes Sleap took a free kick just inside the Bay’s half, and Cooley nodded it down to Connell to score.

Slough began to take command in mid-field and it was no surprise when they took the lead. Again it was a long free kick from Sleap to Connell who headed home.

After the change-over Whitley threw everything into attack, following Bobby Owen’s instructions. After twenty minutes Wright picked up a through ball and dashed into the penalty area. There he hung on to it, waiting for support. Sleap dashed in and pulled him down, and the referee blew for a penalty.

O’Hara calmly stroked the ball into the net. 2-2. Whitley now sensed victory, and flung everything into attack, with half-backs Walton and Ramshaw carrying the ball forward, Knox and Chater attacking down the wings, and Smith cutting out every ball down the middle.

Gatens, Beynon and Sloan were also working hard, with O’Hara and Wright a continual headache to the defence. It was this combination that turned the tide.

O’Hara collected the ball near the touch-line on the right and crossed to the penalty area where Wright, judging the ball beautifully, headed it home.

COMMENT: “Slough Town let the Bay off the hook.” – Slough and Eton Times.

Whitley Bay: Goundry, Chater, Knox, Walton, Smith, Ramshaw, O’Hara, Beynon, Wright, Sloan, Gatens. Sub. : Storey.

Slough Town: Reynolds, M. Bell, Gamblin, Hatt, Delaney, Sleap, Connell, Hartridge, Cooley, logo1Kent, Gaynor. Sub. : D. Bell.