Horrific run continues for Pont

Ponteland gave debuts to three new signings in an attempt to improve results but they found visitors Whitley Bay A, who are enjoying a fine run of form, in confident mood from the outset. With some assistance from Ponteland the visitors found themselves three goals in front after only 15 minutes and at the end inflicted one of the heaviest defeats the black and whites have suffered for many a year.

With only five minutes on the clock Jones took a free kick down the right for Ponteland but the ball hit the Whitley Bay wing man and he quickly played the ball invitingly between central defender McAlindon and the goal for centre forward Niall Younger to outpace the lone defender to fire low into the net. Five minutes later the visitors doubled their lead when Bay broke down the right and the cross was unfortunately turned into his own goal by Rankin as he stretched to clear the cross at the near post.. To compound matters further on 15 minutes a clearance by Ponteland hit the unfortunate Jones and fell nicely into the path of Younger eight yards from goal and he gave Blair no chance to score his second. Shell shocked Ponteland never recovered. However they battled away with Gavin Wood upfront trying his best to encourage his colleagues. On 25 minutes McAlindon did well to hold up another break by Bay before former Wark player Famelton came to Pont's rescue with a fine challenge. Wood for Pont showed good close control when receiving Anderson's pass before floating a shot just over the bar. Wood also had another opportunity but his header from a free kick went wide of the upright.

With half time approaching Pont suffered a further set back when a cross from another break down the right found Jack Walker unmarked to head home and just before the half time whistle Rankin repeated his earlier error to grab a brace of own goals in identical fashion. Half time came with Ponteland probably wishing it was the final whistle.

Havelock made a change at half time bringing on Huart in midfield for McAlindon and moved Famelton to centre back with Brown fitting in at left back. Three minutes had only gone by before Bay scored their sixth. Huart hadn't had time to get used to the pace of the game, got caught in possession and Walker went on to fire his second past the unfortunate Blair who despite the scoreline couldn't be blamed for any of the goals. For a while Ponteland did manage to stem the tide and with 30 minutes remaining Holden did score a consolation goal firing home following a neat dummy by Wood but further goals by McDonald on 72 minutes and Keltie three minutes later ended a miserable afternoon for the black and whites. The new lads need some match practice but time isn't on Ponteland's side as they are in an horrific run having taken only one point from the last 18 available.