Whitby’s brand new side made a sensational start to the new NPL Premier season.
Only two league matches ago, at the same venue, Leek had beaten Lee Bullock’s men 3-2 leaving them on the verge of relegation and requiring a last gasp escape in a 0-0 draw with Cleethorpes.
Meeting again so soon, the Blues fell behind in a quiet first half, inside 12 minutes, however they showed signs of what to come late in the opening period. A misplaced back pass was almost seized upon by Cal Hickman. Whitby then dominated up until half-time and deservedly led moments after the break.
It was the side’s attacking trio from Boro Rangers who combined with Ben Turner feeding Hickman who crossed for skipper Stuart Rose to slam home at the back post.
Hickman then turned the match on its head midway through the second half, leaving his marker trailing and finishing well for 2-1 Whitby.
Just seconds later, Turner almost lobbed a third from his own half. Veteran keeper Jack Norton made two superb saves, including a crucial 95th minute stop. The equally-impressive centre-half Charlie Stirland then blocked brilliantly.
It was a crucial three points for the Blues on the road to kick off the new NPL Premier season.
Hickman told The Anchor: “Buzzing, first half, I think we started very slow it was like we didn’t know each other. First 30 minutes, we were very stand-off-ish.
“Last 15 minutes of the first half, I think we had a few good chances and we should’ve scored, me included, it was poor.
“Then, second half, we had four or five chances, just couldn’t put it in. Then we just battled, we won most second balls, they didn’t have a sniff, they were just kicking it long.
“Got a goal and an assist, second half, so it feels good. First game of the season – massive to get the three points.”
Newly named team captain, Stuart Rose added: “Amazing, good to win. The character and the resilience we showed when we were 1-0 down just shows the kind of group we are and what we’re like.
“Obviously to score my first goal for Whitby Town, I’m absolutely buzzing.
“But it’s all about the three points. To come away from home, on the first day of the season, to get a 2-1 is amazing. Credit goes to all the lads and to Denny (Ingram, assistant manager) and the gaffer (Lee Bullock) for what they’ve put on pre-season.”
