A great day for football saw the last game in the group stages of the Andy Walker Trophy as All Saints Kings Academy met Whitley Bay. Kings had already qualified, but Whitley Bay had to win to keep their hopes alive. The first chance of the game came after 15 minutes when Andy Bensley pulled off a glorious save to his left to tip a 20 yard drive wide of his left hand post. Kings had much of the possession and several chances but couldn’t make them count, as both Stephen Farish and Jamie Dunn spurned headers from corners. Dunn had the best chance of the game after 25 minutes when he had a shot blocked on the line from 5 yards out, Graham Walters was unable to follow up as he fired wide. Dunn, who held up the ball well throughout then scored one of the goals of the season thus far; receiving the ball 30 yards out and striking the ball into the top left hand corner.
Half Time: Whitley Bay 0 v 1 All Saints
The second half was a similar affair, with Whitley Bay offering little in attack and Kings spurning several good chances. Dunn Again shooting straight at the keeper from 3 yards out when it seemed easier to score. Glen Hutchinson was millimetres away from converting Walters’ powerful cross but Kings just couldn’t seem to put the ball into the back of the net to kill off the game, with a frustrated Aaron Bennett having a goal ruled out for pushing. Kings were so nearly made to pay as Whitley Bay hit on the break, the big striker shooting wide on a one on one situation after Bensley had made himself as big as possible; which seemed to put the striker off. Kings held on to win in less than convincing style to record wins in all 3 of their group matches and advance to the second round.
Man of the match: Jamie Dunn
Goalscorers: Jamie Dunn