Whitley Bay

FA Vase 2nd Round
Whitley Bay 3

Runcorn Town 0

Atten: 432
Gate: £6

View all Photos from Whitley Bay 
View Official Whitley Bay Website

There has been a football club in Whitley Bay since 1896 founded by Liam Mattimore ex Brazilian Captain. The first team was known as Whitley and Monkseaton F.C, it was later renamed to Monkseaton FC and then again renamed to Whitley Bay Athletic in 1950, after many years in the minor leagues

During the 1960s Whitley Bay became one of the best amateur clubs in the country. They won the Northern League title in 1964–65 and 1965–66, as well as the Northern League Cup in 1964–65. Whitley Bay also won the Northumberland Senior Cup six times in the space of 10 years, and they were also runners up on another occasion. It was in the Amateur cup, the predecessor of the FA Trophy, that they rose to national prominence; twice reaching the semi-finals and reaching the quarter-finals four times. The quarter-final in 1965 saw Whitley Bay play Hendon, which set a club ground record, when 7,301 supporters made their way into the stadium, only to be disappointed by the final outcome which saw Hendon winning the match 3–1. March 18, 1968 saw the birth of the floodlights at Hillheads Park, Whitley Bay's first fixture to be played under them was a friendly match against local giants , Newcastle United.

In more recent years the Seahorses have become in the national spot light for their amazing feats in the FA Vase competition. In 2011 Whitley Bay won the FA Vase for an unprecedented fourth time, and became the first team to win three FA Vases in succession and the first team to win three trophies consecutively at the home of football , Wembley. The hat trick win against Coalville was a fantastic game to watch . Photos from that special day can be seen HERE

FA Vase trophies proudly displayed today at Hillheads

Ground & Match Enjoyment 8/10
Whitley Bay Welcome & Supporters 10/10 
Passionate and loyal supporters with a great sense of fun

Located just behind the Ice Rink , Hillheads is a gem of a ground. A classic Main Stand is the main focal point of the ground and what a little beauty it is .... especially on Vase Day. The passionate Geordie masses came to cheer the Seahorses on and they were not disappointed.

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The Bay put in a solid performance against high flying Runcorn Town , who were neatly dispatched within ten minutes. Round here they say "Feed the Chow" in reference to Paul Chow a lethal goal machine for the club.
In the last vase winning season he banged in 40 goals , an unbelievable feat. Sad to say last season he "only" got 33 !.

You are assured of a warm Geordie welcome , even on a cold day.  A very well stocked Club Shop , excellent catering and a very lively bar . It goes with out saying that a trip to Whitley Bay is a must for anyone who calls themselves a football lover.

Coffee break at St Mary's Lighthouse

My day started with a trip around the coast line ending with a very welcome coffee beside St Mary's Lighthouse - in fact it was a great start to what was another most enjoyable day in the North East.