Saturday the Ducks took on Whitby Town here at Sheerien Park. Despite some long range efforts from Spencer Harris and the visitor’s penalty appeal, neither side could find the back of the net.

One of the key talking points was a double first half penalty appeal from Whitby following a free kick into the box. One appeal was for an alleged elbow by Kelvin Lugsden on their striker Matty Tymon, while a second was waved away for handball.

It truly was a tale where both defences swallowed up every attack and limited efforts on goal. Ed Wilczynski and his counterpart Ryan Whitley had to make just two saves each. Debutante Jake Picton showed the experience required for his new team with a solid performance at the back.

Plenty of shots missed their target, including an acrobatic volley by Chib Chilaka, before new captain, Harris, finally forced a save from Whitley. The long range effort from the midfielder on 39 minutes was the best of the first half action.

The pace picked up in the second half with a change in formation which saw Alex Bryne playing more centrally. Again shots were peppered wide, but not even regular super-sub Damian Reeves could impact on the score line following his introduction 15 minutes from time.

Reeves best chance was deflected wide following a surge into the penalty area. Whether it was the weather, the pitch or rustiness from not having played since New Year’s Day manager Paul Quinn was happy to add another point to the clubs early season tally.

“I think in hindsight, with a makeshift four and with the conditions it’s another point in the right direction,” said manager Paul Quinn after the game.

“We huffed and puffed in the first half but we picked up the pace in the second half and I thought we were pretty much on top. Obviously disappointed not to get the maximum three points, but with things happening behind the scenes with signings and things I thought it was going to be one of those days.

“I’m really pleased with Jake Picton. We only signed him Friday night about six o’clock once we found out Jimmy [Pollard] was suspended. Players will be back next week, including Paul Clayton and we’ll start getting back to where we want to be.

“Credit to Whitby. I can’t take anything away from them as they worked hard. They set themselves up to frustrate us and they did that.

“Kieran Lugsden came in at right back and I thought he did a cracking job for us there. We spoke midweek and said we had a couple of lads lined up [as signings] but we probably couldn’t get them through in time and would Kieran be happy doing the job and without hesitation he said yes.

“We went with Chib Chilaka today with a midfield five or two wingers with Chib to try and give us some physicality up front. We’ve got three good strikers at the club and when we play this system someone has to miss out.”

Duck’s Line-up: Wilczynski, Kieran Lugsden, Gordon, Kelvin Lugsden, Picton, Norris, Byrne, Harris, Chilaka (Reeves 75), Abadaki, Walker (Payne 89). Unused Subs: Rothery, Orlando-Young, Serrant.

Report by Alan Percival

Shaw Lane AFC

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