Harry Harley. Photo by Ice Hockey Media - Colin Lawson
Whitley Warriors headed to the midlands on Sunday evening as David Longstaff and his side took on the Solihull Barons. Warriors were without a number of influential players as Callum Queenan, Shaun Kippin, Scott Cooper and Stu Tomlinson were all out injured while import Andre Payette was suspended for this match up.
Despite all of the injuries Whitley were able to ice a squad of 15 skaters and 2 netminders as the Warriors coaching staff made use of their large roster of players including the likes of youngsters Craig Johnson, Liam Smedley and Kyle Ross who have all impressed at senior level this term.
The first period of action saw Solihull open the scoring on 7 minutes when Joe Henry found the back of the net, Warriors were not behind for long as Harry Harley beat Barons netminder Sam Hewitt under 20 seconds later. Solihull held a slight advantage after 20 minutes of play as Stephen Heape also netted for the home side in the opening period of action.
The second stanza of play saw Warriors level the game up on 26 minutes when player/coach David Longstaff netted after being set up by forward DJ Good. Both sides went onto net a further goal in the middle session of play with Whitley’s goal coming from youngster Ben Richards who was also assisted by Good.
Warriors took the lead for the first time in the game 4 minutes into the final period of play thanks to an unassisted shorthanded marker from blue liner Harry Harley. Solihull did manage to net on their powerplay opportunity though as Ed Eaton got on the scoresheet for the home side 62 seconds later. Barons then grabbed 2 quickfire goals through Josh Bruce and their captain Rob Eley as the Barons claimed a 6-4 victory over Warriors which was their first success against Whitley this campaign.
Warriors captain Jamie Tinsley was named as the Whitley Man of the Match for a committed display in which he gave everything for his sides cause. Whitley are in action next weekend when they head down the A19 to Teesside to take on local rivals the Billingham Stars in a NIHL North Division 1 game that is set to get underway at 6.30pm on Sunday evening.