Match Preview - Whitby Town
The Blues now have a chance to make it a streak of five wins in a row for the first time since our promotion to the Premier division following last week’s 1-0 victory over relegation battling Prescot Cables.
The result has elevated us into 9th place; however, we are out of reach of a potential playoff place, with only six points left to play for and fifth place sitting seven points ahead.
The game itself saw Leek hold control in the early stages of the game, with Potts and Alex Hurst both coming close to finding the target before the break. The away side couldn’t find their rhythm in the first forty-five, only managing to create a couple of half chances before the break. The second half saw a raise in tempo from both sides where Dino Visser was called upon a couple of times to make some assured saves including an incredible late stop to secure his 11th clean sheet of the season. We found our opening in the 73rd minute when Louis potts headed home from close range, marking his name on the scoresheet for the first time since November.
The True-Blue Army Will Assemble At?
A home fixture for The Blues – The clubhouse and Blues Bites are open, football will be on the telly prior to the match, and our merchandise will be available to purchase.
We will be wearing our home kit of Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts and White Socks
How much to get in?
- Adult - £13
- Concession (over 65) - £9
- 18-21 - £9
- Under 18 - £5
- Under 8s – FREE
You can pay on the gate or get your tickets ONLINE in advance here through FANBASE with access to a free digital programme
The Opposition ?
- Whitby Town– The Seasiders
- Formed – 1880 (originally as Streaneshalch FC.)
- Ground – Turnbull Ground (capacity 3,500)
- Gaffer – Lee Bullock and Jason Kennedy
Their website?
How are they doing?
The Seasiders have found themselves into the relegation dogfight since we last played them as they now sit 16th, three points above the drop. Their most recent result had them draw 1-1 with fellow strugglers Hyde United. Ex-Leek player, Tunde Owolabi scored for Hyde in that match to earn his side a point against Whitby. Overall, this season, they have earned 42 points from 38 games, winning 10, drawing 12, and losing 16, and their home form is still significantly worse than their away as they now sit 20th in the league based on results at the Turnbull Ground compared to 12th in the away table. The Seasiders have only won 1 of their last 8, having lost 5 and drawn 2.
Their Main Man?
Jake Charles has taken over as the leading goal threat since Matt Tymon’s departure, with him scoring 8 over the course of the season. Charles began his career within the academy system at Huddersfield Town, although first-team opportunities were limited. He later moved into non-league football, where he established himself as a forward across several clubs, including spells at Stafford Rangers, Farsley Celtic, Scarborough Athletic, and other sides within the Northern Premier League and National League North.
On the international stage, Charles has even represented Wales at youth level, earning caps for the Under-17, Under-19, and Under-21 teams.
Another fascinating aspect of Charles’ background is his rich footballing heritage. He is the grandson of John Charles, the legendary “Gentle Giant”, who starred for European giants Juventus and Roma, as well as current Premier League side Leeds United. His £65,000 move from Leeds to Juventus was a British record at the time and proved exceptional value, as he scored 93 goals in 155 appearances for “The Old Lady”. Internationally, he was widely regarded as Wales’ greatest player of the 20th century, and his legacy lives on at Elland Road, where the West Stand bears his name.
Their Gaffer(s)?
Returning to modern day, Whitby Town is currently managed by two individuals, Lee Bullock and Jason Kennedy.
Lee Bullock is a former midfielder known for his influential spell with York City FC. He began his career at Sheffield Wednesday FC, progressing through the academy and making over 100 appearances for the Owls. In 2006, he joined York City, where he became a key figure and fan favourite. During his time at Bootham Crescent, he helped the club reach the FA Trophy Final and played a vital role in their promotion back to the Football League via the Conference Premier play-offs in 2012. He later had spells with Bradford Park Avenue AFC and Gateshead FC before moving into coaching and management within non-league football.
Jason Kennedy is a highly experienced midfielder who has enjoyed a lengthy career across the English Football League and non-league system. He began his professional journey with Everton FC before moving to Darlington, where he established himself as a dependable central midfielder.
Kennedy gained prominence during his time at Rochdale AFC, as he played a pivotal role in their promotion from League Two in 2010. He later represented clubs including local side Port Vale FC, Bradford City AFC, Carlisle United FC, Bury FC, and Hartlepool United FC. At Bradford City, he was part of the squad that achieved promotion to League One in 2013. In the latter stages of his career, Kennedy transitioned into non-league football, bringing invaluable experience and leadership to the sides he represented.
