Hardy – “It was a full-blooded game”

Chris Hardy expected a hard-fought game against Stourbridge and he got just that

Chris Hardy says Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Stourbridge was “full-blooded”, something which you would expect with a place in the Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper at stake.

The Blues will now go again on Monday evening after coming from behind to level matters at the Towbar Express Stadium at the Turnbull Ground.

As much as the management would have hoped that Whitby could wrap things up in the initial tie, Hardy took heart from his sides’ character to come back.

“Both teams were really at it,” Hardy stated.

“We were competitive all over the park but I just don’t think that our quality was there.

“We made improvements in the second half and showed a bit of character to come back from a goal down.”

During this cup run for Whitby character has been a key aspect, particularly in the last round against Gloucester City.

The Blues will do the same as they face a Monday night replay, however they will hope to have more names available to them this time around.

“If you don’t show character things pass you by,” Hardy admitted.

“We still kept going after they scored and we believed that we could find a winner, one way or another.

“I was pleased to see Matty Tymon on the scoresheet after injury. He was there at the right place and right time.”

As expected, the game was particularly cagey at times with neither side creating too much in terms of chances.

This proved why it was key for both teams that they did manage to create a breakthrough at some point during the game.

“It felt very nervy,” the manager revealed.

“I feel that we should have been showing better quality on the ball and we didn’t in the first 45, largely down to the occasion.

“It was a big game for everyone and the place was packed to the rafters and the lads put themselves under a lot of pressure.

Prior to the match, Hardy had cried out for the town to get behind their football club and they certainly didn’t disappoint.

The crowd of 1,171 was a season high so far with the Shed in great voice throughout to try and help the Seasiders to victory.

“That’s fantastic support for us,” said a delighted Hardy.

“Who would of thought that Whitby Town, not playing Scarborough, could attract such a crowd.

“To generate that type of crowd for this game was massive for us and hopefully that can continue.”