Carlisle City and Penrith suffered defeats in their latest Northern League matches.
City, in particular, were hoping to bounce back after their mid-week defeat by Kendal Town.
But it was a similar tale in some ways, conceding early and again right after half-time.
Whirley Bay, who have soared to the top of the table with four wins in six games, took the lead after only six minutes through McKenzie Sharpe.
City played some good football in approach but couldn’t find the bite where it mattered.
However they were still in the game, only to concede four minutes into the second half when Layton Campbell scored.
Campbell has been in Academy football with Newcastle, Sunderland and Blackpool and was always a threat.
At 2-0 City never seriously looked like getting back into the game and Sharpe scored his second for Bay after 67 minutes.
With Birtley drawing in the FA Cup they replay on Tuesday so City’s mid-week League game is postponed.
Here’s what Dan Kirkup had to say following the match:
Meanwhile, Penrith look to bounce back on Tuesday when they go to Newcastle Benfield in the League after a 5-1 defeat at Boro Rangers.
Jim Nichols’ men were in the game for an hour but the last 30 minutes was a bit of a disaster.
Although the final score flattered the home side it was a disappointing result after Tuesday’s 6-0 win over Thornaby.
The Bonny Blues had started well and took the lead on six minutes through top scorer Luke Hunter.
But a penalty on 26 minutes from Stuart Rose put Boro level and right on half time Callum Hickman gave them the lead.
Penrith continued to make chances but couldn’t take them and from an hour onwards they rather folded.
Hickman (61), Jack Guy (68) and Owen Burns (73) scored to give Rangers their third win and take them up to third in the table.
Jim Nichols gives his thoughts on the game below:
