McCarthy inspires Seagulls victory

NEW signing Jimmy McCarthy made a sensational impact on his debut as Colwyn Bay rekindled their play-off hopes with a 2-0 home win over Whitby.
Within five minutes of coming on as a substitute he played a huge part in the Bay scoring two goals in the space of two minutes to secure three points on a day when five of their main rivals for a top-five finish dropped points.
The Seagulls had again struggled in the first half in which neither side were able to create much, but the introduction of Fraser McLachlan and then McCarthy from the bench helped change the game.
McCarthey's first touch produced a penalty as he was brought down by Whitby keeper David Campbell after his pace saw him get to a 50-50 ball inside the area ahead of the keeper.
After two missed penalties in recent home games, some Bay fans could barely watch - but McLachlan coolly put away the penalty to put Colwyn Bay in front on 70 minutes.
And two minutes later McCarthy put Luke Denson free on the right and his cross was volleyed first time into the net from 12 yards for a spectacular second goal by skipper Damien Allen.
McCarthy then tormented the Whitby defence in the closing minutes, running at them at pace with Ronaldo-type step-overs and putting over a couple of great crosses, while one electrifying run through a maze of Whitby defenders was only ended when he was unceremoniously hacked down just outside the penalty area.
For the fans it was an exciting introduction, and on this evidence he will quickly become a favourite as well as a key figure in the Bay's chase for a play-off spot.
Manager Dave Challinor was delighted with the impact his new signing had made.
"He's got ability, he's quick, has a few tricks and gives us something a bit different," commented the boss. "He has shown that if we can get the ball to him he can cause teams problems.
"I am bit surprised that he has had four clubs this season and nobody has given him a fair crack of the whip. He has a lot of qualities we have been looking for and there is every chance that he will start at Northwich on Tuesday."
Challinor's decision to change the shape of team after a poor first half was a key factor in securing the three points.
They had created very little with their only real chance coming just before half-time when Damien Allen's shot was blocked in a crowded goalmouth and Alex Titchiner's attempt to chip the rebound into the top corner produced a fine leaping save from Campbell to tip the ball away for a corner.
Rob Hopley, in his final game before returning to Chester, had a shot cleared off the line early in the second half, but it then needed a tremendous one-handed save by Chris Sanna to prevent Jimmy Beadle giving Whitby the lead, before the changes decisively turned the game Bay's way.
"We decided to change the shape of the team a little put because we weren't getting enough service to the wide lads. We had been sitting too deep and needed to squeeze further up the pitch," explained Challinor.
"The extra man in midfield freed Damo (Damien Allen) up and we started to pose a threat down the flanks and put them under huge pressure. We got the reward with the two goals and were fairly comfortable winners in the end
"Some of the lads are looking tired and we took Jon (Newby) off with Tuesday's game at Northwich in mind. He was disappointed, but he understands it was a decision made not just for this game but for the big games coming up."
Damien Allen had an excellent game in midfield on his return from injury and took the man of the match award.
"I was cramping up a bit towards the end, but otherwise I had no problems from the injury and should be fine for Tuesday," he reported.
Matlock, FC United, Buxton, Northwich and Worksop all dropped points today to leave Colwyn Bay back level on points with third-placed Matlock. And next Saturday will be massive with the Bay away to second-from bottom Ossett Town while EIGHT of the current top 10 play each other (Buxton v Halifax, FC United v Worksop, Kendal v Matlock and North Ferriby v Northwich).
"We knew we had to win this game and with other results going our way it is another good day," added Challinor. "We've 11 games left and seven are against teams in the bottom nine so ultimately it is in our hands. If we can perform in those games then we've got every chance of getting where we want to be."
Colwyn Bay: Sanna, Denson, Lea, McMahon (McLachlan 55mins), Grannon, Meadowcroft, Sheehan, Allen, Hopley, Newby (McCarthy 65mins), Titchiner (Noon 76mins). Subs not used: Evans and Davey.
Attendance: 347.