Whitehaven remain unbeaten on the road after a 6-1 demolition of Whickham in Northern League Division Two.

Straight from the kick off the visitors displayed an attacking intention that they kept going throughout the game.

There have been previous occasions where poor finishing has meant dropped points for Whitehaven, but not against Whickham. 

Gary Hodgson started the rout on six minutes when he tidied up following a half cleared corner kick, then Stuart Shaw rounded the home 'keeper on 20 minutes after good work from Craig Robson and skipper Mally Holliday. 

Robson and Darren Donald were finding space on the flanks, and another dangerous cross found Kevin Connelly on hand to prod home from close range, although in truth anyone of three could have scored. 

Up to this stage Whickham had depended on the long ball forward to catch the visiting defence napping, but the back line was as solid as it has been recently, and direct attempts on goal were few.

After leading 3-0 at half-time, Whitehaven could have been forgiven for taking their foot off the gas, but they continued in the same vein, and were soon four up when Connelly converted another excellent ball from the wing. 

Then, after having very little to do compared to his counterpart, Whitehaven 'keeper Brian Miller made two excellent saves to prevent Whickham getting a toehold in the game, and just to rub it in, Donald made the most of his chance in front of goal to put his side 5-0 in front.

Craig Rook then found the net for the hosts, but this proved a mere distraction for a rampant Whitehaven side who completed the scoring when Robert Fowler was manhandled in the area, and Connelly completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

Manager Martin Harris was unsurprisingly pleased with the result, but also the manner in which his players carried out match instructions. 

"Our finishing was clinical today, and that made a difference.  It's good for confidence and we go into Saturday's game positively, but the aim is to keep our good run going," he said.

Saturday sees Guisborough Town visit the Focus Scaffolding Sports Complex for a game which kicks off at 3pm.

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