Report

Whitburn ended the season with a superb attacking display, netting seven goals without reply after gifting their hosts a three goal lead.

The visitors had enjoyed the majority of the early possession but almost inexplicably found themselves 3-0 down in the first 25 minutes.

One reason was the poorest refereeing performance we have witnessed this year - with a combination of clear fouls being waved away and bad offside calls from an official who just could not keep up with the play.

Sherburn's second goal followed a second bad foul on Joe Jennings which went unpunished and their third was clearly offside.

But at least the ref was consistent - Whitburn's first goal followed a clear - albeit it not deliberate - handball in the box which should have seen it chalked off.

Louis Mackings, who had another excellent game, scored the second and sub Joe Binyon the third, before Joe Jennings beat three defenders and the keeper to complete a remarkable first half comeback.

4-3 to Whitburn at the break with four goals scored in a devastating seven minute spell.

Josh Hutton started the second half like a train, hitting the woodwork and shooting narrowly wide in the first two minutes. But he combined well with Joe Jennings and Max Hick to feed Louis for an unstoppable left foot shot for the fifth goal.

Ross McGhie supplied a perfect ball for Josh to open his account with goal number six, before the striker added a seventh as Whitburn carved Sherburn apart at will.

Alfie Campbell had another great game, and Sam Morris was once again Whitburn's answer to Coloccini, sweeping up whenever the hosts came close to threatening Aidan McDonald's goal.

If Whitburn had managed to field a full side with subs every game this season they could well have finished up in a promotion spot instead of a still creditable fifth.

But they can be proud of a season in which so many players have improved so much, and provided great entertainment for the proud, dedicated parents supporting from the sidelines every match. All credit to the coaches too for their commitment and patience throughout the year. We can look forward to next season with confidence for a big push for promotion.