Manager Chris Humphrey saw his Penrith AFC first team side beaten at home to Whitley Bay — but said a recent run of good form and two new signings had created a “massive buzz” around the squad.
After winning their last two Northern League Division I games, the Blues created plenty of chances at Frenchfield Park this afternoon. But they were thwarted by a lack of cutting edge and a fine performance by the visiting goalkeeper Dan Lister, whose side won 2-0.
Bay scored two second half goals, the first from Mitchell Ramsay who was then sent off following a tangle with home goalkeeper Aaran Taylor.
“We’ve just got to be a bit more clinical,” said Humphrey afterwards. “We were excellent first half. We just didn’t get going second half. I actually thought we struggled a little bit more when they went to 10 men.”
Penrith went into the match having bolstered an injury-ravaged defence with the signings of Bermuda international J’Nai Butterfield-Steede, 23, and versatile 26-year-old former Sunderland academy player Harry Pilkington.
“They’re both very good signings,” said Humphrey, who worked with the former during his previous stint at Kendal Town.
“I thought J’Nai (who started the game) was very good. He did what he’s here to do, get forward, get crosses into the box. I was pleased with his performance, he’ll grow into the team when he gets his chance and keeps playing.
Harry when he comes on (as a second half substitute) didn’t really have much time to shine as much as he’d probably like. But it’s good to get both lads in and around it.”
Butterfield-Steed said of his arrival: “I’m hoping to develop my game. I’ve played under Chris before so I just want to progress.”
Pilkington, who has previously played for Consett, Guisborough Town and Billingham Town in the Northern League football, and had spells in the United States, Germany and France, added: “Most of my experience has been playing abroad. I’ve come back in this year after the lockdown. I’m hoping to get some rhythm into my game and kick on, and obviously this a great club to do that — the lads have been on a great run.”
