Jay Bates ‘ready for a battle’ as Whitley Bay chase fifth FA Vase triumph

Whitley Bay manager Jay Bates has insisted his side are ‘ready for a battle’ as they look to take another step towards the fifth FA Vase win in the Ebac Northern League club’s long and proud history.

The Bay are the most successful club in the 51-year history of the competition with their four final wins putting them ahead of the likes of Billericay Town, Tiverton Town and Halesowen Town.

Their love affair with the Vase started in 2002 when Ian Chandler’s header helped his side claim a narrow 1-0 win against Tiptree United in a final held at Villa Park.

Chandler had moved into management with Whitley by the time their next final arrived, as he led them to a 2-0 Wembley win against Glossop North End in 2009, and that kick-started a remarkable period of domination.

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Cautious optimism

Just 12 months later, Whitley returned to the home of football and retained the Vase with a 6-1 demolition of Wroxham before repeating that trick once again with a third consecutive Wembley win against Coalville Town.

A visit to the fifth round proper in 2012 represents the club’s best performance in the competition since their third consecutive Wembley win – but there is cautious optimism another run could be on the cards after Bates’ side made a positive start to the current season.

As it stands, Whitley Bay are sat in second place in the Ebac Northern League Division One table after losing just two of their first 14 league game this season.

Progress in the FA Vase has come with an away win at Darlington Town and a Hillheads triumph against Knaresborough Town last month – and a home tie with Northern Counties East League Premier Division promotion contenders Barton Town lies in wait on Saturday afternoon.

Expectation

Ahead of the game, Bates admitted there is an expectation at the club as Whitley look to progress against a Barton side he believes will provide them with a major test.

He told The NLP: “When you get a home draw in the Vase, you feel it a bit extra from the Bay fans and expectations.

“Anything can happen, but we’ll be ready for a battle. 

“We respect Barton, they’re a strong side in their league and shows in the table, but on our day we can beat anyone at this level.”

Former Newcastle United academy player Kieren Aplin will be available for Whitley Bay as his current suspension only covers Northern League fixtures.

READ MORE: FA Vase Factfile: Debutant clubs are preparing for battle