Gareth Pugh praises “great reaction” as Willington Quay Saints get back to winning ways

Gareth Pugh was pleased with Willington Quay Saints’ reaction to a difficult few weeks as they got back to winning ways with a 2-1 win over Whitley Bay Sporting Club.

A Robbie Shaw double set the Saints on their way to a much-needed three points, after back-to-back defeats to Percy Main and Morpeth saw them lose top spot and be knocked out of the Combination Cup.

The win saw Willington return to the top of the table, with fixtures against Hexham and Newcastle Benfield Reserves to come before the Christmas break.

Back to winning ways! 😇 pic.twitter.com/6AddxsHX1r

— WillingtonQuaySaints (@wqsaints) December 6, 2025

After the win, Pugh said: “We knew this game would be a tough game against the league leaders, who are well organised and hard working. I felt we took early control of the game, carved out the best opportunities, and were unlucky to go in 0–0 at half-time.

“In the second half, we increased the intensity, with our midfield getting more control of the game, and chances were coming more regularly. We then took a well-deserved lead and quickly followed up with a second shortly after.

“Whitley Sporting, as they do, battled and kept digging in and grabbed a goal late on that put a little pressure on us, but the lads stood firm to what was a well-deserved 3 points.

“It was a great reaction after the disappointment of last week and sets us up for two big games before the Christmas break.”