Whitby Town winger Jarrett Rivers found the net in Saturday’s Pitching In Northern Premier League fixture against Lancaster City, giving the Seasiders a bright moment in an otherwise difficult afternoon at home.

The 3-1 scoreline ultimately went in Lancaster’s favour, but Rivers’ goal, arriving just before half-time, offered the hosts a glimpse of hope and a foothold in the match.

Speaking after the game, Rivers reflected on his goal and the challenge of picking up the pieces after a tough second half. "It was a good moment," he said. "The ball’s come across and I’ve managed to get a good connection on it. It’s always nice to score, but the most important thing was trying to help the team."

The goal itself showcased Rivers’ quick instincts and composure in the penalty area. "When it came across I just thought, ‘hit it,’" he explained. "Sometimes you don’t really have time to think too much in those situations. It’s instinct. Thankfully it’s gone in."

Though the strike gave Whitby something to build on, Lancaster City responded strongly after the break, ultimately overturning the advantage and securing a 3-1 victory.

Rivers was candid about the frustration of seeing a half-time lead slip away. "We got that little boost before half-time, and it gave us hope," he said. "But unfortunately, the second half didn’t go how we wanted. We’ve got to learn from it and come back stronger."

Even in a disappointing result, Rivers was quick to highlight the effort from his teammates. "It was a tough match, but the lads worked hard," he said. "Everyone put a shift in, and while it didn’t go our way in the end, there were positives to take."

Matches like this are always a test of character, and Rivers knows that difficult results can reveal both strengths and areas for improvement. "Games like this are challenging," he added. "It’s frustrating when things don’t go as planned, but it’s also a chance to see how the team reacts and works together under pressure.”

Rivers has been settling in well at Whitby Town since joining the squad from Darlington, and he believes the team’s unity will be key in moving past setbacks like this one. "It’s a really good group of lads," he said. "Everyone’s been very welcoming, and there’s a strong spirit in the dressing room. That makes it easier to keep your head up after results like this."

The goal itself, while not enough to change the outcome, is a reminder of what the team is capable of when attacking moments fall their way. Rivers sees it as both a confidence boost and a stepping stone.

"Scoring is always nice," he said. "It’s good for my confidence, and hopefully it can help the team in upcoming games."

Despite the loss, Rivers remains focused on the bigger picture. Football is a game of highs and lows, and Saturday was a game that tested both. "You enjoy the good moments, like scoring, but you’ve always got to look ahead," he said. "The main thing is preparing for the next match and trying to improve."

The supporters, too, were appreciated for their unwavering backing even when the result didn’t go Whitby’s way. "The fans get behind us, even in tough games," Rivers said. "That kind of support makes a difference, and we want to give them something to cheer about next time."

Looking forward, Rivers believes the team can turn the lessons from the Lancaster match into motivation for the remainder of the season. "We’ve got to bounce back quickly," he said.

"Every game is an opportunity to put things right and get back on track. That’s what we’ll focus on."

Rivers’ goal was a reminder that moments of quality can still shine in adversity. His instinctive finish gave Whitby Town a glimpse of what could have been and highlighted his potential to make an impact in crucial games. But more than personal success, Rivers’ focus remains squarely on the collective. "Scoring is great, but the main thing is helping the team get results," he said.

Attention now turns quickly to the next challenge, with Whitby Town back in action on Tuesday night as Ashton United make the trip to the Towbar Express Stadium. After the disappointment of the weekend, Rivers believes the midweek fixture offers the perfect opportunity for the Seasiders to respond.

"You enjoy the good moments like scoring," he said. "But after a result like that the focus is straight away on the next game. We’ve got to bounce back quickly and Tuesday is a chance to do that."

With another important test on the horizon, Rivers is hopeful the team can turn the lessons from Saturday into a positive performance under the lights.

"The main thing now is putting things right and giving the fans something to cheer about."