Sunderland RCA 3 Ryhope CW 1

Alan Thompson Memorial Cup

Thursday, 24 July 2008

Keith Graydon (RCA captain), Lisa Thompson, Maureen Thompson, Robert Dixon (Ryhope CW captain)and Mark Thompson with the Alan Thompson Memorial Cup

Rain and a water-logged pitch had led to the postponement of this year's Alan Thompson memoriual cup match between local rivals Sunderland RCA and Ryhope Colliery Welfare. Last night's match lit up the sea fret gloom as both sides provided a competitive match with entertaining football.

After a goalless first half of few clear opportunities for either side, RCA took the lead early in the second period through a fine Adam McGuiness shot from the edge of the area. This goal was quickly followed by a double from new signing Paul Taylor.

The CW replied with a goal from Mark Turnbull.

This was another good work out for RCA, as new formations are tried and new players get used to each other. With three more friendlies to play - two against First Division Ryton and Dunston Fed - RCA will hope to be firing on all cylinders by the time we kick off the Northern League season on 9 Agust, away to Prudhoe.