Sunderland RCA 3 Thornaby 1

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 19 January 2008

A 3-1 scoreline looks comfortable enough, as RCA stretched their league winning run to an impressive seven on Saturday, but as the week before, it doesn't tell the whole story. Thornaby were strong opponents, and pushed us all the way.

The game kicked off on a heavy pitch after all the recent rain, but weather conditions were good, and the game started in a very lively fashion, with both sides trying to create chances with intelligent football. The first real chance fell to Thornaby when their impressive left back, Paul Harvey, hit a powerful free kick which Craig Shields dealt with at full stretch. Gary Shields then had a couple of good chances to break onto balls from midfield for RCA, but it was Thornaby who took the lead after 29 minutes, taking advantage of defensive slips for their number 10, Dane Wilson, to slide home. The lead was shortlived however, as RCA replied as Gary Shields converted a 34th minute penalty given at the second time of asking when he was bundled over in the box. 1-1 was the score at the break.

The second half was an impressive affair as both sides produced some quality football. For RCA, Gary Shields should have done better after 47 minutes with a shot inside the box, and Scott Richards shot tamely when well placed on 51 minutes. At the other end the front runners for Thornaby were keeping the RCA defenders fully occupied until, on 57 minutes, RCA took the lead with a goal of rare quality. Lee Owens raced down the right, turned his marker beautifully and centred precisely for Adam McGuinness to smash a superb volley past the Thornaby keeper, from around the penalty spot area.

From then to the end of the game it was Thornaby asking the questions against some, at times desperate, defending from RCA. Steve Houlahan came on for Gary Shields to shore up the midfield, and Adam McGuiness made some strong runs in possession as the game wore on, but for the most part, Thornaby dominated, despite the non stop efforts of Paul Sammons and Scott Richards to gain some control through the centre. Craig Shields was well covered however, and made few real saves, although he tipped one over the bar well, and was relieved to see two good efforts fly narrowly wide.

Up top centre forward Andy Jennings had been quiet for most of the game, well marshaled by centre backs Leon Carling and Gareth Wake for Thornaby, until in the 88th minute, as RCA staged a late rally, he made his mark on the game, smashing an unstoppable 15 yard shot past Stu Trotter in the Thornaby goal to settle the match.

A real good game, and the run goes on!