Sunderland RCA 2 Birtley Town 0

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 17 November 2007

RCA had new signing Paul Sammons making his debut in a five man midfield for the visit of league leaders Birtley. The game started at a decent pace, and as has been the way of recent games, RCA defended solidly while Birtley had much of the possession in the first half hour. Chances were at a premium however, Craig Shields tipping one over after 20 minutes being the best chance for the visitors, who also saw a good long range drive go narrowly over the bar late in the half. For RCA the pace of Shields and Owens began to cause Birtley a lot of problems as the half wore on, and both Lee Owens and Craig Lines went close in a two minute spell just before the break.

Into the second half and RCA began to take more control, with Lee Owens outstanding as he tormented the Birtley back line. A hand ball in the box saw Gary Shields give RCA the lead after 54 minutes. Birtley rallied briefly but still had no answer to the pace of RCA wide. Lee Owens should have scored a great goal after a marvellous run saw him go past three defenders before blasting over the bar in the 72nd minute, but he was not to be denied and sealed the game with a solo run and shot in the 87th minute. A well deserved victory as Sunderland RCA goalkeeper Craig Shields was a well protected spectator behind a solid back three of Moss, Anderson and Henderson, despite Birtley's possession. Paul Sammons made a pleasing debut in a combative midfield where Anth Laidler and Dean Goodwin also worked hard.