Sunderland RCA 0 Ryhope CW 0

Saturday, 24 October 2009

Durham County U18 Youth League

Meadow Park had a good crowd in attendance for today’s local derby against neighbours Ryhope CW and the covered stand was well occupied as the game kicked off, just as the heavens opened.

RCW were very bright in the opening 10 minutes, moving the ball around well without having a final cutting edge. RCA began to gain authority and chances were created down the left flank by Nathaniel Crinson and the right by Perri Agnew, the best of which was headed wide by Luke Olabode who could not believe he missed the target. Daniel Douglas in the RCW goal was having a very busy time and he pulled off two exceptional saves from Ryan Mather and Perri Agnew. A very young RCW side refused to be bowled over and to their credit they were working very hard and also passing the ball along the ground which made good viewing for the audience. 0 – 0 at half time and the home supporters were scratching heads on how the breakthrough had not been made.

The second half continued in the same vein as the first, with RCA dominating possession but RCW standing firm with RCA old boy Anthony Gamble having a particularly strong game at the back. Daniel Douglas in goal though was stealing the show for the visitors and was enjoying the test with an exceptional display. RCW did have a few efforts from distance on the counter attack but Graeme Pickering in the other goal was also looking very assured. However as the game moved into the final period RCA brought 3 substitutes on to hopefully find a way through. Mark Robinson down the left got in twice firing great crosses into the box which Lee Andrews nearly turned home. From one of the many corners though, a great centre again found the head of Olabode who connected with great power but the direction was off target again. RCW ran the clock down and when the full time whistle went their loud celebrations said it all. Points dropped from the RCA viewpoint but still early days !

SOUTH DIVISION