Sunderland RCA 2 Ryhope CW 1

Under 18s League

8 April 2009

With the first team at Marske there was a subdued atmosphere at Meadow Park for a local derby with the crowd mainly consisting of support for the visitors. Given the hectic week of games the SRCA management made good use of the strong squad and Graeme Pickering was picked to play in goal whilst Greg Bradley was selected up front for his first start in a couple of months.

RCW won the toss and opted to kick with the slope advantage and a reasonable wind at their backs. A brave decision and one that suited their intentions as they were quickly in the SRCA goal area and half chances were created for both central forwards, Greener and Rogerson. Chris Trewick in central midfield for RCW was dictating the early play and created openings that could have been made better use of but whilst in good possession, players were choosing to shoot from distance and Pickering in goal gathered with confidence. SRCA responded winning a couple of corners, but in the first half hour little headway could be made. It was no surprise that RCW took the lead on 35 minutes, but after previous good play it came from the direct route. An RCW defender threw the ball Rory Delap-style into the box, where it hit Mick Nicholson on the arm and although there was not full intention the referee wasted no time in pointing to the spot. Rogerson stepped up and drilled low into the corner giving the keeper little chance. 1 - 0 to the visitors. SRCA had one further chance, which was delivered onto the head of Damien Knight, but he headed wide. The game closed up thereafter until half time with little room being found by either side.

The second half commenced with SRCA upping the ante, but RCW were proving to be a tough nut to crack and capable when counter attacking. However the endeavour paid off after 70 minutes when after successive corners a ball was not fully cleared in the box and it fell to Greg Bradley who hit home the equaliser. Shortly after, RCA management made further changes with Tench, Reynolds and Andrews being introduced for Nicholson, Bradley and Knight. The momentum was increased and resulted in the best period of play for RCA, but no clear-cut chances were created. However with a draw looking very likely a long clearance from the right on 82 minutes arrived just inside the box where Robinson running in from the left chased past the last defender and gleefully struck into the net. Loud celebrations from the home players having grounded out another win which means at least a top three finish and a chance of runners up spot if results can be gathered against Willington. The unbeaten run now stretches to 12 games.