31 August 2009
skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2
Sunderland RCA were looking to stretch their record start to the season with a sixth successive victory at local rivals Seaham Red Star FC. As local derbies go, this was not a classic, but it did produce a tension packed afternoon which saw both teams playing flowing attacking football.
Seaham Red Star, after their 2 -1 defeat last week, were looking for a return to winning ways and started this match playing some good attractive football. However it was RCA who had the first real chance of the game when Davison fired in a shot which was well saved by Thackeray.
Red Star were unlucky when Winspear broke down the right and his cross was met by Hugill but his shot was blocked by Wardle.
The game became bogged down in midfield and both defences seemed to be coping with any long balls into the box. There was also a strong gusty wind which spoiled some enterprising moves by both teams with the ball either running away from players or holding up in the wind.
RCA took the lead when Stewart was unceremoniously dragged to the ground by Linighan and Davison stepped up to blast the penalty home.
Hugill broke through in the 40th minute but fired his shot wide and Winspear and Hugil combined once again to trouble the RCA defence before Winspear fired straight at Hoggeth.
RCA almost went further ahead when a shot from McBryde was saved by Thackeray.
The second half saw RCA looking more composed and looking to pass the ball while Red Star continued to pressure the ball in an attempt to upset the play.
Red Star equalised when a long cross field ball from Winspear found Croft in acres of space and with Hoggeth out of position he crossed the ball for Hugill to ram home.
Minutes later and another cross from the same wing beat everyone and went out for a goal kick.
RCA came back into the game with Stewart now operating on the right and causing plenty of problems with a succession of crosses which were well dealt with by Laidler. Both McBryde and Davison had chances to score and only some brave goalkeeping stopped McBryde from scoring at the near post.
As the game entered the final minutes there was some frantic defending by Red Star as they repelled a succession of RCA attacks.
The deadlock was broken in the 92nd minute when a freekick was awarded 45 yards out, Jones crossed into the box and Davison rose above everyone to head home.
