10 October 2009
skilltrainingltd Northern League Division II
Sunderland RCA played their "get out of jail free" card today to maintain their unbeaten run. However it took a 82nd minute goal from top scorer Mark Davison to clinch a hard fought draw against a very good Guisborough team.
Guisborough started the game strongly and forced RCA to defend for the opening 10 minutes without creating a meaningful shot on target.
RCA responded through a quick counter attack which saw Davies deliver a lovely cross into the box which McBryde couldn’t quite get to. A minute later and Davies brought a fantastic fingertip save from Rafferty when he fired in a shot from 25 yards.
Guisborough almost took the lead after 20 minutes when Henry whipped in a freekick and Butterworth headed over the bar from six yards out.
In the 30th minute RCA had a penalty appeal when Stewart was sent sprawling in the box, but the referee waved play on. Within a minute Stewart burst through again, but his shot was easily saved by Rafferty. Portas sent Onions clear in the 40th minute but the “Boro” striker shot well wide. At the other end Halliday, in space on the edge of the box, fired high and wide. In the final minute of the half RCA were forced to make a substitution when Anderson fell awkwardly and was unable to continue.
Two minutes into the second half and McBryde set Davies up with a deft flick, but the winger fired wide with just the keeper to beat.
Guisborough started to take control of the match and RCA were forced on the defensive again. The influential Portas was picking everything up in midfield and driving them forward at every opportunity. Onions up front had two golden opportunities to open the scoring; in the 65th minute he headed over the bar and two minutes later fired straight at Hoggeth. He redeemed himself in the 68th minute when he was sent clear of the RCA defence with a pass from Portas, this time he rounded the keeper and slotted home.
RCA brought on Coghlan for Davies and this had an immediate effect, a freekick from Richards was misheaded by Davison into the waiting arms of Rafferty, a minute later and McBryde slipped the ball through to Coghlan and his measured cross was headed home by Davies. RCA for the first time in the match were looking the better team and looked to capitalise on some defensive errors, however Rafferty pulled off a superb save from Halliday and when a cross from Coghlan was met by Davison he shot wide.
Guisborough rallied in the last five minutes and Hoggeth was forced to punch a dangerous curling shot away.
This was a well earned point against a very strong Guisborough team who will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.
