12 December 2009
skilltraining Northern League Division 2
Sunderland RCA travelled to Team Northumbria for this reversed fixture and came away with all three points despite a few scares in the second half. On paper this should have been a comfortable match but Team Northumbria obviously hadn't read the script.
RCA had two new signings on the bench today, Martin O'Riordan signed from Horden and Sean Davies from Crook.
The opening exchanges were fairly even with neither keeper really being tested. In the 10th minute Stewart sent in a lovely cross which Davison flicked onto Taylor, but his effort went wide. Team had a good chance when Philippe found space on the right and cut inside only to see shot flash wide of the post.
With Team Nortumbria operating with a five man midfield RCA reverted to a long ball game effectively missing out the midfield and it worked to some effect when Jones sent in a long ball and it was headed on by Davison for Stewart, but his effort on goal was well saved by Jennison. Within a minute he was called upon again to save superbly from a Davison shot. However from the resulting corner RCA took the lead when Richards fired in from 10 yards.
Team Northumbria responded and a high ball into the box was allowed to bounce over the defenders heads, but Redhead put the ball over the bar from inside the six yard area.
Noble and Stewart were starting to make good runs on either flank and caused problems for the full backs. A good cross in from Noble found Taylor who laid the ball on for Halliday, but he fired wide.
Late in the first half Cairns fired wide from the edge of the box and Philippe headed straight at Hoggeth.
The second half saw both teams attacking with RCA just shading the exchanges, but both defences were holding firm with Donogue and Wilkinson outstanding for Team Northumbria.
Neither defender could do anything about RCA's second, which was an exquisite solo effort from Stewart; having beaten the full back, he cut inside and from the left hand corner of the 18 yard box curled the ball into the far corner of the net.
Once again Team Northumbria responded with some good football, but their final shots were never on target with Hoggeth only having to make one save.
O'Riordan replaced Noble to bring even more pace to the match and within a minute of his arrival he crossed for Davison, but he headed straight at Jennison.
Redhead had a great chance at the other end when he beat the offside trap, but with only the keeper to beat he dragged his shot wide.
Both teams played their part in an entertaining match. It is difficult to understand why Team Northumbria are in such a lowly position in the league because their general play is very good.
A friendly has been arranged for Wednesday against Silksworth FC at RCA's Welfare Park Ground.
