26 January 2010
skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2
Sunderland RCA super sub Liam McBryde came on to score a late goal and deny Seaham Red Star a share of the spoils in the entertaining derby clash. Over 100 spectators witnessed an exciting match, which was a credit to the Northern League but more importantly a credit to both clubs.
Sunderland RCA were forced to make one change, bringing in Scott Richards to replace club captain Stephen Halliday in midfield. Seaham Red Star were looking to build upon their impressive draw against Guisborough Town at the weekend and started this match in impressive style putting pressure on the RCA players with their pace and endeavour.
In the third minute Winspear went past the RCA defence only to see his effort fly wide of the upright. RCA countered with Stewart crossing for Davison who headed straight at Barlow in the Seaham goal. Within a minute a cross from the other wing delivered by O’Riordan was brought down by Kokes who fed the ball to Davison to fire in a shot that went inches wide. It was a cracking opening five minutes and for those who thought it couldn’t be sustained think again. The game was end-to-end entertainment with both teams contributing to a pulsating match. When a pinpoint pass from Bettson found Hume free inside the box it looked odds on that Seaham would take the lead, but a great cover challenge from Wardle sent the ball for a corner and from the subsequent kick Jack headed over.
RCA started to play some good football without really penetrating the Seaham defence, but after 20 minutes a 35 yards snap shot from Henderson almost caught them out but it cannoned off the outside of the post for a goal kick. Kokes was causing all sorts of problems, with his pace and movement upsetting the Seaham defence. On 25 minutes Kokes laid the ball into the path of Richards who hit a tremendous curling shot which hit the post and again went for a goal kick. In another game RCA could have been 2 – 0 up, but the Seaham goal seemed to have a charmed life. Seaham responded with some good football between Hume and Winspear, with the latter striking a great shot which produced an equally great save from Hoggeth.
The second half saw Seaham pick up the momentum in the opening five minutes and Hoggeth had to be at his best making saves from first Winspear and then Armes.
RCA were awarded freekick on the edge of the box and a well rehearsed move saw Stewart fire wide from Richards kick. Within a minute O’Riordan broke on the left and fired in a shot which went narrowly wide. At the other end Armes broke past Henderson and fired in across which was met by Hume and only a goalline clearance by Davies prevented Seaham taking the lead.
McBryde replaced Davison on 70 minutes and within six minutes had broken the deadlock. A corner from O’Riordan looked to have been cleared only for it to hit Wardle and rebound to O’Riordan who sent in a low cross which was met at the front post by McBryde to steer past the helpless Barlow. This lifted RCA and they were unlucky not to double the lead when McBryde sent Kokes clear, but his shot went narrowly wide.
Seaham to their credit never gave up, but as the two teams tired it was RCA who looked the stronger and although both teams had good moves neither keeper was really called upon to make a save in the final five minutes of the match. Whilst Seaham probably did deserve a draw on the night, it was RCA who took the spoils and moved towards their goal of promotion. With other results on the night going our way it is now in our hands.
