Sunday, 7 April 2013
Sunderland Sunday League
Humbledon Plains Farm continued their relentless charge to the Premiership title with a 2-0 victory over their nearest rivals RCA Grangetown Florists.RCA Florists were weakened by the late withdrawal of centre half Hall through injury and the unavailability of his partner at the back McVay (stag do) and resorted to Arkley and Trewick at the back, while Plains Farm brought in Toomey and Ross into their starting eleven.
RCA Florists started the brighter and for 20 minutes were on top without testing keeper Atkinson, but it was Plains Farm who had the first real chance when Fairley cut back to Johnson 10 yards out and he lifted the chance over the bar. McBryde then wasted an even better opening when heading over from just three yards out after 30 minutes.
The deadlock was finally broken when a clumsy challenge on Fairley from stand in defender Trewick resulted in Fairley slotting home the resultant penalty after 44 minutes to give Plains Farm a half time lead of 1-0.
The second half was even-steven with both sides seeking the advantage, but Plains Farm took a decisive 2-0 lead after 70 minutes when, a suspiciously offside looking McBryde took a Ross pass in his stride and slid the ball under keeper Harkness. RCA Florists were then denied a way back into the match when Atkinson blocked Metcalfe's volley on 80 minutes and then RCA Florists hit the post minutes later.
RCA Florists were denied what looked like a stonewall penalty for handball in the closing seconds, which may have resulted in a well deserved consolation goal, but credit to Plains Farm who probably shaded it on chances created and look likely to be unstoppable as they head towards retaining their Premiership title.