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Arngrove Northern League Division 2
Saturday, 1 December 2007
Sunderland RCA continued their recent good form by securing three valuable points, and another clean sheet, at Team Northumbria, despite a dogged and workmanlike performance from the home side. Team Northumbria played good possession football throughout, threatened occasionally, particularly from set pieces, but never really looked like breaching the RCA defence.
For the third game in a row the only change in the Sunderland side was enforced as Dean Goodwin returned from suspension to replace the unavailable Anth Laidler. The game started at a good pace with chances at a premium but Gary Shields might have given RCA the lead as he struck a shot over the bar after five minutes. Ash Davis did the same after 15 minutes as the ball broke from a corner, but for the most part it was a tough midfield battle with Dean Goodwin, Paul Sammons and Scott Richards working hard to contain a hard working and skillful Team Northumbria midfield. Late on in the half Team Northumbria went close with two headers from corners, but thankfully both flew wide.
For the second period RCA significantly upped the tempo, and now having the benefit of a bitter wind, pressed hard. Craig Lines was just off target before Neil Hixon changed his attacking options by replacing Gary Shields with John Butler after 55 minutes. Almost immediately Butts broke free on a chase to goal before his control let him down and the defence got back to cover. On the hour Adam McGuiness came on to replace Ash Davis as RCA moved to a more attacking formation but despite a lot of pressure the goal wouldn't come and, to be fair to Team Northumbria, they continued to respond with calm and precise football. In the 80th minute Taz Raine replaced Craig Lines and a couple of minutes later the Team Northumbria goalkeeper had to be helped from the field and replaced after a collision with John Butler. Thankfully despite some nasty cuts and bruises the goalie did not look too badly hurt. Two minutes later his replacement brought down Butts as he went round him and Lee Owens scored from the resultant penalty. Matters were settled in the 89th minute when Adam McGuiness went round the keeper after a good run onto a pass from midfield. A good win but by no means easy!