Match Report: Sunderland Men’s 3rds 2 – 1 RIASA

Sunderland Men’s 3rd team managed a narrow victory against Richmond International Soccer Academy in their final home game of the season.

A well worked move was powered home by Danny Jackson-Brown in the early stages before RIASA equalised from the penalty spot.

Sunderland responded quickly as Jack Murphy flicked the ball into the far corner in what proved to be the match-winner.

Sunderland knew they could no longer win the league title and therefore promotion, but a second place finish could be secured.

RIASA had the better of the opening stages as their number 9 hit the post and flashed a header just wide within a matter of minutes.

However, it was Sunderland who took the lead on the half hour mark. A Sam Cook throw in found Abdelmadjid Haine who managed to turn and play in Murphy, he then flashed a ball across goal for Jackson-Brown to fire into the roof of the net.

Just ten minutes later, RIASA were awarded a penalty as number 11 took on Ben Clarke and was tripped. The same man coolly placed the penalty into the bottom left hand corner.

Sunderland responded instantly as Jackson-Brown turned provider for Murphy. A left footed cross made it’s way into the box and Murphy got the all important touch to flick into the bottom corner.

The best chance of the second half came just 2 minutes after the interval as RIASA’s number 18 was one-on-one with Ben Reynolds, rounded him only to miss the open net from ten yards out.

Sunderland managed to soak up all the pressure for the rest of the half to see out a valuable 2-1 victory.