FootballNorthern LeagueSunderland West End

Prudhoe YC strike five to end Sunderland West End’s winning streak

Prudhoe YC 5-1 Sunderland West End

Prudhoe YC cruised to victory under the lights at Essity Park to end Sunderland West End’s winning streak.

Only a minute in the YC were ahead via Freddie Marr, and Matt Law doubled the lead at the 30-minute mark. An own goal later in the half gave the away side hope of a comeback, however Collins Unuareokpa’s goal just after half time took the tie away from West End. Goals from substitutes Kieran Russel and Sam Dibb-Fuller ensured a memorable evening for the home side. 

Prudhoe were hoping to carry on momentum from a hard-fought victory against Chester Le Street Town, whilst Sunderland West End looked to continue their climb up the table after five consecutive wins in the league. 

Within 35 seconds Prudhoe gained a foothold in the tie. After a penalty shout for handball, Marr pinched the ball from Lewis Lynn and steered his effort into the bottom right corner. 

Ten minutes later, West End’s Zouhair Benali looked to be in on goal down the right-hand side however Liam Dalton read the forward’s intentions well with a sliding challenge.  

Prudhoe gave themselves breathing space in the game in the 30th minute as Fin Baty’s pinpoint curling delivery met Law, who headed in from close range.  

The home side’s control was threatened five minutes later when Sunderland West End grabbed a goal of their own. In fortuitous circumstances, Dalton’s clearance fell into the Prudhoe net, after initially stopping a dangerous ball across the box from Benali.  

In the second period, the home side replicated their lightning start in the first half and added a third. Marr’s perfectly threaded pass in the centre of the park unleashed Unuareokpa. The winger rounded Adam Linsel after a quick burst of pace and coolly finished into an open goal. 

Just after the hour mark, Prudhoe reaped the rewards from another promising delivery from Baty. Russel’s powerful header beat the Sunderland West End goalkeeper.  

The YC’s passing play was in full flow by this point as the home side nearly scored a fifth. A brilliant turn by Harry Marr allowed the midfielder to open up and release Unuareokpa, who was left one-on-one with Linsel. The keeper made himself big however and thwarted the chance.  

In the 72nd minute, the away side almost earned their second goal of the night as Craig Linsel met a fizzed ball across the box, but could only direct his effort off Tom Dawson’s post.  

On his return, Dibb-Fuller capped off a five-star display from Prudhoe. After beating his man on the left-hand side, the winger rattled home into the bottom right corner in the 81st minute.