Managers’ Reactions: Prudhoe YC 2-2 Sunderland RCA

Prudhoe YC manager Mark McMeekin has said he is “disappointed”, whilst Sunderland RCA boss Mark Forrest praised his side’s “resilience” after a 2-2 draw at Essity Park last Saturday.

The YC came into the game without a victory since November, and the point at home to the Sunderland side extended their winless run in the league to eight matches.  

Despite the poor run of form, Prudhoe are still comfortably sat in the top half of the table and sit just one point off last season’s total tally.

On the other hand, RCA have now made it three games unbeaten in the league, following an impressive 3-1 win against Thornaby and a 1-1 draw with local rivals Sunderland West End.  

With the side currently 11 points away from the relegation zone in Northern League Division Two, RCA have done well to seemingly steer away from the drop. 

Both Prudhoe’s manager, McMeekin, and Sunderland RCA boss, Forrest, shared their thoughts after the 2-2 draw.  

McMeekin said: “I’m disappointed with how the game has finished. When you go 2-0 up, you’ve got to see games out.

“(It was an) okay performance with a draw a fair result as RCA were pushing second half.” 

McMeekin went onto describe the imminent return of last season’s manager’s player and player’s player Josh Scott as a “massive positive” as he looked ahead to the final ten games.

“There are still 30 points to play for. We need to look after ourselves and try and win games.”  

Elsewhere, speaking on behalf of RCA, Forrest told SportsByte: “The players have shown character throughout the season, coming into a side that has struggled for a number of seasons and trying to push the club forward is not easy. They have played with pressure all season and I think they have dealt with it remarkably well.

“We have had a good 7 days, there are no favours in the Northern League, we have to fight for every single point between now and the end of the season.” 

Also, the manager highlighted his side’s determination and perseverance throughout the match against Prudhoe, saying: “I thought that barring the first ten minutes we were the better side and the penalty was a 50:50 decision. 

“They then hit us on the counter which made it 2-0 and we showed resilience to come back and earn a well-deserved point.” 

Up next for Prudhoe YC is an away visit to Washington, whilst Sunderland RCA welcome play-off challengers FC Hartlepool.