Sunderland RCA beat Bedlington Terriers in huge relegation six pointer
Sunderland RCA 2-0 Bedlington Terriers FC
Sunderland RCA welcomed Bedlington Terriers to the Lillian Blinds Arena for an all-important clash in the EBAC Northern League Division 2 relegation battle.
A fine volleyed goal from Daniel Maw two minutes before half time and an explosive goal from Callum Hughes which found the bottom left side of the goal in the 94th minute, secured all three points for the home team.
Just one point separated the two sides prior to kick off. Steve Pickering’s men had won just one of their last 17 coming into this one, whilst Mark Forrest’s RCA had picked up five points in their last five outings.
A below par first half saw both teams looking understandably nervous. There was little in the way of goalmouth action. A great individual chance from Hamza Mohammed in the early stages of the game saw the visitors have a sight on goal, but Mohammed struck his effort well wide.
Sunderland RCA almost took the lead from a set-piece with a header from Rudd hitting the crossbar from an Adam Cocks corner in the 26th minute.
RCA took the lead when a cross from Liam Appleby was met at the far post by Maw who volleyed the ball past Dan Staples.
With the advantage of the slope in the second half RCA created a number of chances, but the Bedlington defence held firm, content to hit on the break.
Appleby had a great chance to extent RCA’s lead in the 73rd minute with a shot from the edge of the box which flew inches over the crossbar.
As the game progressed there was a lot of frustration in some on field decision and this boiled over in the 83 minute when goalkeeper Staples was sent to the sin-bin, then shortly after Bedlington had a penalty appeal turned down which led to more frustration from the visiting bench.
The hosts doubled their lead six minutes later after some good build up play between relentless midfielder Chris Thompson and Appleby caused a defensive error which saw Hughes pick up the loose ball and from an acute angle fire the ball into the net to secure the three points for the home team.
The result sees Sunderland RCA leapfrog Bedlington Terriers with just a handful of games remaining. Up next for RCA is a Friday night clash against Esh Winning at the The WindowsPlusRoofs Arena.
