Boldon left to rue missed chances as Sunderland West End come out on top

Sunderland West End 3-2 Boldon CA

Despite a much improved performance, Boldon were left disappointed at the Ford Hub on Friday night as defensive mix-ups and squandered chances lead to Sunderland West End coming out victorious.

Boldon controlled much of the game, going ahead after nine minutes through a tidy finish from Liam Heywood. West End equalised through John Anderson in the 29th, before Craig Linsel put the hosts ahead just before the break.

Linsel doubled his tally on the 51st and despite a second from Heywood in the 70th, Boldon were unable to find a way back into the match.

Boldon started strong and Heywood slotted a tidy finish home.

West End grew into the game and Anderson fired past debutant goalkeeper, Cedre Kalunga, from 25 yards.

The Wearside team got their noses in the 42nd minute after a defensive mishap allowed Craig Linsel to round Kalunga and roll the ball into an empty net.

Despite being down to ten due to an earlier sin-bin, West End grabbed a third immediately after half-time as Samuel Marchi’s effort skewed over the line.

The Villa hadn’t given up, however, as a low ball across the box was again dispatched by Heywood for his second of the evening, giving Boldon 20 minutes to find an equaliser.

Tempers flared as the clock hit 80, with a Heywood sin-bin being followed by Boldon’s Noah Cunningham kicking the ball against a floored Ethan Thomson, who reacted with a push into Cunningham’s head. Cunningham received a yellow card whilst Thomson was given his marching orders.

Despite Heywood’s return, West End held on to their one goal lead, finishing their season with a win at home in front of 70 supporters.

Boldon co-manager Dan Crooks reacted to the game : “I don’t know how we’ve not got a point at least out of it, played some great football but three mistakes and missing sitters, it isn’t going to work in our favour.”