Finch the inspiration in fine RCA success
Sunderland RCA rose to ninth place in the Ebac Northern League First Division after an excellent 2-1 victory at Penrith last night.
Keeper Keith Finch produced an outstanding display to inspire Martin Swales’ men, after the Cumbrians took a 19th-minute lead when the keeper spilled a shot and Martyn Coleman pounced to score from close range.
RCA levelled matters on 33 minutes, when a cross from Luke Page found Nathan O’Neill, who finished well past goalkeeper Stuart Dixon.
Two minutes later, RCA went ahead, Page ending his surging run with an excellent finish from the edge of the box.
Finch made an excellent one-handed save to deny Coleman a leveller just before the break.
The game was delayed in the second half as the referee had to leave the field of play and an ambulance was called, and a substitute linesman had to be found. When the match got going again, keeper Finch ensured the win for RCA with two magnificent saves, denying dangerman Coleman and Andrew Murray-Jones, clawing away the latter’s goal-bound header.
Leaders Morpeth Town went 18 points clear again, after a 3-1 defeat of seventhtop Stockton Town, thanks to Sean Taylor, Mark Davison and Curtis Coppen, with Max Craggs replying.
Bishop Auckland progressed to the Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup quarter-finals, pipping Guisborough Town 3-2 at Heritage Park – after twice trailing – thanks to Michael Hoganson’s free-kick and a late, late double from Andrew Johnson.