Northern League
Mark Cowan believes that Sunderland RCA’s 3-1 win at Newcastle Benfield shows that they have moved on from an ‘indifferent’ start to the Northern League Division One season.
Alex Ramshaw handed the visitors a perfect start at Sam Smith’s Park when he fired them in front on 10 minutes, but the lead lasted just under 60 seconds as a stunning goal from Josh Scott got Benfield back on level-terms.
However, RCA secured an impressive three points thanks to second-half goals from new signings Clayton Davis and in-form striker Dominic Moan.
The win moves RCA into the top six of the Division One table and assistant manager Cowan was delight- edwiththeperformance. “Sam Smith’s Park is always a tough place to go so this was a great win for us.
“We weren’t great in the first-half and we looked leggy, but the lads responded well to what they were told at half-time and we deserved the win in the end.
“We had an indifferent start to the season, but we are getting past that now and the win shows that things are coming together.
“The squad is working hard and they are a good group.
“We have had to use the full squad because of having such a busy period, but the likes of Dom Moan and Sam Lilley have come in and performed very well. “Things are going well.” RCA now have a free midweek to prepare for their game against table-topping Hebburn Town at Meadow Park next Saturday.
Elsewhere in Division One, North Shields secured a home win against Shildon as midfielder Ryan Carr grabbed the only goal of the game.
West Auckland Town had to settle for a point at Stockton Town, despite going into the last 12 minutes with a two-goal advantage.
Thomas Price got West back on level-terms after Jordan Robinson put their hosts ahead in the opening three minutes.
Gary Forrest’s side looked set to take all three points Adam Mitchell and Nathan Fisher put them two goals ahead.
But captain Adam Nicholson got Stockton back into it on 78 minutes and substitute Chris Stockton helped completed the fightback four minutes later.
Chester-le-Street Town were beaten for the first time in Division Two this season after a late Connor Campbell penalty helped Heaton Stannington to a 1-0 win at Moor Park.
Jarrow FC came from behind as goals from Jordan Mellish and Jonathan Higham gave them a 2-1 win at Esh Winning.
Dean Thexton’s brace was enough to give Willington all three points with a 2-0 home win over Thornaby.