Larkin doubles up as RCA see off West Auckland
TEAMS MEET AGAIN SOON IN FA VASE CLASH
Sunderland RCA came out on top in the first of two big cup ties against Northern League Division One rivals West Auckland Town.
The two sides will meet at Meadow Park in the FA Vase Fourth Round in just over two weeks and RCA manager Martin Swales will hope his side can repeat last night’s win in a Durham Challenge Cup tie.
RCA had to do things the hard way to secure their place in the last eight of the competition as they fell behind to an Adam Mitchell goal on 16 minutes.
A second-half brace from veteran striker Colin Larkin and a goal from Nathan O’Neill helped RCA come from behind to secure an impressive win.
South Shields also progressed into the quarter-finals after they fought their way past a spirited performance from Chester-le-Street Town.
The Mariners took until a minute into the second half to break the deadlock as striker Ben Harmison tapped home from closerange after an Ursene Mouanda shot had rebounded off the crossbar.
Michael Hepplewhite got the hosts back on level terms on 69 minutes, but centreback Dillon Morse restored the Mariners’ lead on 82 minutes and helped them finally see off The Cestrians.
Second-half goals from Ryan McKinnon and Matty Cornish were on target to help Challenge Cup holders Consett to a 2-0 home win against Bishop Auckland.
Shildon battled past local rivals Newton Aycliffe as a Nathan Steel brace and goals from Billy Greulich-Smith and Bradley Hird gave them a 4-2 win at Moore Lane.
Jermaine Metz and Ben Wood got on the scoresheet to get Aycliffe back in the game, but a late strike from Hird finally saw The Railwaymen progress.
Stockton Town’s hopes of reaching the last eight were ended when they fell to a comprehensive 4-0 defeat at Darlington.
Quakers striker Harvey Saunders put his side in control with a first-half hat-trick and a late goal from Brandon Morrison rounded off a tough night for the Anchors.