RCA rue missed chances as Colliers end lean run
THE family and friends of Steve Bowey will do well to improve on the Christmas presents Ashington handed their manager yesterday.
A goal in each half from Jack Butler and Zak Atkinson helped the Colliers to a much-needed win against a below-par Sunderland RCA.
That meant Bowey’s side notched their first league win in eight games, a first win in any competition for over two months, and they kept a first clean sheet since their FA Vase win at Nelson in mid-october. They deserved it too. But it could have all been so very different if the visitors capitalised on a bright start to the game.
RCA could have been ahead inside the opening five minutes, but were left to rue an instinctive piece of goalkeeping from Colliers number one Conor Grant.
A John Jury cross was met by a header from RCA striker Kyle Davis and his effort looked destined to sneak inside Grant’s near-post.
But the former Blyth Spartans keeper managed to tip the ball against the post and keep the deadlock in place.
The woodwork came to RCA’S rescue minutes later when Butler curled a long-range effort against the outside of Scott Pocklington’s far-post.
Steve Bowey’s side had started brightly and should have taken the lead midway through the half.
A weak backpass released Zak Atkinson in on goal and he showed his composure by rounding Pocklington, only to send his effort across the six-yard box and beyond the far