Better late than never for RCA to end hoodoo

Action from Shildon’s FA Vase clash with Sunderland RCA, which the latter won 3-2 thanks to a dramatic late goal MARTIN Swales and Sunderland RCA had every right to approach their FA Vase tie at Shildon with some trepidation.

After all it’s six years since they have beaten the Railwaymen at home or away.

But they chose the perfect time to break that run and they did it in dramatic fashion as substitute Kyle Davis’ late winner put his side into the last 32 of the competition.

The Dean Street pitch had been battered by the constant rain this week but still looked in decent condition ahead of kick-off.

But the opening 15 minutes saw that all change as the playing surface cut up and that meant neither side could really make the most of their time on the ball.

It was Shildon that settled quicker, whilst their visitors consistently wasted possession, much to frustration of boss Swales and his coaching staff.

The first real chance arrived midway through the first half and it came as no surprise that if fell to the hosts.

Former Marske United striker Danny Earl raced through on goal and tried to place the ball beyond Dimitrios Tsapolos, only to see his effort hit the Greek stopper on the chest before the visitors scrambled the ball to safety.

Chances were few and far between but Shildon managed to take the next one that fell their way.

It arrived nine minutes before halftime as player-manager Daniel Moore crashed a 20-yard drive into the far-corner after calm approach