Whickham 1-1 Sunderland RCA – Defences on top as points shared

The Lang Jacks were forced to settle for a point as they were unable to break down Sunderland’s resilient defence on a windy and rainy afternoon at the Glebe.

A unusual slow start to the game cost the home side as Sunderland took the lead from a free kick inside the first 15 mins, a flick on by Greg Swansbury finding its way in at the far post.

However, Whickham regrouped quickly and equalised just eight minutes later when Tom Howard’s low cross was turned in by Kaleb Young just inside the six yard area.

Whickham continued to bang on the door of Sunderland’s defence, with returning striker Zak Atkinson missing a glorious chance and Nathan Greenwood also going close either side of half time.

However, despite constant pressure in the last quarter of the game where Whickham had Sunderland camped inside their own half, they were unable to convert their chances into goals and had to settle for a point in unpleasant conditions.

While the boys will be disappointed to not take all three points away from the game, they can take heart from another very good performance and another solid defensive showing, while also maintaining the unbeaten record at the Glebe since Tony took over at the club.

The lads are at home again next Saturday, as they take on free-scoring Ashington who are just above the Lang Jacks in the table.

Whickham FC: Anderson, Howard, Galbraith, Agnew, Elliot, Young, Burrell, Peareth (C), Bisset, Atkinson, Greenwood

Subs: Priest (82′), Below, Barlow (65′, debut), Jasper (78′), Bewicke