A LAST-DITCH equaliser by Liam McPhillips earned Guisborough a much-needed morale-boosting draw and a precious point against a Sunderland RCA side reduced to 10 men after only 19 minutes at the KGV Stadium last Saturday.

The red card incident came when Sunderland keeper Neal Bussey rushed out of his penalty area and tripped Connor Smith as the Guisborough striker rounded him and prepared to shoot into an empty net.

But the visitors looked the better side for the majority of the first half despite their numerical disadvantage. They fully deserved to take the lead in the 34th minute when Liam McBridge managed to squeeze the ball over the line despite desperate attempts by two Guisborough defenders to keep it out.

Guisborough equalised against the run of play almost on the stroke of half-time when Adam Cocks' in-swinging corner was glanced home by midfielder McPhillips.

The home fans fully expected to see their side build on this boost in the second half, but with the Priorymen still looking short on confidence following two successive defeats, it was RCA who continued to make the running.

The Wearsiders regained the lead on 59 minutes when skipper Clayton Davis gave Guisborough keeper Ben Escritt no chance when he drilled home into the corner of the net from 15 yards.

Sunderland had further good opportunities to make the game safe, but squandered them and were made to pay in the 89th minute. Guisborough substitute Steve Roberts rounded RCA left back Reece Noble, but was crudely brought down as he headed towards the penalty area.

Noble was booked and Roberts hauled himself up to take the resultant free kick about 25 yards out on the right. His superb cross was headed home by the onrushing McPhillips to earn the Priorymen a point.

It was tough on RCA, who had played extremely well despite being a man down, but for Guisborough it was a tremendous relief to avoid defeat in their third successive home game.

After the game, Guisborough Town manager Steve Dowling said: “Yesterday’s game was another rather frustrating afternoon for all concerned. I thought we were somewhat lucky in the end to steal a point.

"Strange as it sounds, the sending off of the RCA keeper actually affected us more than Sunderland as they defended deep and caught us on the break with two avoidable goals from poor defending on our part.

"Also, Connor Smith sustained an injury in the incident with their goalkeeper and I would much rather Connor had scored and the keeper stayed on the field.”