Wearside League

Richmond Town 7 Annfield Plain 0

RICHMOND TOWN recorded their biggest ever Wearside League victory last Saturday as a hat-trick from Mark Sims, a brace from Scott Ryan, and further efforts from Ben Holmes and Mike Elliott saw off the challenge of struggling Annfield Plain.

Town, reeling from two recent cup semi final defeats, got off to the perfect start when Sims tapped home from six yards after just two minutes following good work from Adam Simpson and Ryan.

Chances came and went for Town after that but they did double their lead in the 31st minute. A lovely passing move involving Scott Guy, Bradley Woods and Holmes released Ryan who's cross was turned home by Sims.

Annfield were almost gifted a way back into the match soon after when Town goalkeeper Karl Latchum failed to hold a cross but Tony Rutter could only find the side-netting and that proved to be the turning point.

With half time fast approaching, Sims once again combined with Ryan to complete yet another hat-trick and put Town firmly in control.

The second half followed a similar pattern and the game was all over as a contest within five minutes of the restart when Ryan got the goal his performance deserved; finishing off the fine work of Holmes and Mike Layfield.

Holmes then added his name to the score-sheet with a contender for goal of the season. Picking the ball up on halfway, Holmes spotted Annfield 'keeper Matthew Scott off his line and from fully 30 yards sent an inch-perfect chip into the roof of the net.

It was now a case of how many Richmond would score. In the 55th minute, Ryan missed the target after rounding Scott but he made no mistake on the hour after Layfield and Gary Hutchinson had combined well down the right for Scott to finish off a cross from George Battersby.

The final goal arrived with ten minutes left when defender Elliott smashed home from ten yards to score for the second successive match and seal an impressive Town performance.