Sunderland RCA 2

Guisborough Town 2

EBAC Northern League Division One

A HARD-FOUGHT see-saw tussle ended in a 2-2 draw as Guisborough Town eased their relegation worries a little more at Sunderland RCA on Saturday. The two teams were all square at 1-1 midway through the second half when Guisborough winger Steve Roberts put the Priorymen 2-1 ahead on 60 minutes. But with only 10 minutes to go RCA equalised to ensure both sides shared the points but for Guisborough Manager Gary Forster it was more a case of two points lost rather than a point gained.

After RCA ‘keeper Dimi Tsapolos had saved his side with a great save, it was Sunderland who took the lead in the 16th minute when Mark Davison scored with a well-taken free kick. In the 39th minute Guisborough equalised thanks to a Sunderland own goal and it stayed level until half-time. In the second half Guisborough took the lead for the first time in the game when Steve Roberts scored but sadly for the Priorymen RCA equalised on 77 minutes to make the score 2-2.

Manager Gary Forster commented after the game: “I honestly felt we could have taken all three points but for a few things that went against us. Firstly the referee only gave us a free kick when an incident clearly happened three yards inside the penalty area. That decision caused a lot of bewilderment not just in our dugout but in theirs as well!”

“Also, the RCA ‘keeper made two great saves from Stevie Roberts and also one from Brian Close’s volley. I had said to the boys before the game that I am very excited about what we are in the process of creating at Guisborough Town – we just need to add the finishing touches to become a major threat in this league,” added Gary.

Apart from the disappointment of not taking all three points, the other downside for Guisborough was what looks like a serious injury picked up during the warm up by highly promising young prospect Donny Holdsworth. “We are hoping the injury isn’t as bad as we first thought but we will have to see what happens when Donny has had a scan. Donny has been a breath of fresh air since he came into the team. He is a great kid with loads of ability,” added Gary.

The precious point earned keeps Guisborough three points above Seaham Red Star who are third bottom. Guisborough’s next match is tomorrow (KO 3pm) at home to Newton Aycliffe who are just a couple of places above the Priorymen.