The Y&E drew 0-0 at home vs Sunderland RCA. In a game of few chances and solid defensive units, neither team was able to break the deadlock.

A cold and still early February Tuesday evening for this rearranged fixture. The Y&E had a strong squad available, with plenty of quality & experience in the starting XI and on the bench. We lined up with Callum in goal, Jack Dalton on the right of the back five, Sam Conway on the left, Jack Proctor, Dan Jones and Leo Cheesebrough in the middle. In midfield HST, Harry Williams, Marshy and JL11 with Tom Atkinson leading the line. On the bench Cam Wild, Joe Dalton, Ethan Jones, Cameron Thomson and Stephen Innes.

The first half was largely uneventful. Both sides had spells of possession, but were unable to create any real clear cut opportunities. The defences were largely on top. As the half progressed we had a handful of half chances, a HST shot from distance, deflected and fell to Tom, but his shot was blocked wide. A Harry Williams cross to the far post, with JL11 sliding in but he couldn’t quite make direct it on target. Sam Conway managed to get free after a nice move down the left, but his effort was skewed wide. Harry Williams went off injured and was replaced by Joe Dalton as the half drew to a close. Half time 0-0. It was all a bit flat really.

During half time one of the ref’s assistants was injured, his hamstring had gone. Was there any qualified Lino’s in the crowd? Thankfully there was. A lad out watching with his mates, tucking in to some half time food in the cafe, responded to the call. Step forward James Know. A qualified Lino and up for running the line. We found him some kit and some boots and he was good to go.

Second half and it was more of the same really. The visitors had a couple of players off injured early on and we had a few half chances, passes were not quite flowing in the final third. We looked comfortable at the back and were never really troubled. On 67mins Sam Conway was fouled by their keeper in the box, he was heading away from goal and it was a tackle / foul that didn’t need to be made. From where I was stood it looked soft. Tom stepped up for the spot kick and it was low down for the keeper to save to his left. The score stayed 0-0.

In to the last 20minutes. We had most of the ball but we couldn’t find a way through. The subs came on and kept up the pressure up but in the end the points were shared.

RCA defended solidly. They were tight at the back and made it tough. They passed the ball round well and had a few chances but didn’t trouble Callum. Best of luck to them for the rest of the campaign.

As for the Y&E a bit of frustrating evening, we had plenty of the ball but it was one of those nights and we didn’t create any real clear cut chances. Another night, the penalty goes in or a ball breaks and we score. The positive to take from the game were how solid we were at the back once again. Three games in the league in 2026 and Callum is yet to make a save. Man of the Match was Proc. Another solid performance from him.

Massive thanks to James Know for stepping in to run the line second half. Legend

Onto the next one. The games are coming thick and fast (weather permitting)

#utyae