Match Report

Sunderland RCA 0-1 Yarm & Eaglescliffe (att79)

Tuesday 26th August 2025

The Y&E earned an excellent away three points after a tough battling performance away at Sunderland RCA. It was that man again, Tom Atkinson who bagged the game’s only goal on 37minutes. A solid defensive display saw the Y&E keep a clean sheet. The win moves us to 9th place in the league on 14 points, and due to recent floodlight issues we have at least two games in hand over the rest of the league.

For the first time this season we had the same back five as the previous game. Jack and Joe Dalton as wing backs with Ethan Jones, Dan Jones and Ross Harrsion lining up in tbe middle three in front of Callum. In midfield Hillers and HST in the middle of the park, with Ste Roberts and Harry Williams behind Tom. On the bench, Freddie McBride, Sean Chidanyika, Dylan Gnaglo, Pete Bulmer and Ethan Lansdell. It was good to see midfield dynamo Charlie Fixter warming up with the team pre match, as he continues his rehab from knee surgery.

There was an impressive number of the Y&E faithful at Meadow Park. I reckon at least half of the 79 in attendance were backing the Y&E. A pint and a pie in the clubhouse then on to the game.

The first half wasn’t much to write home about. RCA number 9 Dennis Knight was injured early on and was subbed off for Aiden Stanton. Neither team managed to take control of the game early on, the Y&E had a few through balls that didn’t quite fall for Tom up front. There was a couple of bookings, Hillers and their 7 Thompson both in the book. RCA had their best opportunity on 30mins, a dangerous cross cleared by HST.

The Y&E broke the deadlock on 37mins. Some excellent play down the left from Joe Dalton who managed to dribble past a few RCA players and pass the ball inside to Hillers, who got the ball out wide right to Ste, who pulled it back in to the box where Tom took one touch to control before burying it in the goal. The best move of the game. On 41mins we had another good chance, a lovely through ball from HST to Tom but his pull back to Ste was cleared. The half ended and we went in a goal up. Not a classic but we were in front.

Second half and substitution. Pete Bulmer on for Joe Dalton who took a knock just before half time. Early doors we had a good
chance, a lovely long ball from Harry Williams to Ste down the middle and his effort was well saved by the RCA keeper. the hosts started to get more of the ball. We made another change with Dylan on for Hillers – meaning the Harrys were in the middle now. Harry Williams broke and played a ball to Tom, again their keeper saved well.

We were defending well, organised and forcing RCA in to shots from distance. We looked to catch them on the break, again we had an another chance. Tom & Ste linked up well, with Tom trying a curled shot from outside the box which went wide. Ethan made way for Freddie McBride on 67 mins and not long after Tom came off for Sean. Between the subs, Dan Jones put on an excellent diving header only for their keeper to pull off a worldie save (Gordon Banks esque) to deny a goal. In to the last 15 mins and RCA were dominating possession, we were holding firm but were reliant on Callum to pull off two superb saves on 83 and 85mins. The central defence were seeing off pretty much everything thrown at them. Ste Roberts was replaced by Ethan Lansdell on 90mins. A hell of shift from Ste who never stopped all game. Ethan playing in the unfamiliar role of striker (he’s our sub keeper) managed to get booked in the 4mins of stoppage time. We held out and took the three points.

RCA played well. Their keeper Karl Dryden had a brilliant game with a string of good saves. Thought their 10 Lukeman and their 14 who came on as a sub played well. Both times we’ve played at Meadow Park we’ve had a good welcome from their committee and volunteers as well. Best of luck to them for the rest of the season.

As for the Y&E, work rate across the pitch. Defended really well. We could have scored more, had to dig in towards the end of the game. A really good away victory in the end. Keeps us there or thereabouts in the league with a couple of games in hand.

Callum – dependable as ever. Couple of excellent saves late on.

Jack Dalton – solid as ever. A few important clearances.

Joe Dalton – fantastic skill & ball control for move to start the game. Injured at half time.

Dan Jones – MotM. Got in the way of everything from RCA. Denied a goal from a diving header. Class.

Ross Harrison. Vocal throughout, some important interceptions.

Ethan Jones- another impressive display from the young defender.

HST – continued excellent run of form. Even heard him shout instructions to another player.

Hillers – did well. Nice pass to Ste for goal

Ste Roberts – went 30mins past his usual 60mins. Put a shift in

Harry Williams- Non stop. Covered loads of ground.

Tom – Gets his customary goal. Goat.

Subs
Pete Bulmer – used his experience. Calming influence

Freddie McBride – settled straight in when he came on. Calm

Dylan – Energy, nearly through a couple of times

Sean – solid. Some nice touches.

Ethan – 4 min outfield cameo. We were on the pitch if he scored.

Next to a huge home game vs Seaham Red. star on Saturday. Howay the mighty Y&E 

Match Preview

Sunderland RCA (a)

26th August 2025 7.30pm Ko

Next up for the Y&E is a trip up the A19 to Meadow Park in Ryhope (SR2 0NZ) to face Sunderland RCA. The match kicks off at 7.30pm and as ever our away games are sponsored by Resolution Compliance. Thanks again for your support.

RCA have a had a decent start to the season, they currently sit in 12th place on 11 points, the same points total as ourselves in 11th place, but due to floodlight issues we have two games in hand. They’ve been solid at home so far and are yet to taste defeat with wins against Ryton & Esh Winning and a 0-0 draw against free scoring Alnwick Town. Their best result of the season so far was a 3-1 away victory vs Redcar Town, with striker Dennis Knight bagging an 8 min hattrick at the start of the ten second half. Based on their home form alone, not to mention the Redcar victory, they will be a difficult opposition for us.

Last season we won 4-1 away at RCA. Dan Jones scoring early, before a Jackson Ward equaliser in the first half. Goals in the final 25mins from Tom, JL10 and Marshy sealed the victory. Our home against them ended up as a 3-1 win. Stoppage time goals in each half from Tom and a Cam Wild header in that game.

The Y&E will be looking to carry on the momentum from the FA Vase victory on Saturday. With more players back from
holiday (although Captain Cam Wild is away in Canada) Jacko has a more players to choose from. Left backs Adam Groom and Sam Conway are both injured, but the ever versatile Joe Dalton had a cracking game at left wing back on Saturday and could continue there.

This is the first in a string of midweek away games over the next month or so and is probably the easiest to get to. The weather forecast looks good and there is a decent little club house at the ground, so it will be great to see plenty of the Y&E faithful there backing the lads. Just remember to park considerately at the ground especially in the housing estate next door.

If you are not able to make it, Minty will be providing updates on Twitter (or X) and James will have match updates on the supporters WhatsApp group.

Howay the mighty up the A19 Y&E