Northern League: Sunderland RCA moved third with late show to send Jarrow Roofing to relegation

RCA climbed above West Auckland thanks to an impressive 4-1 win as they ended their spectacular season on fire, with a ninth victory in an unbeaten 11-match run.

It was a huge night for Roofing, and they forged ahead on 23 minutes, when Gardiner sent the ball over the top and John Campbell headed it through to Liam Anderson, who made no mistake.

Goalkeeper Daniel Regan was then sent off for the visitors, following a bad foul on Luke Page outside the area.

That turned the game in RCA’s favour and they duly equalised on 63 minutes, when Stephen Callen volleyed a beauty into the net, following good work from Reece Noble.

Two minutes later, RCA went in front when a great curling shot from Dylan Elliott found the net.

Nathan O’Neill was sent off for RCA, for using his elbow, in the 82nd minute. However, they clinched victory when Michael Charlton scored a neat third goal, with Callen adding a fourth in the last minute.

This result means that Seaham Red Star, Bishop Auckland and Penrith are safe and Roofing go down with Washington and Billingham Synthonia.

Roofing boss Richie McLoughlin reflected on relegation, saying: “Despite the result, I can’t fault the effort. Individual errors have cost us. I’m disappointed with the result, but the season doesn’t hinge on tonight, it’s a 42 game season.”

RCA could finish third, but they will need a favour from Ryhope CW. Shildon are fifth, two points behind RCA, and will rise above the Meadow Park if they beat Gary Pearson’s men for the second time in three days tomorrow.

Shildon were 3-1 winners at Ryhope CW last night, after falling behind to a sixth-minute James Ellis strike into the corner of the net.

The Railwaymen golt lucky to equalise when the ball bounced up from keeper Jonny Ball’s save and went in off luckless defender Ben Riding.

illy Greulich-Smith put Shildon ahead, rising to head home a corner, then Jamie Harwood made it 3-1 d from close range.

Marske United need a point from their final three games to be crowned champions.

They moved three points above Morpeth, who have one game left, after beating North Shields 3-0.

Peter Bulmer, Michael Roberts, with a nice individual goal, and James Fairley struck.

There are just five First Division games tomorrow.

Ryhope CW have a few injury problems ahead of their clash at Shildon, in their second meeting in three days.

Assistant manager Stuart Gooden said: “Elliot Woods, Chris Wallace and Jake Winship are definitely out this weekend, and Kyle Davis is unavailable as he is playing cricket.

“Thomas Bott returns to the squad and Adam Cocks will require a fitness test.”

Gooden added: “We had a great win against West Auckland on Monday night. We are in 11th place at the moment, so we are hoping to get a few wins in and finish in the top half of the table, and end the season on a high.”

Relegated Billingham Synthonia, boosted by their midweek win over Team Northumbria, host Penrith.

Secretary Graham Craggs said: “This Saturday is our last game of the season and everyone is fit and available. It will be a bit of a relief for us to get to the end of what has been the worst season of the club’s history.”

Marske United welcome Newcastle Benfield and are without Leon Carling, Matthew Bell and Andy Ramsbottom and won’t play again this season, because of injury.

Injury doubts also surround Craig Gott and Gary Wood as they seek the point required for the title

Jarrow Roofing are at home to FA Vase finalists Stockton Town, while Dunston UTS entertain Guisborough Town.