Northern League: Sunderland RCA boss wants more after Seaham Red Star win

Sunderland RCA manager Lewis Dodds urged his side to start believing in the aftermath of their derby win against Division Two rivals Seaham Red Star on Friday night.

It was RCA that struck first in a keenly-contested affair as Dom Moan opened the scoring with the half-hour approaching before Kyle Fryatt doubled their advantage four minutes after the restart. However, Dodds’ side were forced to work for their win after Joshua Houghton reduced the arrears for Red Star inside the final ten minutes and set up a nervy finish to the game.

An equaliser remained out of reach for the hosts as RCA held firm to claim a win that has taken them 13 points clear of the relegation zone. All focus now goes on next weekend’s home clash with Darlington Town as Dodds’ men look to claim a win that could lift them to within three points of the top half of the table.

The RCA boss praised his players in the aftermath of a ‘rollercoaster’ win at Red Star - but insisted they must believe they can continue improving.

He told the club website: “It was a bit of a rollercoaster and that sums up our season really. If the guys start engaging and understanding how good they are, it’s a bit of a stupid statement given where we are, but we have got a good team, good depth, and the lads need to start realising that. Performances like tonight can only set us in good stead but unless we win next week and start going on a run, these one-in, two-out, it’s just going to mean nothing.”

Results

Division One: Blyth Town 2-5 Whickham, Crook Town 6-2 Birtley Town, Easington Colliery 1-2 Marske United, Kendal Town 3-1 Newcastle Blue Star, Northallerton Town 1-2 Newcastle Benfield, Redcar Town 1-1 Newton Aycliffe, Thornaby 4-4 Whitley Bay

Division Two: AFC Newbiggin 3-2 Prudhoe YC, Billingham Synthonia 1-1 Stokesley SC, Seaham Red Star 1-2 Sunderland RCA, Alnwick Town 0-0 Seaton Carew, Darlington Town 0-3 Tow Law Town, Jarrow 4-0 FC Hartlepool, Newcastle University 2-1 Chester-le-Street Town, Ryton and Crawcrook Albion 1-0 Grangetown Boys Club

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