Sunderland RCA 2 Northallerton Town 0

AFTER the postponement of their three previous matches owing to waterlogged pitches, Northallerton Town returned to action when they travelled to leaders Sunderland RCA on Saturday.

Manager Mark Fanning had to make several changes to the side which lost 1-0 at Guisborough Town in their last game, the most notable being goalkeeper Alex Kell, who was serving a onematch suspension following his sending off in the Ernest Armstrong Cup defeat at Thornaby.

With second choice keeper Stephen Craggs still out through injury, Fanning gave a debut to Nick Thomson, a youngster who is on the books of Darlington FC.

Also missing were full backs Richard Dacombe and Danny Chapman, and midfielders Grant Hickman, Nick Lyons and Adam Gilroy, all out with inby Ian Bolland juries.

Town were given a massive boost after just four minutes when RCA midfielder Scott Richards was sent off for violent conduct after he retaliated to a foul by Richard Thompson. Although RCA were awarded a free kick, no action was taken against the Town player.

In the 12th minute, Town had a great chance to take the lead when the lively Stephen Allison was brought down in the area by Paul Wardell. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, but the normally reliable Ian Smurthwaite saw his penalty kick well saved by home keeper Gary Hoggeth.

RCA were gifted the lead in the 21st minute when a harmless shot from Liam McBryde was spilled by Thomson and the alert Darren Kokes followed up to stab the loose ball home from inside the six-yard box.

Eight minutes later, RCA doubled their lead when a corner from Steve Stewart was headed home at the far post by the unmarked Darrell Hall.

The introduction of substitute Joe Fairish at the start of the second half sparked some life into Town, with Allison twice missing close-range chances and a James Bowman shot from just outside the area crashing against the bar, but the ten men were prepared to sit back and defend their two-goal advantage.

Town have an attractive home game tomorrow when a large crowd is expected for the visit of promotion favourites and local rivals Stokesley, kick-off 3pm.

On Tuesday, they are away to Birtley Town, kick-off 7.30pm.