League

Rudston Park
Spectators: 5000 (Terracing: 4000, Seating: 1000, VIP seats: 0) The mood of the audience was pleasant when Damon Chipperfield made the kick off which started today's match. In the 7th minute Ricky Dowdall shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Stevie Brooks saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. Victor Key didn't have a chance when a screaming shot from Derek Gavan went, in the 16th minute, to the upper right corner, 2-0 was the resulting score. When Ricky Dowdall fell near the penalty area in the 22nd minute he thought he would be awarded a free kick. The referee ignored Long Hanborough's protests and gave Ricky Dowdall a yellow card for diving instead. After a rather tough play, Long Hanborough's Ricky Dowdall got a free kick in the 22nd minute. An unexpectedly hard shot by Blair Hoult in the 23rd minute of play forced Long Hanborough's goalkeeper Victor Key to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. 24 minutes into the game, one of Sunderland:s players got tackled near the goal, and the referee blew for a penalty. The referee gave Long Hanborough a penalty, 26 minutes into the game. The penalty shot was made by Deon Fleetham, who made a well placed shot into the net to the right of Sunderland's Stevie Brooks. 2-1. After 34 played minutes Long Hanborough got a freekick which was hit by Freddy Ashton. Sunderland's Derek Gavan got a good chance for a goal in the 35th minute, but he totally mistimed the shot and it went over the crossbar. 36 minutes into the game, Freddy Ashton was given a yellow card after he appeared to trip an opposing player. Long Hanborough's manager was livid on the sidelines, but the referee was unmoved and gave Sunderland the free kick. Freddy Ashton kicked well hit freekick during the 36th minute of the match. Victor Key made a fantastic save in the 38th minute, when Derek Gavan sent off a good shot on target. Derek Gavan sent away a hard shot on goal in the 41st minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. Stevie Brooks took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Damon Chipperfield, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. The away team players looked dejected as the walked off the pitch at half time. They had fought hard, but were still losing 2-1.

Blair Hoult recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 53rd minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. 53 minutes into the game, Alec Cheesman was given a yellow card after he appeared to trip an opposing player. Sunderland's manager was livid on the sidelines, but the referee was unmoved and gave Long Hanborough the free kick. After a rather tough play, Sunderland's Alec Cheesman got a free kick in the 54th minute. When Jeff Walters fell near the penalty area in the 57th minute he thought he would be awarded a free kick. The referee ignored Long Hanborough's protests and gave Jeff Walters a yellow card for diving instead. In the 57th minute, Jeff Walters hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. If Derek Gavan had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 59th minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. Stevie Brooks made a fantastic save in the 67th minute, when Ricky Dowdall sent off a good shot on target. After a defensive mix-up in Long Hanborough's zone, Derek Gavan stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Victor Key came out of the goal and Derek Gavan tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. Stevie Brooks made a fantastic save in the 75th minute, when Ricky Dowdall sent off a good shot on target. After some fancy dribbling in the 78th minute, Derek Gavan managed to get in a good position for a shot. Sunderland's supporters rose to their feet, but Derek Gavan was a bit off balance and shot the ball just wide of the left post. Victor Key breathed a sigh of relief and went to take the goal kick. Victor Key took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Blair Hoult, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Derek Gavan in the 81st managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Victor Key saved Long Hanborough from getting behind. An unexpectedly hard shot by Derek Gavan in the 83rd minute of play forced Long Hanborough's goalkeeper Victor Key to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Derek Gavan in the 85th minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Victor Key prevented the ball from getting in the gole. If Blair Hoult had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 88th minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. A collision led to Sunderland getting a freekick after 93 minutes play. Martyn Hogg hit a great ball. Stevie Brooks made a fantastic save in the 94th minute, when Ricky Dowdall sent off a good shot on target. Long Hanborough's Ricky Dowdall got a good chance for a goal in the 97th minute, but he totally mistimed the shot and it went over the crossbar. Sunderland were really happy, having secured the victory after a very even contest. They thanked the players of Long Hanborough for a fine match.