North Sunderland travelled to Swalwell on Sunday and lost by the odd goal in an entertaining game that ebbed and flowed both ways. On a very heavy pitch, neither side were able to pass fluently and after 10 minutes it was from a long clearance that the impressive Swalwell centre-forward broke free and finished confidently to make it 1-0. This galvanised the away side who upped the tempo and started to play their passing game. Wing-backs Tom Storey and Robbie Swordy linked well down both flanks and delivered teasing crosses that just evaded Rory Davidson and Liam Douglas. The pressure told when a Koen Ross free-kick was fumbled by the home ‘keeper and James Wright reacted first to make it 1-1. North Sunderland pressed hard for the second and Jos Wilson just failed to connect in front of goal following great work from Findlay Cross. Other chances were spurned as Robbie Swordy and Alfie Purves fired wide when well placed and Liam Douglas looked sure to score, only to pull his shot just wide. The second half carried on the same pattern with North Sunderland pressing. They went ahead when Liam Douglas latched onto a brilliant, slide rule pass from Alfie Purves and finished well. The away side looked in total control but conceded a soft penalty and it was 2-2. It was end to end stuff as both sides went for the win. North Sunderland worked the ball well to Tom Storey who crossed for Liam Douglas who headed goalwards but it was blocked on the line and Rory Davidson couldn’t apply the finishing touch. A draw looked likely but in the last minute the away side lost the ball cheaply in midfield and the Swalwell forward completed his hat-trick when his low shot found the corner to make it 3-2. Cruel on North Sunderland who played most of the football on the day but were once again made to pay for basic errors at key times. Best on the day for North Sunderland who had many strong performers, were the central spine of Sam Hall, Findlay Cross, Liam Douglas and Man of the Match Will Griffiths. Team: James Southwood, Tom Storey, Sam Hall, James Wright, Zach Watson, Will Griffiths, Findlay Cross, Koen Ross, Liam Douglas, Rory Davidson, Jos Wilson, Jack Heston, Ellis Bell. Next game: away to league leaders West Moor147People reached12EngagementsBoost Post

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