After a tense affair, including an offside goal for both teams, there was nothing to separate the sides as the YC claimed a point in their league opener.

Following an impressive pre-season, the Friday night fixture marked Dean Walker’s first official match as Prudhoe manager, as well as Steven Anderson’s first as his assistant.

On the pitch, there was official debuts for former Whitley Bay attacker Thomas Wilson and former Northallerton midfielder Reece Bickerton, along with the return of defender Will Morris. Youngster Charlie Shane-Stone also made an appearance after rising through the YC junior ranks.

The Match

In the opening exchanges, chances were few and far between, with both sides cancelling each other out.

That said, an opportunity fell the YC’s way in the 24th minute. Fin Baty’s cross from near the halfway line reached debutant Wilson, whose header looped narrowly over the bar.

Just before half time, RCA threatened. Prudhoe ‘keeper Sam Wilson was brought into action with a stellar stop to tip Chris Thompson’s strike over the bar from close range.

Five minutes into the second period, the Sunderland side showed promise again and looked to have got the opener. The visitors’ Liam Appleby clinically nodded home from Callum Guy’s cross, however the linesman quickly raised his flag for offside.

At the hour mark, it was the Seniors’ turn to have a goal chalked off. YC captain Darren Graham curled a dangerous cross into the box, which Elijah Berman latched onto before firing home. Unfortunately for the Seniors, the linesman’s flag was raised.

Shortly after, Wilson produced another great save, this time stopping a bending RCA effort from the edge of the box.

In the 70th minute though, Prudhoe retaliated with an effort of their own. Bickerton’s pinpoint free kick landed in the stride of an unmarked Jay Plunkett, who fired just wide.

Despite a few promising openings for both the YC and RCA in the final 20 minutes, the game remained goalless as the referee blew the final whistle in the 95th minute.

The Seniors return to action next Wednesday, welcoming Billingham Town to Essity Park.

Photo: Colin Robertshaw