Thompson nets double in Fishermen victory

Rothbury 0 North Sunderland 2  

Sportsworld North Northumberland League

Ryan Thompson came off the bench and hit a late double as early leaders North Sunderland made it three wins from three - but the Fishermen were made to work hard for the points by a well-organised Rothbury side that rectified the ‘silly defensive errors’ which had plagued a 4-1 defeat at Shilbottle in mid-week.

Former Rothbury striker Chris Coe was back at Armstrong Park in a black and white shirt and admitted that his hometown club could have taken more from the game.

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“It was good to be back where it all started and know everyone – there are some good lads there,” said the skilful hit-man, who also had a spell at Spittal Rovers in the Alliance.

“Rothbury were tough to break down and deserved something from the game – they were the better side on the whole – we didn’t have many real chances but Rothbury had a few.”

“Our keeper Matty Dawson pulled off three good saves and they had a chance in around the 65th minute to take the lead with a clear opportunity but put it wide.”

“We went on to take the points in the last 15 minutes, but if Rothbury play like that every week, they’ll give teams a run for their money.”

Thompson, who had also netted twice in a double-figures mauling of Alnwick Town reserves in the Seahouses sides’ previous game, was introduced at half time and broke the deadlock in the 75th minute.

His deadly strike partnership with Coe has seen the pair on target eight times between them this season already, though the Reds defensive pairing of Ben Storey and Thomas Hammond kept them shackled for long spells.

With Rothbury pressing forward in search of a leveller, they were caught short at the back and Thompson added the killer second in the dying moments.

Rothbury player/boss Dan Herron was left bemused by his side’s lack of luck in front of goal and heaped praise on Dawson for his top-drawer saves to deny Storey, Kyle Smith and Greg Woodburn.

“To be honest, we were the much better side, we just couldn’t score. It’s so frustrating, and the goals were completely against the run of play. Matty Dawson pulled off some great saves in the first half and it could have been 3-0 before half time if it wasn’t for him,” he said.

Match sponsors: Rothbury Family Butchers.