Ryhope CW 2-2 West Auckland Town: Home side net late equaliser

Home side net late equaliser to salvage a draw after being 2-0 down.

West Auckland took the lead in the 53^rd minute through a finely worked Anthony Bell goal.

Former Ryhope player Corey Nicholson doubled the visitors’ advantage 17 minutes later.

Robbie Bird pulled one back for Colliery Welfare with 15 minutes of the game left to play.

The match ended in a draw thanks to an 89^th minute equaliser from winger James Ellis.

The home team went into the game looking for their first home victory since August however they faced an in-form West Auckland team who had won five of their last six games.

Ryhope manager Gary Pearson went into the game with a weakened squad due to player absences and suspension, prompting him to name only a 14-man squad, while West Auckland were forced into a change prior to the game as forward Adam Mitchell picked up an injury during the warmup.

West Auckland’s best chance of the first half fell to captain Gary Brown, whose header was cleared off the line by fullback Gordon.

A few minutes later Ryhope were presented with their best chance of the half when forward James Ellis saw his free kick impressively palmed away from the top corner by goalkeeper Guthrie.

West Auckland struck first in the second half when after getting onto the end o†f a great ball into the box, Bell’s deflected effort hit the back of the net.

West Auckland doubled their lead in the 70^th minute as winger Corey Nicholson cut onto his left foot and bent it into the top left corner, out of the goalkeeper’s reach.

At 2-0 down the home side opted for a double substitution and a change of shape, this proved effective as Bird latched onto the end of a Winter goal kick to coolly slot the ball under the keeper and offer Ryhope a way back into the game.

As the final minutes approached, substitute Judson delivered the perfect cross to the back-post to find James Ellis who was able to head into the bottom corner to earn his side a well-earned point.

Ryhope manager Pearson was very happy to have got a point given that his side had been two goals down with 20 minutes to go, he admits that he and his managerial team decided that they had nothing to lose when deciding to change the team’s approach. He was also pleased to see both goals scored by wingers, given the fact that no strikers were available for the game.

Pearson praised his side’s energy, commitment levels and work rate. The manager also applauded the performance of Denver Morris, commending the right back’s current form within the team.

Going into the next game against Whickham, Pearson admits that the resilient performance gives him something to think about, claiming that the players who came in against West Auckland have given him a decision to make surrounding team selection.

Ryhope head into the fixture at Whickham hoping to build upon their impressive away form this season.