Sunderland Ryhope C.W. 1 – 0 Guisborough Town

Match Report

Guisborough Town Manager Steve Bell is convinced his side is just one decent striker away from being a very good Northern League Division One team after seeing the Priorymen go down to a third successive defeat at Ryhope CW on Saturday.

The Guisborough boss thought he’d gone a long way towards solving his striker problem when he finally captured promising Darlington marksman James Beauchamp in midweek.

“He’s a much sought-after player we’ve been tracking and trying to sign since pre-season so we’re delighted to have finally got our man,” said a jubilant Steve after getting his man to sign on the dotted line on Thursday.

But then typical of Guisborough’s wretched luck this season James rang Steve later on the same evening to say he had tested positive for Covid and clearly will have to isolate for at least a week.

So following another disappointing result at Ryhope and another blank scoresheet, it was understandable that Steve’s frustration got the better of him again.

“If we stop making ridiculous mistakes and start taking even the odd chance that comes our way then I’m sure we will be fine.

“Quite simply, I am convinced that we are just one player who can score a few goals away from being a very good team at our level,” added Steve.

The winning goal for Ryhope on Saturday came in the 16th minute when Jon Weirs, a former Ryhope favourite who re-signed for them in midweek from Whitley Bay, scored on his second debut.

Guisborough had spells where they came more into the game but once again couldn’t apply that telling finishing touch. And when they did penetrate the Ryhope defence they came up against home ‘keeper James Winter showing why he is so highly rated in the Northern League.

Following this latest defeat Guisborough have now slipped to 14th in the table and their next game is on the road again on Wednesday, 20 October (KO 7.30pm) at Newcastle Benfield who are currently 10th in the table.

Report: Bill Perfitt