Stromsoy Proud Of Northumbria

Some courageous defending and a stroke of good fortune for Team Northumbria paid off as Colin Stromsoy’s side took all three points at Ryhope.

Robbie Spence’s deflected goal broke the deadlock on Wearside after 55 minutes, with TN holding out for the win.

“The truth is we rode our luck a bit,” said Stromsoy.

“Ryhope will be disappointed not to have scored - they had a couple of opportunities that they missed rather than chances we stopped.

“Our goal came after we began to feel dominant in the game. Robbie’s shot took a deflection that sent the keeper the other way – so we got a bit of luck there.

“But I’m so proud of the team, they played really well. We absolutely deserved our luck, the lads defended like lions today and Stefan Holden was excellent in goal.”

Due to a long list of injuries - with regular starters Scott Gunn, Josh Bynoe, Matty Lowrie and Gerard Richardson all unavailable - Stromsoy was forced to play some ‘very tired’ players and play others out of position.

Midfielder David Webster took up defensive duties at centre half for the afternoon but his was one of many standout displays.

Despite this, TN fought off a late barrage of long balls from the hosts as they scrambled for an equaliser.

“At the end of the second half they [Ryhope] were essentially playing with four up front,” added Stromsoy.

“It was ridiculous, they were throwing everything at us. As soon as they got the ball they were just lumping it up.

“To come away with a clean sheet and beat a team who have just came off the back of an impressive win over West Auckland, who are a top team, was fantastic.

“It was a display that really made me proud.”