Ryton & Crawcrook Albion came from an early goal down to record a superb 4-1 win at Thornaby on Saturday in the Ebac Northern League 2.

Albion fell behind to a Billy Clark strike inside 2 minutes in sweltering conditions at Teesdale Park. However, the visitors responded well and Abubaker Salim equalised four minutes later.

After dismissing a strong penalty appeal earlier, the referee awarded RACA a penalty after 18 minutes for a handball, which Aaron Costello coolly dispatched. Daniel Craggs then extended the lead with a fabulous free kick midway through the half to put Albion in cruise control.

Michael Baxter struck the woodwork twice and Adam Mooney denied the home side on a couple of occasions before Costello wrapped up the three points deep into injury time with his 8th goal of the campaign.

The third consecutive win moves Nathan Beckham’s side up to 9th in the league and above local rivals Prudhoe YC Seniors ahead of this Friday night’s eagerly awaited Tyne Valley derby at Kinsgley Park.

Attendance: 207

RACA Man of the Match: Fergus Lynch

Thornaby: Makepeace, Gant, Priest, Petterson, Proctor, Joynes, Stapley, J Alali, Hurworth, Milburn, Clark.

RACA: Mooney, Lowery (Hildreth 85), Symons, Lynch, Esdaille, Caygill, Baxter (Dudgeon 86), Craggs (Skivington 74), Costello, Salim (McLeod 63), Hoggins (Smith 46).