Reserves within seconds of beating the league leaders

The reserves nearly pulled off one of the surprises of the Wearside League season on Saturday.

They led league leaders Cleator Moor Celtic 2-1 deep into stoppage time, but the Cumbrians snatched an equaliser in the fourth minute of added on time.

Joint manager Mark Fanning said; “We were all gutted after the game, because we had come so close to beating them. They pushed everyone forward in stoppage time, and we endured an aerial bombardment.

“We worked really hard to get in front after going an early goal down, but a little bit of inexperience cost us at the end. It’s still a good point, but it could have been so much better.”

After Cleator Moor took the lead after 10 minutes, Quakers levelled when Liam Marrs broke down the right and crossed for Gareth McMahon to score.

Vinny Steels had a strong penalty claim turned down and then a panicked Cleator defender hit his own bar with a clearance before Steels picked he ball up on the left, beat his full back, and beat the keeper.

But then in stoppage time, a Cleator player was left unmarked to score the equaliser.

Nevertheless, the lads are seventh in the table at Christmas, a great achievement