Hebburn Town boss Bolam wary of RCA reaction following Vase defeat

Hebburn Town manager Kevin Bolam has warned his squad to be wary of a “wounded animal” when they go up against Sunderland RCA on Saturday.
Action from Sunderland RCA's defeat to Shildon last weekend.Action from Sunderland RCA's defeat to Shildon last weekend.
Action from Sunderland RCA's defeat to Shildon last weekend.

Martin Swales’ side travel to the Green Energy Sports Ground looking to put a positive end of their most challenging week of the season so far.

RCA looked to be on their way to an impressive FA Vase win against high-flying Shildon last Saturday when they opened-up a two-goal advantage against the Railwaymen.

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But their hopes of extending their run in the competition into the first round proper were ended as their lead was overturned by Daniel Moore’s side.

And their poor form continued on Wednesday night when RCA conceded four goals in the opening half-hour as they fell to a 4-1 defeat at in-form opponents Newcastle Benfield.

However, Hornets boss Bolam insisted that his side can’t afford to take anything for granted as they look to claim a win that would keep them at the top of the Northern League Division One table.

“They have too many good players in that RCA squad to stay in the form that they are in,” explained Bolam.

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He continued: “I have a lot of respect for Swaz and you know how difficult a game you get against his side, that happens time after time against them.

“They’ll want to bounce back because they haven’t been in a good place, but again, we know they are a wounded animal and that makes them even more dangerous to face than they normally are.”

He added: “We trained on Thursda y after Tuesday night’s cancellation against Stockton Town and we had a lot of lads carrying knocks, so we gave them a night off rather than making them train on Tuesday.

“The last time we had a mini-break, we got beaten at North Shields and we have to guard against that happening once again.”

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Bolam is hoping that the rest will have been beneficial to his squad, which will be at near full strength , but he also revealed that they have a slight doubt over winger Tom Pott er.

Former South Shields midfielder Michael Richardson could be in line to start the game as he returns to full fitness.