Unbeaten League Run Ends In Tough Fought Encounter

by Jeff King

Ebac Northern League Division 2 - Saturday 17th January 2026 Ryton & Crawcrook Albion 1 v 0 Park View AFC

Park View's seven match winning run in the league came to an end against a tough resolute Ryton side on Saturday down in the Tyne Valley. The Oldhaulage Stadium saw a competitive hard fought game with the hosts taking the win.

Three massive points for Ryton to move them within sight of the play-off places and backing up their midweek result against another play-off contender Seaham Red Star to complete a great week for the Northumberland side.

For Park View the result meant them dropping out of the play-off positions for now as they now stand seventh in the table but with significant games in hand. Win a couple of them and they'll be right back in the mix.

Perhaps on the balance of play a draw may have been a fair result. But Ryton took a chance whereas Park View didn't and their defence stood firm when PV threatened in the second half.

Ryton even had a couple of chances to increase their lead on the counter but in the end one goal was enough for them to take all three points and revenge for their earlier season 2-0 defeat at The Riverside.

Not the best of weeks for Park View following their midweek cup defeat against West Auckland Town but the performances have been good. Just a lack of finishing quality in the final third has seen them come up with two blanks.

Both sides though could and should be commended for an entertaining game played on a difficult pitch that has certainly suffered thanks to the recent bad weather.

Park View were forced into one change to their starting XI following that Cup defeat to West Auckland. Reyhan Grimaud coming in at right back as Brandon Young was not 100% fit and only made the bench.

Michael Mallaburn on his last game before his return to his scholarship in the USA moving into his more favoured midfield role to take Young's place.

Both sides seemed to settle early on the tricky surface as the game got underway. Park View having a glorious chance to take the lead in the 4th minute.

Nathan Beesley fouling Stephen Siyanbola wide on the left in line with the 18-yard box. Mallaburn whipping the free kick into the box where it caused confusion. The ball falling to Dylan Robson inside the six-yard box.

Robson looked a certain scorer as he hit his effort on target only to see Callum Corkhill in the Ryton goal produce a stunning reflex save to keep the ball out. The ball dropped to Dylan Wilkinson on the follow-up but his effort was blocked.

It was unclear how much Corkhill knew about his save but it kept his goal in tact and denied Park view a great chance to make a great start. It took Ryton until the 9th minute before they launched a meaningful attack.

Ben Gallagher fouling Louis Calvert in a central position some 25-yards from goal. Calvert getting up to take the free-kick but drove his effort well over the bar from the dead ball position.

The game was being dominated by two solid defences. A lot of good build up play from both sides as they probed for openings were continually thwarted by both back fours.

Ryton though were beginning to get on top and forcing Park View back using the width of the pitch and their supporting full backs well. Beesley's cross looking for Calvert at the back post was just too long for the striker to reach.

On 22 minutes Ryton did go in front with a goal that may well have been subject to a VAR review had such been available. A long ball out of defence caught Brad Hughes in two minds as he did not get his head to the clearance.

Calvert seemingly in an offside position took full advantage of the chance. As all good strikers should he played to the whistle and with none coming slotted the ball past the advancing James Hughes from the edge of the box.

Park View looked to the Assistant who's flag stayed down. A quick check from the referee and the goal stood to give Ryton an excellent platform to go forward from and left PV chasing the game.

Ryton almost produced an opening for a second when a ball down the left from Scott Oldfield found Calvert inside the box. He pulled the ball into the middle but it was a little bit behind Louis Anderson.

The brother of ex-Newcastle United and current Nottingham Forest and England regular Elliott is Ryton's top scorer but this time he had to try a spectacular volley that he didn't catch right and J Hughes had an easy save.

In truth although Ryton were on top and having the lion's share of possession they were not able to breakdown PV's defence. At the other end the home defence were also dealing comfortably with the visitors advances.

Jacob Mallinson picked up a yellow card for Park View for a challenge on his opposite number Dylan Nelson but the free kick from wide on the left by Oldfield was easily dealt with by Park View.

Jamie Frizzel and Mallaburn then worked a nice piece of play on the left to give Mallaburn a crossing opportunity. It was well delivered but just too high for Siyanbola and just in front of the late arriving Mallinson.

Robson then somehow avoided a yellow card for a foul on Anderson about 25 yards from goal that gave Ryton a free kick in a dangerous area. Morgan Dart took it but PV's skipper Wilkinson rose well to head away.

It was the last meaningful action of a half that had seen Ryton have the majority of possession and a slightly contentious goal to show for it. But given the closeness of the match-up Park view were still well in the contest.

Park View almost opened the half in great style. Mallaburn spotting Gallagher breaking into the box almost unmarked slid a great ball in his direction. Beesley though was alive to the situation and came across to make a great clearance.

Albe Fletcher then tried to play a ball over the top for Anderson to chase. Grimaud got there first but his clearance only feel to Calvert who tried a first time effort from fully 25-yards but it was straight at J Hughes who easily held it.

Ryton were almost architects of the own downfall when a ball back from midfield looked to have given Charlie Loveday a clear run at their goal. but Corkhill was off his line in a flash to deny Loveday with a sweeping clearance.

The game was beginning to open up and Ryton went very close when Lawson from the edge of the box tried to chip J Hughes only to see his effort clip off Robson and divert just wide for a corner that Park View cleared easily.

Then Oldfield floated a lovely ball into Lawson who in turn put Anderson into space just inside the Park View box. Anderson trying to lob the advancing J Hughes who stretched superbly to claw the ball away to safety.

Park View were pushing hard but with little reward. One cross from Gallagher to the back post found Mallinson in space but his header lacked conviction and was blocked by Glenn Caygill.

Then from a Park View promising attack set-up by Mallaburn who almost found Siyanbola free Ryton sprung forward on the counter. The ball out of defence seeing Anderson and Wilkinson coming together in a challenge.

The ball spinning out nicely to substitute Rhys McLeod who advanced into the box and from the inside left position drove a 14-yard left foot daisy-cutter inches wide of the far post.

Another Ryton counter attack saw a great sliding pass from Fergus Lynch find Beesley breaking into the box. In full stride the full back unleashed a low drive that J Hughes got down well to at his near post to make a good diving block.

As the game moved into the final ten minutes Park View threw everything at Ryton and had two great chances for an equaliser in quick succession. Unfortunately for them neither was taken.

Frizzel's diagonal ball from the left found Loveday in the box and he cushioned a lovely volleyed pass into the middle. Siyanbola was about 8-yards out with the goal at his mercy but was unable to get a decisive connection and the ball was cleared by the grateful Ryton defence.

Then two Park View substitutes combined to give Gallagher a great chance. Frankie Young bursting forward from midfield and then finding Zac Boddy in the box who under challenge got the ball back towards Gallagher.

The midfielder met the loose ball really well about 12-yards out on an angle at the right. His shot flew towards the bottom corner across Corkhill but the keeper was equal to it and dived full length to turn the effort away.

It was the last clear cut chance of the game for Park View as Ryton held firm under pressure to see the game out and almost even got a late second. Anderson finding McLeod on the edge of the box who flashed a shot just wide.

At the final whistle it was one goal three points to Ryton who will now consider themselves in with a chance of a late run for a play-off place. Park View on the other hand just need to dust themselves down reset and go again.

They still have a lot of football to play with their destiny well in their own hands. They next go to Grangetown on Tuesday night for another crucial league encounter. A chance for a League double and to get back to winning ways.

TEAM : 1. James Hughes 2. Reyhan Grimaud 3. Jamie Frizzel 4. Brad Hughes 5. Dylan Wilkinson (c) 6. Dylan Robson 7. Jacob Mallinson 8. Ben Gallagher 9. Stephen Siyanbola 10. Michael Mallaburn 11. Charlie Loveday

SUBS : 12. Joe Sykes (Not Used) 14. Brandon Young (Not Used) 15. Zac Boddy (for Grimaud 62 mins) 16. Frankie Young (for Brad Hughes 62 mins) 17. Sam Beattie (for Mallinson 82 mins)

PLAYER of the MATCH : Michael Mallaburn