Non-league team score four in added time for ‘greatest comeback in football history’

Step aside Barcelona, forget all the talk about Charlton, Roma and the miracle of Istanbul. Gas engineer Tom Atkinson and Yarm & Eaglescliffe FC could well now be the go-to for football comebacks after a remarkable non-league game in the north-east of England at the weekend.

Sunderland West End were coasting at 5-2 up in the 92nd minute of their Northern League Division Two game and Yarm’s supporters could have been forgiven for having made their excuses and left. But an incredible four-goal burst then sealed the most unlikely of victories for the visitors.

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Atkinson completed his hat-trick to reduce their arrears before Ste Roberts struck twice in as many minutes to level the score five minutes into added time. But the drama on Teesside wasn’t finished there, with Atkinson popping up again in the 97th minute to complete the 6-5 triumph.

Yarm’s manager Stephen Jackson told north-east community radio station Nova Radio: “[This is] the craziest game of football I have ever been involved in and I can’t imagine it ever being topped. A poor showing over 90 minutes and fair play to Sunderland West End, they outplayed and outfought us.

“We snuck a goal back at 5-2 down in the 92nd minute and we were happy with the consolation for the goal difference. We then win a penalty in the 94th minute and knowing this group you get the feeling we will have one more chance. We get that chance from kick-off and a great cross is converted by Ste Roberts.

“The lads get the ball and go back to the middle as we have the belief and always keep going although it seemed incredible to sneak a point at 5-2 down. From kick-off in the 97th minute, we win the ball straight back, it’s played wide to Ste who rabonas a pass into Tom Atkinson who takes one touch and finishes it – unbelievable.”

Jackson added: “It seemed [and still does seem] surreal. There can’t have been a greater comeback in the history of football – four goals in the last five minutes to win the game. We had every emotion throughout the 97 minutes and it shows the amazing character of the group – an amazing set of lads who I’m proud to work with.”