Sunday 11 October 2009
Total Sport Challenge Trophy: First Round
RCA The Barnes came through a tough encounter with First Division outfit Jolly Potter, winning by 2-1.
RCA management mixed up their first 11 giving recent signings John Turvey and Jonathan Davis starting places and after returning from injury Jake Moan was given a run out. This in no way reflected on the players who were left out, but with RCA having a much stronger squad it was an opportunity to give players a game and to see how they coped.
RCA started brightly and could have taken an early lead when Jake Moan found himself one-on-one with the Potter's keeper, but his effort was blocked by the keeper's legs. However it didn't take much longer for RCA to take the lead, as after 10 minutes John Turvey was put through the inside right channel and he finished cooly into the top right hand corner of the net.
Rather than settle RCA down this seemed to waken up the Potters and they began to push forward with greater effect; there physically stronger midfielders beginning to outmuscle RCA's young midfielders and after 30 minutes the pressure told when they were awarded a penalty for hand ball by RCA centre half Mick Curtis. But RCA keeper Neal Atkinson produced a splendid save diving to his left to keep out the spot kick and RCA saw out the remainder of the half to go in 1-0 ahead at half time.
RCA made two substitutions at half time with youngsters Jake Moan and Callum Charlton giving way to Kevin Carr who slotted into right back and Glenn Moan coming into central midfield to give a more solid look to this area. The game swung from end to end without too many chances being created but midway through the half an unnecessary hand ball from a corner gave RCA the chance to put the game to bed, but John Turvey's weak spot kick was easily saved.
After 75 minutes though a flowing interchange of quick passing down the left hand flank, between Andy Gilbert and Liam Dunn ended with an inch perfect cross which was headed home perfectly by John Turvey.
Credit to Potters though who kept going right to the end and were rewarded with a consolation goal in the 90th minute when a deflected shot snuck just inside the post, with the keeper wrong footed. RCA saw out the remaing added on time comfortably to end up 2-1 winners and progress to the next round.
All in all a very good game and good preparation for this coming Sunday's FA Carlsberg Sunday Cup first round tie against Liverpool Lobster FC, taking place at Meadow Park this Sunday (18th) with a 2.00pm kick off. A good crowd would be appreciated for what is expected to be a very tough match so why not get yourselves along & support the lads?