Thursday, 18 March 2010
Sunderland Sunday Premier League
RCA The Barnes consolidated their position in the league with a hard fought victory over a spirited Hylton Castle Arms by 4-0 on Thursday night under the lights at Meadow Park.
RCA were without skipper Phil Hall & still struggling with no centre forward available, but covered these omissions with the inclusion of club skipper Mick Curtis at centre hallf alomgside assistant manager Glen Moan and Richy Hall coming in at centre forward. Jonathan Davis was given a rest from his recent exertions and was named as a substitute. The rest of the team was as expected with Andy Place continueing his excellent form up front.
Both sides started brightly in the blustery conditions and half chances were created at both ends, but RCA keeper Atkinson had to be at his best after 20 minutes to block an effort from close range after a mix up in the RCA defence. RCA then took the lead after 25 minutes when a one two between Mick McVay and Paul Hartley released the latter to deliver a perfect cross for Martin Metcalfe to glance a header home, and continue his super goalscoring record from midfield. Shortly afterwards McVay had to leave the game due to bad head injury and Jomathan Davis was introduced, earlier than expected, into midfield with Callum Charlton reverting to full back. The remainder of the first half was played out and the half time score remained 1 - 0 to RCA.
RCA, now kicking up the slope, slowly began to take a grip on the game without turning their possession into any worthwhile chances and it looked as if they would have to grind out a 1 - 0 victory in the incresingly difficult conditions, but all that changed after 75 minutes when Andy Place found room in the box and fired for goal, only to be denied by a hand ball on the line. Defender dismissed, Mick Curtis dispatched penalty with his usual aplomb, and now RCA could relax and take complete control.
Against the 10 men RCA moved the ball with increasing confidence and after 85 minutes Andy Place got the goal he deserved when he cleverly turned the defender and blasted into the roof of the net to put RCA 3 - 0 up. Andy then added a fourth after hesitation in the Hylton Castle defence to give a final scoreline of 4 - 0 to RCA.
Decent crowd in tonight, considering footy on telly, so thanks to them and we hope to see you all again on Sunday, for our quarter final against Thorney Close Inn at Meadow Park, 10:30 am KO.