Tuesday, 1 February 2011

League Cup Third Round

Sunderland RCA travelled to Filtrona Park in the third round of the League Cup for their second of three meetings with neighbours South Shields scheduled in recent weeks.

RCA manager Neil Hixon made a number of changes to the line-up that won at Dunston UTS last week. In came Steve Jones, John Toft and Harrison Davies for Carl Beasley, Keith Graydon and Martin Smith, who did not travel, while Michael Dalton was given his debut with Scott Richards dropping to the bench.

It was a bright opening to the game with both sides looking to attack from the off. The first sight of goal fell to RCA in form Richie Logan who dragged his shot wide from just outside of the box.

RCA opened the scoring after 12 minutes with the first flowing move of the game. A slick passing spell moving the ball out of defence was orchestrated by Paul Talbot, Chris Smith and Davies on the left. Davies fed the ball inside to Logan who turned to face the South Shields back four. With the South Shields defence backing off Logan chose to carry the ball. Beating the first man and gliding into the box Logan squared the ball to Dalton on the 18-yard line and the midfield placed his shot into the bottom corner.

A fully committed challenge between Joe Walton and South Shields centre half Niall McArdle in the early stages had resulted in the RCA wide man picking up an injury. Walton had tried to run the knock off initially but after a period of restricted movement he was replaced by Paul Taylor.

RCA showed more of the attacking impetus of the two teams in the opening half hour, Logan in particular looking threatening, but neither side fashioned a clear opportunity.

South Shields should have equaliser when James Oates misjudged a long ball over the top. Chris Winn outpaced the centre half getting in behind the defence, but RCA goalkeeper Gary Hoggeth was quick to react, darting quickly off his line he dived bravely at the feet of Winn to protect RCA’s lead.

South Shields got back on level terms just before the interval. A perfectly floated corner from the right hung invitingly for ex-RCA defender Daryll Hall to head the home side level at the break.

South Shields came out the second half looking for a second goal pressing RCA for long periods, but some stoic defending from the RCA back four denied South Shields any clear goalscoring opportunities. South Shields did manage to hit the upright twice from long range in this period. First Winn, picking the ball up deep, shifted it onto his right and unleashed a 25-yard strike that clipped the top of the crossbar. Then, substitute Dan Olusoga shifted the ball past Talbot and fired a powerful strike towards Hoggeth’s nearside that the RCA keeper was able to deal with, tipping the ball onto the post.

RCA had played on the counter for much of the second half, but in the final stages, knowing one goal could win it, they began to attack with a bit more adventure. Looking comfortable in possession, as they had done for most of the game, RCA switched the ball out to Taylor on the right. With Steve Jones on the overlap Taylor brought Smith into play. Smith picked his pass, finding Jones’s run behind the defence, and the full back latched onto the ball in the box. Cutting back onto his left Jones curled a ball to the back post that had South Shield goalkeeper Josh Carmichael beaten, but was cleared away by the covering defender off the line.

RCA’s winner came in an extended spell of pressure in the final 10 minutes. After controlling possession on the edge of the South Shields box Davies, popped up on the right, picking up the ball. With the ball bouncing and a defender in close attention Davies wrapped his foot around it and his audacious attempt arched over the scrambling Carmichael into the top corner.

It was a poor tie with many periods of scrappy play, but RCA eventually got the win to move into their second Quarter Final of the season, knocking out the holders in the process.

Saturday, 5 February 2011

STL Northern League Division 1

Click here for a slideshow of photos from the match

Sunderland RCA manager Neil Hixon made a couple of changes from the side who knocked neighbours South Shields out of the League Cup in midweek for the visit of Billingham Town. Carl Beasley, Scott Richards, Keith Graydon and Martin Smith all returned with Richie Logan missing and Harrison Davies, Leon Carling and Michael Dalton all dropping to the bench.

The match began at an energetic pace with RCA attacking from the off. After a couple of wasted openings RCA took the lead through John Toft. With the ball played into him on the left, Toft, foraged down the flank, cut back inside to create an opening for himself and found a low finish that beat James Briggs in the Billingham Town goal.

Billingham Town hit back almost immediately. The ball into the box caused the RCA defence problems and James Middleton was able to finish to level the scores.

Despite the set back RCA were still on top and in a spell of extended pressure chances presented themselves to both Toft and Martin Smith but neither was able to take advantage. RCA would restore their lead after 17 minutes. A Graydon delivery hung invitingly between goalkeeper and defence and Beasley came in at the back post to head his fifth goal of the season.

The centre of the RCA midfield had control of the game. Richard was breaking up the Billingham Town attacks and feeding the ball into Chris Smith, who was stepping in from the left, and Graydon to orchestrate the tempo of play. Graydon would be rewarded with his first goal just before the half hour mark with a strike that gave Briggs no chance.

Six minutes later Graydon had his second. Picking the ball up deep Graydon exchanged a series off passes with Richards and Martin Smith in an interchange that split open the Billingham Town defence. Carrying on his run into the box Graydon stepped passed the last challenge and finished clinically into the bottom corner.

Feeling comfortable RCA took their foot off the accelerator and allowed Billingham Town periods of possession. Just before the interval Oates stepped out of defence and went through the back of the Billingham player in a pointless attempt to win the ball. It was an easy decision for Referee Mr. M. Coy who signalled for a freekick. As Oates ran to get back into position the ball was whipped into the area and in an attempt to atone for the mistake which gave away the freekick Oates stretched to intercept the low delivery but he could only turn the ball into the back of his own net.

RCA came out for the second half looking for another goal to put the game to bed. In a fluid passing movement RCA split the Billingham defence open. Martin Smith ran in behind, latching onto the perfectly weighted pass, and delivered a telling ball inbetween goalkeeper and defence. Joe Walton got in front off his marker at the back post and fired the ball goalwards but scrambling across the line Briggs made an excellent save.

RCA forced a series of outstanding saves from Briggs in the second half but Billingham Town were creating chances of their own and if they could get a third goal RCA would be put under pressure. Stephen Flockett scored Billingham’s third but the timing of the goal was significant. With only four minutes of regular time remaining Flockett found space in the RCA 18-yard area and his finish gave Gary Hoggeth in the RCA goal no chance.

Billingham Town attempted to pressurise in the remaining moments of the game but RCA held out comfortably to claim three points from a high scoring game that seemed to reflect events that was happening all over football that weekend.

Monday, 7 February 2011

STL Northern League Division 1

Sunderland RCA took on Whitley Bay in front of a season record attendance at Meadow Park. Injuries ruled out first team regulars for RCA with Paul Talbot, Richie Logan and Carl Beasley all missing for Neil Hixon’s men.

A cold wind blowing down slope engulfed Meadow Park for this evening kick off. RCA started brightly with some slick attacking play that was causing the Whitley Bay defence problems and just before the 10-minute mark Keith Graydon forced a good save from Kyle Hayes in the Whitley Bay goal.

A string of corners followed with RCA putting the Whitley Bay goal heavy pressure. Chances fell to Martin Smith and John Toft but neither were able to give RCA the lead.

Whitley Bay looked comfortable when in control of possession but playing up hill against the wind they fail to create anything like a clear goalscoring opportunity. Toft thought he had gave RCA the lead midway through the first half but his goalbound effort was saved tremendously by Hayes.

After the interval Whitley Bay began to look more threatening. Paul Chow, into the channel, delivered a dangerous ball across the RCA box which Craig McFarlane met at the back post. McFarlane’s header, back across goal looked destined for the bottom corner but, with great agility, RCA keeper Gary Hoggeth extended himself to make an excellent one handed save.

Whitley Bay took the lead moments later in a simple fashion. A RCA attack had broke down and collecting the ball in his hands Haynes elected to kick early down field. The long kick caught out the RCA back line and a moments hesitation from Hoggeth allow Chow in to head the opener in an almost copy of his first goal against RCA in the reverse encounter at Hillheads earlier in the season.

RCA continued to impose an attacking threat to Whitley Bay. The introduction of Paul Taylor gave the Whitley Bay defence something else to think about with Taylor providing persistence running across the line and into the channels. A long ball over the top gave RCA the chance to get back onto level terms. Taylor got in behind Whitley Bay’s centre back pairing and found himself in a footrace with the outcoming Haynes to reach the loose ball. Taylor got there first, rounding the Whitley Bay keeper who brought him down. Without hesitation the referee pointed to the spot but despite Haynes being the last man and denying a goalscoring opportunity no further punishment was handed out to the goalkeeper who, to add to RCA’s feeling of injustice, saved well from Martin Smith penalty.

Whitley Bay put the game to bed four minutes before time when Chow pounced on a low ball across to fire decisively into the top corner. RCA will have perhaps felt they deserved something from the game but clinical finishing was the difference between the two sides.

Saturday, 12 February 2011

STL Northern League Division 1

Click here for a slideshow of photos from the match

In the third instalment of the recent triple Sunderland RCA once again travelled to Filtrona Park to play South Shields. RCA manager Neil Hixon was without Martin Smith for the trip but saw the return of Richie Logan, Carl Beasley and Paul Talbot to the starting line up after missing Monday evening’s game with Whitley Bay.

Intense rain the night previous had left the pitch at Filtrona Park heavy, with a passing game difficult to maintain on the muddy surface. RCA struggeled to adapt early on and were punished when South Shields took the lead through Tony Burnell.

South Shields were putting reliance on the long ball up to the frontmen which suited the conditions and led to their second goal. Hit from the back Darryl Hall played the ball long in the direction of Burnell. James Oates defended the first ball but Burnell was able to pick up the second. Shifting the ball onto his right Burnell shot low from distance and the effort skidded across the surface and slipped under the body of RCA goalkeeper Gary Hoggeth.

RCA slowly grew back into the game. During a period of pressure on the South Shields the ball was lifted into the path of Joe Walton who had found space in the 18-yard area. Walton hit the bouncing ball cleanly leaving Josh Carmichael a spectator but the effort hit off the inside of the post and fell fortunately for a South Shields player to clear.

Despite the difficultly of the surface RCA were able to work the ball around on the floor. Just before the interval a exchange of passes between Logan, Keith Graydon and Chris Smith gave the latter an opportunity to strike at goal but, from 12-yards out, Smith could only pull the shot wide.

RCA return for the second half looking for an early goal and after some last ditch defending by the South Shields rearguard Harrison Davies was able to pounce and convert only two minutes after the restart.

Davies was looking impressive in the second period committing South Shields defenders and driving into the box. He put RCA back on level terms with around 20 minutes left finishing confidently from inside the box after a misplaced pass.

The emphasis was very much with RCA now and Walton, Davies and Logan were all giving the South Shields back four problems. Logan picking the ball up deep was dragging Hall out of position and Hall, worried about the space was forced into some reckless challenges on the RCA forward. It would be two, in a 10-minute period, which would earn Hall his two yellow cards and resulting dismissal.

The returning Wayne Henderson’s first major involvement after being introduced as a sub was to make a sliding challenge attempting to win the ball. Henderson was adjudged by the officials of deliberately handling the ball despite tackling on the floor with his hands across his chest. The resulting freekick was floated into the box and met by Paul Stoneman who’s header came back down of the crossbar and was judged to have crossed the line by the referee’s assistant.

RCA began to throw men forward in search of the equaliser as a result leaving themselves exposed at the back and South Shields could have easily scored a fourth on the counter. RCA could not find the breakthrough and South Shields secured the league double over RCA.

Tuesday, 15 February 2011

STL Northern League Division 1

Sunderland RCA went down by 4-1 to Newcastle Benfield last night at Meadow Park in a game that was a lot closer than the result suggests. RCA manager Neil Hixon made two changes to the side that lost away at South Shields at the weekend with Michael Dalton replacing Chris Smith and Paul Taylor coming in for Richie Logan up front.

Newcastle Benfield started adventurously, attacking from the off, but the RCA defence was solid weathering the early storm. Getting the ball down RCA looked comfortable in possession and began giving Newcastle Benfield some defensive problems of their own.

RCA opened the scoring when a well-worked interchange of passes down the left flank opened up the Newcastle Benfield defence. Keith Graydon provided the pass for Harrison Davies who was able to get in behind and finish past Andrew Grainger in the Newcastle Benfield goal.

Moments later Taylor was put through, sprinting in behind the Newcastle Benfield defence. Taylor rounded the onrushing Grainger and, slightly off balance, turned the ball goalwards with his left foot. His shot was weak though and the covering Newcastle Benfield defender was able to clear the ball to safety.

Both sides continued to control possession well for the rest of the half with RCA creating the better of the chance before the referee blew for the interval.

Newcastle Benfield equalised immediately after the restart. An incisive attack presented Adam Rowntree with the opportunity and he made no mistake finishing in the bottom corner.

The goal was a set back for RCA but they continued to look threatening with the Newcastle Benfield defence struggling to deal with balls over the top as John Toft, Joe Walton and Taylor looking to profit. It would be Taylor who would have the best chance to resort RCA’s lead. Shrugging off the challenge of Phil Lumsden Taylor dashed in behind the Newcastle Benfield defence latching onto the long ball. With Grainger advancing Taylor delicately lifted the ball over the Newcastle Benfield goalkeeper. Destined for the back of the net the ball landed in the heavily muddy goalmouth and stuck as the surface took all of the power out of it giving the defence the chance to clear.

RCA had looked the more likely to score through the second period keeping Newcastle Benfield down to some excellent attempts from range including one from Paul Anthony that Gary Hoggeth in the RCA goal tipped onto the bar.

A couple of challenges in the middle of the park which should have been pulled up for a freekicks led to the penalty incident when Scott Fenwick went down under the challenge of the outcoming Hoggeth. The referee immediately pointed to the spot and Anthony stepped up to convert the penalty giving Newcastle Benfield the lead.

As RCA attacked looking for the equaliser Newcastle Benfield found holes in the defence. Rowntree added his second just before the end of the 90 and in stoppage time Simon Bell got Newcastle Benfield’s fourth securing all three points.

Tuesday, 22 February 2011

STL Northern League Division 1

Ryton and their home ground Kingsley Park have been something of a bogey team for Sunderland RCA, who have been at the wrong end of the result on each of their visits over the course of the last four seasons. RCA had a chance to end this run as they visited a struggling Ryton side who are currently adrift at the bottom of the STL Northern League First Division.

RCA manager Neil Hixon came into the game with virtually a full squad to choose from; only Keith Graydon was missing from the team that lined up a week earlier against Newcastle Benfield. Returning to the starting line-up was Marc Ellison, in for the aforementioned Graydon, Scott Richards and, leading the attack, Martin Smith and Richie Logan.

RCA began the match quickly, passing the ball intensively in an attempt to break down the Ryton defence. It became clear quickly that Ryton’s pitch, uneven in patches, was not conducive to the passing game that dominates much of RCA’s attacking play.

RCA opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a direct piece of football. A long ball played out from the back was misjudged by the Ryton centre halves and Logan was able to latch onto the ball, clean through on goal. Taking two or three extra touches the ball seemed to have bobbled away from him, but at the last moment, as the keeper advanced, Logan stabbed the ball into the near corner.

RCA were looking to play more directly and two long balls switched out to the left created the best two chances of the first half for Harrison Davies. The first ball, played into his feet, allowed Davies to run at the Ryton defence. Beating two defenders, Davies elected to shoot from the edge of the area and his effort bent over the bar. Joe Walton provided Davies with his next chance playing an excellent ball over the top. Davies got in behind the Ryton defence and going one-on-one with the goalkeeper he took an extra touch that narrowed the angle and, when perhaps the better option was to go around the keeper, poked at his shot, which was easily saved then defended.

Both teams became guilty of giving the ball away as attacks were building which gave a scrappy feel to the first half of play. Returning after the interval RCA again continued to create chances, but failed to find the finishing touch. After an extended spell of pressure in the early stages of the second half RCA were camped inside Ryton’s 18-yard box trying to intricately work the ball. Chances fell to Logan, Martin Smith and Carl Beasley, but none could apply the finish in what eventually turned into a goalmouth scramble.

RCA finally doubled their lead when Logan took advantage of a goalkeeper's spill after Davies had cut inside and fired goalwards after 70 minutes. The goal, with the introductions of Paul Taylor, John Toft and Chris Smith who replaced the tiring but excellent Ellison, gave RCA a new emphasis. Minutes later Logan ran the centre back, getting to the byline and pulled the ball back in the direction of Toft’s late run. Toft did not get there, but the defender, who felt he had to deal with the situation, turned the ball into the back of his own net.

RCA’s fourth came from Davies who was now getting more space down the left to influence the game. With the ball at his feet Davies outpaced the Ryton defender and struck a low, hard shot that went beneath the keeper.

RCA continued to create chances. Logan should have completed his hat-trick when he waltzed through the Ryton defence, beating three players, to put himself one-on-one with the goal keeper. He feigned to shoot one too many times giving the defender a chance to get back and block his eventual shot.

With the final kick of the game Taylor should have got his first goal since returning to the club when he latched on to a clever ball played in between the centre halves, but he place his shot straight into the goalkeeper's arms.

RCA took all three points to banish any lingering doubts about Kingsley Park and avenge the early season home defeat to Ryton that remains their only win of the season in any competition. However, the night will be remembered for RCA’s wastefulness in front of goal that has continued to persist in recent weeks.

Saturday, 26 February 2011

STL Northern League Division I

Click here for a slideshow of photos from the match

Sunderland RCA twice came from behind to take all three points in this seven goal thriller at the Ironworks Road ground. What a day weather wise with sunshine, rain, hail and snow all combining to make the playing surface difficult to say the least. It was a testament to the ability of both sets of players that they played some good football on a deteriorating pitch.

The game started in frantic fashion with both teams in attacking mode, the first effort came after only two minutes when a through ball from Hewitson found Thompson, but his first time effort sailed wide of the post. RCA responded with a quick counter and Smith was unlucky with an effort that had the keeper scrambling to make the save, a minute later and a cross from Davies found Logan free at the back post but his effort was easily saved.

Tow Law took the lead when a poor clearance was picked up by Hewitson who fired home from 20 yards out.

RCA were level within five minutes when Talbot curled a sweet left foot freekick into the path off Oates who met the the ball perfectly to head home from eight yards out.

As the conditions worsened attractive football was replaced by a midfield battle, and with both teams conceding possession easily it made for an entertaining spectacle for the nuetral.

The Lawyers restored their lead on the half hour when Thompson was left unmarked and unchallenged on the edge of the box and he was able to find the gap between Hoggeth's outstreched hand and the post.

The game continued in this topsy turvy fashion, first one team with the upper hand and then the other. It was no surprise therefore when RCA restored parity from a corner. Robinson, in the Tow Law goal came under pressure from Davies corner and his palmed clearance fell kindly for Beasley to head home from close range.

Tow Law started the second half brightly, but were unable to create anything up front and as RCA weathered the storm in more ways than one they started to dominate, pinning Tow Law back in their own half for long periods.

The introduction of Taylor up front, replacing Logan seemed to do the trick as he skipped past two defenders before crossing, but the ball was cut out by Robinson.

A run and cross by Walton found Smith in the box but his flying header went narrowly wide. The referee for some reason awarded a corner and from this RCA went 3-2 up went the ball fell kindly for Smith in the box and he blasted the ball through a crowd of players into the net.

Taylor's pace was causing Tow Law all sorts of problems and he was unlucky not to score himself when one on one with the keeper he managed to fire wide.

Minutes later and another burst of pace from Taylor took him into space on the left; this time his cross found Walton inside the box and he made no mistake from six yards.

Whether RCA took their foot of the pedal or Tow Law upped their game is uncertain, but the final 15 minutes of this game seemed to be camped in the RCA half with shots raining in from the Lawyer forwards, but not troubling Hoggeth until the final minute of the game when Thompson picked up the ball just outside the box and crashed the ball home past the despairing dive of Hoggeth.