Thursday, 18 August 2011
Sunderland Sunday Premier League
RCA The Barnes got their 2011/12 season off to a winning start, defeating Farringdon SC 2 - 1 with a severely depleted squad due to injuries, work commitments and holidays.
With only 14 players available they all played a significant part in the victory over a strong Farringdon outfit. Centre half and captain Phil Hall was moved into midfield and Martin Metcalfe moved up front to accommodate the resources available, with young new keeper Chris Stoker behind a back four of Charlton, Peel, McManus and another youngster Stewart. The midfield four were Tyzack, the returning Liam Dunn, Hall and Hughes with Place and Metcalfe up top.
Farringdon started at a furious pace, putting the RCA defence under considerable pressure while the unfamiliar back line found its feet, with Parkinson and Noble pulling the strings. Slowly though, RCA began to get more organised and started to put together some good football of their own. After 35 minutes Martin Metcalfe found himself on the edge of the box after good work down the right flank and lashed in a left foot drive inside the keeper's left hand post to put RCA 1 - 0 up. They held the lead comfortably to half time.
Farringdon came out in determined mood for the second half and equalised through Noble after 55 minutes following a defensive blunder which allowed him to poke home from close range. After 65 minutes RCA introduced Jonathan Davis (who had arrived late due to training with his Saturday side) and Chris Lawrence who replaced Tyzack and Stewart, which allowed Hall to revert to his normal role as centre half.
This brought more stability and shape to RCA’s side. They began to play more football and pressed for a winner. The resultant pressure eventually paid off when a shot from distance deflected off a defender and fell invitingly to Liam Dunn who calmly despatched it past keeper Jackson to put RCA 2 - 1 up with 20 minutes to go.
Both teams pressed for further goals and both had half chances, but RCA held on to register a 2 - 1 victory to get the season off to a great start. Farringdon to their credit will play worse and win. They contributed to a good match for the many neutral supporters who attended the game.
RCA continue this coming Sunday, 21 August with a League Cup first round match against a new team in the League this year, Washington Oasis, at Meadow Park with a 10:30am ko. Hope to see a few along for what should be an entertaining game.