Sunderland RCA 1 Crook Town 2

skilltraining Northern League

Saturday, 1 November 2008

Another disappointing result for RCA in what must have been an interesting game for neutrals to watch. Heavy rain over night put the match in some doubt but, although it cut up quite a bit and players were slipping and sliding down by the grandstand, overall it allowed for a good game of football.

RCA started with Steve Jones making his debut at right back and Michael Ford making his league debut in midfield, and looking to make up for last week's major slip up at Darlington RA.

Crook were playing up the bank in the first half and started brightly with some good possession football before RCA got hold of the ball and with our first real attack Lee Owens saw a fierce shot pushed over by the keeper. The pattern of the first half was set, with Crook looking neat and tidy when they had the ball, and RCA having good chances with direct play. Michael Ford came close after nine minutes, Lee Owens hit a good shot wide after 14 and Ford again might have capitalised on a flick on in the box after 24 minutes. All the while Crook continued to probe carefully when in possession.

The Crook keeper had a lucky escape when he completely missed the ball as he rushed to the edge of his area and a defender hacked clear, and Andy Jennings had the ball taken at his feet by the keeper on the half hour. As the half wore on we began to think we might rue missed chances and on the 40th minute Crook took the lead with a tremendous strike from Michael Coad from the edge of the box.

HT 0 - 1.

The second half opened in a very competitive atmosphere and built up to be a real feisty exchange. There was good pressure from both sides and a lot of firm tackles and hefty exchanges in midfield. Hicker brought on Dean Goodwin and Gaz Shields for Sparky Davison and Michael Ford and the game really began to open up. The Crook keeper went walkabout again on the hour, and this time Lee Owens finished coolly to bring us level. Chances came from a flurry of corners, but within five minutes Crook were back in the lead as Mark Johnson seized on a cross to slide the ball home.

Young Chapman got into the game as sub for Adam McGuinness and looked sharp, and chances were made, but the equaliser wouldn't come and Crook played out time to take the points.

By no means a bad display by RCA, but things are definitely not running our way at present. Just got to keep playing!