03 September 2011

FA Cup Preliminary Round

Click here for a slideshow of photos from the match.

This was great match to watch and a credit to the STL Northern League. Had it been a boxing match then RCA would have won comfortably on points. However, Spennymoor go through to the next round courtesy of a thunderbolt of a shot from 25 yards out by Jamie Harwood. This was the one and only effort on target by Spennymoor in the 90 minutes.

RCA were thwarted in their efforts by some superb saves from Spennymoor keeper Craig Turns: two one on ones against Jennings and Shields and a penalty save from Davison.

RCA were again forced to make changes to the team with the suspensions of Barton, Owens and Beasley taking effect from today. Maddison returned to the heart of the defence, and Jennings, Davies and Ellison all started. Moors also made a number of changes with Chris Mason, Keith Graydon, Anthony Peacock and John Alexander all recalled for this match.

RCA statrted brightly kicking up the slope in the first half and only a brilliant save from Turns kept a ferocious Davies shot out diving at full stretch to push the ball around the post.

Moors were unable to get their passing game into full swing and this in the main was down to great determination in the heart of RCA's midfield.

Alexander did get past the defence after 25 minutes, but his shot was cleared by Jones.

Within a minute a long ball into the Moors box saw Davison rise to power a header inches over the bar with Turns beaten, then a surging run from Harwood ended with a great cross but no one was in the box and the ball went harmlessly wide.

The game was really flowing from end to end and was a great spectacle for the neutrals in the crowd.

As Moors improved their passing they looked to be pressing RCA back and it was during this spell of pressure that the winning goal was scored in the 33rd minute as Harwood's thunderbolt of a shot from the edge of the box went through a crowded goalmouth and into the back of the net, giving Hoggeth no chance.

RCA responded by taking the game to Moors. Jennings went close withh a snap shot which went wide and then Davison was unlucky when a tremendous shot was blocked by Peacock.

RCA were then awarded a penalty when a Davies ball into the box was adjudged to have hit the arm of Laws and the referee awarded a penalty. Unfortunately for RCA Turns was in scintillating form a made a great save from Davison. Before that Moors had a penalty appeal turned down when the referee missed a handball in the area.

In the second half RCA enjoyed long periods of possession but they didn't trouble Turns again until Jennings struck a superb shot from 25 yards that beat Turns, but crashed off the post and rebounded to safety. RCA were showing why they are on top of the league at the moment with some absolutely fabulous football and Moors to their credit were showing the determination that is their trademark.

RCA continued to dominate possession but were restricted in their efforts on goal. They were also susceptible to the quick counter attacking game from Moors.

RCA must have thought they had equalised when Davison fired goalwards and the ball hit Dodds and in the goalmouth scramble that followed Dodds was again on hand to clear the ball with Turns beaten.

Moors did create chances themselves when Laws had a half volley shot cleared off the line, then a great run by Johnston set up Ruddy who in turn laid the ball off to Peacock but his deft chip over Hoggeth landed the wrong side of the post.

The best chance of the second half fell to RCA's sub Shields, who beat the offside trap and looked
certain to score as he moved into the box but his shot was superbly saved by the feet of Turns.

RCA were left to rue the missed oppotrtunities in this match, but as one spectator stated as he left the ground "just look how far RCA have come in the last two years, and no superstars".

We have now set our own benchmark with displays like this and it is up to everyone associated with the club to help maintain this progress.

Tuesday, 06 September 2011

STL Northern League Division 1

A windswept Bedfored Terrace welcomed table toppers Sunderland RCA FC for this STL Northern League Division 1 match against Billingham Town FC, who have not had the best of starts to the season and suffered a crushing defeat on Saturday.

RCA brought in new signing Bryan Stewart for the injured Joe Walton and reverted to a more familiar 4-4-2 formation with Gary Shields occupying the opposite wing. Unfortunately for the spectators the wind was to play a pivotal role in the night's proceedings and in some ways spoilt a decent game of football.

RCA took advantage of the wind in the first half and were the first on the attack when a header from Jennings found strike partner Davison, however a well timed challenge by Cossavella broke up the attack.

In the sixth minute a cross from Stewart found Jennings inside the area, but his tame effart was easily saved by Briggs who then threw the ball out to Arthur who skipped past two defenders before firing straight at Hoggeth. This was to be the pattern of play attack and counter attack with the wind playing a major part.

RCA were finding it difficult to play with the gusting high wind and constantly over played the final pass. This gave confidence to Billingham who started to play some good passing football, keeping the ball under the wind. A testament to the way that the wind was effecting the play of RCA was that their first shot on target was in the 28th minute when McGuinness fired in a shot from 35 yards that had Briggs scrambling across his goal to punch round the post. A succession of corners followed and everyone was met by a Billingham defender.

Arthur created yet another chance in the 35 minute when his cross was brought down by Owens; with Hoggeth out of position he squared the ball to Roberts, but his effort flashed well wide of the post.

The game was tranformed in the last two minutes of the half when a ball from Close found Shields on the right and the winger cut the ball back to Davison who fired the ball into the roof of the net. Right on the stroke of half time the dangerous Arthur had a shot deflected for a corner and from it, Roberts rose to head home. The referee blew the whistle to end the half before play could resume.

RCA came out for the second half looking to improve and almost immediately were under pressure as Butterworth slipped the ball through to Owens and his shot flashed across the face of goal narrowly missing the post. A minute later and a shot from Arthur hit the inside of the post and rebounded into the grateful arms of Hoggeth. RCA rallied and a through ball from Cuthbertson found Jennings in acres of space, but before he coulf shoot Cossavella had put in an outstanding tackle and the chance disappeared.

As RCA came to terms with the wind they started to create problems for the Billingham defence. Davison was very unlucky with a header that hit the bar, but the goal that had been threatening came when a cross from Stewart was met by the head of Jennings and the ball looped over the helpless Briggs to settle in the net.

Once again the lead was short lived as from the kick off Hackett found Arthur with a lovely ball that caught the RCA defence flat footed and he progressed into the area before unleashing a terrific shot which gave Hoggeth no chance. From this point on RCA started to dominate and in a 10 minute spell should have put another couple of chances away, Jennings was guilty of rounding the keeper, but firing wide on two seperate occassions.

RCA were in total control of the midfield with Close and Cuthbertson playing outstandingly. Both players seemed to be all over the pitch, breaking up moves and passing to perfection.

RCA finally retook the lead after another spell of pressure when Davison was unceremoniously dumped to the ground inside the box when in the act of shooting. Debutant Stewart stepped up and cooly slotted the penalty home.

As the game wore on it was apparent the Billingham players were starting to tire and it was no surprise when Jennings completed the scoring with a goal after Davison had hit the bar.

In the final minutes RCA continued to create chances and Jennings was guilty of missing a great opportunity to complete his hat trick when instead of shooting he over hit a pass to Davison and the ball went out of play for a goal kick.

The second half display from RCA was head and shoulders above the first half and proved that they are top of the table on merit. Billingham Town kept battling away and on this performance can expect to start winning matches again soon.

10 September 2011

STL Northern League Division 1

Click here for a slideshow of photos from the match.

RCA maintained their impressive start to the season with a great win over a very well organised Newcastle Benfield team who only succumbed in the second minute of injury time to a brilliantly headed goal by Mark Davison.

With only one recognised winger in the squad Neil Hixon once again made changes to the team who won so convincingly onTuesday at Billingham Town, by bringing in Marc Ellison for Gary Shields on the right wing.

The match started with Benfield attacking from the off and pressing forward at every opportunity; they were also closing the RCA players down and making it difficult for them to play the flowing football that had seen them move clear at the top of the league.

It wasn't until the tenth minute that Benfield created the first real chance of the match when a cross from Dodsworth was punched away by Hoggeth only as far as Hirst who clipped the ball to the back post for Chilton who completely mis-kicked the ball wide. RCA responded with a chance of their own when Jennings outpaced the Benfield defence and crossed to the far post where Ellison hit the ball first time, but his effort flashed past the far post.

Benfield then had a spell of good football that saw them create a numer of half chances. A reverse ball by Dodsworth found Hirst, but he fired over. Then Dodworth himself fired high over the bar after some excellent interplay with Chilton and finally a great run by Turnbull saw him fire in a cross shot which was saved by Hoggeth at the feet of Hirst.

The impetus then swung RCA's way as they started to get to grips with Benfield's midfield, a through ball from Ellison found Davison on the edge of the box and his turn and shot was deflected for a corner. Jennings was causing all sorts of problems as RCA started to aim long balls into the box for the front men with Stewart and Ellison ready to pounce on any loose balls.

RCA took the lead in the 27th minute when Davison headed on a cross from Jones. The Benfield defence did not deal with it and allowed Jennings to knock the ball wide before clipping it into an empty net.

The game seemed to step up a gear as RCA went looking for another goal and Benfield tried in vain for an equaliser. RCA withstood all that Benfield could muster and restricted them to long hopefull shots. It was RCA who had a good chance in the closing minutes of the half when Jennings was given the ball by Stewart inside the area, but as he fired towards an empty net Leighton somehow managed to block the ball.

The pattern continued in the second half and RCA should have gone 2 - 0 up when a free kick from McGuinness was headed back across goal by Carling, but Jennings blasted the ball over the bar from five yards out.

Benfield equalised in the 56th minute against the run of play when Anthony was first to react at the near post and he steered his header past the helpless RCA defence. The game was now being played at a frenetic pace as both teams tried to win this match.

A trademark long throw by McGuinness was headed on by Jennings and Stewart at the back post headed it back across the face of goal where Jennings could only head the ball wide from less than five yards. Benfield responded with a counter attack which set up Dodsworth, but his shot flashed across the box and luckily for RCA there was no one on hand to get a touch on it.

The climax to the game was bulding as RCA pressed forward and only some stirling defensive work from Benfield kept them at bay. In the 83rd minute a freekick was awarded just outside the area, but Davison fired wide. Grainger was able to pluck a couple of efforts from Stewart and Ellison out of the air and the game seemed to be heading towards a draw.

In the 88th minute Jones made a great burst into the box and fired in a shot which Grainger saved with his feet, the ball rebounded to Jones who proceeded to lash the ball into the top corner only to see the hand of Grainger miraculously turn the ball round the post. From the corner Grainger punched clear and sent Chilton on a run up the other end of the pitch, but Carling was aware of the danger and dealt with the threat.

As the game entered injury time RCA were awarded a free kick 35 yards out. The ball was floated towards the far post where Davison rose higher than everyone else and headed the ball past Grainger.

Another entertaining match in which every player stood up and was counted and proved equal to the task. Long may it continue.

Tuesday, 13 September 2011

STL Northern League Division 1

Sunderland RCA maintained their unbeaten league record with a hard earned win against Bishop Auckland FC and in the process destroyed Bishop's unbeaten away record. This was the first of three encounters with Bishops in the next 11 days and if this game was anything to go by then get along to Heritage Park on Saturday for Part II, The Sequel!

The match was never going to be a classic with a blustery wind blowing straight down the pitch causing all sorts of problems for both defences.

For the first time this season RCA's starting 11 remained unchanged from the team that won at Benfield on Saturday. However, Carl Beasley returned to the squad after serving his suspension for a red card received on the first day of tha season.

RCA took advantage of the slope and the wind in the first half and were immediately on the attack with a Davison effort going narrowly wide.

Bishops were finding it difficult to clear the ball past the half way line as RCA put them under severe pressure. A goalkick by Bishop landed invitingly for close and his snap shot from 35 yards went narrowly over the bar.

With the wind at their backs it was all one way traffic and a turn a shot by Davison took a wicked deflection wide for a corner. The goalmouth scramble that followed the corner should have produced a goal, but instead Bishop pulled off a superb save from a Jennings shot. A minute later and Bishops had their first real foray into RCA territory when Wells was sent clear on the right and his cross into the box evaded everyone to land at the feet of Bell on the corner of the 18 yard box, but his effort was scrambled away for a corner.

Jones and Ellison then combined down the right to produce the best chance so far, but Ellison's shot went just the wrong side of the post with Bishops beaten.

The game started to settle down as Bishop's defence got to grips with the attacking force of RCA, but was to explode into life again in the 19th minute when Bishops were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box; up stepped Johnson to blast the freekick goalwards, the ball took a wicked deflection of McGuinness, wrong footed Hoggeth and ended up in the back of the RCA net.

RCA were level within a minute when they were awarded a free kick 35 yards out. McGuinness floated the ball towards Jennings who headed it across the face of the goal and Maddison flung himself at the ball to head home from inside the six yard area.

Unfortunately the wind was not getting any better and time and again balls were being overplayed by RCA and played short by Bishop's players. However both teams could not be faulted for giving 100% effort especially the Bishop's defence with Brown outstanding.

As the first half came to a close RCA were continuing to try a penetrate Bishop's stubborn defence but it looked likely that they wouldn't succeed until in the 44th minute a freekick from Ellison was curled into the box and Maddison was on hand at the back post to power in a flying header.

It was role reversal for the second half as the wind persisted and Bishops tried to take full advantage of it. Bishops, like RCA in the first half committed men forward in search of the equaliser and were very unlucky when Strong had a long range effort saved by Hoggeth.

Almost immediately Richardson had a shot charged down by Maddison and the rebound was fired in by Wells, but was deflected for a corner.

Wells took the inswinging corner and the ball struck the base of the near post before hitting the back of Ellison's legs and ended up in the net: 2 - 2 after 58 minutes and game on.

It looked at this point as though the tide had turned and the game was there for Bishops. However RCA had once again not read the script and Stewart produced a great bit of trickery at the other end as he weaved his way past three defenders and into the area before calmly placing the ball into the net off the far post - 60 minutes gone and advantage to RCA.

Bishops threw everything at RCA in the next five minutes with Johnson, Strong and Bell all unable to test Hoggeth. However in the 70th minute hoggeth had to be at his very best to pull off a one-handed save from Johnson.

A number of unusual mistakes by first Hoggeth and then Carling resulted in Carling bringing down Strong on the edge of the box. Up stepped Johnson, but this time his effort flew harmlessly over the bar.

Stewart was released by Davison at the other end and when the ball was played back to Davison he fired in a low shot which went into the side netting.

As the game progressed RCA seemed to have weathered the storm in more ways than one and Bishops started to rely on long hopefull balls which were dealt with by the RCA defence at the heart of which was Maddison, who was having one of the best games seen at Meadow Park by a defender, in a lot of years.

In the final minutes Bishops attacked relentlessly, but were unable to breach the resolute RCA defence and were almost caught by quick counter attacks by Davison and Stewart.

Both teams performed really well in difficult conditions. See you again on Saturday.

Saturday, 17 September 2011

STL Northern League Division 1

Click here for a slideshow of photos from the match.

How this match remained goalless is beyond comprehension with both teams guilty of missing chances and both goal keepers bringing off outstanding saves.

RCA will, I have no doubt, feel that they should have won this match comfortably, but they remain unbeaten in the league and still sit proudly at the top of the Northern League Division 1.

Bishops have Simon Bishop to thank for some magnificent reflex saves and also Mr Wake the linesman who adjudged Jennings' goal to be offside even though the ball was headed back to him - a very strange decision.

Roll on next weekend and part three of this thrilling installment.

RCA were forced to make one change bringing in John Butler at left back to replace the unavailable Adam McGuinness. There was also the welcome return, albeit on the bench, of Joe Walton. The game kicked off on an unrecognisable pitch to that which was played on last year and it is a credit to the groud staff that they have been able to produce such a surface from the beach condition of last season.

Within minutes of the kick off a familiar pattern of play was established with RCA pressing forward at every opportunity and Bishops counter attacking with some effect. Once again Davison and Jennings were causing problems with their superiority in the air and when a cross came in from Stewart the header from Davison looped just over the bar. This was the signal for the game to pick up a bit of momentum and Johnson tested Hoggeth with a header at the other end, but the keeoer was more than capable of dealing with it.

Jennings looked odds on to score when free at the far post but his header from Ellison's cross was well saved by Bishop who then set up an attack by releasing Bell on the right; his cross fell to Wells but his shot was blocked. The next ten minutes saw the game develop into a contest between RCA forwards and Simon Bishop, Bishop's so called stand in Keeper.

A cross from Stewart was met by Cuthbertson who headed powerfully towards goal only for Bishop to somehow save low to his right, then a cross from Stewart found Davison free inside the area and his header was tipped over the bar by Bishop. Next up was Ellison who beat two players before slipping the ball to Jones; his low cross into the box was met by Stewart but the shot went tamely into Bishop's arms.

In a rare foray into RCA territory Johnson was set up by Walklate, but he shaot narrowly wide when in a good position. Back came RCA Jones and Ellison once again combined on the right but Jones' final shot went well wide.

In the 35th minute Bishops had their one and only real chance when a cross from Bell was completely missed by everyone and fell at the feet of Wells, but from 10 yards out and an open goal he shot wide. The RCA response was immediate with Stewart beating the Bishop's offside trap and racing clear before chipping in a cross which was met by Jennings, but he headed straight at Bishop.

The final minutes of the half were dominated by RCA's midfield, but there was no end product.

The second half was a continuation of the first, with Hoggeth in the RCA goal a virtual spectator and the crowd actually cheering every time the ball was rolled back to him.

In a mesmerising spell of play RCA made 18 passes before the ball fell to Jennings who somehow blasted the ball wide when a simple side foot would have sufficed. Minutes later and a move involving Close, Ellison and Davison once again saw Jennings in front of goal, but this time Bishop was on hand to make a great save.

In the 61st minute a cross from Stewart was met by Jones whose tremendous header was excellently saved by Bishop. A minute later and he was on hand again to save a Jennings header. Two minutes later and Ellison and Jones set up Davison, but once again Bishop pulled off a superb save. The dejection in the RCA forward's faces was evident now as they produced wave upon wave of attacks and each one was being blocked by Bishop.

RCA should have gone in front on 68 minutes when a freekick from Ellison was met by Davison who headed the ball across the box to Jennings who scored from five yards out. However the assistant referee adjudged that someone was in an offside position.

Hoggeth was called upon only once in the second half, but he did have to be at his best to get down to stop a fantastic turn and shot from substitute Waite.

RCA started to build up the pressure an the introduction of Walton almost had an immediate effect as the winger was sent clear, he moved into the box and unleashed a tremendous drive that Bishop could only parry away and as the ball came back to Walton it looked like an easy tap in but some how Lawson managed to do enough to put Walton off and the ball went wide. More RCA attacks came to nothing as they went in search of the goal that had eluded them all afternoon and Bishop stood firm in the home goal.

On another day this could quite easily have finished 6 - 2, but it was not to be and no one can take away the brilliant performance of Simon Bishop. On the plus side RCA are still creating chances and defensively they are looking a good unit.

Saturday, 24 September 2011

FA Vase

Report Courtesy of Steve Brown - Sunday Sun Reporter

SOME have been that lucky these past 13 days, during which RCA – they’ll always be Ryhope to most – have met Bishops in three consecutive games; some have seen them all, and even the 0-0 was canny. And after the Northern League leaders won the first and drew the second, yesterday they retained bragging rights when matters turned to the Vase.

So while secretary Robert Jones might bemoan missing the trip he fancied to Northallerton, his consolation is a place in the next round, at Bedlington instead.

And while there may be few straws to clutch at for Auckland’s Amateur Cup kings this morning, any neutral must have left Meadow Park happy.

For as third instalments go, this was more Toy Story than the Godfather. In the shadow of the cemetery, there was life in this game from the off.

Inside 44 seconds Joseph Walton ought to have put the home side in front, but trickled a close-range angled effort at Simon Bishop. He soon made amends, however.

After Bryan Stewart nodded a point-blank header over the bar, Walton - 10 minutes in – latched onto a half-cleared ball by Chris Lawson off his own cross to crash a half-volley into the roof of the net from just inside the box.

Two minutes later, RCA doubled their lead – Mark Davison flicking a header from Adam McGuinness’s long throw past Bishop – and a cricket score looked plausible, the road to Wembley clear.

Bishops meant otherwise though, and on the half-hour James Oates – according to the liner – felled Andrew Johnson in the box and the visiting striker dispatched his resulting penalty in off the post.

Game on, one supposed.

But on 37 minutes Walton’s pass allowed Davison to rifle in a left-foot half-volley, and for the hosts all looked well once more.

That was reckoning without the manner in which Bishops burst out of their cassocks, however.

Darren Richardson shot, then headed, at Gary Hoggeth, and Johnson curled a 25-yard free-kick just wide before seeing another deflected over.

Yet just when they looked like closing the deficit, it widened. On 76 minutes Brian Close sent Stewart clear down the right and his squared centre was driven home by Davison. Hat-trick No 1.

Again, you presumed, done, dusted.

A minute later though, a long ball from deep saw Johnson chest past an advanced Hoggeth and guide the ball into an empty net from the edge of the box.

And two minutes later, Johnson was grounded – by the otherwise impeccable Carl Beasley this time – in the area, and made it 4-3 with the ensuing penalty. Hat-trick No 2, and he almost completed the mother of all comebacks on 86 minutes, Hoggeth palming his long-range effort onto the bar. It was not to be, of course. And deep into added time Davison went one better – with his fourth and RCA’s fifth – tapping in from Andrew Jennings’ cross.

Harsh on Johnson, fair on Ryhope.

Wednesday, 28 September 2011

STL Northern League Division 1

RCA's team had a familiar look about it for tonight's visit to Stokesley Sports club. Ian Maddison was recalled to central defence and new signing Kieran Edwards was given his debut when Scott Richards informed management that he would not be in time for the kick off due to work committments.

The night had a peculiar feel to it, a lovely warm evening more in keeping with mid July not the dying embers of September.

RCA started like a house on fire and should have been in front in the opening minute when Walton raced clear and his first time cross was met by Stewart whose shot rebounded of the underside of the bar into the path of Davison, but the RCA striker lifted his shot over the bar.

On cue the floodlights went out and the match was held up for 10 minutes while running repairs were carried out. The game resumed when all but one of the lights were operational.

RCA were almost caught in the fourth minute when a slick move on the right saw Upton cross for Porritt who seemed to have acres of space; he took to long lining up his shot and Jones was able to deflect the ball for a corner.

Stewart cutting in from the left fired straight at Hutchinson and the ball fell to Walton who squared the ball to Davison who turned a fired in a shot which went narrowly over the bar.

Stokesley mounted another attack through Upton and when the ball fell to Murphy he struck a tremendous drive which brought a terrific save from Hoggeth who turned the ball round the post. The resulting corner was well met by Murphy, but his downward header was easily saved by Hoggeth.
RCA started to exert real pressure on the Stokesley defence who were finding it difficult to cope with the slick passing game.

In the 15th minute Walton once again set up Stewart, but he fired straight at Hutchinson. This was to be a dress rehersal for the goal that seemed inevitable. a crossfield ball picked out Walton who crossed to Stewart and this time he made no mistake hammering the ball low into the bottom corner.
It was one way traffic now with Hoggeth a virtual spectator. However the resilience of the Stokesley back four meant that they were still in the game.

McGuinness almost made it 2-0 when a surging run ended with a thunderbolt of a shot from 35 yards which was magnificently saved by Hutchinson and his quick reflexes denied Davison as he pounced on the rebound.

A minute later and a long throw from McGuinness was flicked on by Stewart to Walton who fired over from 10 yards.

The pressure intensified as half time approached and when Jones forced a corner it was the signal for RCA to commit men forward, from the corner Maddison rose head and shoulders higher than anyone else to power in header which Hutchinson could only watch nestle in the back of the net.

RCA were not finished and in the 43 minute (seems to be a pattern developing around this time) they went 3-0 up when a forward run by Jones saw his well struck shot saved by Hutchinson but Davison was on hand to tap in from five yards.

RCA introduced Jennings in place of Davison and Stokesley brought on substitute keeper Hubbard for Hutchinson.

RCA seemed too relaxed as the second half got underway and Stokesley sensed it. Porritt, who had moved to outside left seemed to be getting a lot of the ball and was causing RCA problems. In the 48th minute Porrit cut inside, laid the ball to Holbrook who's shot went narrowly wide. RCA responded with a clearance to Stewart who crossed into the area and the unmarked Walton from inside the six yard box somehow managed to miss the target.

Stokesley were making a game of the second half and when the ball fell to Upton his first time effort went narrowly wide.

RCA brought on Richards for the influential Close.

Within a minute a pass from Richards found Stewart on the left and his cross was headed over the bar by Edwards who looked to pull up sharply clutching his thigh and he was replaced by Carling.

A pass of sublime quality from Ellison, split the Stokesley defence and fell inch perfect to Walton and he made no mistake this time slotting the ball past Hubbard.

RCA's makeshift midfield were loosing their grip on the game and Stokesley, for the first time on the night were actually on top. During this period Hoggeth was called upon to make a great save from Murphy and when the ball fell to Melvin he looked certain to score as he fired the ball at an empty net but Maddison was on hand to head away and the ball rebounded off a Stokesley player for a goal kick.
Porritt then cut inside again and unleashed a shot which went wide and a minute later it was his pass to Melvin who created room for himself before firing in a low grasscutter which beat Hoggeth and settled in the bottom corner.

From cruise control to panic stations in the space of 5 minutes RCA did not look like a top of the table team and only the some good defensive work by the industrious Ellison made sure that Stokesley did not add to their tally. Ellison once again found Walton on the left and his cross was met by Stewart who steered it into the net. Panic over, midfield re-organised Ellison supurb, business as usual.
Jennings finished off the scoring in the dying seconds of the game converting a cross from Richards.
Not one of the best games in the world to watch and certainly we have seen better performances than that witnessed in the second half.

The journey home had a feeling of deja-vu as we went on a little jaunt through the wilds of Middlesborough, lost our way a little, but were very soon back on the right track and heading home, happy with another three points and a healthy goal difference.