Tuesday, 1 November 2011

Durham Challenge Cup 1st Round Proper

What a transformation from Saturday's game, three defeats in a row and then a performance like this against a Durham City team flying high in the Evostick League who have just recorded six wins out of six. This proves that on good fast surfaces we can compete at any level, we need to take that mentality onto the not so good pitches.

There were a few forced changes with James Oates reverting to his more familiar role at centre back to replace team captain Carl Beasley, Brian Close took up the place relinquished by Oates in midfield and the most significant change was the introduction in goal of Kyle Donaldson for his first start this season replacing Gary Hoggeth who has been diagnosed with a double hernia an will be having an operation shortly.

A baptism of fire as Donaldson was called into action twice in the opening exchanges, conceding an involuntary corner at the post when he found an Amur Purewal shot too hot to handle before finger tipping to safety a Gary Brown low drive. In between, Mark Davison for the visitors cleared the bar with a shot from the edge of the box.

Stephen Thompson curled a well-struck free-kick round the defensive wall wide of the post in a game of few clear-cut chances thus far.

However, the visitors finished the first half in the ascendancy: Ian Maddison produced an excellent double reflex save from James Winter, who then caught an Andrew Jennings shot under his crossbar; but he stretched in vain to get a hand to James Oates’ header from a Stewart corner and the ball flew into the net. 1-0 to RCA and on the run of play well deserved.

City had only to wait two minutes after the break to get back on level terms when Maddison was alledged to have handled the ball in the box and Thompson equalized with a low drive into the bottom corner.

Chances then fell at both ends, Brown giving Donaldson a comfortable save with a half volley and sub Scott Richards blasting wide after a goalmouth scramble, but City were unfortunate on 55 minutes when Billy Greulich-Smith struck the crossbar at the back post with a crisp shot after receiving a fine Dan Madden right-wing cross.

The miss proved costly two minutes later when the City defence allowed Bryan Stewart an unchallenged run of some forty yards before he tucked the ball inside the post.

In the next moves Brown sent a free-header wide and cleared the bar with a distant pile driver.

RCA went 3-1 up when a long ball from Maddison was missed by Stephenson and fell to Stewart who kept his nerve to bury the ball into the bottom corner giving Winter no chance.

RCA could have increased their lead when Stewart once again broke away and with the goal at his mercy he took one too many touches and the final shot went wide.

City immediately went up the other end and pulled a goal back when Brown scored after Donaldson had spilled an earlier shot by Elliot Cutts.

City were forcing RCA back as they strove for a late equaliser, Shaw was only just off target with a fierce drive and Thompson had Donaldson at full stretch with a shot narrowly wide of the post before Amar Purewal headed home Thompson’s right-wing cross to square the match in the last minute.

Apart from Winter punching clear an Adam McGuinness free-kick it was a largely uneventful first quarter of an hour of extra time in which both sides maintained the level of attacking football but as tiredness set in so the accuracy and finishing diminished.

The second period of extra time saw Thompson’s left-foot drive go the wrong side of the post early in the second half, but then RCA's experience started to show as the started to dominate.

Stewart, Richards and Jones all had efforts on goal before sub Gary Shields put RCA through to the next round with a low left-foot drive into the bottom corner which gave Winter no chance. Then the celebrations began.

The crowd got their money’s worth with a committed performance by both teams tonight. Roll on the weekend only Spenntmoor at home.

On balance RCA were worthy winners of this match and were a million times better than the team that turned out against Tow Law Town. Once again we have set our benchmark and we know we are capable of these performances if we can add the secret ingredient, consistence to our game we will be near the top at the end of the season.

Great all round display.

Saturday, 5 November 2011

Northern League Division 1

This was a tough defeat against a very strong Spennymoor Town team on Saturday. The game saw the return of RCA old boys Gavin Barton and Keith Graydon, but RCA skipper Carl Beasley missed out on the chance to lead the side out against his old club, as his recurring ankle injury confined him to the bench.

Spennnymoor looked to be strong all over the field and also on the bench, which proved the case later in the game. Hicker went for a 4-3-3 formation with Scott Richards joining Brian Close and Andrew Cuthbertson in midfield while Lee Owens and Bryan Stewart worked the flanks up front in support of Andy Jennings, who came in to the side as Mark Davison pulled out in the warm up feeling ill.

The first half was a fairly even affair, RCA pushed hard down the slope, although we had one big let off at the back when Gavin Cogdon screwed wide with the goal at his mercy. Bryan Stewart had a couple of half chances, and there was a little bit of a penalty appeal when Lee Owens went down, but it was Spennymoor who broke the deadlock on 22 minutes when Gavin Barton notched well. Cue for more effort from RCA with little product and it was 1-0 to Spenny at the break.

The second half started in the same fashion with a fairly even tempo to the game, although man of the match Keith Graydon was showing his trademark long passing wide to good effect for Spennymoor and looking increasingly dangerous. The dam burst in the 62nd minute when Cogdon ran through for Spenny's second, and in quick order goals from substitutes Adam Johnston and Craig Ruddy had Spenny cruising with 20 minutes to go.

RCA to their credit kept going, but it was very much a consolation when Lee Owens scored from the spot after Brian Close was brought down by the keeper. The referee was within the spirit of the game for ignoring the keeper's foul on Close, a clear sending off offence under the current laws; sensible, but it won't have done him any favours with the assessor I bet! A very well deserved win for Spennymoor, and apologies that the regular report writer and the photographer were both missing, one getting married and the other at the opera; it's a very strange world.

Tuesday, 8 November 2011

Northern League Cup

It was a late night for the diehard faithful who turned out for this Northern League Cup encounter with this year's regular rivals from Bishop Auckland, as a late equaliser from Bishops Steven Turnbull took the game into extra time, much to your reporter's disgust. Neal Atkinson made his debut for RCA in goal to allow Hoggy to rest his hernia, and Joe Walton came into the side in an unfamiliar central midfield position, with Carl Beasley returning at the back to replace the transfer listed Ian Maddison.

It didn't look like a late night was in prospect in the first twelve minutes of the game as close range efforts from James Oates and Brian Close, both from left wing corners, gave RCA an early cushion. Bishops fought back well and had their chances through the first half, but alongside a disallowed goal for Sparky Davison there were other good opportunities that were spurned by RCA, principally as the final ball failed to meet its target after good moves by the midfield and wingers. So 2-0 to RCA at the break.

The second half looked as if it was going to follow the same pattern, until the ever dangerous Andrew Johnson brought Bishops back into things with an excellent finish as he drove into the box, although young Atkinson will have been disappointed to see it go under his dive. That was on 70 minutes so there was time for Bishops to find a way back, and they gradually pressed more and more, and with three minutes on the clock Turnbull struck a tremendous drive from outside the box, that Neal got a hand to but couldn't stop. So extra time it was.

The game was fairly even although RCA probably had the best of the chances, and then in the 103rd and 104th minutes a second goal from Brian Close with a close range header and a superb lob from Andy Jennings surely tied things up for RCA, who led 4-2 going into the last session of the match. But Johnson notched again, and the awful idea of penalties was going through everyone's head. However RCA held on for a deserved win, sealed with the ref's final whistle at a two minutes short of 10.00 pm.

12 November 2011

Northern League Division 1

RCA left back Ian Davidson wins the ball to begin an attack

Click here for a slideshow of photos from the match.

RCA got back to winning ways at Boldon Colliery on Saturday, halting a run of three league defeats, which had been punctuated with two cup wins, and also kept a clean sheet for the first time since the 1 – 0 win at Penrith on 1 October, though had Roofing's finishing been accurate this would surely not have been the case. The three points maintain our league position as teams around us also collected maximum returns – it's tough at the top.

The team saw another début. Richard Paxton, who has moved from Shildon in a straight swap for Ian Maddison, started alongside James Oates in the centre of defence, with new boys Neal Atkinson, Ian Davidson and Alex Benjamin at goal keeper, left back and centre forward positions respectively. Steve Jones was our familiar right back, with a midfield four of Brian Close, Joe Walton, Andy Cuthbertson and Adam McGuinness, with Mark Davison the other centre forward. In the second half, Lee Owens came on for Ian Davidson, who had to come off because of a knee injury, with Adam McGuinness slotting into the left back slot, and Andy Jennings came on for Joe Walton, with Alex Benjamin moving right. Scott Richards, Carl Beasley and Kyle Donaldson made up the bench.

Jarrow Roofing started the match like a whirlwind, causing some panic in the RCA defence, but their shooting was not on target and RCA cleared their lines. On first blush it seemed like we would be in for a tough afternoon, but route one with an excellent kick down field from keeper Neal Atkinson, was well controlled by Mark Davison who turned and fired past the Roofing keeper. This early blow for the home side was quickly followed when another kick out from Atkinson broke to Adam McGuinness, unmarked in the left of the area, to slot home.

The quick brace must have shocked Roofing, but their spirit was far from broken and they kept plugging away in what was, although entertaining, a largely scrappy game. That said of the new players, Richard Paxton looks to be a solid presence in defence, Ian Davidson is clearly a good acquisition and Alex Benjamin certainly looks the part up front, with good running and control. Neal Atkinson looks to be a strong keeper who will command his area.

Although Roofing did not give up, any prospect of turning the match around was put to bed when Alex Benjamin beat offside to collect a through ball with only the keeper to beat. It was a classy finish with the ball neatly chipped over the keeper. A nice one to get off the mark with for RCA and more will certainly follow.

So, the team got us what we needed – a win and three points. There is more work to be done to get back the cohesion of the early season displays, but Neil and his team now have two weeks to work on that before we return to league action against Norton + Stockton Ancients at home on Saturday 26 November, followed by Guisborough Town, also at home on Tuesday and Newton Aycliffe away on the next Saturday. Just a bit to prepare for then! By that time the usual standard of match reporting will have returned.

A quick update on keeper Gary Hoggeth. Gary's GP now thinks that his hernia problem is not the cause of his discomfort and an operation is not needed. He is being treated for the cause of the pain. Good news - and a headache for Neil.

Saturday, 26 November 2011

STL Northern League Division 1

RCA midfielder Andrew Cuthbertson wins the ball to mount another RCA attack.

Click here for a slideshow of photos from the match.

A second half four goal blitz, including an Alex Benjamin hat-trick, gave RCA a well deserved victory against an organised and determined Norton & Stockton Ancients team. In a wind effected game RCA coped better with the conditons, defending well in the first half against the wind and utilising the wind to great effect in the second half.

The win maintains RCA's fifth place in Divison 1 and the second half performance gave the home supporters something to cheer about.

It seems to be normal now at Meadow Park for their to be a gale force wind howling straight down the pitch and in today's match against Norton and Stockton Ancients it was no different.

With a number of players unavailable for various reasons the Management team were forced to name three goalkeepers in the squad, I have no doubt that "Hoggy" would have played as an outfield player if required.

RCA started the game defending against both the wind and the slope and were soon under pressure when a long ball from Gott found Alexander, but his shot was blocked by Beasley. RCA were trying to play football and get their passing game together. Davison was unlucky not to get a foot on a wonderful cross from Walton, but the ball was cleared by Mowbray.

Norton and Stockton took the lead on nine minutes after a catalogue of errors in the RCA defence. First, McGuinness uncharacteristically gave the ball away to Magowan and the Norton striker's shot was superbly saved by Atkinson. Then a minute later a hopeful ball into the box looked to be easily dealt with by Oates, but his poor header fell straight to Magowan and this time, from 20 yards out he curled a shot out of reach of Atkinson and into the corner of the net. RCA tried to respond and Benjamin went close when he beat the offside trap only to see his cross shot go over the bar.

In the 20th minute Benjamin should have equalised when he ran onto a through ball from Walton and although his shot beat McDonald it also went wide of the target. The Ancients struck back with a shot from Mulligan which was deflected for a corner and from the kick Atkinson needed to be at his best to punch clear under pressure from Mowbray and Harbron.

As the half wore on Close and Cuthbertson started to get to grips with the midfield and a lovely ball from Cuthbertson fornd Walton on the right; his cross into the box was met by Davison, but his header went over the bar.

On the half hour mark the Ancients had a great chance to go 2-0 up when Furness made a 40 yard run which culminated in a great shot that was parried away by Atkinson. The ball ran free to Magowan who fired into a crowded area and the hand of Atkinson appeared from nowhere to turn the ball away from goal and Harbron following up blasted the ball over the bar.

As the half came to an end RCA were awarded a free kick on the angle of the area. Walton passed the ball to Davison who turned and laid the ball into the path of Benjamin, but he stabbed the ball wide of the goal with the goalkeeper stranded.

The second half was almost all one way traffic as RCA bombarded the Norton goal from the kick off. A Davison freekick in the 47th minute went narrowly over the bar. Five minutes later RCA won a corner which was taken by Owens, the cross saw Benjamin rise, unapposed at the near post, and head home from six yards out.

RCA went looking for more goals and a Cuthbertson effort from 30 yards was well saved by McDonald. The whole team were responding and Norton were struggling to cope with the pace and speed of passing especially from Close and Cuthbertson.

The only surprise was that the crowd had to wait until the 64th minute to see RCA take the lead, a ball into the area by Jones found Davison who returned the ball to Jones and he made no mistake from 12 yards out giving the keeper no chance.

It was RCA all the way with Norton being restricted to breakaways which looked to be easily dealt with by the RCA defence.

In the 75th minute the game was effectively over when a lovely passing move involving Cuthbertson, Walton, Davison and Jones saw the latter make a cross field pass of some 40 yards to pick out Benjamin who cut inside his marker before unleashing a tremendous drive which rocketed into the bottom corner of the net.

Two minutes later and Benjamin completed his hat trick when another cross from Jones found him unmarked inside the six yard box and he stabbed the ball home. His reward for a great afternoon's work was to be instantly replaced by Jennings.

RCA had opportunities to extend their lead but some good defending and goalkeeping kept the score at 4-1. Norton really only had one chance in the second half when Alexader raced clear of the rCA Defence but Atkinson was alert to the danger and came out of his area to kick the ball clear.

All in all a great result and a very good second half.

Tuesday, 29 November 2011

STL Northern League Division 1

There were defensive problems for RCA ahead of tonight's match; with Beasley undergoing a chest operation and Paxton unavailable due to family commitments it was left to the management team to call on Wayne Henderson to fill the breach.

The match kicked off 10 minutes late due to a number of Guisborough players being stuck on the A19, one of them being the first choice goalkeeper Jack Norton, to add to their problems Gary Wood took ill during the pre match warm up and had to be replaced by Nathan Steel. Norton arrived as the teams were taking to the pitch so outfield player Stephen Dowling started the game in goal. Dowling made two contributions in the first minute, coming out to collect smartly with Davison in close attendance and kicking the ball into touch so that he could be substituted by the first choice keeper Norton.

In the second minute RCA forced a corner which was taken by McGuinness and his in swinging corner was met by Benjamin whose glancing header went beyond the reach of Norton to put RCA 1-0 up and Norton’s first touch of the ball was to pick it out of the net. Five minutes later and a through ball from Close found Benjamin free of his marker and bearing down on goal, and only some excellent covering by Lee Bytheway prevented him from getting his shot in. Within a minute Benjamin popped up on the other wing, but this time he was adjudged to be offside.?

Guisborough looked to have weathered the early pressure and were starting to utilise the wind and the slope to their advantage. A strong run by Luke Bytheway was only stopped by a strong challenge by Oates, but the ball ran free to L’Anson, fortunately his effort was well wide of the target.?
A good move between Onions and Henry saw the former fire straight at Atkinson in the RCA goal.?Then came the move of the match so far when RCA Forced another corner. Tt was taken by Owens, who passed to Cuthbertson on the edge of the box, he returned the ball to Owens who dribbled past two defenders before sliding the ball to Davison who deftly flicked the ball into the path of Oates, but he could only steer his shot wide of the post, if only the chance had fallen to a forward then it could have been 2-0.?

Within a few minutes Owens was at it again skipping past a defender before curling a wonderful ball into the area. Lee Bytheway was alert to the danger and cleared for a corner under pressure from both Davison and Benjamin. From the corner Johnson headed clear and Onions picking the ball up in his own half, turned and delivered a pinpoint accurate pass into the path of Henry who with only the keeper to beat fired wide of the target.?
The game was flowing from end to end and the outcome of the game, it was felt, would depend on who scored the next goal.?

A Davison freekick was well saved by Norton who set up Guisborough’s next attack with a long throw out to Onions who set off down the line with McGuinness in pursuit. As Onions cut back into the box McGuinness appeared to catch Onions before the ball, but the penalty appeal was waved away by the Referee. As so often happens on these occasions RCA went up the other end and Owens' cross into the box struck the inside of the back post and in attempting to clear the rebound Luke Bytheway sliced the ball into his own goal.?

Guisborough seemed to raise their game at this point and started to pressurise the RCA defence. It took some good defending from Jones to come across and thwart a decisive move by Onions and a last ditch tackle from Henderson prevented L’Anson from getting his shot on target.?As the half came to it conclusion Guisborough were awarded two freekicks in quick succession in dangerous positions. The first was blocked by the RCA wall, but the second, taken by Luke Bytheway, beat the wall but was well saved by Atkinson.?

At half time nobody could have forecast the total domination by RCA in the first 20 minutes of the second half as they overwhelmed the Guisborough defence.?

In the 50th minute RCA were awarded a free kick near the corner flag. Owens floated the ball to the back post where Oates met the ball and headed it back across goal to McGuinness who fired over from 12 yards out.

?A minute later and RCA were awarded another free kick. Up stepped Davison and fired in an unstoppable shot which took a slight deflection off the wall before hitting the top corner of the goal leaving Norton rooted to the spot. Four minutes later and it was 4-0 as Cuthbertson carved open the Guisborough defence with a lovely ball to Benjamin and the RCA forward clipped the ball over the advancing Norton.

?In the 60th minute Benjamin completed his second hat trick in succession when Owens slipped the ball past the full back before delivering an inch perfect cross onto the head of Benjamin who just does not miss from that range. As is normal Benjamin was immediately substituted, job done. On came Jennings to replace him and his first contribution to the game was to chip a delicate cross to the far post for Davison, his powerful downward header was brilliantly saved by Norton, but Davison followed up and stabbed the ball past the keeper. The rout was completed two minutes later when Cuthbertson beat the offside trap before setting up Davison for his hat trick.?

Guisborough’s defence was in turmoil and RCA were in devastating mood and really should have had more goals as the rain came pouring down to even more dampen the spirits of a very demoralised Guisborough team.

?Both sides had chances late in the game but the damage had been done in that blistering 20 minute period just after half time.
?RCA climb to the dizzy heights of third in the league and must surely be looking at another season in the first division.

Click here for the SportsByte Sunderland report on the match.