Saturday, 3 March 2012

STL Northern League Division 1

RCA's left winger Adam McGuinness in the first half of the match

Sky Tyne and Wear match footage

Click here for a slideshow of photos from the match

Sunderland RCA entertained fifth placed Newton Aycliffe FC in this top of the table clash. Only one change was made for the match with Berj replacing the injured Briggs in the centre of midfield.

In a game were both defences emerged on top once again RCA were guilty of dominating for long periods of the game without the strikers being able to score.

This was expected to be a tight game in much the same vein at the previous encounter this season at Moore Lane. Both teams are enjoying very good seasons with a chance of finishing in the top six.

RCA took the early initiative when a surging run by Walton was stopped at the expense of a corner by Craddock. McGuinness sent an in swinging corner across and it was punched out by Richardson only as far as Davison, but his volley was blocked by John Close.

Within a couple of minutes Walton once again ran at the Aycliffe defence this time he fed the ball to Davison on the right wing, Davison fired the ball across the 6 yards box towards Shields but the RCA number 10 was inches away from connecting to open the scoring.

Having survived that scare Aycliffe fought back with Tarling sending in a great pass to Mellanby he in turn set up the ball for Wilson, but his goalward shot was blocked by the outstretched leg of Brian Close. RCA were awarded a freekick two minutes later which James took, firing in a low shot which took a deflection and was finally cleared off the toe of Davison by Craddock.

The game was starting to liven up now and Aycliffe came close when Tarling set up Wood and he forced a great save from Atkinson. At the other end a McGuinness cross was punched out by Richardson only as far as Davison who was brought down by Gray just outside the area. Davison got up and took the freekick but Richardson was aware of the danger and made an easy save.

As both defences started to get on top chances were in the middle part of the half were almost non existant as each attack was quelled by the respective devences. Paxton and Oates with Brian Close held the Aycliffe attack at bay and the same could be said at the other end where Craddock and Jogn Close were outstanding.

However as the half come to and end there was a dramatic five minute period, McGuinness who had been relatively quiet was givenn the ball by Berj and the RCA winger cut inside the defender before manoeuvering the ball onto his left foot to drive the ball low, unfortunately, Richardson was in supurb form and pulled off a terrific save.

A final flurry from Aycliffe saw Oliver fire wide from a good position and then the moment of the game thus far when Gray sent a speculative ball forward, Wood controlled the ball before slipping it sideways to Wilson who produced a delicately placed shot which looked to be dipping under the crossbar and would have had it not been for the brilliant intervention of Atkinson in the RCA goal as he somehow got a finger tip to the ball to divertit over the bar for a corner.

The second half was much the same as the first with RCA probably having the lion share of possession but the Aycliffe defence looking reasonably comfortable in dealing with the threat in the final third.

Brian Close had a 30 yard effort which went well over the bar and Jones bursting through beat the last defender but his cross went past everyone in the box and was cleared up field.

A left wing run by James saw the RCA defender beat two players before crossing to the far post where Walton looked odds on to break the deadlock but once again an acrobatic save from Richardson kept Aycliffe in the game.

Aycliffe almost snatched a winner when Gray threw the ball to Byrne, his clever through ball caught the RCA defence out and Gray was able to get to the by line before cutting the back to Wood, he sidestepped the tackle of Oates before blasting the ball goalwards, Atkinson made the save at the near post but the ball bounced clear to Owen who pounced on the loose ball but was guilty of firing over with the goal almost at his mercy.

As in the first half the game seemed to come alight in the final five minutes and when RCA were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box it looked in an ideal position for either Davison or James to strike at goal. Both players stood behind the ball. It was James who stepped forward and hit a terrific shot which took a wicked deflection before hitting Richardson on the knee before sailing high over the bar. The first shot was going in, the deflection was going in and how the ball went over the bar from a foot out was unbelievable.

The game ended 0-0 and it has to be said that both keepers get great credit for that scoreline.

Saturday, 10 March 2012

STL Northern League Division 1

Power play: Whitley Bay captain Paul Robinson takes evasive action as Adam McGuinness puts in a cross.

Sky Tyne and Wear match comment and video highlights

Sports Byte match report

Whitley Bay web site match report

Click here for photos from the match

RCA made one change for the visit of Whitley Bay to Meadow Park. David Wells replaced Gary Shields in a new look forward line.

An exciting game was expected and was well and truly delivered as both teams contributed to an exhilarating spectacle that had both sets of supporters on the edge of their seats right up until the final whistle.

Playing up the slope in the first half RCA had a great opportunity to open the scoring in the second minute when a through ball from Walton found Davison in loads of space inside the 18 yard area; the RCA striker inexplicably decided to square the ball rather than shoot and Ponder was able to clear the ball downfield.

Whitley Bay with the strong breeze at their backs, began to press forward and in the fifth minute Chow had a shot blocked by Paxton and Kerr, following in, fired the rebound over the bar.

Both teams were trying to keep the ball on the ground and were playing some attractive football without any real end result.

Neither keeper was seriously tested until the 18th minute when Robinson won possession before firing in a 30 yard shot that was well saved by Atkinson. This seemed to lift the Bay and two minutes later they took the lead. Robinson won the ball 25 yards out and skipped past two defenders before unleashing a powerful drive from the edge of the penalty area into the corner of the net.

RCA responded with a flurry of chances, the first a long range effort from Davison was well saved by Hayes. The Whitley Bay keeper was called upon a minute later to make a double save. As a corner was cleared it fell to Davison whose shot was parried away by Hayes, McGuinness from the edge of the box powered in a left foot shot which struck Hayes on the legs and rebounded to safety.

Whitley came back at RCA and went two goals up on 26 minutes when Pounder won the ball in mid-field before hitting a tremendous 35 yard shot which beat Atkinson before crashing off the underside of the bar and into the net.

The RCA management team made a tactical substitution bringing on former Whitley defender Ian Dixon to replace McGuinness in an effort to match Whitley Bay in midfield. Unfortunately, although this was effective, Dixon was only on the pitch for 12 minutes before damaging knee ligaments and he was forced to leave the field and was replaced by Beasley.

In the final minute of the half RCA almost score when Tom Berj headed over the bar.

Overall 2-0 to Whitley Bay was probably about right. The difference between the teams was the quality of the finishing.

The second half began with Whitley continuing to force the pace, and when Fawcett broke clear up the left wing, he sent a lovely cross into the box which beat everyone and went harmlessly for a goal kick.

Paul Robinson was causing al sorts of problems for the RCA defence and might have added a third goal after 55 minutes, jinxing past two defenders inside the area, but his shot was brilliantly pushed behind by Atkinson.

RCA started to press more as they got to grips with the Bay midfield and in a four minute spell they were back in the game level at 2-2.

Jennings was brought on to replace Wells and add a bit of height to the RCA forward line. Bay tried to counter this move bringing on Smith for the injured McMullen. A minute after these substitutions RCA were awarded a corner and in melee that ensued Oates kept a cool head before firing the ball into the roof of the net.

The scores were level in the 64th minute when Berj won the ball on the edge on the Whitley Bay box before sliding the ball to Davison who struck excellent shot from 20 yards out into the bottom corner of the net.

The game was turning into a full-blooded typical Northern League match. Whitley Bay responded to the equaliser as only they can by going on the attack and Ormston was denied by Jones who deflected the ball high over the bar after the Bay midfielder looked odds on to score.

Whitley Bay regained the lead in the 72nd minute when a corner was only cleared as far as Robinson. The Bay captain played an inch perfect pass to Pounder who, with the outside of his boot slotted home his second goal of the game.

Within a minute RCA were back on the attack with Walton slipping the ball to Close who curled the ball with the outside of his right foot inches over the bar.

Whitley Bay were being forced to defend deep as RCA went in search of another equaliser and were rewarded when Davison rose head and shoulders above the Bay defence to power in a terrific header 3-3 with ten minutes to go.

RCA continued to put Whitley Bay under pressure and they were winning all the 50-50 challenges. RCA had a penalty appeal turned down in the 83rd minute when Close looked to be blocked when challenging for a header. Then two minutes later RCA were awarded a penalty when RCA captain Close went to ground inside the penalty under challenge from Williams. The referee immediately pointed to the spot. The decision did look a little dubious, but in fairness their was contact before Close went down. The player himself did not make a meal of it. The old cliche that sometimes they are given sometimes they are not springs to mind. Maybe the incident a couple of minutes earlier was on the referees mind.

However, when all the commotion had died down Walton stepped up to send Hayes the wrong way from the spot and put RCA ahead for the first time in the game.

As always with Whitley Bay, they never lie down and still had time to almost level the scores when a Kerr free kick from just outside the box failed by inches to find the target.

A game that looked to have been lost at half time was ultimately won with a spirited second half display by the whole RCA team.

Tuesday, 13 March 2012

Brooks Mileson League Cup

Match photographs from Ron Aitchison

RCA made three changes to the team from Saturday, Craig Shields took over in goal, club captain Carl Beasley returned to the heart of the defence and Andrew Jennings started up front in a 3-5-2 formation.

If this had been a boxing match the report would probably have read: First four rounds to Dunston, two rounds shared, next four rounds to RCA, last two rounds shared with RCA delivering the knock out punch in the 117th minute of this entertaining cup match.

Dunston took the initiative from the start of this cup tie forcing RCA on the defensive for long periods in the first half.

On five minutes Shaw received a great pass from Cattanach before cutting inside to unleash a great effort on goal, but Shields was equal to it and pulled off a good save. As Dunston pressed RCA found it difficult to string two passes together, and it was only some magnificent defending by McGuinness, Paxton and Beasley that keep the scoreline at 0-0.

Galbraith whipped in a great free kick after 15 minutes that beat everone including the upright by inches. Within a minute RCA had a lucky escape when Shields was guilty of dropping a Galbraith cross, but Beasley was on hand to clear the danger. Dunston then forced a number of corners all of which were dealt with by either Shields or the RCA defence.

RCA's first real effort came after 30 minutes when Walton, given a free role this evening, swung in a low cross which evaded everyone. Dunston came back at RCA and Catternach must be wondering how he did not get on the score sheet as he headed sucessive corners goalwards, both beating the keeper and both cleared off the line, the first by Wells the second by Jones.

RCA fans had to wait until the 36th minute for their first corner and this was cleared by Robson.

In the 40th minute a cross shot from Shaw caused a moment of concern for Shields as it almost crept in at the near post, but the RCA keeper was able to scramble the ball to safety. As the half came to its conclusion RCA started to become more of an attacking force and Catternach was forced to clear his lines when Walton powered in a great header from a Jennings cross.

RCA kept up the momentum gained in the last ten minutes of the first half pressing Dunston back and it was slightly against the run of play that Chilton, finding himself in space turned and fired bringing a superb reaction save from Shields. The response was immediate as Walton, beat two defenders before delivering a lovely cross onto the head of Berj who forced the first save of the match from Connell. The momentum was growing in RCA and two minutes later a cross from Jennings was headed wide by Davison. RCA were showing why they are top of the league they were attacking at every opportunity. This attacking mode was leaving them a bit stretched at the back and a rare effort from Galbraith went well wide.

In the 67th minute RCA had a great chance to score when Berj and Walton combined to set up Jennings, but the tall striker sent his effort over the bar.

With 70 minutes gone the pendulum swung back towards Dunston. Shaw slipped past McGuinness before delivering and inch perfect cross onto the head of Hume, two yards out, but the Dunston forward somehow managed to head the ball over the bar. Both sides were now attacking in gung-ho fashion. Walton had a shot saved by Connell, at the other end Hume tried to be clever and chip the keeper and Shields made an easy save.

Shields was then forced to make the best save of the night so far when a great ball from Kane sent Chilton clean through on the RCA goal; he steadied himself before thundering a shot at goal, but Shields, diving at full stretch to his right, forced the ball fotr a corner.

RCA should have sealed the tie in the final minutes of normal time when Jennings won a 50/50 challenge with Connell and squared it to Davison 15 yards out, but the RCA striker struck the bar and the ball rebounded to safety. Both Jennings and Connell had to receive treatment following the collision.

EXTRA TIME:

The first half of extra time was poor as both teams cancelled each other out and it looked likely that penalties were going to settle it.
The second half of extra time saw a little bit more adventure as first Dunston's Shaw fired wide then Close had a shot over the bar.

The goal that clinched it in the 117th minute was a goal worthy of winning any match. Berj won the ball in midfield slipped it wide to Walton who played the ball to Davison, he played a lovely reverse pass to the overlapping Jones who burst into the box before unleashing an unstoppable shot low into the far corner of the goal. Dunston still had time to fight back and it took a good save from Shields to prevent Shaw in the final minute.

Next round away to Spennymoor Town FC on Monday 16 April 2012.

RCA's Joe Walton powers through on goal in the first half of the match

Saturday, 17 March 2012

STL Northern League Division 1

Click here for photos from the match

RCA remained on top of the First Division after this comprehensive 7-0 victory over a recently rejuvenated Guisborough Town side who only a week ago held Spennymoor Town to a 1-1 draw. RCA brought back Ian Davidson into the starting line up as the only change to the team that won in the League Cup at Dunston. The following report is from Mark Cowan, who it is said, is a better writer than wot I am. This is a really good piece and takes a slightly different point of view on the match. Mark is the author of Far from the Massive Crowds. I hope you enjoy reading it. Apologies to those people who have already read this on another web site.

They say that it’s not over until the fat lady sings. In which case, she was heard to be belting out a resounding tune after just fifteen minutes of today’s game when the visitors – fast up front and quick out of the blocks – had taken a two goal lead and the game by the scruff of the neck. When you’re top of the league and feeling the warmth of competing sides’ breath on your neck, every game is a big one. What RCA don’t lack is intent; they are quick to move the ball, quick to break and soon feel the wrath of their management team when sloppy passes go astray or when chances go begging. The fact that the visitors were four goals up by the interval had much to do with giant forward Andy Jennings. There is a natural presumption when a beanpole striker lines up in attack that every ball must be thumped in an airbourne fashion towards the giant target. Jennings is good in the air – of that there is little doubt. But this ignores the fact that for a big player he is remarkably adept at intricate touches and fleet-footed movements which cause just as many problems. This was not lost on RCA. Having gone two goals up, Jennings effectively sealed the game mid-way through the first half when he raced onto a long ball having lost his marker. Despite being well in advance of the Guisborough defence, there was still an awful lot for Jennings to do. His mind was made up; as the ball arrived in front of him he lashed an unstoppable left-footed drive into the roof of the net from twenty yards to send the visiting bench into raptures.

Seven days ago Guisborough had played a perfect hand against Spennymoor. A couple of early Spennymoor chances had been well-defended and as time wore on, the hosts were forced into mistakes. Opportunities then opened up for Guisborough. The 1-1 draw last week, given the quality of the opposition, was a tremendous effort and one of the best team performances I have seen in years. So why was today so different? The composition of Guisborough‘s side was broadly the same and there was certainly no denying that the effort and intent was there. But the two early goals put Guisborough in a very tough predicament. No pattern had been established in play and already they were two goals down. A Guisborough goal was needed to wrestle back some initiative and momentum, but perhaps Chris Hardy’s men were guilty of pushing too hard, too soon. By half-time, a 4-0 scoreline no doubt prompted talk of damage limitation.

The second half was an oddity. Much of the play was conducted in the visitors’ half. In part, this was due to RCA being able to sit on their lead and try to preserve their clean sheet. It was also due to a far more incisive Guisborough display. Yet despite their superior second half possession, there was not the same cut and thrust of RCA’s front men. When the visitors surged into Guisborough’s half they looked as though they could create chances at will. It is tough when your side loses by such a heavy margin. It is even tougher when it happens twice in ten days. But this year is a learning curve for Chris Hardy’s men. There have been several highs this season and preservation of first division status is and always was the first priority, to then build further in the second season. Yet even in defeat, Northern League football can conjure some great moments.

As the result became a certainty, I found my attention turning to the mercurial brilliance of RCA’s coach, George Herd. Now in his mid-seventies, Herd leapt around on the far touchline with the energy and effervescence of a nuclear fission. His distinctive, Lanarkshire tones could be heard above all other noise. Herd epitomises all that is good about football. Despite having been a Scottish international and playing more than two hundred games for Sunderland as a goal scoring midfielder, Herd’s enthusiasm remains undimmed. I was fascinated to establish his secret. As I strolled past him, I sensed a possible answer as by his feet was a can of energy drink. At one point in the second half, the play fell eerily silent. It became apparent that Herd had stopped barking orders. Instead, the energy drink was being poured down his throat as he rapidly refuelled. As if instantly revived, Herd then fired further instructions at his side. You would think that at 7-0 even his thirst (for success, as well as for the caffeine laden drink) would be quelled. Alas, no.

As a pass went astray Herd threw his energy drink to the floor in frustration and leapt in the air, as though a Hornet’s nest had worked its way up his trouser leg. Herd’s mentality, as well as that of manager Hixon and his assistants, has clearly spread to the whole side. They were incredibly well-drilled, but also constantly looking to improve further. They have now thumped 88 league goals this season, more than half of which have been away from home. They are top of the Northern League tree at the time of writing and should anyone else displace them they will deserve to win the league. Jennings’ strike partner Davison bagged a hat-trick to go with Jennings’ brace. They have now beaten Whitley Bay, Dunston and Guisborough in a week. If nothing else, at least we are keeping illustrious company. By the end of the game, the Fat Lady’s throat must have been pretty sore. George Herd’s must have been sorer. They say that Red Bull gives you wings. I’ll say that RCA are flying.

Tuesday, 20 March 2012

STL Northern League Division 1

Scorers: Sunderland RCA FC: Jennings (15) (66), Close (88) Newcastle Benfield FC: McAvoy (40)

SportsByte report

RCA welcomed Newcastle Benfield to Meadow Park and were forced to make one change to the starting line up with Oates replacing the unwell Berj in midfield.

Benfield, with Perry Briggs in charge, were looking for a better performance than that which saw them beaten 5-2 by Billingham Town at the weekend. He must have been well pleased with this performance as they produced the best opposition that RCA have met this year and must feel aggreived at the final score line.

RCA for their part endured the first half onslaught and had to produce a quality second half display to overcome Benfield on the night, it took an 88th minute goal to finally seal Benfield's fate as up until then it could have gone either way.

The match kicked off on a calm March evening with Benfield taking advantage of the slope in the first half and they took full advantage as they pressed RCA back on the defensive, the RCA back line were forced into long clearance after long clearance in a effort to quell Benfield's attacking flair.

The opening ten minutes were almost entirely played in the RCA half of the pitch, both Bell and McAvoy had long range efforts which went wide before Gray chanced his arm with a shot from 12 yards out which went inches over the bar. With their first real attack of the game RCA scored. A clearance by Beasley was won in the air by Davison and he directed his header on to Jennings who seeing Grainger off his line headed over the stranded keeper into the net.

This should have started an RCA revival, but Benfield didn't see it that way, a strong run down the right by Bell almost produced the equaliser as he slipped the ball to Guerin-Lokonga who looked to beat the defender before powering in a shot which took a defection and ended up in the grateful arms of Atkinson.

Benfield were back two minutes later, they were awarded a freekick 25 yards out which Bell took and forced a fingertip save from Atkinson. At this point the only time that Grainger had touched the ball was to pick it out of the net. Atkinson was by far the busier keeper. Benfield were well on top and their passing and movement was mesmerising at times. Fortunately for RCA they were not really producing anything of note in the final third.

A strong 40 yard run by Paterson went unchallenged and he was allowed to get in a fierce shot which dipped narrowly over the bar.

In the 28th minute of the game came the miss of the season when Gray skipped past his defender before crossing the ball inside the six yard area to Bell who somehow managed to miss the goal from two yards out, sending the ball back across the empty goal for a goal kick.

Collins had a great chance to equalise when he powered a free header over the bar from a Gray corner.

The pressure eventually told in the 40th minute when, after some sustained pressure from Gray and Bell, the ball was slipped through to McAvoy and he made no mistake from six yards out. The goal created an immediate response from RCA. It was as if someone had lifted a weight off their shoulders as they powered their way back into the game. A cross from McGuinees was headed narrowly over by Walton. A minute later and a great cross from Walton was met by Davison who headed down into the path of Jennings, but he put his shot wide.

In the final minute of the half Bell had a half chance aurned away from his marker to fire in a shot which went well wide.

The way the first half ended RCA supporters could br forgiven for believing that the second half would be easy kicking down the slope. Benfield were not in the mood tonight to concede without a fight and this they did to produce one of the best games of football seen at Meadow Park for some considerable time.

RCA started well and Walton had an effort which went wide before a long range effort from Oates was easily saved by Grainger. Back came Benfield, they were awarded a corner which was headed clear by Paxton. Jennings helped it on its way as far as Benfield defender Collins, who fired in a great shot just wide of the upright.

The game was truly coming to life with both teams looking to attack at every opportunity.

A slick move between Close and Davidson took the ball beyond the Benfield defence. Walton latched onto the loose ball and from 35 yards out tried to float the ball over the head of Grainger; this opportunistic effort was inches wide of the upright. A minute later and a quickly taken throw by Davidson caused panic in the Benfield defence as McGuinness's cross was headed down by Oates and Jennings was on hand to flick the ball past the helpless Grainger and into the bottom corner of the net. Benfield responded with a quick flurry of attacks which were repelled by both Paxton and Beasley.

In the 80th minute Benfield were awarded a freekick 30 yards out and Bell drove in a great cross which Antony managed to get a foot to, forcing a save from Atkinson. The resulting corner was headed over by Bell. Two minutes later and RCA had a great chance to put the game to bed. McGuinness picked the ball up on the half way line and carried it ten yards before sending the ball toward the Benfield area. Jennings got on the end of the cross and chested it into the path of Close who blasted the ball goalwards forcing Grainger to make a terrific block before recovering to complete the save at the second attempt with Close bearing down on him.

Straight up the other end from Grainger's kick, the ball was headed on by McAvoy and found Bell in space; the Benfield forward took two touches before curling in a shot which went wide of the upright.

RCA broke the hearts of the Benfield players and supporters in the 88th minute when a freekick by Oates was headed back across the six yard line by Davison and Close was on hand to prod the ball home. A simply worked goal that ended a terrificly entertaining football match. The old cliche of a game of two halves was used again tonight and rightly so, Benfield, undoubtebly had the lion's share of the first half while RCA had the greater share of the second. On balance RCA probably created the better chances in the 90 minutes and just about deserved to win. It could have been a different story if Gray had taken his chance in the first half.

Saturday, 24 March 2012

STL Northern League Division 1

Flying high, like his team, RCA's Steve Jones leaps into play in the second half of the match

Click here for photos from the match

Scorers: RCA Davison (16) (81) Walton (45)

RCA remain on top of the STL Northern League Division 1 courtesy of this hard fought win making it 11 unbeaten and although not a vintage performance RCA were well worth the points at the end of the day.

The management made no changes to the starting liine up from the mid week match against Benfield, although Tom Berj was available and took the place of Liam Dunn on the bench.

A Davison brace and a goal on the stroke of half time By Walton were enough to see off "The Ancients" and once again the front two of Davison and Jennings performed magnificently, causing the opposition defence problems all afternoon. Jennings in particular seems to have found the sort of form that made him much sort after a couple of seasons ago.

The match was only thee minutes in when the referee stopped play and requested that Jennings leave the field of play as he was wearing cycling shorts that were a different colour to the team colours. Unfortunately for him the ball didn't go out of play for another five minutes and the referee quite rightly only allowed him back onto the field of play once the ball went out for goalkick. (Being waved back on is only allowed after a player leaves the field of play after treatment for an injury). This was probably the only bit of entertainment in a rather drab first 15 minutes as both teams sounded each other out.

The game then sprung into life when Atkinson fed the ball to Jones who carried it for 20 yards before sending in an inch perfect cross on to the head of Davison and the RCA leading scorer headed home past a stranded Porter in the “Ancients” goal.

Norton battled back and forced a corner when Jones was forced to concede as Alexander ghosted in at the far post. From the corner Alexander rose above the RCA defence to head towards goal, but Close was on hand to clear off the line. RCA stepped up the pressure with Walton and Oates combining on the right, Walton swung in a cross which found Davidson free at the far post but the RCA defender snatched at his shot and it went well wide.

Norton were unlucky not to get back into the game a minute later when a cross into the box from Martin caused panic in the goalmouth and in the scramble that followed Magowan prodded the ball towards goal and this time it was Beasley who cleared off the line.

The last ten minutes of the half were almost constant pressure from RCA as they built up momentum. A fierce drive by Walton 30 yards out went wide of the target, then Jones and Walton created another opening for Davison, but his effort went wide. In the last minute of the half Close found Davison in the box and he in turn played the ball to Jennings, but his shot was well saved by Porter. His clearance was won by Oates deep in RCA territory; he brought the ball down on his chest before playing a exquisite ball through to Walton on the half way line. The RCA winger collected the ball and outpaced the Norton defence before slipping the ball past the helpless Porter.

The second half opened as expected with Norton taking the initiative, Scott played a great ball into Jameson in the opening minutes, but the Norton forward was guilty of rushing his shot and fired over. Then a move involving Scott and Magowan ended with a great tackle from Paxton.

It took ten minutes of the second half for RCA to get to grips with the Norton midfield and then an effort from Walton sailed over the bar followed by a brilliant save from Porter as Davison and Jennings carved open the Norton defence with a breathtaking piece of skill. Davison turned the defender before finding Jennings who had time to chest the ball down before volleying at goal and forcing the save.

Norton’s best spell of the game was to follow, Martin took a freekick 30 yards out and Beasley was forced to head the wickedly curling cross over the bar. From the corner Gott headed over the bar. Within two minutes Scott picked up a loose ball inside the RCA half and ran at the defence before slipping the ball to Alexander who tested Atkinson from 25 yards out.

Norton were looking for a foothold into the game and continued to press forward. Substitute Huggins, returning after a long time out through injury, was instrumental in their next chance when he deftly turned the ball to Furness who returned the ball and he slipped in a telling cross which Alexander headed into the side netting. Five minutes later Huggins and Scott combined with the latter sending in a lovely ball to Magowan who headed back across goal forcing Atkinson into a great save at the second attempt.

RCA looked to have weathered the storm when Oates won the ball in midfield to head into the path of Davison who shot wide from 25 yards. Norton came back again and Scott, who was having an inspirational game, had an effort blocked by Paxton at the expense of a corner.

RCA wrapped up the game with nine minutes remaining when Man of the Match Jennings, controlled the ball on the edge of the Norton box before cleverly wrong footing two defenders by flicking the ball, with the outside of his foot, back into the path of Davison who steered the ball home from eight yards out to make it 3-0.

RCA could have had another as Shields raced clear of the Norton defence and passed the ball into the box for Walton, but Mulligan was able to get a foot to the shot and send it out for a throw in.

In the final minute Jameson forced a good save out of Atkinson.

RCA six points clear at the top, makes for an interesting finale to the season.

Tuesday, 27 March 2012

STL Northern League Division 1

Scorers: SRCA: Jennings (12) (20), Davison (42) Davidson (50)

Ashington once again well beaten by Sunderland RCA - Northumberland's News Post Leader's take on the match.

RCA were able to field the same starting eleven for the third consecutive match and started with the now familiar 3-5-2 formation.

The clinical finishing of the RCA strikers was the main difference in the two teams especially in the first half when they overwhelmed Ashington after a shaky first five minute. Jennings and Davison were almost unplayable for 35 minutes of the first half as they caused chaos in the Ashington defence who also found it difficult to cope with the long throw of McGuinness.

Contrast their performance with the poor showing of Ashington's front two of Walton and Godsmark who were well controlled by a solid RCA defence. Overall this was another great team performance and the reward is to be sitting nine points clear at the top of the league. Who'd have thought it at the beginning of the season.

Ashington, as expected, attacked from the outset and RCA were forced to defend for the first seven minutes of the game. However it was RCA who had the first effort on goal when McGuinness fired wide from 30 yards out. Within a minute English crossed into the box and Beasley had to head away Tait’s first time effort. Ashhington defender Craig Scott had to be at his best to thwart RCA’s next attack as he headed a long Ball from McGuinness back to Drysden with both Joe Walton and Davison in close attendance. In the 10th minute a cross into the box by Godsmark was headed wide by Marc Walton.

RCA took the lead two minutes later when Jennings latched on to a through ball from Oates and unleashed a left foot effort which flashed into the net with Dryden rooted to the spot. Minutes later and it could have been 2-0 when Davidson and Walton combined to set up Davison, but his turn and shot went wide of the post. RCA were in the ascendancy now and a long throw from McGuinness caused mayhem in the Ashington defence as Scott got a head to it and fortunately for him Drysden was able to bring off a terrific save tipping the ball over the bar. Ashington were almost level a minute later as Godsmark intercepted a back pass from Davidson but the Ashington forward hooked his shot wide of the far post.

Jennings once again broke free of his defender in the 23rd minute and it took a great defensive tackle from Buzzeo to stop the striker from making it 2-0.

RCA did not have long to wait for their second; another long throw from McGuinness was headed down by Davison into the path of Jennings who turned and stabbed the ball home through a crowd of players from six yards out. With RCA in rampant mood they were unlucky not to add to their score with Close having two great efforts on goal, at the other end Atkinson made a good save after a clearance from Paxton struck Marc Walton and rebounded goalwards.

Five minutes from half-time, RCA went 3 - 0 up when Davidson crossed in from the left to the far post.

It took only two minutes of the second half for RCA to wrap the game up. A long ball into the area by Jones, following a throw-in on the right, found Davidson in acres of space and the RCA defender was allowed time to hammer home.

Jennings should have completed his hat trick five minutes later, but headed over the bar and Walton was unable to take advantage of a mistake by Lough: although his lob beat Drysden it fell agonisingly over the bar and landed on the roof of the net.

Ashington were reduced to long aimless passes and although they did have a goal disallowed in the 62 minute for offside they were never really an attacking force until the final ten minutes when Godsmark had a shot saved by Atkinson before Marc Walton had his follow up shot also well saved by the RCA keeper.

All in all a thoroughly deserved victory and once again a great team performance.

Saturday, 31 March 2012

STL Northern League Division 1

RCA's defence got a work out against a well-organised Spennymoor attack.

Scorers: Spennymoor: Graydon, Ryan. SRCA: None

Please click here for photos from the match

The view from Spennymoor Town FC

The manager once again made no changes to the team although the inclusion of new signings, Dale Jardine and Harrison Davies on the bench meant that there was more attacking options in the squad.

Unfortunately for RCA today they met a Spennymoor team who were almost at the top of their game and for all of their endeavour RCA found it difficult to match them.

Two major lapses in concentration lead to the goals, Graydon will always punish you if given amount of space the RCA defence gave him and in Ruddy they had a great outlet on the right and this provided Ryan with the second goal. It could have been different for RCA if Walton's shot hadn't rebounded safely after hitting both posts or Jennings' header from two yards out was better directed.

RCA still remain at the top of the table but their lead is a tenuous one, six points clear, but Spennymoor, West Auckland, and Dunston all have games in hand.

Spennymoor started brightly playing some good football and causing RCA problems with their pace and movement from the off. However for all their possession they were unable to make it count in the final third and it was RCA who created the first real chance of the game when Davidson crossed to the far post and Walton forced a save from Dean with a well placed header. The resulting corner was flicked on by Jennings and Beasley coming in at the back post headed over the bar. Two minutes later RCA were awarded another corner and this time Walton took it and found Jennings. but his header was blocked by Dean and flew over for another corner. Moors withstood this pressure and got back in the game with Johnston’s wicked shot saved by Atkinson. Then Kallum Griffiths got in on action, finding space on the right he crossed perfectly for Cogdon but he volleyed over from ten yards out. Within a minute another Griffiths cross from the right saw Moore with a free header, but he could only direct it straight at the Atkinson. Moors looked to be in control at this point and it took some good defending by the RCA defence to keep them at bay.

Griffiths played a one two with Cogdon and really should have done better than blaze the ball over the bar. A Graydon free kick was a little too far in front of the outstretched head of Moore and he could only direct it wide. RCA bounced back and started to show some attacking moves of their own as half time approached.

A cross into the box from McGuinness was headed into the path of Walton by Davison and his shot from the edge of the box was saved by Dean and Davidson pouncing on the rebound had his effort turned round the post for a corner. Paxton rose highest to the corner from Davidson but his header was easily saved by Dean. The final chance of the first half fell to Graydon but his free kick was saved by Atkinson.

The second half started as the first with Moors piling on the pressure.

Two corners in quick succession saw Leon Ryan force a diving save out of Atkinson from the first, the second was punched clear, but fell to Graydon who was allowed to run into space before unleashing a low shot into the bottom corner of the net. Graydon should have wrapped the game up five minutes later when a mix up in the RCA defence saw Beasley and Paxton collide leaving Graydon with a free shot at goal but he lifted the ball over the bar.

As Moors started to dictate and Graydon started to run the midfield RCA were once again being asked questions and were responding with some good solid defensive work. Beasley was booked for a foul on Ruddy down the right, and Graydon sent in a great free kick which saw Moore once again out jump the RCA defence, but his header went well over the bar.

RCA showed their resilience and started to get back into the game with a couple of good efforts. Walton crossed for Davison and the RCA striker headed over, then a quick break from Walton saw him square the ball for Close, but the Ryan was able to get across to block the shot.

When a dubious corner was awarded RCA almost took advantage and really should have equalized. McGuinness took the kick and drove it to the far post where Walton rose and headed back across goal for Jennings two yards out, but with the goal at his mercy he headed wide. Moors came back and Griffiths released Ruddy and his cross picked out Johnston but his free header went wide.

In the 75th minute Moors went 2-0 up through captain Ryan who met Ruddy’s cross unchallenged at the back post to steer the ball past Atkinson.

Moors continued to attack and RCA continued to try and hit on the break and it was one of these breaks that should have been rewarded with a goal as Walton raced onto a pass from McGuinness, outpaced the Moors defenders before lobbing the ball over Dean, but his shot hit the inside of both posts before coming out to Davison who saw his curling effort deflected past the far post for a corner.

Late on RCA pushed men forward in a effort to get back in the game and it took a good save from Dean to deny Jardine. Then from the corner Davison headed wide.

Richardson then had an effort turned around the post by Atkinson as the match came to an end.

A win against Spennymoor still eludes RCA this season. Today Spennymoor looked like this was their cup final. Defeat today would probably have seen the end of their championship bid however it is now back on track. For RCA they are still in with a shout and whatever happens this has been a great season. How they respond on Wednesday against West Auckland will determine the character of the squad and I am sure that the response will be a positive one.

30 March 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: Darlington: Thompson (3), Dowson, Johnson, Purewal, Hedley. SRCA: Clarke, Shaw.

Without a home game since November, Darlington called upon the services of ex-RCA goalkeeping legend Gary Ventress to get the pitch in a playable condition. Gary is now working in Bishop at the College and his groundsmanship/green keeping is second to none. He along with about 20 volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the morning to clear the pitch. Although by 4.55pm most of the RCA supporters would have wished they hadn't. 

It was the same old story for RCA players unavailable or not even bothering to turn up. The ones who have turned up to play are to be commended for playing four games in seven days. Unfortunately, today was probably just one game to many and for the final 20 minutes they were running on empty.

As for Darlington they showed a true professionalism throughout the afternoon and broke the 100 points for the season barrier with this win. 

Darlington started the match in emphatic style as they pinned RCA back with three quick attacks in succession, Dowson missing a great chance in front of goal after being set up by Purewal.

It wasn't long before Darlington took the lead. In the seventh minutes Richards was dispossessed in the centre circle by Gott who sent Dowson clear, Wardle came across to cover and sent Dowson tumbling inside the area, Thompson struck his penalty well sending Foden the wrong way.

A corner to the far post fell to Dowson who backheeled it to Thompson who fired his into the side netting.

RCA took until the 25th minute to get any sort of move together when Owens burst down the right wing and crossed into the box, Clarke was on hand to head inches wide of the upright.

An injury to Monson meant RCA were playing with ten men when Darlington took advantage of the extra man to make it 2-0. Emms supplied a great pass to Harrison on the wing, he found Purewal down the right and his low cross was swept past the full length dive of Foden.

Within two minutes RCA were back in the game a neatly chipped ball forward by Gordon evaded the Darlington defence and found Clarke, as he moved inside the area he was upended Brown. Clarke picked himself up to rocket the penalty past Bell.

RCA were unable to put a great deal of pressure on the Darlington defence even when Purewal left the field for treatment to a head injury which left them a man short. In fact it was Darlington who scored during this period when Thompson picked up the ball on the left, stepped inside two defenders before curling a wonderful shot past Foden into the far corner of the net. 3-1 at half time.

Darlington started where they left off after the break, substitute Johnson was unlucky not to score with a lovely header in the 47 minute but Forden made an excellent save.

RCA then started to get a little reward for their efforts. Shaw linked up with Owens before sending Gordon down the right, his cross was destined for the head of Home-Jackson but Brown managed to head clear. Back came RCA in the 57th minute, after a good save from Foden he cleared the ball up field and Home-Jackson headed the ball on to Shaw who went clear of a static Darlington defence before calmly slotting the ball past the advancing Bell.

This galvanised Darlington and Thompson in particular who is almost unplayable in this mood, in the 64th minute he skipped past Gordon and fired in a shot which was turned behind for a corner. The ball was crossed to the far post from the corner and the clearing header fell to Thompson who fired over the bar, the Assistant Referee awarded another corner. From this corner the ball was not cleared and again fell nicely at the feet of Johnson and the Darlington forward made no mistake this time from six yards out volleying into the roof of the net.

Thompson completed his hat trick in the 78th minute when another corner was taken short to Gott, he returned the ball Emms who crossed into the box, Thompson picked up the ball and turned onto his left foot before unleashing a shot which took a deflection off a RCA Defender on its way into the goal.

RCA were out on the feet now and it looked like Darlington could score every time they attacked.

As the game entered the last few minutes youngster Hedley released Purewal with a superb reverse pass and he finished with some aplomb in front of the the Darlington supporters.

Hedley himself got on the score sheet in the last minute of the game when he chipped in a cross which managed to squeeze past the hand of Foden hit the inside of the post and went in.

Darlington gave a great display in front of their supporters today, at times they looked to be three or four levels above RCA. Their movement and passing, not to mention their finishing was top drawer.

RCA were still in this match for about 70 minutes, they stuck at it and showed a lot of character. However, the amount of games being played by a small number of players was eventually going to tell and so it did. 

The away match at Consett on Monday is off so a rest can be had by all.

Darlington again on Wednesday at home.