Thursday, 18 August 2011

Sunderland Sunday Premier League

RCA The Barnes got their 2011/12 season off to a winning start, defeating Farringdon SC 2 - 1 with a severely depleted squad due to injuries, work commitments and holidays.

With only 14 players available they all played a significant part in the victory over a strong Farringdon outfit. Centre half and captain Phil Hall was moved into midfield and Martin Metcalfe moved up front to accommodate the resources available, with young new keeper Chris Stoker behind a back four of Charlton, Peel, McManus and another youngster Stewart. The midfield four were Tyzack, the returning Liam Dunn, Hall and Hughes with Place and Metcalfe up top.

Farringdon started at a furious pace, putting the RCA defence under considerable pressure while the unfamiliar back line found its feet, with Parkinson and Noble pulling the strings. Slowly though, RCA began to get more organised and started to put together some good football of their own. After 35 minutes Martin Metcalfe found himself on the edge of the box after good work down the right flank and lashed in a left foot drive inside the keeper's left hand post to put RCA 1 - 0 up. They held the lead comfortably to half time.

Farringdon came out in determined mood for the second half and equalised through Noble after 55 minutes following a defensive blunder which allowed him to poke home from close range. After 65 minutes RCA introduced Jonathan Davis (who had arrived late due to training with his Saturday side) and Chris Lawrence who replaced Tyzack and Stewart, which allowed Hall to revert to his normal role as centre half.

This brought more stability and shape to RCA’s side. They began to play more football and pressed for a winner. The resultant pressure eventually paid off when a shot from distance deflected off a defender and fell invitingly to Liam Dunn who calmly despatched it past keeper Jackson to put RCA 2 - 1 up with 20 minutes to go.

Both teams pressed for further goals and both had half chances, but RCA held on to register a 2 - 1 victory to get the season off to a great start. Farringdon to their credit will play worse and win. They contributed to a good match for the many neutral supporters who attended the game.

RCA continue this coming Sunday, 21 August with a League Cup first round match against a new team in the League this year, Washington Oasis, at Meadow Park with a 10:30am ko. Hope to see a few along for what should be an entertaining game.

Thursday, 25 August 2011

Sunderland Sunday Premier League

RCA had a comfortable 8 - 1 win over a committed, but struggling, Thorney Close Inn. Thorney started brightly enough but once RCA Barnes found their rhythm they soon went 2 - 0 up with cool finishes from Andy Place.

Thorney kept plugging away though, with Hodgy and Tansey both prominent and it was Tansey who pulled a goal back for Thorney when he pounced on slack defensive work and poked home. However the two goal cushion was soon restored for RCA Barnes when Place crossed for 'Marni' Metcalfe to power home a header, giving a half time score of 3 - 1 to RCA.

The second half saw RCA Barnes gain almost total domination and further goals came from Metcalfe and Place (one each), before Thorney hit the post with a delightful free kick from Hodgson. By that point, RCA Barnes had introduced substitutes Turvey, Teasdale and Winlow. It was Anth Teasdale who further increased RCA's lead to 7 - 1 with two strikes. Andy Place got his fourth and RCA's eighth near the end to give a final scoreline of 8 - 1 to RCA Barnes.

Thorney are going through a rough time at the moment and all at RCA Barnes wish them well for the rest of the season. We hpope they can turn it round in the coming weeks, just as we did last season after losing our first 10 games.

Sunday, 4 September 2011

Durham County FA Sunday Cup - First Preliminary Round

RCA Barnes eventually saw of the challenge from a spirited Slaters Arms to comfortably progress to the Second Round of the County Sunday Cup.

Slaters started in determined fashion, if somewhat rather overstrong in some early challenges, but didn’t really threaten. By the same token RCA weren't particularly creating many chances either and the first half was turning into a drab affair when Slaters produced a decent cross for centre forward Isam Mohammed to head home at the far post to put them 1 - 0 ahead. That was how the first half finished.

However, after a half time management talk which focussed on trying to keep the ball better and play to feet, RCA took complete control at the start of the second half. The inevitable equaliser arrived after 55 minutes when Callum Charlton rose unchallenged to head home a left wing cross from Paul Brooke. This was followed almost immediately with a similar goal from Paul Brooke, this time from a Chris Lawrence cross. A further goal followed after 65 minutes when Andy Place got on the score sheet with his first. Shortly afterwards Slaters chances were completely gone when Place scored again and they were reduced to 10 men when a substitute swore at the referee and was duly dismissed.

Paul Brooke then scored a fifth with a shot from distance that flew into the bottom right hand corner of the net after 85 minutes. The scoring was completed when Andy Place got his hat-trick in the final minute with an audacious cross cum shot from a tight angle, which hit the far post and crossed the line to give a final scoreline of 6 - 1 to RCA.

Special mention goes to Slaters keeper Paul Holloway who was outstanding, especially in the second half, and kept the scoreline to a respectable level.

Sunday, 11 September 2011 

Sunderland Sunday League Premier Division

An entertaining game played in difficult conditions, saw both sides gain a point in a definite case of a game of ‘two halves’.

RCA won the toss and decided to face a strong wind kicking up the slope in the first half. For the first 15 to 20 minutes there was little to choose between the sides as they tested each other out. However beyond 20 minutes Myers began to take control with young Johny Evans and Liam McBride being to the fore. The first chance fell to McBride when he burst through the middle, but RCA keeper Stoker advanced quickly and blocked the shot at McBride's feet when perhaps the forward should have done better. After further sustained pressure Myers took the lead when a delightful left wing cross took out the keeper and Steven Thompson rose at the far post, challenged by Jordan, and a ricochet of headers ended up in the net with the last touch coming off Thompson. Myers should then have added to this lead when Thompson broke through the centre and his attempted chip was finger tipped to safety by Stoker. Further chances went begging and RCA were grateful to go in at half time only one goal down.

The second half however was more or less a complete reversal of the first, other than when McBride had an early headed chance, which he should have scored with after 50 minutes. Beyond this RCA began to dominate and create chances, the first of which fell to Paul Brooke who was fed a cut back from Lee McMahon. He saw his shot blocked on the line and from the rebound Andy Place blazed over the bar. Place then found himself with a clear shooting chance from 15 yards, but Myers keeper Rowan produced what was to be the first of many good saves as he tipped the shot onto the post and to safety.

RCA then brought on substitutes Curtis, Tyzack and Crew to replace Lawrence, Brooke and Place. Within minutes Tyzack produced a great cross that Martin Metcalfe should have converted with his head, but put it past the post. RCA eventually equalised in the 75th minute through a Callum Charlton penalty, rather harshly awarded for an innocuous challenge trying to prevent a shot. However this was no more than RCA deserved and perhaps they should have gone on to win when Willie Crew had two great chances to score: the first a one-on-one with the keeper who saved with his feet and then another free header that he failed to connect with. To round it off the Myers keeper then produced a tremendous save from a Metcalfe volley that had winner written all over it.

So 1-1 it was and both sides could feel that that was probably the correct result overall.

Sunday, 25 September 2011

Durham County Sunday Cup 2nd Preliminary Round

RCA The Barnes comfortably won through to the next stage of the County Cup with a scratchy performance, on a dreadful pitch at Toft Hill against a spirited Etherley Dog & Gun, by a 6 - 3 scoreline.

The management continued to utilise their now strong squad with a few changes, but this made little difference as RCA started on the front foot and were 2 - 0 up after only ten minutes, with two well taken efforts from Willie Crew, the second one being a super overhead strike. RCA then got sloppy and gave away a corner which was swung in allowing a free header inside the six yard box to give the Dog & Gun some encouragement at 2 - 1 after 20 minutes. RCA’s keeper Chris Stoker was by now struggling with a twisted ankle, testament to the dreadful playing surface.

RCA were still trying to play a passing game, but were finding it increasingly frustrating on this surface, but nevertheless when Jonny Davis had a long range effort parried by the Dog & Gun keeper, Paul Brooke was on hand to follow up and make the score 3 - 1 in RCA’s favour. However they then got sloppy again right on half time when a short corner was played by Dog & Gun and the resulting cross found an unmarked forward at the far post for a simple headed finish, to give a half time score of 3-2 to RCA.

The second half saw Lee Harrison taking over in goal for the injured Stoker, with Craig Peel slipping in at centre half and Liam Dunn replacing David Newby on the right flank. Within another five minutes Michael Curtis had to replace Phil Hall at centre half, so using up all RCA’s substitution options.

RCA became more direct now, not taking any chances in and around their own box on the unpredictable surface, but still produced a good move down the left flank which resulted in Willie Crew putting over a teasing cross that Paul Brooke nodded past a hesitant Dog & Gun keeper after 65 minutes. This was followed almost immediately with Willie Crew's third goal lobbed over the keeper after a long clearance from Harrison caught out the Dog & Gun defence.

RCA were by now in almost total control and further increased their lead when Crew again got clear on the left & drew the keeper before squaring to Jonny Davis for a simple tap in to make it 6 - 2 after 85 minutes. Dog & Gun kept going though and were rewarded when a quick free kick again caught RCA napping and the cross was headed home after 89 minutes to give a final scoreline of 6 - 3 to RCA Barnes.

Sunday, 2nd October 2011

Sunday League Cup Second Round

RCA The Barnes moved effortlessly into the third round of the League Cup with a comfortable 5 - 0 victory over a spirited, and better than their results suggest, Washington Havelock at St Roberts School in Washington.

RCA again utilised their strong squad, and should have taken the lead after only two minutes when Paul Brooke went clear, but his effort went wide of the left hand post. However this was just a minor respite for Havelock as after only five minutes. RCA took the lead when Lee Harrison headed back across goal from a free kick and Willie Crew drove home from 12 yards.

RCA continued to dominate and create chances, but Havelock defended stoutly and tried to play their way out of trouble, much to their credit. Chris Lawrence had an effort from just inside the Havelock half crash against the crossbar before a clinical finish from Marni Metcalfe, after good work down the left flank involving Paul Knight and Willie Crew delivered the ball into the six yard box for Marni to side foot home, giving a ht score of 2 - 0 to RCA.

The second half opened with Havelock still sticking to their passing game, but never really creating any chances or troubling the RCA defence. It was evident as time wore on and RCA began to dominate any decent possession that more goals would ensue, and so it transpired with a three goal burst in 10 minutes from the 70th min onwards. Firstly, Willie Crew got his second with a sweet left foot volley, quickly followed by Marni Metcalfe's second when he poked home after John Turvey had hit the post and the scoring was completed when Willie Crew delivered a cross into the six yard box and a Havelock defender sliced into his own net, to give a final scoreline of 5 - 0 to RCA.

Good luck to the Havelock boys, who, if they continue to play their passing game will see their results soon improve.

Sunday, 9 October 2011

Sunderland Sunday League - Premier Division

RCA surrendered their unbeaten record when they were well beaten by a Liam McBryde inspired Myers by 5-2, with McBryde scoring all five of Myers goals.

RCA had to go into the game without a recognised centre half due to no shows and injuries and McBryde took full advantage of the time and space he was afforded to help himself to five goals, ably assisted by Neil Blue. RCA started the game brightly enough & should have had a penalty in the first minute & played some decent stuff, but Myers gradually came back into the game and after 25 minutes won the ball on the half way line and played a long diagonal ball out to Blue on the left wing who cut in and squared for McBride to easily convert from 6 yards. Myers continued to press, but RCA were always a threat on the break and after Liam Dunn had to be replaced due to injury, his replacement Tyzack produced a right wing cross that Andy Place headed home at the near post after 43 mins to give a half time score of 1-1.

Myers started the second half strongly and retook the lead after 50 mins when McBryde lost his marker easily to convert a near post header from a corner and then completed his hat trick five minutes later with a delightful piece of skill, skipping past a static defence to dlot home low to the keepers left. RCA replaced Place with debutant Connor Cheal and Crew with Turvey and clawed their way back into the game when Turvey latched on to a through ball and stroked the ball between the keepers legs to bring the score back to 3-2. Moments later Myers keeper Graham produced a stunning save from a defenders sliced clearance following a corner & as RCA pushed for an equaliser Myers found even more space and RCA keeper Stoker had to be at his best to keep them at bay. However he was caught out with a free kick to the far postthat he assumed would go for ag oal kick but much to RCA’s dismay McBride scored from a tight angle to make it 4-2 and he went on to scramble home a fifth to give Myers a comfortable , if somewhat flattering given the part RCA played in an entertaining match, victory by 5-2.

Well done to Myers and especially McBryde, who on this form was just about unplayable.

Sunday, 16 October 2011

Carlsberg FA Sunday Cup, First Round

RCA The Barnes crashed out of the national FA Sunday Cup at the first hurdle when more inept defending handed Dawdon four first half goals after RCA had taken a fifth minute lead through John Turvey. The game went end-to-end for the next 20 minutes with half chances for both sides until defensive mistakes by RCA (no need to name names, it’s a team game) allowed simple goals from Watson (2), McCabe and Bird to put Dawdon 4-1 up at half time and in complete control.

The second half produced a further very poorly defended headed goal for Bird before RCA scored a second with a Callum Charlton volley. RCA’s afternoon was summed up with a miss on an open goal from three yards out, that would have at least given them the satisfaction of winning the second half.

All in all a very disappointing effort only with one or two exceptions, those being a sterling effort in midfield from Jonathan Davis, tireless work from captain Philip Hall and an unflagging effort from John Turvey up front.

RCA need to gird their loins and get back to hard work and a teamwork ethic, as there is still lots to play for for the rest of the season, starting with this coming Sunday against Sunniside SC in the DFA Sunday Cup, at Meadow Park with a 10:30am ko.

Sunday, 23 October 2011

Durham County Sunday Cup

RCA The Barnes exited the County Cup with a whimper when losing 2-1 to Suniside S.C., with a woeful performance, lacking in character and commitment.

Fielding a strong side, RCA started the game poorly, constantly giving up possession with misplaced passes and generally looking lacklustre in their attitude and application. However captain Philip Hall took the opportunity to show the commitment necessary when, bursting forward from defence, he played a through ball to Andy Place who finished comfortably to give RCA the lead after 20 minutes. This should have been the signal for an improvement, but still RCA were wasteful in possession and the final ball was often under hit or given away to a grateful Sunniside.

This slack play was then assisted by a dreadful refereeing decision when Lee Knight controlled a through ball under no pressure on his chest and the official chose to give a penalty for hand ball, which Sunniside gratefully accepted to bring the scores level.

RCA pushed forward and despite still huffing and puffing managed to create another four great chances to retake the lead, but dreadful finishing brought no goals, the worst of which was when Andy Place was released clean through on goal with two team mates alongside, but he decided to go it alone instead of squaring for a tap in and fluffed the chance, so 1 - 1 at half time.

The second half was even worse than the first. Despite RCA having all the ball they failed to test the Sunniside keeper once and sure enough Sunniside got one chance through bad defensive play from both RCA full backs, which they gleefully accepted and that was that, a 2-1 defeat, that should have been a comfortable victory.

Good luck to Sunniside who wanted it more and defended stoutly, but really they did not have to be that good to beat a dreadful RCA side, whose only players to come out with any credit would be skipper Phil Hall and his central defensive partner Lee Knight.

So on to another cup tie next week against Golden Lion at Meadow Park, 10.30 KO, when a much improved performance will be expected.

Sunday, 30 October 2011

Total Sport Challenge Trophy

RCA The Barnes progressed smoothly into the second round of the Total Sport Challenge Trophy, defeating a spirited Golden Lion outfit by 9-0.

The first half saw Lion up for the challenge against their higher league opponents, but they fell behind after only 10 minutes when Martin Metcalfe slotted home from close range after a good move down the right saw Callum Charlton deliver a perfect low cross into the six yard box. RCA then had further opportunities to increase their lead, but poor finishing a good keeping from Lion's Ian Davison meant RCA had to wait until the 40th minute to increase the lead when Willie Crew beat the increasingly dodgy offside trap to ram home to give a half time score of 2-0 to RCA.

RCA then killed off any resistance from Lion with four goals in the opening 20 minutes of the second half with further strikes fom Crew, Metcalfe, a shot/cross from Paul Knight and Andy Place's first after replacing Crew on 55 minutes.

Further goals were added when Metcalfe completed his hat trick and was then replaced by Newby. Peel was replaced by Stewart, before Andy Place completed his hat trick and the referee brought things to an early conclusion, to give a final score of 9 - 0 to RCA.

Good luck to Lion who played spiritedly till the end and a special mention to keeper Davison who produced a string of excellent saves throughout the 90 minutes to keep Lion in the game.

It is a tougher test next week with an away tie in the Joe Holborn Memorial Cup against Myers at Billy Hardy Centre, Castletown.

Sunday, 13 November 2011

Sunday League Cup

Both sides were severely depleted for this League Cup encounter. Steels had players missing or with thick heads due to over indulgance the previous night and RCA had a total of 13 players unavailable for selection (including the complete list of forwards) and captain Hall left out due to an injury picked up on Saturday. Nevertheless both teams got 11 players on the park and both had a couple of subs too.

Steels started much the better and were clearly up for the challenge, being first to most loose balls and playing some neat attractive football. They deservidely took the lead after 20 minutes when Staite outpaced the square back four of RCA and shot across keeper Stoker into the bottom left hand corner. Steels continued to have the better of the half and could easily have been 3 or 4 up by half time, but for some inspired keeping from Stoker and poor finishing.

RCA's management clearly had some harsh words at the break, because they came out in the second half and completely dominated the game, with Jonathan Davis and Paul Hartley (making a rare appearance whilst up from the Smoke for the weekend) taking over in midfield. It was no surprise when Andy Colledge (RCA assistant manager playing centre forward for first game in god knows how many years) slotted home from close range following good work from recent Northern Ireland signing Jamie Jackson. This was quickly followed by a Martin Metcalfe goal, again after good work down RCA's left flank to give RCA the lead for the first time. At this point RCA brought on centre half and captain Phil Hall to play up front and he immediately had an effect when winning the ball to feed Jamie Jackson who went round the keeper to score RCA's third. Hall then got himself on the scoresheet when the keeper fumbled. Further goals came from another Colledge strike, a well deserved goal from MoM Jonathan Davis and finally another Hall strike to give RCA an, in the end, comfortable 7-1 victory, which rather flattered them as Steels played their part in a very competitive match.

Sunday, 4 December 2011

Sunderland Sunday League Premier Division

Photograph: Adrian Wilkinson

RCA The Barnes bounced back from the disappointing performance last week (apologies for no report, I was not at the game) with a workmanlike victory over a committed and much improved Thorney Close Inn.

RCA started down the slope, with a slight wind advantage, and the opening exchanges were fairly even with both sides trying to adapt to the trying conditions. However after 20 minutes RCA took a deserved lead when Thorney keeper Regan spilled a regulation take and Willie Crew bundled the ball home from close range. RCA then started to dominate and Jamie Jackson shot just wide and also hit the bar with a fine effort.

After 30 minutes Andy Place collected a through ball from Lee Knight and finished in style despite the presence of two or three defenders to put RCA in control. But, just as in previous weeks, RCA got sloppy at the back and after failing to clear their lines allowed Andrew Arnold a simple tap in from six yards to give a ht score of 2 - 1 to RCA.

Thorney must have fancied their chances kicking down the slope and with the wind, but they were undone immediately when they gave the ball away from their kick off and Andy Place was released down the left wing to cross into the box and Willie Crew converted to put RCA further ahead after just 30 seconds of the second half.

RCA took control after this set back and increaded their lead when a Wille Crew cross/shot was deflected past the keeper for an own goal after 65 minutes.

Thorney, to their credit never gave up and got their reward after 82 minutes when Arnold headed home after good work from Hodgson, but RCA wrapped up a comfortable victory when Marni Metcalfe finished off a good move by sweeping home first time at the near post to give a final scoreline of 5 - 2 to RCA The Barnes. Full credit to Thorney though who never gave up and should pick up points soon if they continue with the same attitude.

It was a good solid performances all round the park for RCA, but special mention for Andy Place whose centre forward display was outstanding.

Sunday, 11 December 2011

Total Sport Challenge Trophy

RCA The Barnes progressed smoothly into the next round of the Total Sport Challenge Trophy with a comprehensive 8-2 victory over a committed Southwick.

RCA were given a shock however, when after only one minute, a poor clearance from keeper Stoker was volleyed first time back into the net by Chapman fron 40 yards to give Southwick a dream start. However RCA soon equalized after five minutes through a close range finish from Willie Crew and further goals from Place, Crew and Charlton put RCA in complete control at 4-1 up at half time.

The second half was almost completely dominated by RCA and they went 7-1 up with goals from Metcalfe 92) and Crew completing his hat trick, before a far post header reduced the arrears after 85 minutes, but a further penalty from Metcalfe gave him his hat trick after 90 minutes to give a final score of 8 - 2 to RCA, which could have been a lot more, but for some outstanding goal keeping from the Southwick shot stopper.

Much harder task ahead next week, me thinks, with Farringdon SC visiting Meadow Park for the quarter final tie in the League Cup. Should be a very good match between two evenly matched teams.

Sunday, 8 January 2012

Sunderland Sunday League Premier Division

RCA The Barnes returned from the Xmas break to record a comfortable 4-0 victory over Paragon, at Silksworth Welfare Park. RCA had a strong squad available, but plans had to be redrawn when keeper Stoker went down with a back injury during the warm up and midfielder James 'JimBob' Dunn took over the gloves.

Both sides struggled in a disjointed first half, and it was evident players from both teams were somewhat rusty after the break. After no chances of any significance being created for over half an hour the deadlock was broken when Willie Crew broke down the right and was tackled, with the ball about to go out for a corner. However he decided to chase it down and just managed to pull it back for Callum Charlton to volley across the keeper into the top left corner of the net, an excellent finish, to give RCA the half time lead by 1-0.

The second half saw a visible improvement from both sides, but it was RCA who assumed control and they increased their lead after 55 minutes when Richie Jordan opened his season's account with a crisp lefy foot finish from 12 yards following a corner.

RCA went further ahead after 75 minutes when substitute John Turvey followed up his initial shot, which had been parried by the Paragon keeper, to tap home from five yards. By this time RCA were well on top and they finished the job off when Turvey broke down the left wing, got to the byline and produced an inch perfect cross to enable Willie Crew to head home from close range, thus giving a final scoreline of 4-0 to RCA The Barnes.

All in all an excellent performance prior to more strenuous tests ahead, starting with Redhouse CIU FC away next Sunday at Downhill complex.

Sunday, 22 January 2012

Sunday League Cup

RCA Barnes exited the League Cup when Farringdon deservedly defeated them at Meadow Park, albeit with a slightly flattering scoreline of 4-0.

Farringdon had the advantage of the slope and a fierce wind in the first half and were immediately on the front foot, but RCA withstood the early pressure until a corner was badly defended allowing Pope to shoot through a crowded penalty area into the far corner from 10 yards, after 10 minutes to put Farra 1-0 ahead. The game then became a more evenly balanced affair with RCA breaking forward effectively and having one or two half decent chances to equalise up till half time.

The second half saw the wind drop slightly and produced a hard fought 25 minutes without either side gaining any real advantage, but the game swung in Farra's favour following a slightly short back pass to RCA keeper Stoker, who did not commit fully to his attempted clearance which was blocked by Giliat and broke for sub Adam 'Beefy' Heath to gleefully slot home into the unguarded net. RCA by then had also introduced substitute Turvey into the fray and it was he who thundered a header against the cross bar in the 80th minute. After scrambling the ball clear Thompson broke down the right flank for Farra and slung in a hopefull cross which RCA defender Callum Charlton, under no particular pressure, sliced into his own net to effectively seal the tie.

Adam 'Beefy' Heath added another for Farra with the last kick of the game after a rare slip by RCA skipper Hall allowed a cross into the box for a tap in from six yards.

All in all a very dissappointing second half performance from RCA, but Farra took advantage of some dire home defending, whereas Farra defended stoutly and with concentration, not allowing RCA any easy chances on goal.

Good luck to Farra in the semi against Paragon and we look forward to seeking 'revenge' and claiming a league double against them this coming Sunday, again at Meadow Park.

Sunday, 29 January 2012

Sunderland Sunday Premier League

A thoroughly entertaing encounter resulted in a deserved point apiece after a final scoreline of 2-2.

RCA started the brighter and nearly made the breakthrough after ten minutes when 'Marni' Metcalfe broke onto a ball and saw his well hit drive tipped onto the bar and behind for a corner, keeper Heath doing well.

Farringdon then stepped up a notch and the game became very even, with both sides playing some neat attractive football. Farringdon though were the side to braek the deadlock when a crossfield ball to the left wing found Mark Stephenson free and he advanced into the box and shot powerfully only for keeper Stoker to spread himself and block the effort. However the ball broke straight back to Stephenson and he gleefully stroked it home to put Farringdon ahead after 25 minutes. Farringdon then had a 10 minute spell on top and Brett Gialett had two glorious opportunities to put them two up, both of them superbly stopped by Stoker in the RCA goal. They were then made to pay when a flowing move down the right flank released full back Callum Charlton into the box and he drove home under the diving Heath to draw RCA level after 35 minutes and it stayed that way till half time.

The second half continued in the same vein with both sides playing some good stuff, but it was RCA who went ahead after 65 minutes when Clayton Davis, making his first appearance of the season after a lengthy injury lay off, clipped in a delightful free kick, leaving the keeper no chance. Davis was then replaced by Crew five minutes later as he tired. RCA then should have gone further ahead when Turvey ghosted down the left and played a ball acroos the box for Richie Jordan in acres of space 10 yards out, but he dragged his effort wide of the post.

Farringdon then made their substitute with Gary Barnfather and Mark Liddle coming on and the game swung from end to end, but Farringdon equalised after 85 minutes when Surtees drilled a low cross in from the right and RCA did not deal with it. The ball ended up with Barnfather at the far post and he dispatched it clinically into the net to draw Farringdon level.

The game then took off even more with both sides looking for a winner. Farringdon had the first opportunity when they hit the post and then had the ball cleared of the line by RCA's Jimmy Dunn. RCA then probaly should have clinched the win with the last kick of the game when Willie Crew somehow dragged a shot wide in similar fashion to Jordan's earlier miss, but a winner either way would have been unfair to either side, as a draw to this great match was undoubtedly the correct result.

Congratulations to both sets of players for producing such good entertainment, played in the right spirit too.