Sunday, 2 September
Durham County Sunday Cup
RCA Florists faced a difficult County Cup First Preliminary Round tie against the in form Ferryhill Saints from the Durham League on a perfect playing surface in ideal conditions. Both sides served up some good football and the game flowed back and forth right up to the final whistle.
The first half saw both sides attacking with flair and the deadlock was broken on 10 minutes when Saints broke from a RCA Florists corner and the ball was squared for an easy tap in to put Saints 1-0 up. RCA however bounced back when Gareth Hill was put clear and he held off the attentions of two defenders to slip the ball past the advancing keeper to bring RCA Florist level after 25 minutes. Saints then had a great opportunity to lead again from the penalty spot after 40 minutes, but squandered the chance by blasting against the bar.
Saints started the second half on the front foot and restored their lead on 60 minutes when RCA Florists left an unmarked Saints forward with the chance to head home at the far post following a free kick. RCA Florists response was to then take more or less total control of the game and create numerous good chances, all of which were spurned. So just as it looked like luck would desert them the game turned in the last ten minutes, when Gareth Hill nodded back a cross into the six yard box and Steve Clark volleyed home right footed to bring the scores level with five minutes to go.
The game looked to be heading into extra time when in the time added on a deep cross from the right to the far post was challenged for by Martin Metcalfe who was clattered by the Saints keeper. The referee pointed straight to the spot for a penalty, which was subsequently dispatched with some aplomb by Steven Clark again, leaving no time for Saints to respond and giving RCA Florists a 3-2 victory to take them through to the next round.
All in all a great match played in the right spirit and a great time was had by all back in the pub post match. Good luck to Saints for the season.