Friendly

Saturday, 22 July 2006

Our first friendly saw the first team squad in action in a highly competitive match away to Arngrove First Division club Shildon AFC. This was the first friendly of six whereby manager Steve Smith was hoping to assess the fitness and potential of his squad.

Sunderland RCA started brightly with several good moves breaking down at crucial points, mostly on the edge of the box.

Although chances were rare in the early exchanges it was clear that there would be little to separate both teams. As the first half wore on it was the experienced Shildon team who began to take control and only excellent goal keeping kept the score 0-0 at half time.

In the second half both teams rang the changes and it was to no surprise when the lively Shildon forwards broke through to open the scoring early in the second half. This did not deter the youthful SRCA team who battled throughout and deservedly equalised.

A good workout was experienced with manager Steve Smith and his assistant Karl Langley declaring that there were 'more positives than negatives to come out of the game' and 'this is certainly a platform to build on'.

Friendly

Tuesday, 25 July 2006

Sunderland RCA more than held their own throughout and took an early lead through Craig (Sid) Ellison - a great finish.

Slack defending cost us for the equaliser to make it 1 - 1 at half time.

Nissan took an early lead in the second half through a goal keeping error. However not too long after we got our rewards with a well taken reply from John Butler.

It was another good workout, where we deserved at least a draw. Again, Steve made wholesale changes to have a fair look at everyone.

Friendly

Saturday, 29 July 2006

Speed of thought, skill and bottle in the face of the
on-rushing Chester goalkeeper led to the first goal
of the match for SRCA number nine Willie Crew.

Our first friendly at home.

It was a tremendous display for the first hour, but we then lost our shape due to changes.

Willie Crew got both our goals. The first was a just goal when he ran at the goalkeeper and forced a rebound into the net. The second a class finish lobbing the keeper. At this point we were cruising.

In the second half with better luck we may have been four up, however due to fair changes in personnel and, it has to be said, abysmal defending we conceded two goals.

Alan Thompson Memorial Trophy

Tuesday, 1 August 2006

This was an excellent competitive match before a good and enthusiastic crowd for the Alan Thompson Memorial Trophy. Sunderland RCA had the better of the first half, passing the ball well, hitting the bar and missing a couple of other good chances, while Niki Lawson in the RCA goal also had to be alert on a couple of occasions as Ryhope CW pressed on the break.

At half time the game was goalless, but John Butler opened the scoring for the RCA early in the second half. Ryhope CW pressed hard after this and when it looked as if their efforts were going to be in vain, Gavin McGuinness came up with an excellent lob over the keeper ten minutes from the end. There was still time for RCA to make a couple of good chances to win the game but it was not to be and it finished all square, with the trophy shared for this year, and more importantly £300 raised for local charities.

Northern League

Saturday, 12 August 2006

There will have been a lot to say about this match and most of it will have been said behind a closed dressing room door. On a very uneven pitch, Sunderland RCA were often overrun and caught out at the back by a rampant Ryton, who had a very effective, new centre forward. The score line does not do justice to our lads though, because at times we were well in the match, threatening and playing some nice football. We did not, though, have Ryton’s directness. Definitely a match from which to learn, forget and move on.

Northern League

Tuesday, 15 August 2006

Our first ANL home match – and on a much better playing surface than we had for Saturday – and well done to Owen for the last minute line marking duties! While we had been on the end of an 8 – 0 score four days before, Alnwick had played out a 1 – 1 draw in their first match. Expectations of a turn around were high. Unfortunately, it was not to be. Alnwick went three up in the first half before Willie Crew pulled us a goal back. In the second half they piled on the misery with two more goals, with Willie getting his second and our consolation goal towards the end of the game. Alnwick played direct football and our defending lacked organisation and marking leaving too much space for the Alnwick attack to run into and to have time on the ball in and around our penalty area. This was a more frustrating match than at Ryton. At times Sunderland RCA played some really neat football – one move on the right during the first half was really terrific – but we lacked the directness of play shown by both Ryton and Alnwick, making life more difficult for our forwards. Plenty to work on as we head into a series of home games against some tough sides, but good play too, which should soon translate into results.

Northern League

Saturday, 19 August 2006

The RCA first team recorded their first win of the season in the Arngrove Northern League Second Division with a solid and well earned 1-0 win over Guisborough Town. RCA controlled most of the game, looking very solid at the back, but failed to convert chances until the 70th minute when a composed John Butler finished very calmly through a crowded penalty box. RCA then saw out the game comfortably enough although further chances to settle things were missed meaning the game stayed open to the end.

Northern League

Tuesday, 22 August 2006

It was a cracking match at Meadow Park last night when Sunderland RCA entertained Whickham FC in an ANL Division 2 match. A good advert for football at this level with some great football and solid goal scoring efforts belying the goalless score line. RCA started very strongly and could have notched on several occasions during the first half, with one save from Whickham custodian, Steve Robinson to tip a bottom corner bound effort by RCA centre forward Willie Crew being particularly noteworthy. RCA failed to make their first half dominance count and came under increasing second half pressure as Whickham pressed forwards with the advantage of the notorious Meadow Park slope. The RCA defence stood firm with Lee Charlton and Gary Anderson particularly prominent and saw RCA through to their second clean sheet in four days, good news after the goals shipped in the first two games. Good game!

Northern League

Saturday, 26 August 2006

Red Star shaded the first half, scored early, and preserved their lead through to the break. The second half was a different story with RCA showing pace and determination to constantly stretch the Seaham defence. Anthony Middleton and Anthony Laidler scored in a 10 minute spell in the middle of the half, and when Willie Crew converted an 82nd minute penalty which also saw a defender dismissed, RCA looked home and dry. But Seaham had other ideas, replied immediately through a penalty, and then pressed hard into extra time. A corner was conceded with literally seconds remaining and former RCA man Ian Watson headed home with the RCA defence static. Very disappointing, but a good game with lots of bright spots, including good combinations from our front two and the pace and willingness of our wide men.

Northern League

Monday, 28 August 2006

Going to South Shields to face a side on top of the league, and with a number of RCA players unavailable always felt like a tough ask. To find ourselves a minute or two from the half time whistle therefore with a 3-0 lead, featuring two tremendous Karl Jarvis strikes from range, was very pleasing indeed! Shields notched right on the break however, which seemed to give them the lift they needed going into the second half. The home team came out all guns blazing and soon leveled things with an unfortunate own goal and the second penalty against us of the weekend. RCA steadied the ship and had chances on the break but were undone right on time again as yet another penalty conceded saw the South Tynesiders collect all three points. So near and yet so far! Touching distance of two wins which would have made the league sit up and take notice. Six goals scored with only a one point return is a blow, but there was much to admire and build on in the approach play of the team.

Northern League

Saturday, 16 September 2006

Sunderland RCA forward Willie Crew controls the ball in the Team Northumbria penalty area prior to scoring our goal and, below, watches as his shot beats the Team Northumbria goalkeeper.

Sunderland RCA slumped to another Arngrove Northern League defeat, with a very disappointing display at League new boys Team Northumbria. Two bad mistakes early in the game gifted the students a lead, and had not Niki Lawson saved a penalty things could have looked even worse before the break. The second half was better as Willie Crew continued his excellent goal scoring run with a goal mid way through the half. That was all RCA could manage however, and we find ourselves in a parlous league position after the first 6 weeks of the season. Improvement will be needed as cup ties over the next couple of games give us some respite from league battles.

FA Vase

Saturday, 23 September 2006

Saturday's Vase trip to Hall Road Rangers near Hull saw RCA go into the game with a five man midfield supporting Willie Crew as lone striker.

The game started with RCA seeing lots of the ball, and it was soon clear that Hall Road were, as we had heard, a very direct side. The pitch wasn't great but the weather was fine, and RCA made a good start. Willie Crew had what looked like a very good penalty appeal turned down inside the first five minutes, before bad luck with early knocks saw both Barry Massey and Simon Andrews needing to be replaced within the first 20 minutes.

At half time the 0-0 score line was probably fair and RCA were right in the match. Early Hall Road pressure was weathered in the second half before a super Karl Jarvis strike on 72 minutes gave RCA the lead. The RCA defence held out comfortably enough as Hall Road pressed before disaster struck in the 86th minute as their winger was allowed to get his cross in from the bye line for the Rangers to equalise with a close range header. Worse was to come as a stray ball across the box took a wicked bounce to beat keeper Nick Lawson, who had an excellent match, to allow Hall Road to snatch the tie deep in injury time. another odd goal defeat for Sunderland RCA.

Durham County Challenge Cup

Wednesday, 27 September 2006 Seven-goal Durham County Challenge Cup thriller!

Sunderland RCA forward Willie Crew lobs the ball over the advancing Shildon keeper to make it 4 - 3 and a win for RCA in last night's Durham County Challenge Cup tie.

Sunderland RCA came out on top in a seven-goal Durham County Challenge cup-tie at high-flying Arngrove Northern League side Shildon last night. RCA midfielder Karl Jarvis opened the scoring after five minutes with a terrific shot from 30 yards. Shildon then settled their nerves, equalising through a penalty and then taking the lead. RCA’s John Butler headed an equaliser to make the match even at half time.

A Sunderland RCA attack in the first half of the match

The second half saw the penalty count evened up, with Willie Crew equalising from the spot and taking us into a 3 - 2 lead. Shildon made it 3 - 3 with a blasting shot which gave RCA keeper Niki Lawson no chance. As the match headed into the last ten minutes Shildon piled on the pressure. They failed, though, to clear deep in their own half, despite three attempts, and the ball fell to RCA forward Willie Crew who skillfully lobbed the advancing Shildon keeper from 25 yards to make it 4 – 3 and a terrific cup win for the Sunderland RCA lads.

Northern League

Saturday, 30 September 2006

RCA fought hard against a powerful Spennymoor team, who led from the 25th minute as they attacked down the notorious Spennymoor slope. A 1-0 deficit at half time probably would have been acceptable, but a scorching 25 yarder a minute before the break gave RCA a mountain to climb in the second period. With the advantage of the slope in the second half RCA had long periods of dominance, but could not find the net, before a breakaway ten minutes from time sealed the Moors victory. RCA now have a ten day break to organise themselves for a vital home clash against Esh Winning.

Northern League

Tuesday, 10 October 2006

Another disappointing night for SRCA against Esh Winning. SRCA took the lead through Jon Butler after 10 minutes and in an even first half Esh equalised after 30 minutes. SRCA had experienced defenders Paul Moss and Marcel Lundy making their debuts and they certainly gave an air of security at the back with Gary Anderson and Lee Charlton holding the wide defensive berths.

The second half saw few chances with Esh generally having the slight edge but SRCA also making chances. Willie Crew took the ball around the keeper in one attack but was forced wide before he could get his shot in, and as the ball broke Adam Monkhouse, making his seasonal debut after injury, agonisingly hit the bar. It summed up SRCA's season to date when Esh broke the deadlock 10 minutes from time with an absolute screamer of a free kick.

Northern League

Saturday, 14 October 2006

It’s a tough and challenging time for players and staff and Sunderland RCA! Losing 4 – 0 at Hebburn Town did not make for good watching. Hebburn went one up through centre forward Paul McKenna’s 31st minute strike, but the first half was a very evenly balanced affair, with SRCA unfortunate to go into half time a goal down.

The game altered dramatically after Hebburn’s Michael Younger made it 2 – 0 in the 50th minute which led to a change of formation to gamble to pull the game back. Goals from Daniel Grey (73) and sub Tony Hanson (80) piled on the misery and it could have been worse but for wasteful Hebburn finishing.

In the second half, Karl Jarvis produced one of his trademark long strikes at goal, which slammed into the bar with the keeper stationary. This was not our day.

New players have arrived and once they bed in we’re confident that we will turn things around. For everyone at the club now’s the time to re-discover the self-belief in our abilities and our fighting spirit.

Durham County Challenge Cup

Tuesday, 17 October 2006

In a match in which they were never behind, Murton AFC went through to the next round of the Durham County Challenge Cup 4 – 3 after extra time at Meadow Park.

After a 20-minute delay because of floodlight failure, Murton took the lead in the tenth minute through a Stephen Brown goal. Despite their efforts, RCA had to wait for until the second half for John Butler to equalise on 46 minutes.

Paul Moss, centre, heads past the Murton AFC keeper to make it 2 - 2
at Meadow Park in the Durham County Challenge Cup

Karl Garside made it 2 – 1 to the visitors on 63 minutes and RCA centre half Paul Moss equalised on 76 and the score stayed at 2 – 2 to full time.

Murton took the lead in extra time through Paul Wintrip, who headed home from a corner at the cemetery end. Si Andrews, who had come on as a substitute for Willie Crew, broke away to place a fine shot past the Murton keeper.

Paul Wintrip heads home a Murton corner to put Murton 3 - 2 up

In the 110th minute, Murton went on to win the game through a fine individual goal from Stephen Turner, who earlier had had a penalty saved by RCA keeper Niki Lawson.

Congratulations to Murton on their win and we wish them the best for the next round.

Northern League

Saturday, 21 October 2006

More woe for RCA as we go down 3-0 to a strong Penrith side at Meadow Park on Saturday. A competitive game throughout but RCA were punished for defensive mistakes with three first half Penrith goals all from short range headers settling the game before half time.

The lads kept fighting and showed good spirit and were unlucky not to notch at least one consolation goal in the second half.

Northern League

Saturday, 28 October 2006

A late flurry of goals saw RCA slump to a harsh 4 0 defeat at Norton and Stockton Ancients. RCA were fully in the game for the great majority of the match with only a 30 minute goal for the Ancients dividing the teams going into the final 15 minutes. By this time RCA were going full out a three man strike force and paid the penalty for leaving gaps at the back as Norton broke and scored quickly.

Northern League

Tuesday, 31 October 2006

The first bitterly cold night of the season saw RCA at Prudhoe Town and again our luck was out. Goalless for 60 minutes, RCA were weakened by the loss of the inspirational Paul Moss after the hour with a suspected hamstring pull and conceded two goals in quick succession midway through the second half from a well taken free kick and a close range header. No further goals were forthcoming as Prudhoe coasted home.

Northern League

Saturday, 4 November 2006

This was a good battling performance by Sunderland RCA, following in the vein of recent weeks, but this time with some reward. The game was very even. RCA had the bulk of the chances, with Karl Jarvis hitting the post in the first half and Jon Butler striking the bar early in the second.

RCA lost Ian "Flash" Matthews to a hamstring strain half way through the first half, allowing Willie Crew to take his place. A good spell of pressure late in the second half saw Jon Butler get his rewards for a very solid display with a close range header from a Karl Jarvis cross.

RCA played out time comfortably enough to record a precious win!

Northern League

Saturday, 18 November 2006

SRCA played their best football of the season and it was no surprise that we took the lead through defender Simon Andrews, firing home after Washington were attempting to clear from a corner.

SRCA were creating numerous chances and the Washington keeper was at his best in saving efforts from Butler in particular.

Washington equalised on the stroke of half-time against the run of play and this gutted the home supporters.

Worse was to follow after the re-start when we conceded a penalty which was converted in the 48th minute. Unbelievably SRCA conceded in the 51 st minute.

Washington tightened ship and the game fell away.

Northern League

Tuesday, 21 November 2006

This was a very dour and physical game. 0-0 at half time, no goals looked on the cards tonight. Alas a deflected goal after 65 minutes saw SRCA chasing the game to salvage a point and then the sucker punch in the dying minutes.

Northern League

Saturday, 2 December 2006

This was an excellent battling win for RCA in the Arngrove Northern League on Saturday, against a strong Crook side. Manager Steve Smith had his strongest squad for a while available and the lads gave a strong performance.

Jon Butler races through to score RCA's first goal

Two Jon Butler goals had RCA two up with half an hour to play but, as always fans weren't allowed to relax as Crook quickly got it back to 2-1. RCA held their nerve though and saw out the last half hour with few alarms.

Jon Butler beats the keeper to the ball to score RCA's second goal

Two wins out of the last four games puts a better complexion on the league table but everyone knows the same level of results will have to be maintained right through to May.

Northern League

Saturday, 9 December 2006

After manager Steve Smith had named the first unchanged side in his 18 months with the club, it looked like another one of those days for RCA when an unfortunate defensive slip presented Guisborough Town with the lead inside the first two minutes on Saturday. RCA battled back well though and a superb Jon Butler lob leveled matters inside 15 minutes.

RCA had the best of the play in the remainder of the half, only to fall behind again to a breakaway goal in the fourth minute of first half injury time.

After the interval RCA pressed hard and Jon Butler got his second after 50 minutes.

More pressure through the half led to a Si Andrews goal after 75 minutes as the keeper fumbled his header.

The first league away win and first double of the season was sealed with an Anth Laidler penalty late in added time. Consecutive wins for the first time this season.

Northern League

Saturday, 16 December 2006

RCA forward Jon Butler calmly slots the ball past the Ryton keeper to open the scoring after
11 minutes

In an open, entertaining and hard fought match, Sunderland RCA went down 2 - 4 to a strong and well-organised Ryton side, ending their run of two wins.

Kicking down the Meadow Park slope, RCA were swiftly on the attack with Jon Butler chasing a good ball into the Ryton penalty area after five minutes. Ryton, through. were creating their own chances and fired over at the cemetery end.

On 11 minutes Jon Butler opened the scoring for RCA, beating a defender and then the goalkeeper to slot home. The remainder of the first half was incident packed. First, on 20 minutes, keeper Niki Lawson needed a long period of injury treatment after a nasty collision with an RCA defender. On 31 minutes, Jon Butler was one-one-one with the Ryton keeper, but his shot hit the post. On 37 minutes, Buts was through again, pushing the ball past a defender and beating him for pace, before hitting a good shot. On 39 minutes, Dean Fox hit a shot on target that was well saved. Then, from an RCA corner that was only half cleared, Job Butler had another, difficult, chance on goal.

RCA were soon to rue those missed chances, because on 41 minutes, Ryton equalised with Ross Atkinson firing home from close range, the defence having failed to clear from a corner. On 45 minutes Butler was in action again, chasing a ball through, but it broke badly for him and the keeper collected.

In the second half Ryton nearly scored from the kick off and gained corners to put RCA under pressure. Then came two killer goals in two minutes, on 62 and 64 minutes, from Ryton's Ludlow and Bulford.

Captain Paul Moss pulled a goal back on 68 minutes, following a Karl Jarvis cross, after his corner was only cleared back to him. It looked as through RCA could still get something out of this game, but as the match went on Ryton were showing strongly.

On 75 minutes, manager Steve Smith made a double-substitution bring on Gareth Hill and new signing Gary Anderson for Dean Fox and Adam Monkouse. On 82 minutes, Hill's shot beat the keeper, but also, narrowly the far post.

Substitute Gareth Hill breaks through in the Ryton penalty area

On 85 minutes, Bulford scored his second and Ryton's fourth goal, following a poor clearance.

Northern League

Tuesday, 26 December 2006

A great result for RCA as a battling performance saw us over turn league leaders South Shields at home on Boxing day morning.

Shields pushed us hard all game, but RCA are showing real grit and determination now and we weathered the storm before a Dean Fox cracker in the 44th minute gave us the half time lead.

It was the same story in the second half. Shields had most of the play, but RCA defended stoutly, with teenage goalkeeper Nick Lawson outstanding, before a cool finish on the break from Danny Haley settled the points.

Anth Laidler was sent off for two bookings with 25 minutes to go, so it was an even more creditable result, which puts RCA back in touch with the league and looking forward to 2007 with renewed optimism.

Northern League

Saturday, 6 January 2007

Sunderland RCA lost a tight game against Seaham Red Star by a 2 -1 score line on Saturday. The game saw a rare outing as stand in manager by old stalwart Graham Defty, in the absence of Steve Smith and Karl Langley. Two changes were made, with "Flash" Matthews coming in for Danny Haley, and Marcel Lundy being restored to the heart of the defence.

Red Star pushed hard from the off, with the pace of John Toft causing problems, and both of their goals came in the first half from near post flick ons from corners. RCA equalised the first through Anth Laidler, but could find no answer once Red Star got their noses in front again. In the second half RCA pushed hard and had chances, but Seaham held on for the narrow win.

Northern League

Saturday, 13 January 2007

Off the bottom at last!

A battling performance, in atrocious conditions, saw RCA to a 2 - 0 win over Prudhoe Town on Saturday. The fifth win in our last nine matches saw our recovery over the past six weeks lift us off the bottom of the table for the first time in four months.

Despite being without several players RCA worked hard throughout and fully deserved their win. Two Dean Fox goals, one in each half, were reward for another excellent display from the front man, and both he and his strike partner Jon Butler could have added others in the second half.

Special mention also for the second Gary Anderson who had an super game on his full debut in midfield.

Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup

Tuesday, 16 January 2007

Sunderland RCA played Brandon in the Ernest Armstrong Cup last night in what was the first of three meetings between the sides before the end of the season.

Both teams were at less than full strength, but RCA came out on top in an entertaining match.

Brandon started the game knocking the ball around nicely and took the lead after 20 minutes with a well worked goal. RCA equalised a few minutes later when Jon Butler capitalised on a mix up in the Brandon defence to score from a tight angle.

The games was 1-1 at half time, but the second half saw RCA get on top playing down the hill. Dean Fox scored a superb 30 yarder from a free kick after 70 minutes and ten minutes from time captain Paul Moss was in to net the rebound as a Karl Jarvis free kick from long range came back from the cross bar.

Northern League

Saturday, 20 January 2007

A decent crowd, including the usual fanatics from Spennymoor, turned out in atrocious conditions for the game.

Spennymoor had the advantage of the slope and the wind in the first half and pressed solidly. They were rewarded half way through the half with a well taken goal and that remained the situation until the break. With the conditions now in their favour SRCA pressed very hard for the first 20 minutes of the second half and looked likely to get something for their efforts.

Spennymoor held fast though and once they had doubled their lead with a break away after 70 minutes they were able to play out time with few alarms.

Northern League

Wednesday, 21 February 2007

A John Butler hat trick inside 50 minutes blitzed Thornaby, as RCA continued their good recent form. It could have been worse for the home side, as a solid defensive display provided a platform for Butler and fellow strike partner Dean Fox to cause havoc with strong running and excellent hold up play.

As RCA cruised through the final minutes, two penalty decisions in the last three minutes gave the score line a false gloss, with Thornaby back in the contest, if only for a short while.

A good win, further progress up the table and games coming thick and fast - bring it on!

Northern League

Saturday, 24 February 2007

It was a very disappointing day at Esh Winning on Saturday. After the great midweek win at Thornaby expectations of another good result were high as we tackled bottom of the table rivals Esh. But it was not to be as injuries and absences deprived us of players and a heavy pitch took its toll.

Esh are much improved as well and deservedly won out in an always interesting and tight game with a single goal on the hour, ironically just after RCA had their best spell of the game. 11 league games to go and after this setback we need to focus again on pushing as far up the table as possible.

Northern League

Saturday, 3 March 2007

Sunderland RCA slumped to a second consecutive 1 0 defeat in the Arngrove Northern League against a determied Hebburn Town sided.

Luck was right out for us as we struck the uprights and bar no fewer than five times during the match.

RCA started at 100 miles an hour and threatened to overwhelm Hebburn in the first quarter, one tremendous effort from Dean Fox thundering off the bar, but decent goalkeeping and the thickness of the framework kept us out, and the scores somehow level until the break.

To be fair Hebburn played a much stronger hand in the second period, but the majority of chances fell to RCA again, with the woodwork, goal line clearances, solid keeping and plain bad luck frustrating us time and time again. Inevitably Hebburn took the lead after 65 minutes from a free kick which came back off keeper Niki Lawson, and try as we did, we could not find the leveler.

Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup

Tuesday, 6 March 2007

Great disappointment as RCA's last chance of silverware vanished on Tuesday night, courtesy of a lack lustre display in a 1 0 home defeat to Guisborough Town in the quarter final of the Ernest Armstrong Cup.

In a scrappy game, the North Yorkshiremen scored the only goal by way of a first half own goal, which summed the game up. This was our third 1 - 0 defeat in a row, but by far the worst performance in recent weeks.

10 league games left to get back to some real form and push up the table, and a big effort will be needed as we are not safe yet!

Northern League

Saturday, 10 March 2007

After the very disappointing display midweek against Guisborough the lads put in a vastly improved performance away to Penrith on Saturday, and were desperately unlucky not to come away with all three points. Despite the long trip RCA turned up at Penrith in good time, and with a good turn out of players and officials, reflecting well on the club, but with Marcel Lundy and Danny Haley noticeable absentees through injury and work commitments, although the unexpected return of Stu Dixon was a bonus.

RCA started strongly and could have scored in the first minute as a Jon Butler effort was cleared off the line. The lads continued to press and got their reward when we took the lead in the 30th minute as Andy "Scally" Allen capitalised on a weak clearance by the keeper to bring the ball under instant control and lob into an empty net from 30 yards. By half time the lead should have been more than one, and the pressure continued into the second half as Penrith struggled to get out of their half. When it looked as if one would be enough a 75th minute Penrith breakaway left goalkeeper Nick Lawson stranded on the edge of his box as a Penrith cross was unluckily turned into his own net by Si Andrews, who otherwise was RCA man of the match with a powerful display in defence.

Penrith got a lift from the goal and the last 15 minutes was end to end and included some narrow escapes for the RCA goal, notably a brilliant goal line block by Anth Laidler. A point was what we had to settle for, all three would have been fairer, but the display will have given manager Steve Smith heart for the vital last few games ahead.

Northern League

Wednesday, 14 March 2007

A tight and scrappy game at Brandon, settled by a single goal for the home team late on in the second half. We didn't play well but could and should have got something from the game.

It seems like our goals have dried up at present, we need to get back on the scoring trail sooner rather than later as we move into the end of the season.

Northern League

Saturday, 17 March 2007

RCA lined up with a severely depleted squad, with Marcel Lundy taking the captain’s armband in the absence of Paul Moss, who was carrying a hamstring injury from the Brandon match.

It was bad start: a Norton cross from the left was side footed past Niki Lawson.

On seven minutes good play from Willie Crew gained RCA a free kick 30 yards out, which was taken by Dean Fox. The ball broke to Jon Butler whose strong shot was blocked by the keeper.

While the opening 10 minutes had been mostly Norton’s, the next period was much better for RCA. A good Dean Fox effort on 13 minutes went just over the bar. On 14 minutes a foul on Jon Butler led to a free kick on the edge of the box. Gary Anderson swung the ball in and it was headed over the bar by a Norton defender. The resulting corner was headed clear for a throw in.

On 17 minutes Jon Butler was tremendously unlucky as his goal-bound header was palmed away by the Norton keeper.

On 20 minutes dean Fox picked up a yellow card, which seemed harsh.

On 24 minutes Marcel Lundy ran across to clear when it looked as though the Norton winger had broken clear on the left.

On 25 minutes there was a flurry of RCA corners. From the first, Jon Butler heaed against the post and the ball was then cleared for another corner. From this one a powerful Dean Fox shot was palmed away for another RCA corner. Unfortunately no one connected with delivery, which sailed across the goal and out.

On 29 minutes Niki Lawson saw some action as he palmed a goal-bound header around the post and collected the subsequent corner kick.

The game was swinging from end to end and on 30 minutes Andy Middleton swung in a free kick, which a Norton defender headed out for a corner under pressure from Jon Butler. On 31 minutes RCA won yet another corner, but he delivery was just too high for Jon Butler who could not head the ball down.

A clever nod on from Willie Crew on 37 minutes created a half chance for Jon Butler whose shot was blocked. Norton cleared the ensuing corner. A minute later, RCA had yet another corner, but could not convert. On 42 minutes Willie Crew clipped wide from a difficult chance.

Half time: RCA were wondering how they could create so much pressure and so many chances, but not score!

The second half began as badly as the first for RCA. A very harsh penalty was awarded against Andy Allen for handball and Norton converted.

On 50 minutes RCA gained a free kick, but the Norton wall did its job.

On 57 minutes Norton were clear on goal and the shot from the left skimmed the post as the forward tried to go inside Niki. On 60 minutes there was another chance for Norton, but it went over the bar. A minute later Niki comfortably saved a Norton free kick conceded by Scott Hembrough.

On 63 minutes Willie Crew knocked the ball through to Scott Hembrough, whose snap shot was saved by the keeper. Two minutes later, Scott tried a long shot, which went just wide of the post.

A Norton handball on the edge of the D on 75 minutes led to a Dean Fox effort, which went just over the bar. Two minutes later the action was at the other end as Niki made a good save from a Norton forward who was clear through on goal.

On 83 minutes Jon Butler had a shot saved.

As RCA pressed they were taking risks at the back and on 85 minutes Norton’s Tyson Masters beat the off-side trap to go through one-on-one with Niki Lawson and rounded him to go on to roll the ball into the unguarded net.

RCA did not give up and on 89 minutes Scott Hembrough produced a promising situation for RCA, but his pass to Jon Butler was short and the ball was cleared by Norton.

Northern League

Saturday, 24 March 2007

A below par performance at Stokesley, with an injury hit team, both before and during the match, failing to defend with the quality we have been showing for the past few weeks. After 30 minutes with the team 3 0 down and both Paul Moss and Stu Dixon injured, things looked very bleak indeed. Amazingly though we pulled ourselves together a bit and a great effort by Jon Butler followed by an opportunist goal by Willie Crew got us right back in the match at the break.

The first 20 minutes of the second half was our best spell of the game, and several good efforts could have brought reward. Sadly it was not to be as Stokesley broke well and added two more before time. Six games to go and a real show of determination needed by everybody connected with the club. Post mortems can wait until May, right now we need everyone pulling together to pick up some vital points, come on!!!

Northern League

Saturday, 31 March 2007

Yet another game where our failure to take chances has cost us points.

We more than matched Thornaby throughout the game, hitting the bar and bringing an excellent save from the keeper within the first ten minutes, but couldn't hit the back of the net, and it always looked as if the game might end goalless, and so it proved.

Even more frustrating in the second half as chances went begging throughout. John Butler pulled wide when through on goal, and Andy Allen shot straight at the keeper when he looked sure to score.

Thornaby had their own moments, but we were the better side and should have won.

Overall a good solid performance with good effort and determination, without that vital spark which seems to have left us at the tail end of the season. Five big games to go, starting at Whickham on Tuesday night.

Northern League

Tuesday, 3 April 2007

Sunderland RCA made absolutely sure of their ANL status with a hard worked for win at Whickham. well on top in the first half we were unlucky to go in level as a superb 30 yard goal from Whickham with just about their only effort of the half, cancelled out our opener from Willie Crew, RCA's only reward from numerous well worked chances. the second half was a different story as Whickham had most of the play, only to fall behind to Wilie Crew's second after 80 minutes. Willie was denied his hat trick as a penalty was given to RCA in the dying seconds after an excellent Andy Allen run was ended with a foul, moments after Willie had been substituted. Sub Anth Laidler, with his first touch, predictably had his effort well saved, but SRCA held on for the win.

Northern League

Saturday, 14 April 2007

RCA began their last home game of the season kicking off down the slope. Manager Steve Smith had adopted a 3 – 5 – 2 formation, with Andy Middelton and Ian Mathews as right and left wingbacks.

Within two minutes a left wing attack led to Si Andrews passing to John Butler in a promising position, but he was flagged offside – it looked like a very tight call. RCA were back quickly though as Si Andrews broke through and ran into the box before hitting a shot across the keeper to open RCA’s account.

On nine minutes, Si Andrews was in action again, heading goalwards from a free kick, bit it proved to soft to bother the keeper.

On 20 minutes, very nice work on the right led to Si hooking the ball into the net, but the whistle had already gone for handball.

On 27 minutes Ian – Flash – Matthews took a corner and John Butler headed over.

On 31 minutes and Andy Middleton diagonal ball was taken down by Flash but his cross shot went wide.

On 60 minutes a Brandon ball into the box was not defended and Andrew Johnson had a free header, which he looped over Niki Lawson in the RCA goal for the equalizer.

Si Andrews restored RCA’s lead within five minutes, as he connected with a right wing cross to beat the keeper from 15 yards.

On 75 minutes there was an apparently bad injury to RCA keeper Niki Lawson who went down from a challenge in obvious pain from his left ankle. Following a long period of treatment from Pop, Niki was helped off and Si Andrews pulled on the goalkeeper’s jersey.

And that was the end of RCA’s home campaign for 2006/07. It was nice to see Mr Ray Baines at the match and good that he was treated to a win.

Northern League

Saturday, 7 April

Another 1 0 defeat for RCA, the fifth in recent weeks, and harder to bear as the only goal came in the last 10 minutes, just as it looked like we would earn a deserved point and dent Washington's promotion hopes.

A depleted squad saw manager Steve Smith name himself on the bench, but a battling performance on a bumpy pitch nearly saw us home. In a game of few chances forwards found it hard going on both sides, with defences well on top throughout before Washington capitalised on an error to seal the win.

Northern League

Tuesday, 17 April 2007

The game began at a lively pace and both sides were adopting a physical approach, but RCA started comfortably the better side. Si Andrews worked tirelessly up front winning headers and holding up well, allowing Scotty and Flash to support and make us a three as often as possible.

Paul Hartley sat centrally and held his shape well allowing Any Allen and Karl Jarvis to get on the ball and after 10 minutes we started to dominate the game. Si had two great headed chances which he put over the bar, and in Marske's only attack of any note in the first half, the stand in kepper Steve Smith pulled off a full length save low to his left. The back four dominated their attack and Phil Hall was outstanding throughout.

We continued to control possession with Karl Jarvis back to his best with the ball and were very unlucky to come in all square. The second half started as the first ended and we took the lead after a great run into the box by Andy Allen, who was found by Jarvis, and brought down for a penalty. Jarvis stepped up and slotted to his left, sending the keeper the wrong way for a deserved 1-0 lead.

Marske then made a double subsitution and went with three-up front. Still we kept possession well and the defence remained stubbornly resolute.

As the game approached the final 15 mins Marske were throwing all into attack and we hit them on the break with a great move which resulted in a great chance from eight yards which Si Andrews just fired too high.
On 78 minutes Marske were awarded a disputed free kick ten yards outside the box. The three man wall jumped to defend it. The referee judged Andy Allen had blocked via a hand and gave another freekick right on the edge of the box. This resulted in Marske's number 6 firing hard and low into the bottom left hand corner. From the kick off we gave the ball away and from a long cross into the box, Laidler unluckily found the top corner of his own net to give Marske their second goal in a minute.

Heads could have dropped, but the exact opposite happened and in the last five mins we pressed with lots of balls into the box but could not quite find the equaliser. So 90 mins for all involved to feel massively proud of their efforts and but for a bad minute the result would have produced what the boys deserved. An absolute credit to the club from 1 - 12. Well done and thanks boys!

Northern League

Saturday, 21 April 2007

Sunderland RCA rounded off their season with a solid victory away at Crook Town.

The 3 2 margin makes it look closer than it really was, as RCA played most of the football and had gone into a well deserved 2 0 lead by the hour mark, and looked likely to cruise home. Andy Allen gave RCA the lead with a excellent header from a quality Jon Butler cross after half an hour, and that was enough for the half time lead. A great Flash Matthews break and cross on the hour was finished by Karl Jarvis with aplomb, with others queueing up for the goal.

The referee got himself in on the act when he inexplicably refused a cast iron penalty as second half sub Andy Middleton worked his way into the box and, as always seems to happen, Crook went down the other end and scored with a good finish past manager Steve Smith, who again found himself between the posts, as regular keeper Niki Lawson watched on crutches from the sidelines. Steve "The Cat" then endeared himself to the Crook fans as he slowed play with his astute use of the laws of the game, before Si Andrews restored the two goal advantage after 75 minutes. A last minute Crook goal put a gloss on proceedings for them but there was no dispute who were the better side, and two wins and an unlucky defeat in the last week of the season should put the club in good heart for next year.

The committee, staff and players are committed to fighting at the other end of the table next time around, and the squad have shown enough to make that a realistic target.

Pre-season friendly

Saturday 14 July 2007

In their first friendly of the season Sunderland RCA travelled to North Yorkshire to face Bedale FC. Playing 4-4-2,

RCA started very brightly and at a great pace and had the home side under constant pressure from the off. Within five minutes of the start RCA were rewarded with a corner and from a great delivery by Robinson, Anderson soared above the home defence only for the keeper to produce a full length save. Butler reacted quickest and a shot on target was cleared off the line. Further pressure was applied and from a free kick on the left hand side of the box Robinson's curling effort hit the bar. RCA quickly retrieved the ball and some neat passing between Dixon and Jarvis played Matthews in down the left hand side. He went past two defenders before playing the ball to Butler who crossed to the far post, where the inrushing Middleton blazed over.

With the away side comfortably in charge they seemed too take their foot off the pedal and allowed Bedale some respite. RCA's passing now became long and scrappy and this resulted in attacks breaking down or shots being fired in from the ambitious 30-yard plus range. Bedale mounted a couple of attacks of their own as the half drew to a close, and Lawson was forced to pull off a full length tip over the bar, after Anderson and Massey were caught ball watching and their big centre forward latched onto the loose ball.

Half Time 0-0

With thee subs entering the fray, RCA seemed much more determined to get the ball down and press home their superiority. From the start of the half they were on top and Crew and Robinson were causing all sorts of problems for the home defence. The introduction of Hembrough on the right hand side was becoming a more and more influental factor as the extra injection of pace was overwhelming the home side.

It was no suprise the red and whites took the lead, a great through ball from Dixon was jumped on by Crew who beat the last defender, rounded the keeper and rolled the ballinto an empty net. With almost unanswered pressure RCA increased their lead when Robinson released Hembrough down the right hand side. He raced to the bye line, fired in a low cross, and Matthews, coming in from the left, hammered low and hard past a stranded home keeper.

Better was to come for the away side, now showing by far the better fitness levels as the best goal of the game was scored. Lawson rolled the ball to Peel at right back who, having dummied two forwards played the ball to Jarvis. He in turn sent it first time out wide to Hembrough who left the full back in his wake before again delivering a great ball for 18 year old debutant Richie Rowe to slot in from six yards. A great move covering the full length of the pitch in just four passes. From this point RCA remained comfortable, and keeping the passes short, easily played out the game for a good return to action and a clean sheet.

N Lawson, A Laidler (C Peel), M Lundy, GD Anderson, B.Massey (N Dodd), A Middleton (S Hembrough), K.Dixon, K.Jarvis, I Matthews, J.Butler (W Crew), P.Robinson (R Rowe)

Pre-season friendly

Tuesday, 24 July 2007

A very tough test for RCA indeed.

It was clearly evident that Durham were on their sixth competitive friendly and they did have a big array of non-league talent on show. In fact with a couple of dominant central defenders and a direct centre forward, Durham will go close this year. They can certainly pass the ball.

RCA certainly matched them for effort though and full credit for getting to half time 0 - 0. Could have even sneaked the lead just before the interval as well.

The second half was generally one way as match fitness showed and we got pushed deeper. No surprise when Durham took the lead and I dont think we will see a better strike at Meadow Park by Tom English (I think). A goal of massive quality.

The last fifteen minutes saw the RCA have some belief and we could have sneaked a consolation....late on!

Certainly some positives and this is going to be a tough fitness week with Nissan Thursday then Seaham Saturday.

Pre-season friendly

Saturday, 28 July 2007

Sunderland RCA entered the game with no fewer than 13 players missing due to holidays, work commitments and injuries. However there were massive plusses with Wayne Henderson playing his first game for over a year and Kev Dixon making his home debut.

The game started at a good pace and both sides showing a competitive edge. RCA started well and were looking lively, and played some neat and crisp football. After five minutes Butler won a great header, flicking into the path of Crew who released Middleton down the right, but with time and space he crossed straight into the keeper's hands. In their next attack Middleton was fouled, Jarvis swung in a great cross that Butler headed just wide of the far post.

On 10 minutes Seaham attacked, but Bell shot from some 40 yards and this rolled tamely through to Lawson. Seaham attacked down the left hand side on 15 minutes, Toft beat two defenders and rolled the ball to Lumsdon who fired high and wide.

The next 15 minutes saw Seaham forcing the pace and when RCA lost the ball through Henderson, Byrne raced clear, beating the offside trap only for Lawson to save well. Seaham then took advantage of some dreadful play from Hembrough, who gave the ball away, Bell crossed from the right, Lawson completely missed the cross and Toft picked out Jennings on the far post to head into empty net from three yards. RCA went straight on the attack and Butler released Crew, a low hard drive produced a great save from Finch, and as Jarvis followed up he unleashed a pile driver from 12 yards that was somehow brilliantly turned away by Finch.

Just before the half hour mark Seaham increased their lead, when a ball into the box was not dealt with. Anderson hacked weakly clear and Lumsdon fired into the bottom right hand corner. RCA again pushed forward and from a cross from Peel on the right hand side Butler fired wide.

On 37 minutes Seaham won a corner and again a misjudgement from Lawson saw the kick directly hit the back post and be cleared to safety by Anderson. On 42 minutes Laidler and Hembrough combined down the left hand side, some swift passing got Hembrough free in the box but Finch saved well, low to his left. From the resulting corner Anderson climbed above everyone only to see his header thunder onto the bar and behind to safety.

Half Time 0-2

The second half saw RCA change to a 3-5-2 formation with Henderson pushing up into the midfield. This brought a big improvement for the home side who started to really press. Two minutes in Henderson and Jarvis combined, only for the latter to fire wide from the edge of the box. On 52 minutes Dixon and Jarvis played some quick passes. Jarvis skipped past Goodwin but again shot wide.

On the hour RCA were finally rewarded for some good attacking play when Henderson played in Butler, who in turn rolled Maw inside the box only to be pulled down from behind. From the resulting penalty Crew fired low and hard into the bottom right hand corner sending Finch the wrong way.

On 65 minutes RCA levelled when Crew played Middleton in behind the Seaham defence, and as he headed towards goal he was clumsily brought down for another penalty. Crew again fired low and hard to the same corner, easily beating Finch.

On 65 minutes Goodwin flicked the ball forward for Seaham, Byrne collected and spun Anderson on the edge of the box, only to fire wildly over the top. RCA went on the attack again and a great ball out wide from Henderson released Butler, who skipped passed the defender and crosses cleverly for Crew to fire under Finch from six yards, giving him a hat trick and RCA a 3-2 lead.

In the 79th minute Dixon spread the play wide to the left, Butler evaded a challenge from Toft, and fired a great drive towards the far corner. With Finch well beaten the ball thudded off the far post and out for a goal kick. Seaham again lost the ball in the opposition half and with time and space to play RCA needlessly went backwards to Lawson. Unchallenged Lawson scuffed his attempted clearance straight to Jennings, he then squared to Byrne who rolled it into the empty net to level again at 3-3. With Seaham having made several changes and RCA's attacking efforts, the shortage of bodies was now starting to tell on the home side. As the game was drawing to a close Peel stumbled on the ball just outside the box, Newby picked up the loose ball and ran straight past a static home defence to slot past Lawson and give Seaham the lead. As the clock ticked down RCA produced the final attack of the game and when the ball was crossed in, Crew looked certain to score. But from two yards out and with the goal at his mercy, he somehow managed to fire wide.

Pre-season friendly

Tuesday, 31 July 2007

Sunderland RCA travelled to First Division Washington continuing their hard pre-season fixture schedule. Manager Steve Smith went with a 3-5-2 formation following on from their excellent second half performance against Seaham Red Star on Saturday.

The side saw a few changes in the line up with Paul Moss returning, Dave Hills playing as a trialist, Dean Goodwin making his debut and Flash starting up front after returning from injury. Also in the squad was defender Steve Williams, another defender playing on trial after being recommended by Kev Dixon. With Deano excellent throughout the 90 minutes, Dave calm and talkative at the back and Steve performing admirably after his introduction at half time, another great deal of plusses can be taken from the game.

Washington lined up with the prolific and vastly experienced pairing of John Milner and Willie Moat up front, but barring one or two half chances our back three performed really well. RCA attacked at every opportunity and had good chances with Butler and Hembrough in particular, but a free flowing and competitive game reached half time at 0-0.

In the second half RCA continued to get the ball down and play some swift and good football. Flash had a header well saved, then what looked a certain goal hacked off the line, but not to be stopped he fired in a great header on 75 mins after getting across the front of the defender to give the visitors a deserved lead. Play continued at a good pace, with both sides still looking to attack and Washington had a goal disallowed for offside when a shot from the edge of the box cannoned off the post to be headed in, only for the forward to be flagged offside. In the last ten minutes, Butler and Matthews went close for the visitors, and with the midfield on top they comfortably saw out the game to record a good victory.

Allan Thompson Memorial Cup

Wednesday, 01 August 2007

Two-goal hero Jon Butler is presented with the Allan Thompson Memorial Cup
by Allan's brother Jimmy.

Sunderland RCA made the short journey up the bank to face neighbours Ryhope CW in the annual Alan Thompson Memorial Cup match. Having played the previous night against Washington, this was likely to be a long night for the RCA, with numbers already short due to injuries, holidays and work, RCA lost Moss, Hill, Matthews and Anderson from the previous night's squad.

The game started with RCA playing a 3-5-2 formation and from the outset taking the game to the CW. With some sharp interplay between Dixon, Goodwin and Jarvis, RCA should have been three up in the opening 20 minutes, but wasteful finishing saw the CW stay in the game. Jarvis fired wide from the edge of the area when unchallenged, Andrews shot wide when in a great position from a Dixon through ball, Butler headed wide from a corner when unchallenged three yards out, and from the move of the game Goodwin was put clear by Dixon only to shoot straight at the keeper.

The CW were starting to work their way into the game, and their direct route up to the front two unsettled a new, untried RCA back three. A shot saved by Lawson was pushed straight to former RCA man Gareth Hill, who, with the keeper still on the ground, fired wide of the far post. Hill then had a volley hit the post, and Jordan lashed the rebound high and wide. RCA continued to be on top, although however their passing became more sporadic and attacks repeatedly broke down around the CW box.

The CW toool the lead opwards the end of the first half. A long ball was launched down their right hand side, and when this was not dealt with, RCA's Laidler and Henderson both got sucked out of their central areas and a ball into the box, left the CW forward with a free header that just rolled into the far corner via the post.

This sparked a frenetic last few minutes of the half. When the ball dropped it was played forward to Andrews, whose collision with the full back resulted in a free kick to the CW. This produced an angry response from former RCA player Hill, and after prolonged and repeated warnings from the referee, he was substituted right on half time.

At the start of the second half and galvanised by the lead the CW were working and closing down RCA with great endeavour. The game lost a lot of its shape, and RCA began to go long and hopeful, resulting in scrappy play, and very little in the way of controlled possession and goalscoring chances.

With 20 minutes of the game remaining, RCA keeper Niki Lawson was fouled when he came for a high ball into the box, and although he continued for five minutes, he was replaced in goal by Barry Massey. Lawson was taken to hospital and has sustained concussion and damaged ribs.

RCA brought on Peel and reverted to a 4-4-2 system in the hope of shortening their passing. Laidler and Jarvis were now gaining good ground down the left, and RCA began to get back on top. From a clearance by Massey, Andrews flicked on and with hesitation in the CW back four, Butler burst through the back line and fired emphatically past Burlinson.

RCA were now looking for a winner and right at the end of the game Laidler and Jarvis combined down the left. Laidler raced towards the box only to be blatantly tripped from behind. Jarvis swung in a great free kick to the far post. Butler attacked the ball, easily climbing above a static defender to head firmly home for the winner.

Pre-season friendly

Saturday, 4 August 2007

Sunderland RCA were playing their fourth game of the week and were severely depleted yet again. Niki Lawson, Mark Lawton, Wayne Henderson, Karl Jarvis, Nathan Dodd, Phil Hall and Paul Robinson were all absent due to injuries and holidays had robbed the squad of Steve Thomas, Simon Hanlon, Marcel Lundy and Willie Crew.

The last thing the home side needed was to concede after three minutes, however due to some dreadful decision making by the referee, that's exactly what happened. Chester ran the ball out down their left hand side, the assisstant referee awarded the throw to RCA, however when a Chester player took a quick throw, the ball was crossed into the box for the unmarked forward to roll home. This resulted in long and loud protests from the home players, however to the consternation of all in the ground, the referee allowed the goal to stand.

Worse was to follow on 10 minutes when the Chester number 10 left Laidler floundering on the edge of the box, ran through unchallenged, and calmly slotted past the exposed Hall.

Hall then suffered a hip injury when colliding with a Chester forward as he came to collect a low cross into the box. After lengthy treatment, although obviously struggling, he managed to continue.

At the other end Hembrough cut in from the left, unleashed a shot which beat the Chester keeper, only for it to hit the post and bounce to safety. Butler also had a great chance to reduce the arrears, but failed to test the keeper with a free header from six yards. Further knocks to Dixon and Moss on 25 minutes saw them both replaced, and a complete reshuffle of the side as numbers were stretched to the limit.

Chester increased their advantage when Andrews and Hill were totally out-foxed inside the box, and again unchallenged the Chester forward scored past the exposed Hall. RCA were still attacking and had two great chances when Matthews was released, however on both occassions, heavy first touches allowed the Chester keeper to race off his line and smoother the ball.

The second period started with Hall giving way to injury, and full back Barry Massey taking over between the sticks for the home side. With Andrews playing at the back, RCA only had one defender on the pitch, and their sporadic possession was being wasted and given away cheaply.

Chester increased their options by introducing March, Draper and Shields into the fray - three experienced first division players. RCA were now looking a tired side both physically and mentally, and Chester dominated the rest of proceedings.

With some swift and flowing football Chester went on to score three more unanswered goals to record a deserved and comfortable 6-0 victory. RCA now have a week to nurse their walking wounded back to fitness, see the return of players from holiday, and get ready for a tough opening fixture away to last season's relegated side Horden CW.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 11 August 2007

Sunderland RCA began their ANL Division 2 campaign with a tough away fixture to Horden CW.

As has been the case throughout pre-season, the RCA were again severely disrupted with no less than 9 players missing. With Niki Lawson, Karl Jarvis, Mark Lawton, Phil Hall, Paul Robinson, Nathan Dodd, Dean Fox and Andy Middleton injured and Simon Hanlon away, there was also Marcel Lundy and Willie Crew returning that morning from holidays and Steve Thomas coming back after a month out with a foot fracture.

So with an unfamiliar starting eleven, and a great deal of experience missing it was no surprise RCA started slowly. Horden were moving the ball well and the away side were finding it difficult to get a foot hold in the game. Horden went with three up front forcing Laidler deep, so RCA pushed Andrews up front and brought Butler out to the right.

Horden's forwards, particularly Martin and Allan, were looking lively and causing the RCA defence some anxious moments. However with all the possession the home side had there were very few chances being created.

All that changed when a ball down the home side's righthand side was played forward by Di Lella, Lundy came across and scuffed his clearance, Anderson swung wildly and sent the ball high but no distance, and Martin latched onto a header into the box to fire wide from six yards. With RCA allowing Horden all the freedom in the world the home side were increasing the pressure. Egbe and Stephenson both fired over from the edge of the box, Allen shot tamely wide from eight yards out.

Horden finally took the lead when Dixon lost possession to Stephenson, he played the ball forward, and a static RCA back line, stood with hands in the air appealing for offside. With play waved on Allen raced claer, rounded Hall and tapped into an empty net. Horden comfortably ran down the remaining five minutes of the half to go in leading 1-0.

The second period was only a couple of minutes old when Horden attacked down their left. Anderson never got near the winger who flighted a cross into the box, Moss was sucked under the ball allowing Martin a free header which caught out Hall. A late reaction saw Hall tip onto rather than over the bar. The rebound fell straight to Laidler at the back stick and only six yards from his own goal. With Allen closing in Laidler should have cleared first time, but took a touch, allowing Allen to pinch the ball and hammer high into the net.

RCA made a triple substitution on the hour introducing Thomas, Hembrough and Crew for Laidler, Dixon and Andrews. This seemed to bring a renewed determination and much quicker tempo to the away sides play, and going thee at the back they now started to dominate the game.

RCA's passing was shortened, quicker and much more effective and Thomas began to exert some control to the play. With 20 minutes to go RCA got themselves back into the game. Thomas rolled the ball out wide to Matthews who in turn found Butler in the box. He turned the defender and when he fired goalwards, a deflection saw the ball roll into the bottom left corner to reduce the arrears.

Horden now seemed to lose their shape and began to pump long balls forward, these were being picked up by the away side and the pressure was being increased. Hembrough and Butler combined down the right hand side, the former producing a superb cross to the far post after leaving the fullback in his wake. Crew rose unmarked two yards out, and with the goal at his mercy managed to head straight across goal and back out wide.

RCA had three freekicks in quick succession, Thomas each time delivering with quality into the box. However two were headed clear unchallenged and when Moss reached the other he headed wide. Right at the death RCA were awarded a freekick 25 yards out and just right of centre of the goal. Thomas bent the kick over the wall, and with the keeper beaten saw it drift narrowly wide.

FA Cup

Saturday, 18 August 2007

Sunderland RCA travelled to ANL 2nd Division Crook Town in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup. With the revenue and exposure generated by a good run in the competition, RCA were looking to record their first win of the campaign.

Again hampered by injuries RCA were missing no less than 11 players from the squad, (Lawson, Hall, Lawton, Laidler, Jarvis, Goodwin, Fox, Robinson, Andrews, Dodd and Middleton) however they did include Winspear, Hanlon and Thomas, all making their first starts of the season.

The game started brightly and the visitors should have taken the lead in the first four minutes when some good play and a great ball into the box found Crew unmarked six yards from goal. His header was easily saved by the keeper diving to his right. The game was being played at a frantic pace with Crook going direct at every opportunity to the tall forward and trying to play off the bits.

RCA had another good opportunity when Winspear delivered from the right. Crew flicked on at the front post, but nobody reacted quickly enough and the home keeper came and collected low in the six yard box. The visitors took the lead when Crew fired in from the left hand side of the area, after beating the offside line and being played in with a clever ball over the defence from Dixon.

Crook restored parity on the half hour when awarded a free kick on the left hand side. The ball was swung into the box, the knock down bouncing high for the Crook forward to head in off the post with Moss caught flat footed. RCA attacked hard and almost took the lead again when Winspear drove past the fullback, raced into the box, but just overran the ball for the keeper to come and collect.

The second half started with RCA in the driving seat, Thomas becoming a pivotal figure, and passing the ball much better and shorter than the home side. They again took the lead with some decisive passing down the left, good interplay between Dixon, Hanlon and Thomas who delivered a quality ball to the back stick for Butler to head home above the defender.

Crook leveled for the second time when awarded a corner on their left hand side. The ball was thrown to the back post and the Crook forward was allowed a free header. Hanlon headed clear and Henderson completed the clearance. However the linesman flagged and indicated the ball had crossed the line, resulting in the referee awarding the goal.

In the final 10 minutes RCA attacked with great purpose. Dixon beat two defenders before firing a great drive just wide from 20 yards, Thomas passed to Butler, who spun and fired goalwards, a deflection seemed to wrong foot the keeper, who changed direction and produced a top quality save. The corner resulted in Moss just heading wide.

So, a draw and back to Meadow Park for the replay on Tuesday night, when RCA hope to have four or five players returning.

FA Cup replay

Tuesday, 21 August 2007

A very bad night for RCA as a committed and determined Crook outfit deservedly progressed to the next round of the FA Cup, and collected the £500.00 prize in doing so.

Honours even in the first half of what was not a great game, with Paul Robinson lasting only 15 minutes on his return from injury before a bad tackle forced him to limp off, but things changed rapidly in the second half.

Within five minutes of the restart Crook were two goals to the good as a mistake by keeper Simon Hall gifted them an early lead was followed within a minute or two by a recklessly conceded penalty, which effectively sealed the tie.

Crook had more chances and eventually notched a third, while the RCA misery was completed as Steve Thomas missed a penalty in the 89th minute. A bad night, made worse by the knowledge that the draw had been kind and we could and should have won the game at the first time of asking at the Millfield ground.

Good luck to Crook at Hall Road in the next round, they have every chance of progressing. Few positives for RCA on the night, and big games in the League to come.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 25 August 2007

Would the Crook result be out of the boys' systems for the away trip to Prudhoe?

A few changes saw Steve Winspear return to the team for his second game, John Butler and Wayne Henderson also returned after missing the replay and Glen McCartney made his debut, at left back rather than his usual right side.

Again the first half was goalless, although RCA had the best of the few chances and looked strong. Prudhoe did hit the bar, which was a warning.

The second half again saw goals conceded early with a frantic four minute spell seeing Prudhoe score twice with John Butler replying with a penalty for RCA.

All to play for but it was Prudhoe who extended their lead before a goal keeping blunder pushed a Scott Hembrough cross into the net with 10 minutes left to set up what might have been a hectic finish.

Prudhoe saw the game out comfortably enough however and RCA remain pointless in the league, with a tough bank holiday fixture to come at home to South Shields.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Monday, 27 August 2007

With two down in the league and two defeats, Monday morning was a good time to get the season started.

More changes with Simon Andrews acting as an emergency keeper in the absence of all three signed on specialists, and Paul Moss missing out through injury, along with Paul Robinson and Wayne Henderson. Andy Allen came into midfield for his first start since returning to the club, Anth Laidler came back after injury on the left hand side and Steve Winspear moved forward to partner John Butler up front.

The first half followed the pattern of recent games, staying goalless as RCA battled hard against a good quality and confident Mariners side, given vocal, if not always coherent, backing from their usual band of devoted followers.

Sadly the second half started the way we are beginning to dread with Shields establishing a three goal lead, that never looked threatened, within the first 20 minutes of the half. A full range of substitutes was used with Scott Hembrough, Kevin Dixon and Gary Anderson getting into the action for Steve Winspear, Simon Hanlon and Steve Thomas, but Shields were always well on top, and could have extended their lead on a number of occasions in the final quarter, much to the delight of their fans.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 01 September 2007

A dour struggle at the Old Reyrolles ground saw RCA come out on the wrong side of a single goal result against Hebburn Town, who will not expect to feature high in the league this season.

Hebburn took the lead half way through the first half and, despite a lot of pressure in the second period, RCA could not get back on level terms. Willie Crew had a goal disallowed for offside as the ball came back of the keeper, always a contentious decision, but when Karl Jarvis went off with what looked a bad shoulder injury the RCA effort faltered and Hebburn saw out the last 20 minutes quite comfortably.

Young Michael Robertshaw made an encouraging debut in goal and looked comfortable throughout, as well as making a couple of fine saves early on, while the return from injury of Mark Lawton was another bright spot on another disappointing day as the bad early season form continues for RCA.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 08 September 2007

Stokesley is a lovely little town, the sports club is a great set up, with fans having the choice of football or cricket to watch on Saturday, plus England later on the clubhouse telly. That's where the positives end for Sunderland RCA, as our second ever visit ended the same way as the first, with a 5-2 beating.

Stand in boss Graham Defty went with five at the back, and recalled Kevin Dixon in place of the injured Karl Jarvis, and the first half hour was entertaining as RCA came close on a number of occasions and took the lead through a well worked Andy Allen goal, following good work after a corner by Anth Laidler and Kevin Dixon.

Dean Fox saw a great strike rubbed out a few minutes later for a marginal hand ball call, but that was the end of the good news as Stokesley hit back with three goals in eight minutes to take a 3-1 lead into the break.

Within 10 minutes of the restart the game was all over as sloppy defending let Stokesley in twice more to take a decisive 5-1 lead in the game. A couple of changes at the back saw things settle down, and a scrambled Willie Crew effort gave the scoreline a slightly better look, but it was still a miserable visit to North Yorkshire, as our bad start continues.

Ernest Armstrong Memorial Trophy

Tuesday, 11 September 2007

With new manager Neil Hixon watching from the stand before beginning his duties on the following morning, Sunderland RCA recorded their first win in any competition this year with a well deserved victory over Team Northumbria, as the playing staff took the opportuntiy to show their new boss that they had some qualities in the team for him to build on.

A solid performance saw goals from Anth Laidler before the break and Willie Crew half way through the second. Team Northumbria worked hard, but the RCA squad matched them and played some very good possession football at times. Hopefully the start of better things to come!

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 15 September 2007

What looked like a very tough start on paper for new boss Neil Hixon ended with RCA disappointed not to collect all three points from a good all round display.

The manager showed his intentions from the start, bringing in three new players for their debuts. Craig Sheilds and Graeme Brown, both signed from Nissan the day before came into goal and central defence respectively, while Luke Ball slotted in at right back after his move from Durham City.

A very even first half saw few chances, but RCA broke the deadlock immediately after the restart with a smart
Willie Crew finish, and when the recalled dveteran striker Simon Andrews notched a super second on the hour things looked good for RCA.

Thornaby were undaunted however and sloppy marking at the back post let them in for a quickfire brace within the next ten minutes.

The game continued to be entertaining with Thornaby pressing hard before Willie Crew had two golden opportunties to settle the match in the last few minutes, with a great Dean Gordon tackle defying him right at the end.

A first point of the season though, with hopefully many more to come!

FA Vase

Saturday, 22 September 2007

(The home side, Seaham Red Star, are in red and white stripes.)

Well, we knew the return to Seaham Town park would be interesting, as Neil Hixon made his first visit to Red Star only 10 days after stunning them by leaving the club to come to RCA. It was interesting all right, as the side Neil built were right up for the battle against his new charges. Sadly the same could not be said for the Sunderland RCA team. We conceded the first goal early, as Seaham's giant centre forward, Andy Jennings, looked like he didn't believe the space he had found in the six yard box; neither did any of the spectators.

Always second best, the RCA lads kept it down to two goals at the interval, but afterwards the floodgates opened and within 10 minutes of the restart Red Star had stretched their lead to five. It got worse, and with the local fans and officials more or less quietly jubilant, Seaham notched two more. Jennings, who we found unplayable throughout, got his hat trick, and by the end RCA were a thoroughly beaten outfit, and out of another national cup competition, only the All England Sunday Cup still to go... Its not all bad news though, I managed to puncture the excitement a little by pointing out that we would be a good deal more worried if we had won 7 - 0 against a team put together by our new boss! 

Just a short comment on quotes you may have seen from Seaham Red Star suggesting we were less than honourable in our approach to Neil Hixon. This is simply not true. I personally rang John Smith the Seaham secretary to tell him we were going to try and talk to Neil, and as far as I am concerned that was all I needed, although was not required, to do. It is not my job to interfere in internal relations at another club, or to tell them if someone has decided to leave and come to us. I don't know what was or wasn't said between Neil and Seaham Red Star, and I don't want to know, that is their business. We are just pleased he is now on board with us at Meadow Park.

Mind, they got their own back. Against all the normal conventions and courtesies, and in order to make my match notes, I had to buy my programme at the game last Saturday, there was none available for this particular visiting secretary. Ah well, whatever floats your boat...

Durham County Challenge Cup

Tuesday, 26 September 2007

On the first really cold night of the autumn, Sunderland RCA were hot stuff - certainly too hot for ANL First Division outfit, Shildon. The 3 - 2 victory was well deserved and went a long way in restoring club pride after the defeat at neighbours Seaham Red Star.

In a frantic first ten minutes, RCA, kicking up the slope, got a free kick on the right, which was cleared for Shildon to break away and from a cross hit the side netting. On 10 minutes, following good work in midfield, veteran Si Andrews was put clear in the Shildon penalty area and scored to make it one - nil to the lads. The goal stung Shildon, who gained three corners in a row, the third one cleared twice by Gary D Anderson, who was playing an unfamiliar role in midfield. A minute later Niki Lawson ran out bravely to deflect the ball from an on-rushing Shildon forward. On 22 minutes Gary Anderson was back in action, clearing the ball off the RCA goal line.

On 33 minutes, Shildon equalised. From a corner the ball pinged around the RCA penalty area eventually falling to John Hutton on the 18 yard line, who made no mistake firing strongly through a crowd of players. Three minutes later Shildon had the ball in the net again, but the whistle had gone for off-side.

In the second half, Craig Shields took over in the RCA goal. Manager Neil Hixon was soon forced to make more changes. Luke Ball was booked for what looked like a fair 50:50 tackle and went off for treatment. The injury proved too severe for Luke to continue and John Butler, who has been recovering from an injury over the past few weeks, was thrown into the fray.

Shildon were showing determination to get themselves ahead. On 55 minutes, Craig Shields dived to push a shot around the post for a corner. On the 60th minute Shildon got their breakthrough. A long shot was deflected for a Shildon corner. The ball was cleared, but pushed back into the RCA penalty area where it broke to Karl Everitt on the 18 yard line. His well hit cross shot found the net to put Shildon ahead.

Seven minutes later RCA were back on level terms. Under-18 player and ANL debutant, Nathan Johnson, went through one-on-one with the Shildon keeper. There was an audible clash between them, but it did not stop Nathan heading the ball into the net to make it 2 - 2. Well done Nathan, with an attitude like that you will go far in the game - let's hope it's with us. Chairman Owen Haley, who devotes a lot of time to the Under-18s, was delighted and it is certainly an inspiration to the other young lads at RCA.

RCA went ahead on 75 minutes. Intelligent and quick thinking from captain Glen McCartney meant that an RCA free kick from 25 yards was taken early and with the Shildon keeper asleep the ball was in the back of the net. Terrific!

Shildon did not give up. The next minute they brought an excellent reaction save from keeper Craig Shields and RCA more than hung on for a deserved victory.

Well done to all the lads. We needed that. It's a funny old game!

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 29 September 2007

Two wins on the trot are very welcome to RCA supporters and will have raised eyebrows elsewhere as we trebled our league points tally against a tough Marske side, who were eighth in the league, with no away losses, going into this match. Things are changing at Meadow Park as new manager Neil Hixon's early work takes effect. There's more heart, more belief and more ability on show. RCA can go into the next two home ANL encounters with Prudhoe (Saturday) and Guisborough (Tuesday week) with a positive frame of mind.

RCA began the match kicking up the slope. Marske were first to show, heading over the bar from a right wing cross after two minutes. In the next minute RCA had a corner, but this was cleared. On five minutes there was a long stoppage as a Marske player was knocked out when competing for a header in midfield. When play was resumed, Wayne Henderson made a good and crucial tackle as a Marske forward ran clear on goal. Six minutes later, Wayne was in action again, managing to disturb a Marske forward who was clear through on goal, weakening the shot that was comfortably saved by keeper Craig Shields.

Marske were having success down their left wing and on 17 minutes shot just past the far post. RCA were also threatening. Lee Owens collected a good diagonal ball, but his shot was straight at the keeper.

On 26 minutes Marske got the goal that their play had been threatening. Again the problem was on the RCA left side of defence, with a Marske forward having far too much freedom to run through to slot past Craig Shields.

Two minutes later it looked like it was not going to be RCA's day as Wayne Henderson conceded a penalty, but the shot was way wide past the right post.

RCA were getting some joy down their right, with good work from new signing Lee Owens. Unfortunately his cross on 37 minutes was just over hit. On 41 minutes Si Andrews challenged the keeper on his line and inevitably the referee blew in favour of the keeper.

Marske will have been frustrated that there lead was only 1 - 0 at half time, although any neutral would not have felt much sympathy for their constantly mythering fans, who were giving the match officials a ridiculous level of abuse.

Manager Neil Hixon made some key changes for the for the second half bringing on Gary D Anderson and Paul Moss to tighten up the right side of the defence. Both players did very well and the changes had the desired effect, as would the introduction of new signing Lee Bell on to the right wing.

On 48 minutes Gary Shields won a penalty, which he then took to score and put RCA on level terms. Ten minutes later though Marske were ahead again scoring from their second penalty.

RCA were back in the match on 59 minutes. A terrific ball from the ever-improving Kevin Dixon put Gary Shields in good space on the right of the Marske penalty area. His cross was half-stopped by the keeper, but Si Andrews was on hand to bundle the ball into the net.

On 75 minutes RCA went ahead for the first time in the match. Tricky footwork from new boy Lee Bell was too much for the Marske defenders and he slotted home to make it 3 - 2. Three minutes later a good ball from Dean Goodwin set up Lee on the right, but all missed his tantalising cross.

There was more woe for Marske on 82 minutes as David Onions was stretchered off. Let's hope he's OK.

On 82 minutes another good ball from Kevin Dixon to Lee Bell was crossed, but Si Andrews did not connect effectively enough with his header and the keeper pushed around the post.

A good win and with a friendly against the Bishops arranged for Wednesday night Neil Hixon will have more opportunity to assess his squad.

Friendly

Wednesday, 4 October 2007

This quickly arranged friendly suited both clubs. For RCA it was the opportunity for manager Neil Hixon to get more of a look at his squad and to introduce the new left winger Ashley Davis, who has signed for RCA from Jarrow Roofing. The Bishops have a new management team and Brian Honour and Assistant Player Manager Steve Howey were equally keen to assess their team.

The Bishops started brightly, but as RCA settled in to the match new signing Ashley Davis was showing some good touches and threatening positions on the left in an RCA side that started with Anth Laidler taking a central midfield role, Gary Anderson on the right and Paul Moss and Gary D Anderson in central defence.

Matthew Raine continued his solid start with RCA at left back, but unfortunately was injured in the 35th minute and had to leave the field. The substitute's first action was to concede a penalty. Niki Lawson brought off a good save diving to his right to palm the shot away and the danger was eventually cleared.

In the second half Si Andrews came on for Dean Fox to partner new signing Lee Bell in attack. Midfielder Kevin Dixon also entered the fray alongside Karl Jarvis who was making his comeback after a lengthy shoulder injury.

The Bishops created a good chance in the 60th minute when a right wing cross was volleyed across goal and wide. It was RCA who made the breakthrough, though, courtesy of its new boys. Ashley Davis carried the ball forward and passed to live wire Lee Bell in the penalty area. Lee controlled the ball well and shot past the Bishop's keeper.

This was a good workout and will encourage the players for the next completive action - a clean sheet as well!

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 06 October 2007

What a disappointment. An opportunity to avenge our defeat in August, and we created more than enough chances to do so, but found it hard to score in the face of some solid defending, good goalkeeping, and a few slack efforts.

Prudhoe opened the scoring in the 10th minute, and within another 60 seconds their keeper managed to block a Gary Shields effort from close range when he looked certain to score. We had the better of the rest of the first period, and some good chances but went into the break still a goal down, confident we could turn it round in the second half.

No doubt Neil and George told the boys at half time the importance of starting the second half wide awake, but a few weren't listening, as within two minutes Prudhoe players were allowed to turn on the ball and stroll through retreating defenders before coolly finishing to double their advantage. What a shocker.

Neil made all three changes before the mid point of the half, and Jif Dickinson came on and got his first ever goal for the club with a well taken effort after a confident run into the box but, despite several more openings, the equaliser just wouldn't come.

Paul Moss came up from the back and could have scored twice, with a solid header from a corner and a turn and shot in the area, and sub Willie Crew also went close, but with seconds remaining a corner on the right looked like being our last chance. Keeper Craig Shields came up to add his height to our effort, and as sometimes happens, Prudhoe took advantage to break away and notch with the last kick of the match. Not our day!

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Tuesday, 09 October 2007

A great result for Sunderland RCA to celebrate the launch of their new partnership with GENTOO. A good crowd, including a good contingent from GENTOO, had turned out in pretty awful weather, but the omens before the game were realistically not good. A team being rebuilt week by week, a poor result against Prudhoe, and now a game against a side who had won seven and drawn one of their eight League games to date. This had some fearing a very tough night.

How wrong can you be? Left back Mathew Raine started things rolling for RCA after only seven minutes, when he rocketed a 25 yard shot through the keeper's hands as he latched onto a ball knocked out of the area from a corner. This was something special for the lad's first goal for the club! Goals from Ash Davis with a neat header, and Lee Owens with a far post finish, both again with their first goals for the club, saw RCA into a comfortable 3-0 lead inside the first half hour. However, debutant Matt Hyson, signed the day previously from Spennymoor Town, and who had looked very solid at the back alongside evergreen, play anywhere, stalwart Simon Andrews, was then sent off for a second bookable offence a minute before the break, to leave RCA facing 45 minutes with 10 men.

Guisborough produced the expected barrage at the start of the second period, but found goal keeper Craig Shileds in tremendous form, pulling off three top class saves. It was not all one-way traffic, as Gary Shields, James Dickinson and Lee Owens showed great pace on the break to keep the Guisborough defence on their toes, ably prompted by the returning Karl Jarvis in midfield. Perhaps they took the caution too far, as Gary, playing as a lone striker, often found himself with three or even four defenders for company.

An unfortunate mistake by Si Andrews gave the Teessiders a little hope, but within five minutes Si put things right himself, with a great turn and shot in the box to restore the three goal margin. RCA played out time without further alarms, and could have scored again as they burst forward against a visibly deflated Guisborough team.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 13 October 2007

A bit of a smash and grab! The game started at a good pace, and the first half was very evenly contested. Gary Shields gave us the lead after 10 minutes with a well struck goal following a quality passing move.

Esh Winning were always dangerous, playing patient possession football, but lacking a real cutting edge. After 25 minutes Jif Dickinson hit the bar with a diving header when he probably should have scored, and RCA went into the break with the single goal lead, reasonably happy with the performance, and with little inkling of the second half to come.

Jif was hurt late in the first half, taking a blow in the ribs, so Willie Crew replaced him for the second period.

Esh Winning came at us in waves from the restart. There must have been five corners in the first five minutes. Constant pressure, but thankfully not many real chances created.

On the hour a super move on the break saw Lee Bell finish coolly and if Willie had scored from a great chance after another quality move a few minutes later it might have been a different story. As it was the pressure from Esh intensified again, they got one back after 70 minutes and then it was all hands to the pump for the last 20. Craig Shields pulled off a couple of great saves, there were crosses and half chances galore, but we held on to take all three points. Phew!

Durham County Challenge Cup

Wednesday, 17 October 2007

Nothing much to say: a top First Division side who gave us a comprehensive lesson. 2-0 at half time; and then the pace of the Consett front men was too much for us as they went nap in the second half.

Hicka treated the game as a good training session, and at least we now how far we have to go, if we do manage to get promoted one of these days!

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 20 October 2007

A tough old game. RCA had most of the play from start to finish, but Penrith looked dangerous on the break throughout.

Scott Richards and Scott Thompson came in for their debuts and both fitted in well, with Richards prompting from midfield and Thompson holding the ball up well from the front, although he took a knock and had to leave the field after an hour to be replaced by Willie Crew.

Overall, we looked a little short of pace with some of our quick players missing, and to be fair, until late in the second half the goalkeepers were largely spectators, and a single goal as always likely to be enough.

The game turned on an incident in the 75th minute when Matty Hyson could only lift a header into the roof of the net as he tried to clear for a corner. The goal lifted Penrith and Craig Shields had to make a couple of smart saves in the next few minutes, but RCA went for broke in the last ten and camped out in the Penrith area. A goal mouth scramble might have seen the ball into the net, but in the end Penrith held on and ran out narrow winners. The Cumbrians are always competitive and we were by no means second best, so let's hope it is just a temporary set back as we look to continue our improvement of recent weeks.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Wednesday, 24 October 2007

Brandon scored in the first minute as their player turned on a short corner and flighted the ball past a stationary Craig Shields in our goal, and for a minute or two we looked rattled.

But the team soon settled, and were 2-1 up by the break, before easing clear in the second half with three more goals, including a marvellous volley from Jif Dickinson and an equally superb chip from all of 40 yards from Dean Goodwin, one of a brace for the midfielder.

Brandon never gave up, always tried to play football and were a credit to their club. For us it was a solid display, and a welcome improvement to our goal tally.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 27 October 2007

Any trip down to Teesside and returning home with the points is always satisfying, and this was particularly so.

A couple of players missing meant an emergency role up front for Matt Hyson which he carried out well.

The game started with Norton having most of the possession without threatening too much, before a quick break and good passing led to a well taken goal for Gary Shields after eight minutes.

The pattern was set for the game and did not alter much throughout. Norton huffed and puffed while only looking like scoring on a couple of occasions, while we defended well and looked very dangerous on the break, with the pace of Shields and Lee Owens always a threat.

No more goals, job well done, and back up the A19!

League Cup

Wednesday, 31 October 2007

Neil Hixon reshuffled the pack again for the league cup tie vistit of league leaders Birtley, Jon Innis making his debut as goalkeeper. After being informed that Birtley had not lost an away game in league or cup this season, the Chairman was wondering if the opposition management had deliberately conceded home advantage! Very few spectators at 7.25 PM, but a late surge of visiting supporters, decked out with hats and scarves gave the atmosphere a real boost at kick-off time.

A very tight game with both defences very well organised and space was at a premium all over the pitch. Very keenly contested with SRCA shading possession with main threat coming from deep runs from Lee Owens and Ash Davis. A lot of great crosses were flying into the Birtley box but unfortunately no RCA forwards getting on the end! Attacking with the slight wind and slope advantage, SRCA were regretting not scoring first half - 0-0 at half time.

Second half Birtley upped the pace a little realising SRCA were going to be tough opposition to overcome and a couple of long range efforts were well saved by the home keeper Innis who was certainly enjoying his debut. Game was still finely in the balance. At 80 mins the visiting Secretary approached the Chairman to confirm that the tie had to be settled tonight - extra time and pens looked on the cards. The Chairman retort was that if it were to be a replay would Birtley want to play at Meadow Park again; this brought a wry smile from all the visiting committee party!

On 82mins the controversial decision by the Referee. A Birtley midfielder hit a free kick just inside the SRCA half straight at head height towards SRCA midfielder Laidler. Unable to get out of the way and covering his face the ball hits his defensive hand. Very harsh indeed ...then unbelievably he was also booked. This meant a second free kick approx 25 yards from goal. Hepple then stepped up to drill home a superb free kick. Ouch!

The home Manager brought Gary Shields on for the last 10 minutes as we piled forward in search of the equaliser, alas it was not to be.

Only one more Cup left to go for this season; hopefully we are due a change of luck!

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 3 November 2007

Another good win for RCA, the third league win on the trot, fourth in the last five matches, and one which pushes into the top half of the league table for the first time in a few years.

Darlington RA came into the game having lost their manager during the previous week, but they looked up for things and started strongly with most of the possession in the first quarter of an hour. Mossy and Wayne held firm at the centre of defence and then, with our first real attack, Gary Shields gave us the lead in the fifteenth minute as he reacted quickest to a ball that found its way right across the six yard box, and squeezed his shot into the corner.

Darlington continued to press, but RCA were looking lively on the break as the pace of Shields and Owens stretched the RA defenders time after time. At the other end Craig Shields in the RCA goal had little to do bar catch a few hopeful crosses and field backpasses.

The score stayed 1-0 at the half time interval.

The second half started in much the same vein as Darlo pressed, and we looked sharp in return.

Gary got his second on the hour with a quick break, and the side relaxed and played their best football of the game. The two substitutes combined for the third as Lee Bell made a great run into the box and found Taz Raine at the far post to slot home. RA got a consolation late on but RCA saw out time very comfortably to secure the vital win.

Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup

Wednesday, 7 November 2007

RCA travelled down to Marske United for the second round of the Ernest Armstrong Trophy, hoping to repeat the victory secured over Marske at home in the league last month. Manager Neil Hixon shuffled his pack with Matt Hyson returning for Wayne Henderson in defence, Glen McCartney replacing Gary Anderson at right back, Taz Raine coming in for Ash Davis at left back, with Ash pushed forward to left wing to replace the unavailable Jif Dickinson. In attack Lee Bell played in the hole behind debutant Craig Lines. With Gary Shields, Scott Richards and the returning Jon Butler joining Wayne and Gary Anderson, the bench looked strong if needed.

The game started with Marske enjoying a lot of possession without ever looking comfortable. the new partnership of Bell and Lines looked dangerous up front while Lee Owens begin to torture the Marske backline on the break, as he would continue to do all night. By half time the pressure was 60/40 in favour of Marske while the chances were all ours although the scoreline was still 0-0. Goodwin and Hyson had been booked, Matty not helped by the disgraceful intervention of the Marske manager. In a rare moment of danger from the home side Craig Shields was lucky to escape unharmed from a very late challenge.

Within a minute or two of the restart Lee Owens set off on another long run into the Marske defence, shot from the edge of the box, and saw the hapless Marske custodian fumble the ball under his body and into the net. A soft goal, but no more than our enterprising attacking play, particularly from Owens, had deserved. Marske were rattled by this, and the game should have been out of sight in the next 20 minutes as we wasted several excellent chances.

The balance of play turned to Marske as Paul Moss went off injured, and Marske finally made the breakthrough to equalise after 80 minutes. However, it had been good to see Jon Butler make his return on 70 minutes and, within a minute of Marske scoring he made the winner with a strong run to the line and excellent cutback across the keeper which Ash Davis bundled into the net.

That was that, job well done, a quarter final to look forward to, and onto Whickham on Saturday.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 10 November 2007

A tough afternoon on Tyneside!

As we arrived the clubhouse was full of Newcastle supporters, optimistically hoping to see their team prevail at the Stadium of Light. All of the bonhomie, good grace and intelligent analysis one has come to expect from our friends in the north was on display; until of course Sunderland took the lead! The boys couldn't hold on however, so it was up to Sunderland RCA to fly the flag against the black and whites of Whickham.

Whickham are a tough act to contend with. Much improved from last season, fast and direct, they put us under pressure from the off, and went ahead in the 15th minute with a super strike as a ball was cleared from a corner.

It took us a long time to get to grips, but as the half wore on we came more into things, although still finding it difficult to get it down and pass it, not helped it much be said by Whickham's awful pitch and the strong wind. Still 1 - 0 at the break, and Neil reacted immediately, with all three subs used by the 50th minute. Simon Andrews came on to add more height up front for Lee Bell, while Wayne Henderson and Glen McCartney came in at the back to replace the injured Matt Hyson and Taz Raine.

Now playing into the wind we came more and more into things and began to really press the Whickham back four. Craig Lines held it up well while Gary Shields dropped deep to turn and run at defenders. The goal looked like it would never come, but finally a clever ball from Simon set Craig away and he finished well to bring things level with 12 minutes to go.

There looked to be only one winner at this stage, and it wasn't going to be Whickham, or so we thought. But a quick break exposed a lack of pace at the back and the chance was buried, to leave us with only five minutes to try and salvage things again.

It was not to be, and Whickham celebrated like a cup final on the whistle. They expect to be in contention at the end of the season, and on this performance, particularly since we know we can do much better, so should we.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Tuesday, 13 November 2007

A cold and wet night was no deterrent to a good turn out at Meadow Park, where attendance was helped by a strong Crook contingent. The weather was no deterrent to an action packed match either, with both teams keen to get a maximum points. In the end, the points were shared and this will be a cause of frustration to both teams.

Crook began the match kicking down the slope. The first significant action was on ten minutes when a Crook free kick on their right was floated into the box, but the header went over. On 12 minutes, Gary D Anderson got a long lecture from the referee. Crook wasted the opportunity by over hitting the free kick. Two minutes later an RCA corner caused problems for the Crook defence, but they eventually cleared the danger. On 15 minutes, RCA were living dangerously as they failed to clear from their box. The ball fell to a Crook forward, but from a difficult angle he hooked over the bar. More Crook pressure followed. RCA countered with a swift beak feeding Lee Owens on the RCA right. The header from his cross was unfortunately off-target.

RCA were cursing their luck on 20 minutes. A terrific through ball from Anth Laidler found winger Adam McGuiness in space on the left. His cross evaded everyone and was eventually cleared by Crook for an RCA corner on the right. A good delivery saw captain Paul Moss head against the post.

On 25 minutes it looked like RCA had a real opportunity when the referee awarded a free kick on the Crook D, but he reversed his decision after consulting his assistant. This did not dampen RCA's ambitions. Two minutes later they had a clear break on the right, with the shot on goal being defected for a corner. The delivery was cleared despite Paul Moss getting a touch. Two minutes later Adam McGuiness has a strong run down the left, but his cross was eventually cleared.

On 34 minutes it looked as though Crook must score as the ball broke to them on the edge of the six yard box, but it was somehow cleared. Two minutes later Crook had another clear opportunity, but the shot was pushed around the post by keeper Craig Shields, who then punched clear from from the corner. At half time it was hard to believe that it was 0 - 0.

Manager Neil Hixon made one change for the second half, with Jon Butler coming on for Gary Shields. Everyone will be pleased to see Butts back after his injury lay off. It was RCA's other forward who broke the deadlock. New boy Craig Lines ran on to an excellent through ball which split the Crook defence and slotted clinically under the advancing Crook keeper to make it 1 - 0 to the RCA.

Crook continued to threaten and RCA got a clear warning on 60 minutes when a strong Crook shot from outside the area went just past the post. On 65 minutes a slip by Paul Moss caused danger and the quick running of Ashley Davis meant the ball was cleared just in time.

On 70 minutes RCA thought they had got a crucial second goal. A slick move ended with Lee Owens putting the ball into the Crook net, but the linesman's flag had been raised for off-side. This turned out to be a sickner, because a minute later a Crook corner ended in an equaliser from a glancing header across the RCA goal. On 75 minutes it was too easy for Crook to cross and RCA were relieved when the shot went wide.

On 76 minutes RCA had a free kick on the Crook D. It was well struck by substitute Matthew Raine, but was deflected for a corner.

On 83 minutes Crook took the lead as poor defensive work meant that the ball broke for them to shoot past Craig Shields to make it 2 - 1.

On 87 minutes RCA were awarded a free kick on their right. Si Andrews came on for Ashley Davis to add height and power to the massed ranks of RCA players waiting to receive the ball just inside the Crook penalty area. The cross broke well for RCA and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty for pulling. Lee Owens scored strongly from the post kick. What a relief!

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 17 November 2007

RCA had new signing Paul Sammons making his debut in a five man midfield for the visit of league leaders Birtley. The game started at a decent pace, and as has been the way of recent games, RCA defended solidly while Birtley had much of the possession in the first half hour. Chances were at a premium however, Craig Shields tipping one over after 20 minutes being the best chance for the visitors, who also saw a good long range drive go narrowly over the bar late in the half. For RCA the pace of Shields and Owens began to cause Birtley a lot of problems as the half wore on, and both Lee Owens and Craig Lines went close in a two minute spell just before the break.

Into the second half and RCA began to take more control, with Lee Owens outstanding as he tormented the Birtley back line. A hand ball in the box saw Gary Shields give RCA the lead after 54 minutes. Birtley rallied briefly but still had no answer to the pace of RCA wide. Lee Owens should have scored a great goal after a marvellous run saw him go past three defenders before blasting over the bar in the 72nd minute, but he was not to be denied and sealed the game with a solo run and shot in the 87th minute. A well deserved victory as Sunderland RCA goalkeeper Craig Shields was a well protected spectator behind a solid back three of Moss, Anderson and Henderson, despite Birtley's possession. Paul Sammons made a pleasing debut in a combative midfield where Anth Laidler and Dean Goodwin also worked hard.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 24 November 2007

RCA produced an excellent performance against a North Shields team who were in good form themselves.

Only one change from the team against Birtley, with Scott Richards coming in for the suspended Dean Goodwin. Richards signed a few weeks ago from Bishop Auckland with a good reputation and first division pedigree, but his appearances have been restricted due to injury and suspension, so knowledgeable fans were looking forward to seeing him perform.

RCA started brightly and Richards had the first attempt on goal with afine effort in the 4th minute. Shields had some decent possession early on, but RCA always looked more dangerous, and should have taken the lead after an excellent Gary Shields run left Lee Owens with a good shooting position in the 10th minute, but the North Shields keeper pulled off the first in a string of fine saves. More efforts on goal came up at regular intervals for RCA, before the deadlock was broken by Gary Shields in the 37th minute when a good ball from midfield left him in on goal and he finished coolly.

1-0 at the break, and a few spectators were thinking that RCA might regret not taking the chances they had through the half, as North Shields would surely offer more as the game wore on. The second period however started in the same vein as the first, and the only surprise was that those spectators had to wait until the 63rd minute before a superb Anth Laidler long range effort was too hot for the keeper to hold and Paul Sammons followed in smartly to net the rebound.

Sunderland RCA continued to have all the chances and many fans were pleased to see Jon Butler, slowly getting back to form after a long break through injury, finish the job by getting on the end of a good Lee Owens diagonal ball to slide it past the keeper and make the final score 3-0. A very good display against a side that were made to look quite ordinary despite their recent good run. RCA were solid at the back, aggressive and creative in midfield and, despite missing a few, had a good conversion rate from the front men. Very promising!

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 1 December 2007

Sunderland RCA continued their recent good form by securing three valuable points, and another clean sheet, at Team Northumbria, despite a dogged and workmanlike performance from the home side. Team Northumbria played good possession football throughout, threatened occasionally, particularly from set pieces, but never really looked like breaching the RCA defence.

For the third game in a row the only change in the Sunderland side was enforced as Dean Goodwin returned from suspension to replace the unavailable Anth Laidler. The game started at a good pace with chances at a premium but Gary Shields might have given RCA the lead as he struck a shot over the bar after five minutes. Ash Davis did the same after 15 minutes as the ball broke from a corner, but for the most part it was a tough midfield battle with Dean Goodwin, Paul Sammons and Scott Richards working hard to contain a hard working and skillful Team Northumbria midfield. Late on in the half Team Northumbria went close with two headers from corners, but thankfully both flew wide.

For the second period RCA significantly upped the tempo, and now having the benefit of a bitter wind, pressed hard. Craig Lines was just off target before Neil Hixon changed his attacking options by replacing Gary Shields with John Butler after 55 minutes. Almost immediately Butts broke free on a chase to goal before his control let him down and the defence got back to cover. On the hour Adam McGuiness came on to replace Ash Davis as RCA moved to a more attacking formation but despite a lot of pressure the goal wouldn't come and, to be fair to Team Northumbria, they continued to respond with calm and precise football. In the 80th minute Taz Raine replaced Craig Lines and a couple of minutes later the Team Northumbria goalkeeper had to be helped from the field and replaced after a collision with John Butler. Thankfully despite some nasty cuts and bruises the goalie did not look too badly hurt. Two minutes later his replacement brought down Butts as he went round him and Lee Owens scored from the resultant penalty. Matters were settled in the 89th minute when Adam McGuiness went round the keeper after a good run onto a pass from midfield. A good win but by no means easy!

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday 8 December 2007

Another good win for Sunderland RCA who made it four wins in a row with this victory over Hebburn Town. A miserable, wet, cold day saw only die hard fans making the effort to get to Meadow Park for this clash. RCA started brightly attacking with the advantage of the slope, and chances came and went at regular intervals through the first period. After four minutes a ball from the left flashed across the box with no one reaching it and after seven minutes Lee Owens had his first attempt of the afternoon, shooting wide from the edge of the box.

Hebburn broke occasionally and looked dangerous in the 17th minute as their centre forward, Garry McCartney, turned and shot smartly, but just wide. In the 21st minute the long serving Hebburn keeper, Gary Rogers dropped the ball from a corner and RCA skipper Paul Moss should have done better than to poke it wide. More chances followed, mostly for RCA before Lee Owens broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, pushing the ball home from a yard in the middle of an enormous scramble. Four minutes later Lee doubled the lead with a superb goal for his and RCA's second, waltzing past 2 defenders and planting a shot past the Hebburn keeper from 12 yards.

RCA pressed from then to the break but the score stayed level. Early in the second half however the game seemed to be in the bag as, in the 52nd minute, Craig Lines got the faintest of touches onto a Lee Owens cross and directed the ball into the far corner. RCA seemed well on top at this point, but Hebburn were handed a lifeline by a good Mick Younger header after the hour, and, when Paul Donaghy made it 3-2 in the 69th minute, it was definitely game back on! From then until the final whistle it was end to end stuff, with chances being created and spurned by both sides. The referee found five minutes of injury time from somewhere, and right at the death Craig Shields made a tremendous save to keep RCA in front. For the resulting corner the Hebburn keeper joined the attack and the game ended with him stranded as RCA broke and looked certain to score into an empty net, but the ref saved Mr Rogers blushes, blowing for time before the goal could be scored. A very entertaining contest in tough conditions, very well done to both sides, Sunderland RCA up to 7th and march on!

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday 22 December 2007

With new signing Andy Jennings making his debut in the number nine shirt, RCA kicked off with a promising start, but Horden were quickly back and could - should - have scored with their first break. RCA defender Paul Moss did enough to make the Horden forward pass the ball instead of shooting. The resulting cross was somehow cleared when a goal looked certain.

On ten minutes, RCA got a free kick on the left 25 yards out from the Horden goal. A good cross was cleared for a corner kick, but RCA failed to capitalise as the referee blew for a Horden free kick.

On 15 minutes Horden missed their second clear chance. An under hit back pass meant that the Horden forward got the ball ahead of keeper Craig Shields, but he could only shoot high and wide when more composure would have given him a clear chance against the out of position keeper.

Andy Jennings did not have to wait long to take his first goal for RCA. On 25 minutes a good cross from the right saw Andy rise at the far post to head just over the line.

Five minutes later and Andy Jennings had his second turing the ball into the net from six yards following good work from Lee Owens, who beat a player of the right and then crossed from the by-line.

A minute later RCA keeper, Craig Shields made a good save following a Horden corner.

Five minutes into the second half saw Andy Jennings turn provider as he broke clear on the left and crossed for Gary Shields, who was in acres of space, to score easily past the isolated Horden keeper. 3 - 0 did not reflect the balance of play and Horden fought back. On 74 minutes, an excellent shot hit the bar and rebounded for the Horden substitute to strike the ball firmly from close range, giving Craig Shields little or no chance.

In the 83 minute things got more nervous still for RCA, who were playing too deeply and inviting Horden on to them. Good work from a Horden corner saw them peg RCA back to 3 - 2.

On 87 minutes the stage seemed set for Willie Crew, returning to his old club, to seal a draw for Horden, but Craig Shields pulled off a terrific save from his well hit shot.

There was further danger on 89 minutes when Paul Moss conceded a free kick 22 yards out, but all Horden could do was sky it.

The final whistle came as a relief to RCA. How Willie Crew would have loved to mark his return to Meadow Park with a goal, but it was not to be his day. Instead it was RCA fans who went home happy for Christmas. Well done Andy Jennings - scoring two and making the third - not a bad debut!

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 12 January 2008

An excellent display of attacking football from RCA, although the final scoreline is undoubtedly harsh on a strong Stokesley team who contributed much to a very entertaining game.

RCA gave debuts to Sean Davies, newly signed on loan from Newcastle Blue Star for the remainder of the season, Steve Houlahan and Andrew Hoban, joining on a permanent basis from Ryton and Willington respectively. Davies started in the left back spot as RCA lined up in an unfamiliar 4-4-2 formation, while Houlahan and Hoban had to settle for places on the bench.

The game started with Stokesley the brighter side and after 10 minutes they could have taken the lead as Sonny Andrews saw his effort strike the post and run away to safety. RCA began to settle and took the lead after 14 minutes as Adam McGuinness met a Lee Owens corner to plant the ball past the Stokesley keeper with a powerful header.

Five minutes later Andy Jennings made it 2-0 with a smart finish after an excellent break down the right by Lee Owens. Shortly after Stokesley hit the post again, and began to have that sinking feeling that it wasn't going to be there day!

A tremendous Jennings effort, which saw him juggle the ball along the edge of the box before firing in a great shot which the keeper just managed to parry onto the bar, brought applause from the crowd before a rare Wayne Henderson goal, again a header from a corner, saw RCA into the break with a comfortable 3-0 lead, although the Stokesley fans were wondering how they hadn't managed at least one themselves.

The second half started busily until Paul Sammons seized on a loose ball to fire into the net from the edge of the box, to make it 4-0 after 58 minutes. Andrew Hoban replaced Gary Shields for his debut after 63 minutes and the game meandered a little, until a superb Lev Yalcin free kick gave Stokesley a flicker of hope in the 78th minute.

Steve Houlahan came on for Adam McGuinness in the 80th minute, and then two goals in a minute from Andrew Hoban and Paul Sammons, in the 87th and 88th minutes, finished Stokesley off. A super game, and evidence of the potency RCA now possess going forward, but sympathy for Stokesley, who competed hard throughout.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 19 January 2008

A 3-1 scoreline looks comfortable enough, as RCA stretched their league winning run to an impressive seven on Saturday, but as the week before, it doesn't tell the whole story. Thornaby were strong opponents, and pushed us all the way.

The game kicked off on a heavy pitch after all the recent rain, but weather conditions were good, and the game started in a very lively fashion, with both sides trying to create chances with intelligent football. The first real chance fell to Thornaby when their impressive left back, Paul Harvey, hit a powerful free kick which Craig Shields dealt with at full stretch. Gary Shields then had a couple of good chances to break onto balls from midfield for RCA, but it was Thornaby who took the lead after 29 minutes, taking advantage of defensive slips for their number 10, Dane Wilson, to slide home. The lead was shortlived however, as RCA replied as Gary Shields converted a 34th minute penalty given at the second time of asking when he was bundled over in the box. 1-1 was the score at the break.

The second half was an impressive affair as both sides produced some quality football. For RCA, Gary Shields should have done better after 47 minutes with a shot inside the box, and Scott Richards shot tamely when well placed on 51 minutes. At the other end the front runners for Thornaby were keeping the RCA defenders fully occupied until, on 57 minutes, RCA took the lead with a goal of rare quality. Lee Owens raced down the right, turned his marker beautifully and centred precisely for Adam McGuinness to smash a superb volley past the Thornaby keeper, from around the penalty spot area.

From then to the end of the game it was Thornaby asking the questions against some, at times desperate, defending from RCA. Steve Houlahan came on for Gary Shields to shore up the midfield, and Adam McGuiness made some strong runs in possession as the game wore on, but for the most part, Thornaby dominated, despite the non stop efforts of Paul Sammons and Scott Richards to gain some control through the centre. Craig Shields was well covered however, and made few real saves, although he tipped one over the bar well, and was relieved to see two good efforts fly narrowly wide.

Up top centre forward Andy Jennings had been quiet for most of the game, well marshaled by centre backs Leon Carling and Gareth Wake for Thornaby, until in the 88th minute, as RCA staged a late rally, he made his mark on the game, smashing an unstoppable 15 yard shot past Stu Trotter in the Thornaby goal to settle the match.

A real good game, and the run goes on!

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 9 February 2008

Get a high resolution copy of the team photo, with credits and partners' logos, taken just before the Guisborough match and celebrating eight wins on the trot. Please right click on this link and select 'Save Target As...' Please note that the file is very large at 3.57 MB. The file is set up for 10 X 8 printing.

RCA finally got a game on Saturday when they faced Guisborough after a frustrating couple of weeks of postponements. Craig Shields failed a fitness test with another recurrence of his increasingly troublesome leg problem, and may face further surgery and be out for some considerable time. Hard luck for Craig who has been rock solid since returning to the club, but an opportunity for Jon Minniss to step in and show his worth. Dean Goodwin returned in central midfield for the suspended Scott Richards.

The game started scrappily, with RCA showing the effects of their break in some sloppy play, while Guisborough failed to make much headway against rugged defending from the RCA back line. Andy Jennings had the ball in the net after five minutes but was rightly pulled back for offside, the first of a large number of such calls, both right and wrong, which were to frustrate the RCA strikers all afternoon. Jon Minniss made a good save after 12 minutes, before RCA took the lead with a goal of real quality. Lee Owens carried the ball 60 yards past three defenders before playing in Gary Shields with a superb pass. Gary went past the last defender, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home with great confidence. The goal clearly boosted RCA who began to play with more fluidity, and after having a strong shout for a penalty turned down, Shieldsy doubled the lead with a good turn and finish from 12 yards after 33 minutes.

It looked like plain sailing for RCA, but a minute later the referee, who did not have the best of games, turned the match on its head, first harshly dismissing Lee Owens after mishearing a shout from the bench, then sending manager Neil Hixon to the stand for expressing his frustration. Guisborough were lifted by the prospect of facing 10 men for an hour, and after Sean Davies had blasted a dangerous free kick over the bar, the referee intervened again on 41 minutes to award a controversial penalty to the home team for a challenge in the box. Jon Minniss very nearly saved the spot kick, getting a good hand to the ball which just crossed the line, but nonetheless a 2-1 scoreline at the break looked less than secure under the circumstances.

The second half was goalless as Guisborough huffed and puffed without threatening very much or very often, against the RCA back four of Davies, Henderson, Wardle and Anderson, well in command of things with a no nonsense display, and Jon Minniss proving a more than capable deputy in goal on the rare occasions he was called into action. On the break RCA always looked dangerous, and Jon Newton, who was always lively, could have marked his debut as a 65th minute substitute for Andy Jennings with an immediate goal, but his close range shot hit the side netting. Ash Davis, who had replaced Adam McGuinness at the half time interval, always looked to carry the ball on his trademark long runs, and Gary Shields adapted well to life out wide as RCA went to a one up formation. Paul Sammons, man of the match for me, was his usual tigerish self at the heart of the RCA midfield. Shieldsy should have got what would have been a well deserved hat trick when played in by Newton after 73 minutes, but chose power when a careful place might have done better, and the game finished with Anth Laidler, on for Dean Goodwin, holding the ball well in the corners to count down time. A solid if unspectacular performance, against the odds for a lot of the time, and the run goes on, now eight wins on the spin. Come on Esh!

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 16 February 2008

The run comes to an end! After a fantastic eight consecutive wins, a hard working and skillful Esh Winning team held RCA to a 1-1 draw in Saturday's encounter before a decent and appreciative crowd of around 100. Let's hope we can get such gates from now until the end of the season.

A draw was no more than Esh deserved for a very tidy and solid display, which saw them have the majority of possession, although on another day RCA would have taken more advantage of the chances created, and stolen the spoils.

The game started in bright but cold conditions, with Esh starting as they intended to go on, with good possession and swift passing, without posing too many problems for Jon Minniss in the RCA goal. Play was scrappy until Esh took the lead in the 17th minute with a soft penalty awarded for a clumsy foul in the box.

On 22 minutes Gary Shields should probably have equalised when a good pass from Andy Jennings gave him a clear shooting opportunity, but he shot straight at the keeper, who saved comfortably. The leveler came however in the 30th minute when a good Lee Owens run and excellent pass saw Gary Shields cross and Adam McGuinness slide home from a few yards out.

Between this and the break chances were few, although Lee Owens made a good opening with one of his trademark runs, and Jon Minniss had to save smartly from an Esh effort. The second half continued in the same vein, with good Esh possession being matched by RCA with breaks from deep. The game came alive in the last quarter as both keepers starred, showing great anticipation and good hands to make several saves as the game opened out. It could have been settled either way as Esh created chances while Lee Owens made a number of excellent runs only lacking the final ball, but the keepers had the last word. Honours even, still 10 games unbeaten, and into a real testing part of the season, where our destiny for next season will be decided, I can't wait!

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 23 February 2008

SRCA's long unbeaten run came to an end in disappointing fashion at league leaders Penrith last Saturday, when two late Penrith goals in the 77th and 85th minutes gave the home side a 3 2 win in a game Sunderland RCA should have won comfortably. Andy Jennings will rarely score two easier goals, and, while leading 2 1 through most of the second half, RCA spurned a string of good chances to settle the game. Penrith though are nothing if not game and kept going to steal victory in the last 15 minutes with two sloppy goals that the RCA defenders will be very annoyed about, not to mention the manager...

The pattern of the game was settled early on, with Penrith seeing a lot of possession, but failing to trouble Jon Minniss in the RCA goal while when possession was won, RCA threatened on nearly every occasion. Gary Shields crossed dangerously in the second minute, Paul Sammons lifted a shot over the bar in five minutes, and a sustained spell of RCA pressure had Penrith defending hard around the ten minute mark.

The deadlock was broken after 20 minutes when Gary Shieids crossed superbly from the right for Andy Jennings to nod home unmarked at the far post from a couple of yards out. The pattern stayed the same with Penrith edging possession but Lee Owens threatening with long runs and good crossing.

Penrith equalised after 33 minutes when a hopeful effort from outside the box took a deflection from the challenging Paul Sammons and left Minniss helpless in the RCA goal. The score stayed that way until the break.

The second half started in the same fashion as the first with Penrith possession, and their first really threatening attack of the game coming in the 52nd minute when a header narrowly went over the bar, but a superb ball from Paul Wardle in the centre of defence was the early highlight as he sent Lee Owens away. As that attack broke down a great piece of Owens skill from the throw in saw Lee beat three men and cross low for Jennings to slide home from close range in the 54th minute to restore the lead. The next twenty five minutes was the decisive period of the game, as RCA spurned a number of excellent chances to make the game safe, with all the forwards at fault at one time or another.

The consistently excellent Lee Owens failed to round the keeper when he looked certain to score and a few minutes later Penrith, who always battled away, while only occasionally looking likely to score, capitalised on their let offs to score from a close range header. Although clearly rattled by this RCA continued to create chances, but were left dumbfounded when five minutes from time Penrith took the lead for the first time in the game with a low shot that escaped everybody to nestle in the corner. It was too late to come back, and RCA were left to rue their finishing, while Penrith march on at the top of the league, no doubt as surprised by the win as anyone.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 1 March 2008

Sunderland RCA got back to winning ways against Norton and Stockton Ancients on saturday, but it was a close run thing. An Andy Jennings close range header from a Scott Richards cross in the 84th minute was all that separated the sides. The game was always going to be tough, with a strong wind blowing down the bank, and RCA had to play into it in the first half.

Jon Newton came in for the suspended Lee Owens, with Gary Shields moving out wide to accommodate him, and Scott Richards returning from suspension in place of Dean Goodwin. As was to be the pattern of the game, RCA started brightly playing into the gale, with Jon newton having good chances in the seventh and ninth minutes to break the deadlock. Norton then used the wind to have a succession of corners, but Jon Minniss's handling was exemplary and we got through it.

After 19 minutes Newton had the ball in the net for RCA, but it was adjudged offside. RCA continued to have the best of the play, but Jon Minniss needed to save sharply as he pushed a shot round after 27 minutes. RCA got in a number of good crosses without reward, and the ame was still goalless at the break.

As with RCA, Norton found it easier to play into the wind after half time, and pushed quite hard, with Jon Minniss pulling off a tremendous save after 57 minutes to keep things level.

The home team began to push Norton back, winning a number of corners, and with Ash Davis and Andy Middleton brought into things, RCA pressed hard. it looked like it was going to be in vain until Scott Richards took a corner from the right, had the ball played back out to him, and dropped a cross on Jennings head for the big target man to break through from a yard out. Norton couldn't come back and RCA held out well for a vital three points.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Wednesday, 5 March 2008

A couple of changes were made to the RCA forward line that started on Saturday against Norton. Gary Shields was unavailable due to a family bereavement (all our thoughts are with you Gary) and Jonny Newton pulled out at the last moment through sickness. As Lee Owens was suspended, Neil Hixon was forced to shuffle the pack opting to bring Andy Middleton (wide right) into the starting line up for the first time in months and playing Ash Davis on the left.

RCA certainly had the better of early exchanges as both Davis and Middleton were enjoying space on the flanks culminating in good crosses in the 10th and 15th minutes, ending in headed efforts from Jennings and a shot by Richards. Brandon cleared their lines from three corners and were proven to be no shove over as they competed very well in all physical challenges. Although RCA were having most of the play, Brandon were looking to break at any opportunity playing some very neat football. After their best spell of play on 18 minutes the ball was exchanged quickly from defence to attack and Brandon left winger Ian Pritchard was unlucky when breaking into the RCA box, beating two defenders before pulling his shot wide across Minniss.

After a scrappy five-minute period a long ball was hit from the half way line from Henderson towards the penalty spot. Jennings ran forward to beat the offside trap and gleefully headed over the advancing keeper on 23 minutes. From the Brandon kick off RCA quickly looked to gain possession with a couple of strong challenges by Sammons who took a bad knock after winning a couple of fifty-fifties. On 25 minutes the ball was crossed out wide right to Middleton who pushed the ball past the left full back only to be pulled down. The ball was knocked in by Richards, the keeper punched out, then a defender headed out to Ash Davis who slammed the ball home to make it 2 – 0; it looked like game, set and match. RCA were stroking the ball about confidently and Brandon looked a little subdued. However just after half an hour Scott Richards pulled up with hamstring trouble and Paul Sammons was also struggling with a knock. Dean Goodwin replaced Scott on 32 minutes. Andy Middleton seemed to be involved in a lot of the nights proceedings and was proving too fast for the Brandon defence. (He was not rewarded for his efforts as he took a defender’s clearance right in the proverbials and will have to check today if his family allowance is still in tact! Certainly will be feeling blue this morning.

Brandon then enjoyed their best spell with some very good football, but struggled when getting into the RCA box. Against the run of play the ball was pushed out to left full back Sean Davies who from inside the Brandon half launched a long ball into the Brandon six yard box; the Brandon keeper seemed to lose the ball in flight and under pressure from Jennings pushed the ball into the net. One for the dubious goal review panel but for me should count as Davies’ first for RCA.

Robert Clarkson entered the fray as a replacement for Sammons on half time.

The second half petered out as Brandon reformed their defence and RCA whilst in control could not break them down.

The wind got up to make playing football more difficult, but Jennings was guilty of a couple of glaring misses and was holding his hands up to his service providers. In particular he will regret the opportunity on 60 minutes of beating two defenders, passing the keeper, but then hitting the shot at an empty target weakly allowing the keeper to recover. Not to be denied though: on 70 minutes some good play down the left resulted in the ball getting crossed to the back post to find Jennings, who fired home to his and the away supporters relief.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 8 March 2008

Again changes were made in the SRCA starting line up with Lee Owens returning from suspension and replacing Andy Middleton, whilst Jonny Newton retuned up front with Ash Davies replacing Adam McGuinness in left midfield. Anth Laidler started in central midfield for Paul Sammons who was unavailable.

In far from ideal weather conditions, SRCA kicked off facing a strong wind and in the early stages it was clear that playing football was going to be difficult on a hard, bumpy pitch. Like Brandon on Wednesday, Darlington RA were showing full commitment in the tackle as both midfields grappled for control. In the eighth and 11th minutes similar moves were played by the RCA midfield when passes were exchanged quickly, but as the final ball was threaded though for Jennings he was pulled up offside. The Darlington RA defence were holding a very high line, which was restricting the midfield area and frustrating RCA as we looked to breakdown the trap. In the 22nd minute a long ball was hit for Newton to chase on to and from 25 yards he hit a strong shot, but this cleared the RA bar by quite a few yards.

RA then put their first real threat together in the 25th minute and when the ball was put into the box, RCA defenders were guilty of leaving the ball for one another and a half chance was shutdown by a clearance from Wayne Henderson.

The game then came to life in the 26th minute, Laidler playing a short ball to Richards in the centre circle who then fed in Owens up the right wing. He sprinted past the full back before firing in a perfect cross to the penalty spot where Andy Jennings planted a firm header over the RA keeper. 1 – 0 and on our way.

Both teams then tightened up further with Darlington RA hitting hopeful balls which, if not running through to Minniss in the RCA goal, were running out for throw ins or goal kicks. A messy period of play resulted in the ref blowing a lot for free kicks and having to calm the players. Laidler for RCA was the first name taken when a yellow card was issued on 40 minutes. The game petered out until halftime with RCA clearly having the edge.

Darlington kicked off the second half and were immediately on the attack, but when a good cross was fired in the attacking number 10 fired over from close in – a warning that the game wasn’t over yet.

RCA quickly responded and had two corners in quick succession and Jennings was unlucky when heading over the bar. Henderson also headed wide during this period.

Andy Middleton came on for Newton on 60 minutes and his extra pace gave more momentum to RCA’s attacking force. On 65 minutes some excellent midfield play resulted in Ash Davies sprinting through with the advancing keeper to beat. As the keeper advance he opted for a chip when the ball could have been squared to Laidler to pop in. The keeper saved and a corner resulted.

After 68 minutes McGuinness came on for Ash Davies. RCA were dominating now and after 70 minutes were camped in the RA box. There were three consecutive corners after saves and clearances with Henderson’s header glancing the bar.

On 75 minutes, though, efforts were rewarded with Richards again firing in a great corner which was glanced home by Jennings: 2 – 0 and game set and match.

RCA were in control until the end with Jennings attempting to find his hat trick on 82 minutes with a spectacular 35 yard half volley effort which had the RA keeper running backwards to cover his goal. The effort was not that far way.

A good day was rounded off with the news coming quickly from our Southern correspondent Les Dodd: both Whickham and Thornaby had lost. The league table makes for interesting reading now.
Arngrove Northern League Division 2.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 15 March 2008

Although a big crowd turn out was expected at Meadow Park on Saturday for this crunch match, kick off approached with only steady numbers arriving through the turnstiles. All could feel the tension however, as it was one of those games that neither side wanted to lose.

SRCA winning the toss opted to kick up the slope with a slight wind facing them. Whickham, hoping to take the slight conditions advantage, were quick out of the stalls and in the early exchanges their centre forward Hay and left-winger Fairless were showing good strength and pace. Paul Stout, making his debut at right back for SRCA, was certainly involved quickly as a lot of the play was coming down the left and he had to make a couple of last ditch tackles. On seven minutes the first time effort from Whickham’s central midfielder King was extremely unlucky, when the ball played quickly to his feet was curled with his left foot towards goal, with the keeper beaten the ball just missed the post, hugging the outside of the net.

Tackles were fast, occasionally furious, as the referee was called into action in quick succession and the visiting supporters found voice. RCA were restricted to playing long balls to Owens on the right- wing, which resulted in the winning of consecutive corners, Jennings heading goalwards on 15 minutes, but the Whickham defence was not to be breached.

Whickham shouted claims for a penalty on 25 minutes, but the referee was having none of it after the linesman was in good viewpoint. After a messy period of play, with both defences on top, the referee stopped the game on the half hour to have words with the Whickham manager who was objecting to many decisions made by the officials, good and bad. Whickham forced consecutive corners again from the left, which appeared to be their main threat.

David Wells, making his debut on the left for RCA, was now involved a lot in our attacking play and after exchanging passes with Ash Davis he beat the offside trap, the keeper was rushing out quickly as he lobbed, but the covering defender made a goal-line clearance – the best chance of the match so far!

From 40 minutes onwards there was action in both goalmouths, good play between Richards and Jennings ended up with Newton getting the ball, but from 22 yards he fired into the keeper’s hands. Whickham broke on 44 minutes when a defensive mix up nearly allowed the Whickham centre forward Hay through. The game was certainly in full life now, but the referee blew for half time: 0-0 with Whickham shading overall forward play.

The second half started similarly to the first, with Whickham again looking to score the opener and on 49 minutes a dangerous cross was fired in from the right, which was cleared but resulted in a Ryhope defender colliding with Minnis in the RCA goal. Anxious glances all round – he was down for approximately five minutes – and no second keeper was on the bench. Fortunately he got up to restart. The play was stretched from end to end with half chances being created and corners at both ends.

Goal machine Andy Jennings rounds the Whickham keeper to open the scoring for
RCA

In the 65th minute came the key moment of the game when Whickham again from the left cut into the RCA penalty box, a weak shot was not dealt with resulting in the ball dropping on the six yard box and when it looked easier to score a last ditch tackle saved the day. The ball fell to left full back, Davis, who wasted no time in getting the ball to Owens who quickly got the ball through to Jennings; he burst through, side stepped the keeper and fired home gleefully with his left foot. 1 –0 and game on.

Livewire Lee Owens takes the other way around the keeper to score RCA's second
and to put us ahead again

Whickham responded quickly after moving the ball up the left and Fairless ran strongly into the box when Stout made a challenge from behind: a clear penalty. King fired home to level the scores.

Gary Shields, who had been brought on a substitute for Newton, was causing many problems for the visitors as the game swung RCA’s way. On 76 minutes Wells and Davis combined again with the ball fired through to Owens who, from the right, pushed the ball wide of the keeper then fired home to make it 2-1. The game was totally going our way now as Shields also got into the same position a few minutes later, but when he hit a good shot from the right, the ball was glanced onto the post by the keeper.

Marskman Gary Shields makes the game safe for RCA from the penalty spot

As Whickham gambled for the equaliser, RCA broke again down the right. After some swift passes the ball was fed to Jennings who beat the offside trap and when moving the ball to his left to hit home he was upended on 93 minutes. Gary Shields picked the ball up for the penalty and made no mistake. 3 – 1, game over and a massive three points for the Red and Whites.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Wednesday, 19 March 2008

Given that for midweek games team sheets have to be in at 6.45 for a 7.30pm kick offs, it was rush time for many at SRCA to get to Marske. Many of the committee, Neil and George, plus players were supporting Gentoo employees who had volunteered to carry out works at our home ground to improve Meadow Park ready for the Northern League inspection later this month.

Fortunately most arrived on time other than Scott Richards who could not get to the ground until 7:20 and was on as substitute. So from Saturday’s line up Anth Laidler replaced him in central midfield whilst Craig Shields returned for Minniss in goal (after a lengthy lay off). Veteran Gary Ventress who last played in goal for the club over three years ago was on the bench as reserve goalkeeper.

Sky TV were in the ground with cameras having previously interviewed League Management and staff about the new proposals to rid bad language from the Northern league. Lively indeed!

And rushing we were straight from kick off, ball pushed to Ash Davies at left back he played a 35 yard pass up the left to David Wells, he ran 10 yards on and fired a terrific ball to the back post. Lee Owens who had raced up the right was there and volleyed unstoppably, keeper getting a hand to, but no chance of saving. The fastest goal I have ever witnessed from SRCA and barely 20 seconds on the clock. 1-0 to us and what a start!

It seemed to unnerve Marske, the team with the best goals against record in the division. However both teams could find no pattern with the home side showing good movement and willing. After five minutes it was they who started gathering momentum and sending balls to the flanks quickly, which resulted in the winning of two early corners. The centre forward Thompson was proving to be a handful as he fired two headers in, one just a metre over the SRCA bar. All the possession was with Marske at this stage, but quite unbelievably on 10 minutes RCA got hold of a loose ball in the centre circle via Laidler who pushed it quickly forward to Jennings; he reverse passed in space to Newton on the right, who ran with the ball about 10 yards before drilling a low 25 yard screamer down to the keeper’s left and into the right corner of the net. Screams from the away crowd, Newton’s debut goal and overcome, he pulled his top off, swung it around his head…and was promptly booked. 2-0 and all our supporters were too excited too care.

The goal lifted Marske though who controlled the game again and for the next 15 minutes they dominated with some fantastic ground football with all round movement. Three corners won and SRCA were defending with true grit. Clearly becoming frustrated with the away defending the Marske centre forward Johnson spoilt his team’s good rhythm by making an off-the-ball challenge on our left full back Ash Davis. The referee approached his linesman and both agreed elbow was raised, debated for two minutes, then the ref raised yellow. Very surprising and the centre forward had been given a let off. SRCA lifted their game and realised that they would have to stand up for themselves. Pushing forward SRCA were improving, but only had one corner as reward for their efforts.

After 35 minutes Marske were making progress again and enjoying possession on both flanks and on 37 minutes, after good play on the left, the ball was hit against the RCA left post with a cracking effort from Thompson. RCA were unnerved and it was no surprise when Marske pulled a goal back on 39 minutes, but the goal was a real soft one to concede. Some good passes on the 18 yard area resulted in the ball been played to Skelton who appeared to take the wrong option in shooting when well marked, however the mishit shot appeared to deceive Craig Shields in goal, who was partially unsighted as the ball squeezed past to make it 2 – 1. Football was restricted until half time as both clubs tackled hard, but were not giving up any territorial advantage.

The second half commenced similar to the way the first ended and the first real chance fell to Jennings who hit an excellent shot from distance, but this cleared the home bar. A couple of corners were won by the away team, but both sides were refusing to give in as the referee commenced blowing for trivialities and the free kick awards going with the home team.

On 65 minutes Neil Hixon showed his hand and brought on Scott Richards and Gary Shields replacing Paul Sammons and Jon Newton. SRCA were lifted with both immediately gaining possession of the ball and exchanging excellent passes down the right side. RCA had three corners in quick succession and Richards was hitting excellent balls, which Marske were scrapping to defend. The improvement in play meant that Lee Owens was finally coming into play and he raced past the left full back with ease. One-way traffic now and RCA looked like a new force. Jennings was also receiving the product of this good play and on 76 minutes played in from the right he beat the full back, looked up at goal but pulled the ball sideways instead of shooting. A great opportunity wasted.

However the game was broken down again with SRCA winning good challenges, but the referee was giving needless free kicks, generally against RCA. Unbelievably Richards, who was now controlling the midfield, got pulled up when winning an excellent 50:50 and was booked. This took the wind out of the RCA sails as no team was now finding any headway. For the next 10 minutes the game was flat and it appeared that there would be only one winner. However in the last five minutes needless fouls were given away giving possession to the Marske team. The clock was ticking, but then in the fourth minute of injury time, Davis gave away a foul close to the bye line on the left. Marske raised the troops forward, then the long ball was hit to the back post, Shields was deceived by the flight and the ball was headed by central defender Taylor, who gleefully planted it over the advanced keeper. 2 –2: a real sucker punch! SRCA kicked off and immediately won a free kick 25 yards from goal. Richards chipped in, Jennings challenged keeper, ball in net – but the ref blows for a foul and then full time.

Football can be kind and cruel. Reminds us that we still have a long hard journey before the season ends.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 22 March 2008

Full photo set

After defender Wayne Henderson failed a fitness test, manager Neil Hixon was again forced into making changes for today’s match at Birtley Town. Paul Stout was switched from the right back roll that he has enjoyed in his first couple of SRCA appearances, to central defence. Anth Laidler who finished the game at Marske in central midfield was switched to right back with captain Scott Richards returning to his normal role in the middle.

Although kicking off in very decent playing conditions, it was not long before the skies darkened and the wind began swirling. The early game pattern was similar to many of our away games this season with strong challenges from both sides and the SRCA midfielders were immediately showing that they were up for the challenge. In fact after 10 minutes it was the result of consecutive good challenges by Sammons that resulted in possession being gained via Richards who fed Lee Owens in down the right. Linking with Jennings corners were forced, the second of which resulted in Jennings heading from distance into the hands of the Birtley keeper. SRCA were growing in confidence and beginning to control the game and half chances fell to Owens and Newton who both shot tamely at the keeper. However after 24 minutes SRCA were not to be denied with good work again down the right resulting in the ball being crossed by Owens to the back post, finding Newton who half volleyed home giving the keeper no chance. 1 – 0 and on the way!

Straight from kick off the skies darkened further and snow was the order of the day. Both sides seem to grit their teeth and the football on display was no longer for the purists. On the half hour, Birtley made their first clear opportunity when the ball was passed between midfielders, then a piercing ball was played through the centre to number seven, Barrie Smith. He raced to the edge of the 18-yard box and pushing the ball a touch too far met the advancing Shields in goal who saved well, pushing the ball sideways for it to be cleared by central defender Stout. Birtley then resorted to playing longer balls, which were dealt with well by centre half Wardle.

On 40 minutes a late tackle on Davis by the Birtley winger went unpunished and the RCA full back went into the book for arguing with the decision. Things were a little frantic up to half time and Manager Hixon was keen to get the players inside to settle.

For the second half Gary Shields took to the pitch as replacement for Newton who had turned his ankle. The away team appeared to have fresh impetus and on 49 minutes Davis found Wells on the left who, running forward, played a swift one two with Shields and found himself running onto goal from the corner of the 18 yard box. Options were available in the middle, but Wells looked at goal and struck an unstoppable shot across the keeper and in off the far post. 2 – 0 and SRCA looking well likely now!

Confidence all over the pitch and all the football from SRCA as both full backs looked to join in and attack the home side. Davis on the left won a corner, Laidler on the right had a mazy run playing one-twos and also winning a corner. Richards was firing the crosses in and the Birtley keeper saving well. On 64 minutes Richards hit a long free kick which nearly deceived the keeper when he had to retreat quickly to palm over the bar. Another goal was likely and this came after 68 minutes. A ball was intercepted from a rare Birtley breakaway by Sammons on the half way line who hit a tremendous ball out to the left where Wells again cut inside and ran on to chip the advancing goalkeeper. 3 – 0 and game over.

On 70 minutes Gary Anderson replaced Wardle at the back, who walked off holding his groin. SRCA were still looking to get forward, this time down the right with Shields putting Owens through who hit a strong shot straight at the keeper. Birtley were becoming frustrated in not getting out of their own half and this showed when the centre half Sherlock attempted a 40 yard effort which was never going to find the net. On 76 minutes Adam McGuiness replaced centre forward Jennings and the same player was quickly involved in the best move of the match when five different SRCA players exchanged passes and advanced culminating with the ball arriving to Owens in the box who shot low, but the keeper smothered.

Birtley who had not done that much in 80 minutes seemed to enjoy their best spell in the last 10 and raised great efforts to pull a goal back. Shields pulled off two outstanding saves in the latter stages and the SRCA rearguard stood strong in defending resulting corners.

The referee blew to end a match in which SRCA showed good strength in readiness for Tuesday’s crucial away game at Ryton.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Tuesday, 25 March 2008

Key changes were required by the SRCA Manager for this vital promotion match with both regular central defenders, Wayne Henderson and Paul Wardle, unavailable. Gary Anderson was brought into central defence for the first time under Neil Hixon’s leadership. Up front Gary Shields passed a very late fitness test and came in to replace Jon Newton who was sidelined through injury.

A crowd in excess of 100 was in attendance as SRCA kicked off and moved the ball around brightly, attacking down the right twice before winning a corner in the fourth minute. Gary Shields headed the Richards’ corner a yard wide at the front post. On the next RCA attack Shields appeared to be through and well onside only to be called back by the referee.

However the early good signs were extinguished quickly as Ryton looked to win possession at all opportunities and their midfield and forward movement began to cause problems in all areas for the SRCA team. Ryton won their first corner on eight minutes and a good header brought keeper Shields into action to push wide of the post. In fact three corners were won by the home team who were showing their intentions and SRCA were defending well. On 12 minutes the ball was cleared from the SRCA box to Laidler who quickly moved the ball to full back Davis who went on an eighty-yard sprint with the ball winning a free kick wide of Ryton’s penalty area.

Respite was short lived though as Ryton again pushed forward from the wasted free kick and in the 16th minute their captain, Forbes, played short one-twos before pushing the ball to forward Burrell, who turned quickly to hit a good shot from 18 yards which went in the corner past Shields: 1 – 0 to the home side.

The game tightened up for a while with the best opportunity coming SRCA’s way in the 25th minute with Lee Owens crossing well from the right by-line onto Jennings’ head which brought Shields into play, but on getting the ball above the keeper, it also sailed well over the Ryton cross bar. If anything this lifted the home team again who dominated with possession before a ball was knocked into the SRCA penalty box. The central defenders appeared to get a call from the keeper, but the indecision allowed Ryton number 10, McBride, to ghost in, spin and hit a terrific connection onto the underside of the crossbar and into the net: 2 – 0!

There was no time for SRCA discussions to take place as Ryton were upping the pace and the second goal appeared to galvanise them. Tackles were fast and furious and then a bullet was fired! Ryton midfielder Steven Shaw picked the ball up just inside the SRCA half, pushed forward and with few choices available, decided to strike the ball from clearly 35 yards. The ball ripped towards the target crashed against the underside of the crossbar and over the line. The celebrations summed up the quality of the strike and it was a real kick in the teeth for all involved with SRCA. 3 – 0 and half time needed quickly. Would there be any way back from this?

The second half could not be as bad as the first! Well Ryton set their stall out and were quickly getting men forward and into the away team’s penalty box, winning consecutive corners. Manager Hixon then replaced Laidler with another central defender, Purcifer, for his debut on 52 minutes. Ryton then won a free-kick very wide right, which was contentious to say the least.

The ball was then drilled in diagonally and low across the pitch to the front of the 18 yard box where the stooping centre forward Walton managed to glance firmly and this flew into the left top corner of the SRCA goal. 4 –0 and things were really hurting now. No time to bolt the doors though, as Ryton, knowing now that it was to be their night, bolted forward again winning a further corner. The corner was fired in and really poor marking allowed defender Parker to head into the net. 55 minutes gone and 5 – 0 down. It was going to be a very long night for SRCA.

On 60 minutes Gary Shields was booked for a late challenge that was no different to a number that had gone before. This brought a stiffer reaction from SRCA, who at last began to stand up for themselves and show more grit. Ryton appeared to be happy with what they were holding and sat back, which allowed SRCA to play. Middleton replaced Owens and McGuinness came on for Wells, as manager Hixon looked to salvage something from the game. A couple of corners were won and there was an unlucky header by Jennings as Ryton defended well. After winning a couple of free kicks, Richards drilled the ball in well, but the home keeper held out ably after glancing efforts.

The referee blew to end SRCA’s misery. It’s still in our hands, but a real tough run in. A top three spot is still achievable, but Ryton will no doubt be looking forward to their visit to Meadow Park in three weeks' time.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 29 March 2008

SRCA welcomed the return of central defenders Paul Wardle and Wayne Henderson for today’s game, whilst Jon Minnis was selected in goal. Defender Paul Stout who was used as a central defender at Ryton in midweek returned to his normal right back role.

In the opening exchanges North Shields started the most brightly and were passing the ball through the midfield to both flanks very impressively. After five minutes SRCA keeper Minnis had to be at his best when the North Shields number 6 hit a great effort at him from 20 yards, which was pushed round for a corner. SRCA responded with Henderson clearing long to find Jennings who glanced a header into the path of Owens who beat the full back, but pushed the ball too close to the North Shields keeper. The game was very open as both sides looked to attack at every opportunity and the home team won corners in quick succession, which were cleared desperately by SRCA. However the first clear-cut chance came to Shields on 11 minutes, who after playing an excellent one-two with Jennings, found himself with the keeper to beat, but opted to side foot, which the keeper smothered comfortably.

On 16 minutes though, SRCA were not to be denied when right back Stout played a 30-yard ball to Jennings who flicked the ball to the right ring. Owens running on beat the left fullback and a cross cum shot was fired across goal, racing in at the back post was Shields who gleefully slotted home: 1 – 0 to SRCA. North Shields were not to be put off though and on 20 minutes were having success up the left, which ended up winning successive corners. On 24 minutes they got the reward for their endeavour, but it was a very soft goal to concede. SCRA after a period of good defending allowed Robertson in to head home with a simple header and no man marking. 1 – 1 and game back on.

North Shields had a good possession period of play with SRCA looking to counter attack. In the 33rd minute the tactics paid off when Owens fed the ball through to Jennings who with back to goal, flicked up, turned and hit a 25 yarder over the advanced keeper. 2 - 1 to SRCA. The home team were rattled now as three minutes later a five man SRCA move ended with the ball at the feet of Owens on the edge of the box who shaped to shoot with his left foot, but then fired a shot in with his right which glanced off Shields, past the keeper who got a hand on it but could only push into the net. 3 – 1 to SRCA.

Minutes later Stout who appeared to pull his hamstring had to be replaced by Laidler. The change did not affect SRCA who were dominating now. The best move of the game involving Wells, Davis, then Jennings who fed Shields down the left before crossing in quickly, found Sammons who raced into the box and fired home. 4 – 1 and game over!

At half time Craig Shields replaced Minnis, who had strained his groin, in goal. He was quickly in action having to save on 50 minutes from a good drive by Dean Lee as North Shields refused to throw in the towel. In fact like the opening stages of the first half Shields were putting impressive moves together with no end product. However SRCA killed the game totally in the 60th minute when impressive play by Jennings fed the ball out to Owens on the right, he played a one-two with Richards before hitting a great cross on to the head of Jennings which flew into the net. 5 – 1 and definitely on our way now.

Newton replaced Gary Shields after 62 minutes and he was involved quickly having two efforts on goal, which the keeper saved well. It was one-way traffic as Jennings, in search of his hat trick, was pushing forward and also testing the keeper. On 74 minutes the inevitable happened when Richards fed Jennings. He turned the last defender, ran on goal and drew the keeper who partially saved before his follow up. Third goal to him and the beaming grin said it all; top of the Division Two scoring charts as well.

Was it all over? Not quite as Jon Newton fired in for seventh heaven on 88 minutes. 7 – 1. Our highest score of the season. Rain streaking down, but smiles all over for the away support.

However there were further twists after 90 minutes when first Dean Lee fired in an excellent free kick over the wall and into the bottom corner. Immediately afterwards a North Shields attack won a corner and somehow this was also turned into the net by Hitfell. 7 – 3 and a real strange scoreline! The referee then blew the whistle. Phew!!

But up to 4th now in the league and all supporters of SRCA are not complaining. Real test ahead. Can we still get into that top 3 position?

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 5 April 2008

RCA captain Scott Richards shields the ball in midfield

Conditions were cold and blustery as RCA prepared to start this vital game aganst a Team Northumbria side who had thumped Whickham the previous week, despite being destined to finish second bottom of the league this season.

Manager Neil Hixon made three changes to his starting line up, resting Paul Sammons and his troublesome ankle problem, by bringing Anth Laidler into the midfield slot, and replacing the injured Paul Stout with stalwart Gary Anderson, while Craig Shields returned in goal for Jon Minniss.

Ash Davis carries the ball foward for RCA!

Team Northumbria started brightly, and the first incident of note saw them denied what looked like a good penalty appeal in the third minute as their striker was tumbled off the ball. RCA replied with a good Lee Owens effort which was smartly saved and as the game settled Owens flashed a cross over without a RCA player being able to make contact. Andrew Jennings was troubling the Northumbria back four with his power in the air, but RCA were unable to profit from his good flicks. After 23 minutes however Jennings was responsible for one of the misses of the season as he rounded the keeper and then hit the bar from three yards out.

RCA's Anth Laidler battles for the ball

RCA were now well on top but struggling to make it count, with Gary Shields breaking clear of the defence and firing wide, while Team Northumbria always played enterprising football on the break. After 37 minutes David Wells just failed to connect with a ball across goal from Lee Owens, and that was followed by Team Northumbria's best spell to date, as they kept RCA under pressure for several minutes, culminating in a free kick from the right which caused chaos in the box and brought two smart stops from Craig Shields in the RCA goal in the resulting scramble. RCA had the last word of the half however, taking the lead as David Wells finished his own good run with an excellent finish from a tight angle. 1-0 at the break.

David Wells opens the scoring for RCA

The second period started slowly with little goalmouth action, but Team North pressing, and after 56 minutes Hixon replaced David Wells with Adam McGuinness. The game continued to be scrappy and the RCA fans were nervous at the slim lead, particularly so when Team North winger John Redhead ran well and shot narrowly wide. RCA roused themselves and should have extended their lead when Scott Richards followed in a free kick and struck the bar from six yards. Jon Newton replaced Gary Shields for the last 20, and a Scott Richards free kick produced a scramble as RCA finally mounted some pressure.

Andy Middleton mounts an attack on the Team Northumbria goal

Andy Middleton joined the fray replacing Lee Owens, and the game was finally secured as Andy Jennings ran menacingly into the box and, although he shot weakly, the hapless Team North defender could only help the ball over the line. 2-0 after 77 minutes.

The game was clearly over now, and Jennings put the icing on the cake, and strengthened his charge for the second division goalscorers crown, with a run across the edge of the box and a fine finish to make the scoreline 3-0 in the 84th minute. Not a pretty game in fairly miserable conditions, and Team Northumbria certainly made RCA work hard, but a win is what matters now and the points are on the board. Three to go!

Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup - Quarter-Final

Tuesday, 8 April 2008

A classic cup tie in Cumbria as RCA came back with two late goals to snatch a tremendous 4-3 victory.

Manager Neil Hixon rang the changes in light of the tough games coming up, with Andy Middleton coming in for a start wide right, Adam McGuiness wide left and Andy Jennings, Paul Sammons and Lee Owens starting on the bench, Gary Shields and Jon Newton brought pace and control up front and Steve Purcifer started the game at centre half for the cup tied Paul Wardle.

RCA began brightly on a cool clear night, but Penrith had the best of the early chances with a header and shot in the first five minutes before Anth Laidler, who grafted ferociously in midfield all night, shot over from a free kick, followed by a dangerous cross shot from Andy Middleton, and a good effort from Gaz Shields as RCA showed they meant business and settled to their work.

It was no surprise therefore when RCA took the lead in the 20th minute with a quality finish by Shields from a Scott Richards free kick. Penrith were stung into action and began to press, but keeper Craig Shields and his defenders will think they should have done better as the hosts turned the game upside down with two goals in three minutes, both back post headers which should have been dealt with in the 29th and 32nd minutes.

RCA were rattled by this, and Penrith dominated from then to the break with only a Scott Richards free kick, which flew over, coming back from RCA.

2-1 to Penrith at half time.

Hixon had obviously had words as RCA came out strong for the second half, and it was no surprise when the referee gave a 50th minute penalty for a blatant block on Jon Newton after a superb Ash Davis run from deep. Gaz Shields, who was excellent all night, was never going to miss, despite the antics of the Penrith coach, making a fool of himself behind the goal. Absolutely disgraceful.

2-2 and game on.

This was now a cracking cup tie with both sides wanting to win without the dreaded extra time or penalties. End to end stuff, and then a bizarre goal as Craig Shields was deceived by the softest of shots from a Penrith striker, and could only watch as it trundled into the net. 3-2 to Penrith on the hour, and looking bleak for RCA.

Neil Hixon had made a double change just before this bringing on Paul Sammons and Glen McCartney for the injured Scott Richards and Steve Purcifer, and now he went for broke, bringing Andy Jennings into the fray for Jon Newton and going with three up front, with Adam McGuinness joining Jennings and Shields. RCA were now the stronger but could not break through, despite surging runs from Ash Davis getting forward as well in support of the front men, who were now well on top of the home defenders.

The game was now frantic until, with 10 minutes to go, Andy Jennings showed what he is all about with a superb turn, run and shot from the edge of the box which gave the home keeper no chance, 3-3. RCA tails were up now and the winner came in the 88th minute, as Adam McGuiness challenged for a high ball punted forward, and as it broke into the box the keeper was wrong footed and Paul Sammons sprinted forward to gleefully run it into the net from three yards. The referee played five minutes of added time, and the ball was rarely out of the RCA penalty area during it, but the lads were resolute and held on for a famous win, and our first semi-final for many a year!

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Tuesday, 15 April 2008

SRCA supporters have waited a long time for nights like this. Actually in with a chance in the promotion frame, going into the last week of the season, it was important to arrive early at Filtrona Park for this one. At kick off there were over 300 supporters already in the ground, the atmosphere was cutting as the players took to the field. A game with that little bit extra with Shields having former RCA forwards, crowd favourite Jonny Wightman, who once scored seven goals in a league match for RCA, in their line up as well as Willie Crew on the bench.

Immediately from kick off on a very wet and heavy surface, strong challenges were made from the opposition central midfield players, Richards and Sammons for SRCA showing they were up for the task in hand. In the third minute Richards won the ball and moved it quickly to the left where Wells fired in quickly to Jennings who tested the keeper with a half chance. If the opening was anything to go by RCA were definitely up for this, but South Shields also showed their quality in the sixth minute when consecutive passes allowed space for full back Craig Russell (former Sunderland AFC star) who drilled an excellent ball from the left to the back post which skimmed over the onrushing forwards. Minutes later Wells for RCA found more space on the left and hit a decent effort at goal from 25 yards, but the home keeper was untroubled. South Shields responded in the 11th minute winning a corner which was well cleared by Wardle on the penalty spot. RCA were then enjoying a lot of room down the right , with Owens, Gary Shields and Stout linking well. The good passing resulted in Shields having a half volley effort on goal on 12 minutes..

Then a cracking move from the away team allowed room for Owens on the right; dummying the defender he cut inside and disguising a cross he then fired at the target with a left foot effort from 25 yards that the keeper was pleased to see move past his right post. Immediately after the same player was in again with a good cross that found Jenning’s head, but he could not make good contact towards the goal. On 18 minutes RCA with their second corner of the game again created half chances for Wells and Jennings, but again no end product.

On 26 minutes RCA conceded a free kick in a dangerous area 30 yards from goal. After possibly taking the wrong option in floating the ball towards the penalty spot, the ball was cleared back to the same South Shields midfielder who had a good effort from the same distance, but this cleared the bar by a couple of yards. Play was end to end now with one corner for either side, but on 35 minutes Wells intercepted on a Shields attack, raced through and again tested the keeper who held well. Davies for RCA also attacked down the left and his good run resulted in a further corner. Henderson had a header towards the home goal before Jennings and Wells again could not get good contact on. Half time: 0 – 0 an excellent game to watch, defences strong but a half definitely edged by SRCA.

The second half started as lively as the first with RCA winning a corner and Richards again testing the keeper. On 49 minutes however Jennings was booked on the half way line after a tackle with the central defender. For the next few minutes RCA were in disarray as a good midfield move from the home side ended up with the ball fed to centre forward Johnson who raced through with keeper to beat, hit a good effort that was very well saved by Minnis when pushed for a corner.

On 60 minutes Jon Newton replaced Gary Shields up front and immediately after Scot Richards was booked in a spell where the referee lost his way a little. A couple of decisions in favour of the home side caused upset and it was the home side who took the game forward. Indecision in the RCA defence, who up until this time had looked very solid, allowed South Shields in via Wightman and Johnson who were blocked with last ditch tackles.

Given that a drawn result was no good to RCA, manager Hixon brought McGuiness on for Wells on 68 minutes in search of the opening goal. The plan nearly worked with Newton benefiting from good work on the left and finding room on the right he had a clear sight of goal, but screwed his shot across the face of the goal. On 70 minutes disaster happened when a hopeful clearance deceived Wardle who had been solid all night, the ball fell to the dangerous Mark Johnson who cut into the box and fired past Innis in goal. 1 – 0 and a feeling of hurt for the RCA.

RCA had further chances with Newton and Jennings again having efforts at goal, but it was clear that this was not to be our night. All out attack nearly backfired as South Shields were coping well in defence and nearly caught RCA out again in the closing minutes.

The referee blew the whistle and promotion celebrations at the end for Shields supporters with a bitter pill to swallow for all involved with SRCA. Must lift ourselves again though as promotion is still in our hands with two games to go, together with a semi final tie against Shields to come at Meadow Park. Hopefully the crowd will be is as big, then a lively night is ahead of us. Book your ticket now!

But up to fourth now in the league and all supporters of SRCA are not complaining. Real test ahead … can we get into that top three position?

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 19 April 2008

There was bitter disappointment for RCA today as all hopes of promotion went with a single goal defeat to rivals Ryton. To be fair the scoreline flattered RCA as Ryton were the better side throughout the game, as many RCA players failed to raise their game against determined opponents in good form.

Our bad run has come at just the wrong time, when we had no room to spare. Ryton started the game playing up the hill and with a good contingent of their supporters in the crowd. The early exchanges were fairly even, but Ryton soon began to get on top, and it was no surprise when they took the lead after 25 minutes, but with what was a very sloppy goal.

A bad clearance from keeper Minniss, who struggled badly with his distribution all game, was followed by loose passing in midfield and led to RCA giving the ball away in their own half as a Ryton player sprinted forward. He still looked second favourite to get to the ball but fatal hesitation from Jon Minniss in the RCA goal let Ryton's Liam McBryde in for a simple finish.

This stung RCA and we pressed a little, but Ryton always looked the stronger side, and the home team faced a mountain at the break, needing a win to stay alive.

The second half followed the pattern of the first with Ryton always the sharper side, and it looked like being a terminal blow when Sunderland RCA skipper Scott Richards was sent off in the 60th minute as a Ryton player made a meal of minimal contact.

Strangely the dismissal had the opposite effect as RCA came more into the game with ten men, possibly as Ryton realised how close they were to their promotion goal. Even so it looked too little too late when RCA were awarded a penalty in the 88th minute, but matters were settled when the usually deadly Gary Shields slid the spot kick wide.

On the final whistle the Ryton players and fans celebrated as RCA faced up to at least another year in the second flight.

Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup - Semi Final

Tuesday, 22 April 2008

Sunderland RCA faced South Shields for the second time in a week, looking for revenge for last Tuesday's narrow defeat which saw Shields confirm their promotion. Following our failure to try and do the same on Saturday with a poor show against Ryton, Neil shuffled his pack a little and brought in Jon Newton up front to partner Andy Jennings, with Gary Shields in a free role. Andy Middleton also started on the right, and Glen McCartney replaced the cuptied Paul Wardle.

The game started very evenly with Shields maybe settling the better, until after 10 minutes Andy Jennings just failed to connect with a floated cross from Jon Newton. Jennings then fired over from 18 yards, synchronistically after 18 minutes. A tough territorial battle ensued until RCA broke the deadlock as Andy Middleton, relishing his chance, deftly played in Jon Newton who calmly slotted home on 27 minutes. South Shields were rattled and were quickly on the attack, with Craig Shields bringing off a fine save from Michael Rodenby.

RCA went close as Newton again had the keeper in action, then in the 32nd minute Gary Shields jinked into the box and crossed for Jennings to power home a header. RCA began to play with freedom and made it three in 39 minutes as Jon Newton got his second with a close range header. 3-0 to RCA at the break.

The second half began like the first, lots of industry, but few chances, until in the 62nd minute, Jon Newton completed an excellent hat trick, placing the ball into the corner from 12 yards, afeter being set up by Ash Davis - game over.

The large away support were deflated and contented themselves with good humoured abuse of the officials, while the RCA faithful looked forward to the club's first cup final since 1981 in the Northern Alliance, happy days!

South Shields restored some pride with a goal from substitute Dean Patton close to the end, but it was RCA who were looking forward to a Bank Holiday Monday morning date with Esh Winning at Ryton. They won't forget old Ernie!

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Crook Town 0 Sunderland RCA 2

Saturday, 26 April 2008

Sunderland RCA signed off the 2007/08 league season with a competent performance against Crook Town up at the historic Millfield ground. Jon Newton again partnered Andy Jennings up front, as Andy went head to head with Crook Town No 10, Darren Kokes for the Second Division goalscorer's crown. With both players on 24 goals for the season today's individual performance would decide the trophy. At the back Paul Wardle returned in place of the injured Paul Stout.

ANL DIvision 2 leading goal scorer Andy Jennings slots home RCA's opener after being played in by Jon Newton (left)

The game started with an early goal as Jon Newton unselfishly rolled the ball across the goal line in the second minute for Andy Jennings to take the lead in his personal battle, 1-0 to RCA. Crook looked lively and fought back from this early setback with plenty of work in midfield but few real opportunities came their way. One dangerous effort went past the post with Craig Shields watching, while at the other end Paul Sammons came close after a good move.

Ash Davis on one of his trademark attacks down the left

On the half hour Jon Newton had the ball in the net for RCA, but the liner pulled it back for a marginal offside. 1-0 to RCA at the break, and we would need to hold that lead to keep our fourth place finish in the league.

Andy Jennings challenges with the Crook keeper

For the second half Neil replaced Jon Newton and Paul Wardle with Adam McGuinness and Gary Anderson, being cautious with slight knocks in light of next week's cup final.

Jon Newton leads an RCA attack

Crook came out fighting, and a great block from Wayne Henderson was needed to avert an early equaliser. Around the hour David Wells came on for Gary Shields and a moment later Adam McGuiness was booked for a foul, although at this point most spectator interest was being taken by an irate Crook spectator launching a tirade of abuse against RCA captain Scott Richards, a personal matter it seems.

Adam McGuiness attacks down the left in the second half.

On 64 minutes Adam McGuiness went to the goal line and crossed for David Wells to go close, and as play went back and forth Jennings made the game safe with an excellent run and shot; 2-0 and his 26th goal of the season, in the 78th minute.

Andy Jennings breaks through the Crook defence.

The game finished with a flurry of efforts by both sides, but no addition to the scoreline. Fourth place for RCA, and the best season since our relegation from the top flight in 1988. Next season?

Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup Final

Monday, 5 May 2008

RCA's season ended with another big disappointment as we lost fairly tamely in the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup Final at Ryton on Bank Holiday Monday. It was a lovely day and Ozo's bus load of the Ryhope faithful turned up to cheer the lads on, but it was not to be. Hicker had a few problems naming a side, with Paul Wardle cup tied, Andy Middleton off to Hawaii and Lee Bell heading for Poland, while on the morning of the match Glen McCartney reported sick. So it was a thin bench but a reasonably strong first eleven, with Gary Shields slotting into right wing back.

RCA started brightly enough, with decent pressure and a couple of corners in the first ten minutes and half chances for Jon Newton and Andy Jennings, before Esh showed for the first time after ten minutes with a sharp header from a corner which Craig Shields gathered well.

Paul Stout was having a bit of trouble with the Esh wide left man, Chris Smith, and it was Smith who opened the scoring after 17 minutes with a great strike from wide which curled past Shieldsy into the goal, 1-0.

Esh grew in confidence with the goal as RCA, despite having plenty of possession struggled to create real chances. A Gary Shields effort close to the half hour mark was better, and lead to a series of corners from which Wayne Henderson finally blasted over, but all the time Esh looked lively with the ball. Coming up to the break Gary Shields stole the ball in midfield and made a great run and cross, which Jennings couldn't reach, and it seemed as if we were finally coming to life. Lets get to the break at just 1-0 and see how the second half goes. Right on the stroke of half time however Esh made it 2-0 with a fine goal from Craig Coates, a real killer as the Ref immediately blew for half time.

We desperately needed to start the second half well, and we did, with Andy Jennings shooting wide, then heading a great chance straight at the keeper from a Scott Richards free kick.

And that sadly was that, Esh broke immediately, Wayne brought a striker down, the Ref gives the pen, and i'ts 3-0 after 51 minutes, game over.

The game wandered from now to its end, David Wells came on for Stout and did well with some sharp passing and movement, Ash Davis got himself sent off for a rash stamp on an opponent, and Jennings had a number of attempts which didn't trouble the keeper. Esh knew the game was won and saw it through with few alarms for a deserved victory in which they took their chances and worked hard.

Well done to Esh Winning, off we go for the summer, before coming back to make next year a year of achievement, not nearly boys next time!

Pre-season friendly

Saturday, 19 July 2008

Roy Keane says there's no such thing as a friendly match. RCA would beg to differ as our generosity knew few bounds as we gifted Nissan five goals - the best goal of the game came from RCA - Rasher (Keith Graydon) hitting a screamer from nearly 30 yards into the top right corner - but that was the only consoltaion. Nobody's going to thank me for these match pictures. As for Neil's and George's comments: they are probably not repeatable here!

Alan Thompson Memorial Cup

Thursday, 24 July 2008

Keith Graydon (RCA captain), Lisa Thompson, Maureen Thompson, Robert Dixon (Ryhope CW captain)and Mark Thompson with the Alan Thompson Memorial Cup

Rain and a water-logged pitch had led to the postponement of this year's Alan Thompson memoriual cup match between local rivals Sunderland RCA and Ryhope Colliery Welfare. Last night's match lit up the sea fret gloom as both sides provided a competitive match with entertaining football.

After a goalless first half of few clear opportunities for either side, RCA took the lead early in the second period through a fine Adam McGuiness shot from the edge of the area. This goal was quickly followed by a double from new signing Paul Taylor.

The CW replied with a goal from Mark Turnbull.

This was another good work out for RCA, as new formations are tried and new players get used to each other. With three more friendlies to play - two against First Division Ryton and Dunston Fed - RCA will hope to be firing on all cylinders by the time we kick off the Northern League season on 9 Agust, away to Prudhoe.

Pre-season friendly

Saturday, 26 July 2008

Granted: Ryton's ground has hardly made for happy hunting for RCA of late and this is no weather for football, but this was a dispiriting performance that needs getting out of our systems ASAP. All credit though to Ryton who looked good during many parts of this match. It looks like they will more than hold their own in their first season in Division 1.

Ill-fortune saw us concede early on as the ball deflected off Wayne Henderson's shoulder to loop over stranded keeper Craig Shields, but as Ryton went 3 - 0 up with 30 minutes they dominated with slick and incisive passing and running.

Things tightened up after half-time, but there was little incisiveness in our attack. All credit to Jon Newton for some strong running, but he'll be kicking himself for not finishing off two of his chances.

Although it was good to see Paul Sammons come on for his first action of the season, we're also more than a bit concerned by early season knocks to Andy Jennings and Gary Shields, who did not play on Saturday.

Match photos

Jon Newton rounds the Ryton keeper, but does not find the net

Strong tackling from RCA's right back

An effective clearance

This Ryton effort hit the bar

Pre-season friendly

Thursday, 31 July 2008

Jolly Potter FC, from the Wearside Combination League Premier Division were last night's guests at Meadow Park. The hosts were mean and the visitors generous as the difference in status was clear across the park and throughout the match. That said, the Jolly Potters were a great set of lads who got on with their football in a good competitive spirit with no moaning. All credit to them and best wishes for the season. There was a particularly good performance from ex-RCA Under -18, Lloyd Conlin, playing number seven in midfield.

Gary Shields opened the scoring on three minutes - it should have been earlier - and made it two on 10 minutes by converting a cross from the left. On 26 minutes Gary completed his hat trick, heading in from a left wing cross, which had followed a nice set of midfield passes. Four minutes into the second half and he scored his fourth, receiving the ball in the six-yard box, taking a few showboat steps and passing the ball into the net from virtually the goal line. By this time RCA were five - nil up, the Jolly Potter having conceded an own goal on nine minutes from a right-wing Andy Middleton cross.

Manager Neil Hixon used the match to give many players a run out. This was Paul Sammons first full start of the pre-season, playing alongside Keith Graydon in central midfield, alongside Andy Middleton and Adam McGuiness out wide. It was good to see Paul come through the match feeling good. Glenn Moan at right back always looked cool, classy and in control. Ash Davis was back from his holidays and showed off his pace and power before cramp set in. Sean Davies played well at centre half.

On seventy five minutes new signing Anth Holmes made it six - nil and three minutes later up popped Dean Goodwin to volley home powerfully to make it seven up. After injury, this was Dean's first run out and it was good to see his powerful midfield drive on show again at Meadow Park.

Pre-season friendly

Saturday, 2 August 2008

Please click here for some photos from the match.

Another disappointing result in a Saturday friendly away to Dunston Fed, but a good work out with several positives in what was a fast and well-contested game.

The Fed were playing their eigth pre season game and looked well advanced in their preparation. Holidays and other absences meant Hicker went with a 4 4 2 formation featuring Henderson and Davies at centre back, Davis and Moan at full back, Graydon and Arkley in centre midfield with Middleton and Casson wide, and Taylor and Shields up front.

Goals from Harkin and Hedley had the Fed in front within the first twenty minutes and in truth it could have been more by half time as we struggled to get to grips with the pace and passing of the Fed front men. Nonetheless there were some signs of good control and the beginnings of some understandings between partnerships around the pitch.

The second half saw more quality play from RCA, although from the hour onwards a lot of substitutions and positional changes, from both sides, inevitably broke the flow of the game. Jon Newton missed a good chance for RCA, and Ash Davies moved forward and had several chances, and made a number of strong runs.

Youngsters Josh Watson and Lloyd Conlin impressed when they got on, as did a young triallist who showed real quality in a twenty-minute stint at full back. No names till he signs!

skilltraining Northern League

Saturday, 9 August 2008

Nothing like a good win to put a spring in your step!

The Forum has been pretty lively with differing views on Saturday's 4 - 0 win over Prudhoe Town. For those of us who were at this fixture last season, when we got beat 3 - 2, with our goals coming from a penalty and a bit of good fortune, this result and the performance will be taken as a mark of just how far - and that's very far - we have come under the leadership of Neil and George. In the first half we were dominant and in the second totally dominant. Granted: Prudhoe were not good and they were down to ten men shortly into the second half, but you can only play what's in front of you. This was a very solid and encouraging performance. We look like a well-balanced team. The frustration for everyone from RCA on Saturday was that we did not score more. It's not an exaggeration to say that we could have got into double-figures.

Quite a few of the squad will be disappointed not to have been selected. That's a mark of just how difficult selection is. We have a strong squad with competition for places running high.

Prudhoe kicked off and were quickly attacking down their right, forcing RCA wing back Adam McGuiness to clear. From the Prudhoe throw in the cross was held by Craig Shields for his first touch of the match.

On eight minutes new signing and captain, Keith Graydon, aka 'Rasher', had a shot blocked following good work on the right from Paul Taylor. Two minutes later and Rasher was in action again with a free kick into the box, but the referee blew against RCA. On 14 minutes, it was the captain again, this time putting in a cross to Andy Jennings, who headed on, only for Paul Taylor's shot to go wide. A minute later Andy Jennings was through on goal, but carried the ball too far. 'Pull the trigger Andy' was the shout from the back.

In between these RCA attacks the defence had looked reasonably solid. Glenn Moan in particular, who was at the centre of the three man defence, was getting in good headed clearances and showing strong leadership and organisation.

On 25 minutes Paul Sammons slid a great ball though to Paul Taylor to run through on goal. The ball was cleared in desperation and both Paul Taylor and the Prudhoe number 5 needed treatment following the clash.

In the 29th minute Prudhoe found it too easy to attack down their left and RCA keeper Craig Shields could only parry the shot for Adam McGuiness to clear.

Ryhope CW old boy Richie Jordan, who had a very good RCA debut, very nearly opened the scoring for RCA, but his shot from the right edge of the penalty area was pushed over for a corner, which the keeper gathered.

On 37 minutes Paul Taylor beat the keeper, but also the far post with this cross shot. Minutes later, he was through on the keeper only to be brought down just outside the area by a chasing Prudhoe defender. While no one likes to see a red card, this looked like a 'rules-is-rules' moment, but the referee held up a yellow. The free kick went just wide.

At half time it was 0 - 0. RCA frustration, Prudhoe relief.

There were no changes for the away side as RCA kicked off the second half playing into the wind. On 50 minutes RCA's domination was beginning to become evident. A good shot from Keith Graydon was turned around for a corner, which Prudhoe cleared for another corner from which Paul Taylor shot over.

On 55 minutes the big man broke the deadlock. Andy Jennings ran from the left to shoot strongly across the Prudhoe keeper to score in the far corner. A text book finish.

Two minutes later Paul Taylor put in a strong run and cross from the left which was cleared for yet another RCA corner. That was Paul's last action of the match as he was replaced by Gary Shields.

On 60 minutes Prudhoe went down to ten men following a second yellow card.

RCA were becoming more and more dominant. Prudhoe could not cope with Gary Shields' powerful, fast and incisive wing play down both flanks. Dynamic or what?

On 65 minutes the second of successive corners was turned in powerfully by defender Andrew Bowes from the edge of the six yard box.

It was nearly three-nil a minute later as an Andy Jennings header found the side netting. At this point Anth Laidler came on for Paul Sammons in central midfield.

On eighty minutes great work from Gary Shields put Keith Graydon in and he looked as though he must score. Desperate defending saw the ball beak to Andy Jennings, who made no mistake.

On 90 minutes it was four-nil. Andy Jennings ran through and, as the keeper came out, unselfishly passed to Keith Graydon who scored emphatically into an empty net. Well done Rasher, after all your efforts you deserved that one.

A good, solid start with a score line that's not at all flattering. It will no doubt be a stronger test against Hebburn, but there is no question that everyone will be up for it. See you there.

The FA Cup

Saturday, 16 August 2008

A massive disappointment as we go out of the FA Cup before I have even had me holidays!

A lot of excitement as usual because it is the Cup and it was a bright and breezy day as we made the trip to Blue Flames Sports Ground to play West Allotment. A great pitch, but not a proper football ground, with wide open spaces all around, and a cricket match on view over the open fence.

Hicker made two changes to the team before he went off scouting in Europe, Shieldsy returned in place of Paul Taylor up front, and Buddy Halliday was preferred to Paul Sammons in midfield.

The game started in front of a decent enough crowd, and for the first 15 minutes was fairly untidy, as both sides tried to settle, and with little in the way of goal mouth action. Having said that, Andy Jennings had the ball in the net after 12 minutes from a good Gary Shields cross, only for it to be disallowed for what looked like offside, which might have been harsh. As the game wore on we started to find our feet a little and began to have most of the ball, knocking it about nicely in midfield, finding Shieldsy down the wings regularly, but not showing too much penetration.

West were hard working but not having much joy, with their main tactic seeming to be to try and turn the defenders with long balls and rely on their strikers pace.

After 26 minutes we took the lead, as Keith Graydon found Andy Jennings with a great ball and the big fella ran well into the box and finished smartly. Graydon's passing had started to look very dangerous and this looked like a fair reward. But disastrously we switched off and virtually from the kick off a long hopeful cross found a man unmarked on the six-yard box to head home. 1 -1, and we were sick. Both sides were livened up by the goals and the rest of the half saw half chances at either end, with defenders Glen Moan and Andy Bowes both getting up well for headers from corners.

We started the second half well and pressed hard for the first 15 minutes. A short corner from Graydon leading to panic in the box, Jennings challenged the keeper for a couple of other crosses from Richie Jordan and it looked like we were bound to get something from the game. Gradually however West Allotment started to increase in confidence, and had their purple patch around the 70 minute mark.

They pressed us hard, had a couple of efforts and then scored the winner when a speculative shot from wide left came off the bar and the centre forward bundled home the rebound from a few yards out. They then missed a great chance to settle things completely when a cross was begging to be converted. George Herd made a rash of substitutions, going for three up front as we chased the game. Graydon shot well, Bowes again went close from a corner, we pressed but couldn't find a way though, and that was that, as the ref brought things to a close, and left us to think what might have been. On another day we would have won it or got them back to our place, but we looked short of games and ran out of steam.

skilltraining Northern League

Saturday, 23 August 2008

Sunderland RCA enjoyed a romp at Ralph Gardner Park as they swamped a young, but game North Shields side 8-0.

From the off RCA were always in control with our midfield trio dominant. Within the opening 10 minutes Rash Graydon hit the bar with a chip, Anth Laidler was clean into the box but couldn't get his cross in, Rash had a free kick tipped round the post, Buddy Halliday shot over the bar, and Rash hit another free kick narrowly over.

It was no surprise then when we opened the scoring in the 22nd minutes as Gaz Shields pounced on the rebound as the Robins' keeper saved from Buddy Halliday. Within two minutes Andy Jennings added the second from a Paul Sammons cross, and when constant pressure led to a third from a Sean Davies low 20 yarder in the 28th minute, the game was effectively over.

And it was all over a few minutes later as the North Shields centre half and player manager Paul Hogg lost his rag, nutted Rash, and was promptly sent off.

A good move saw Gaz get his second in the 34th minute from an Andy Jennings cross, and it was five at the break as Jennings turned well on a Wayne Henderson pass and slotted past the keeper.

The second half was understandably low key, goals from Gaz Shields, Paul Sammons and Paul Taylor, subbing for Jennings, in the 60th, 66th and 78th minutes saw us reach eight, but in truth it could have been many more, although North Shields managed to have one disallowed before the ref brought it to an end.

So two clean sheets in the league and a positive goal balance of 12; not bad, but surely Horden will prove tougher opponents on Monday?

skilltraining Northern League

Monday, 25 August 2008

It really has been a Jekyll and Hyde holiday weekend for Sunderland RCA. This was a horror story. All credit to Horden CW as they showed us how to play the game and why they are fancied to make a strong challenge for promotion this season.

The start of the match was not so bad, with RCA playing down the pitch and with a favourable strong cross wind. On two minutes Paul Sammons won a corner, which was cleared. Five minutes later and a good cross field ball from Keith Graydon put Paul Taylor through wide on the right, but his cross was cleared. On 11 minutes, Andy Rafferty, the very tall Horden keeper, fluffed a cross to concede a corner. On 18 minutes a ball out of the RCA defence to the left wing was collected brilliantly by Anth Laidler who ran through to cross strongly.

On 24 minutes Horden attacked down their left and were allowed to progress into the RCA area where the outstanding Ian Clark shot across the RCA keeper Craig Shields to make it 1 - 0.

On 31 minutes we handed Horden a further advantage when striker Paul Taylor saw a straight red for a two-footed tackle that connected painfully with a Horden player.

On 35 minutes an RCA free kick flew off the Horden wall for a corner, but this was cleared.

On 37 minutes a double save from Craig Shields stopped Horden going 2 - 0 up. Just before half time Stephen Thomas scored Horden's second after he was allowed far too much time and space in front of goal.

On 50 minutes a back pass from Steve Halliday played in the chasing Horden forward who shot wide of the inside post when a cross shot seemed the more sensible option. Horden did not have to wait long to go three up, with an excellent shot across the keeper and into the far corner by Darren Atkinson.

On 66 minutes Horden substitute Craig Hubbard made it four nil with a stunning shot from outside the area which flew past the RCA keeper. Five minutes later and Michael Ford went nap for Horden following poor defensive play.

The pain was not over for RCA as Wayne Henderson suffered an injury which meant he had to leave the field. For the last 10 minutes of the match RCA were down to nine men having already used their three substitutes. Keith Graydon moved to centre half.

In the ninetieth minute RCA were saved by the post from being knocked for six as the Horden forward was clear through.

Painful stuff, but the rude awakening we clearly needed.

skilltraining Northern League

Saturday, 30 August 2008

A highly disputed goal separated Hebburn and Sunderland RCA at the end of the match, but in truth this was another frustrating display by the visitors.

RCA got off to a flyer. Andy Jennings knocked a long ball down to Paul Sammons who worked hard on the right to deliver a perfect cross for Gary Shields to knock the ball past the Hebburn keeper. 1 - 0 up before a minute had gone. This gave us some confidence and we were comfortable for the first 20 minutes, with new signing Neil Moan heading goal ward on seven minutes only for the referee to pull pull up for pushing and Paul Sammons putting the ball in the back of the Hebburn net, but again the referee had blown for a push.

On 28 minutes a cross from the left saw a good challenge form Andy Jennings and the ball feel to Paul Sammons again, but his shot went wide.

By this time Hebburn had worked their way back into the match and on 33 minutes a left wing cross fell to Stephen Rutherford who shot across Craig Shields to equalise.

On 40 minutes we gave the ball away badly in midfield and Hebburn ran through. The shot on goal was parried, but then ran to a Hebburn forward who looked clearly to be in an offside position, with the linesman in a good position, but the flag did not come up. There was much protest from the RCA players and after the match they were adamant that this was a clear off-side.

After the break RCA made strong efforts to get back on terms. Strong running and a cross from Gary Shields led to a clearance for a corner. on 50 minutes Ritchie Jordan snatched at a shot to fire just wide of the inside post. On 58 minutes a strong run from Andy Middleton, who had come on for Paul Sammons, led to the ball falling to Sean Davies, who shot powerfully, but just over.

0n 65 minutes Hebburn extended their lead with a free header from a right wing corner to make it 3 - 1 to the home side. RCA's response was to use our last substitution bringing on Paul Taylor for Anth Laidler.

Determination and strong running from substitute Dean Goodwin was beginning to drive RCA forward and on 72 minutes Dean was on hand in the box to hook in from a Sean Davies cross. On 80 minutes a snap shot from rom Paul Taylor was pushed around the post.

Hopes of a come back looked to be completely dashed when Hebburn hit their fourth, with RCA's attacking leaving them too exposed at the back.

On 87 minutes Dean Goodwin popped up again to make it 4 - 3, but it was not enough.

skilltraining Northern League

Tuesday, 9 September 2008

RCA put on a battling display, especially after going down to ten men, but Esh will think that they should have got three points from this match.

Esh Winning kicked off the match kicking up the slope and after ten minutes they had the balance of play with some strong crossing from both left and right wings keeping the RCA defence on its toes. The number 11 Michael Fort was particularly incisive. On 13 minutes though the home side nearly took the lead when Lee Owens stole the ball and ran through to chip over the keeper and shave the post. The ball came back in to Andy Jennings who headed strongly towards goal but the keeper gathered.

The RCA keeper Jon Minniss was in action two minutes later when Chris Smith curled a 25 yard Esh free kick round the wall. The on target shot was smothered by the keeper and then held.

On 25 minutes new RCA right back, Patrick Little suffered a bad injury and had to leave the field. Dave Anderson came on in his place, to make his first appearance for RCA.

On 31 minutes close skill and speed from Lee Owens led to a good cross, which was cleared for an RCA corner. Good pressure was followed by captain Keith Graydon turing the ball back in for Andy Jennings to jump and head just wide.

On 42 minutes Lee Owens was nearly through again and appealed for a handball on the blocked ball, but Esh broke quickly down their left and RCA were asleep as Craig Coates ran through and the ball broke for Nicky Martin to hit home to make it one-nil to Esh.

In the second half it was Esh who were looking the more dangerous. A cross from Craig Coates glanced the bar on 54 minutes.

On 61 minutes new boy and ex-Ryton player David Lee, who was playing left wing for RCA, equalized, shooting past the keeper from close range as the ball broke to him.

On 65 minutes, Dave Anderson was shown a straight red for a two footed tackle. Andy Jennings went into the defence.

On 67 minutes an Esh shot across the goal hit the post and rebounded back into open play, but no Esh player was near to capitalise. A minute later and RCA had a terrific chance to take the lead, an attack ending in a strong RCA shot which was deflected behind for a corner.

RCA lived dangerously for the rest of the match as Esh sought to make their numerical advantage pay. Resolute defence and brave keeping from Jon Minniss kept them at bay.

League Cup

Wednesday, 17 September 2008

Faced with a few injuries manager Neil Hixon decided to take no chances on fitness and go with a much altered team for the League Cup tie at Northallerton. Three players made their debuts, centre forward David Tait who joined from Nissan, and youngsters Michael Chapman playing wide left and Michael Laidler playing right back.

Within a couple of minutes of the start we went behind as Northallerton took the lead with a softish looking goal from centre forward John Ryan. Northallerton stayed on top for the first 10 minutes or so as we got ourselves sorted out, with their excellent left winger giving young Laidler a particularly hard time. But things steadied as Halliday and Coghlan got a grip in the middle of the park, and our wide players, Lee Owens and Michael Chapman began to see more of the ball.

Dean Goodwin, who had taken a nasty knock very early which will leave him with a right shiner, had a good effort saved before Owens went on a mazy run and slipped the ball through to young Chappie who finished well for his first RCA goal in the 15th minute.

And things got better a few minutes later as Tait also marked his debut with a goal, and a real good one, as he turned and volleyed past the keeper from 20 yards, We were on top for the rest of the half, and went in at the interval at 2-1 up, looking good.

Northallerton changed their formation for the second half, flooding midfield to try and stop Buddy and Micky Coghlan from playing, and for a while it worked, and they got their reward with an equaliser in the 51st minute. From then for the next half hour it was a real good cup tie with chances at either end, although to be fair I think we had the best of them. Lee Owens looked good, getting onto Coghlan's long ball's from the middle, young Chapman had an excellent debut, with good hard running and good positional play, David Tait worked hard on his own up front, and will think he should have scored from a header he put straight at the keeper, and Buddy was probably man of the match with good control in the middle of the park.

Having said that Jon Minniss, who had come into the side at the last minute for the injured Craig Shields made a number of good catches from dangerous crosses, as Northallerton constantly looked for their big men up front, who always looked a threat, and their wide men got at our defenders with pace on more than one occasion.

With 20 minutes to go and the game poised Neil went for an even more attacking formation, bringing Anth Holmes and Gary Shields on for Coghlan and Chapman, both of whom had understandably tired. The changes led to a flurry of chances for RCA, before disaster struck in the 81st minute as a free kick from wide right was not dealt with. Minniss came when he maybe should have stayed, and Roberts headed Northallerton ahead, this just after Paul Sammons had come on for Michael Laidler.

We chased the game even more. Bowesy ended up playing centre forward, and right at the death Northallerton broke and made it 4-2, which did not reflect the game. Lots of positives though, good debuts from Tait and Chapman, and it is good to have Lee Owens back, good width on both sides, and good quality in the middle of the park, if we can get the formation right, but a lack of pace in the middle and at the back. Lets be optimistic for the Vase on Saturday!

Saturday, 20 September 2008

FA Vase

Sunderland RCA won their first FA Vase game in a long time with an excellent performance at first division West Auckland Town, a result which seems sadly to have cost West's manager Phil Owers his job soon after the final whistle. It's no secret that injuries, suspensions, postponements and the like have meant that so far this season we have not performed as we thought we could, but with manager Hixon back on the job we were confident for Saturday's game. Skipper Keith Graydon was still out injured, as were a few others, including Paddy Little who failed a late fitness test, and Paul Taylor was suspended, but we still fielded a strong looking side, and from the off dominated the game.

Andy Jennings could have scored after four minutes, and had a penalty appeal turned down after 10. Gary Shields was making a great job of his role as stand in right back, and linking well with Lee Owens who had the West defence worried every time he ran at the them, while at the back Neil Moan and Andy Bowes looked very assured, with Dava Lee comfy at left back. Neil could have scored with a header when he went forward, David Tait had an effort blocked, and Lee Owens had a couple of decent efforts. In response West Auckland were working hard and running at our defenders when they got the chance, but generally we looked comfortable, with Buddy and Sammo dominating in the middle of the park. it was a surprise therefore that it took until the 42nd minute for us to take the lead. A free kick wide right was blocked and came out again to Andy Jennings, who turned well and knocked the ball over for Lee Owens to finish.

1-0 at the break, and it should have been more. And two minutes into the second half it should have been as Lee was set free to run in on the goalie, who saved his shot with his legs - should have scored, son! The next 15 minutes however were all West Auckland, as they repeated Northallerton's tactic of flooding the middle of the park to try and keep Buddy's passing out of the game, and it worked for a while. After 55 minutes they levelled and we were rocking under good pressure from the home side, although to be fair, Jon Minniss mostly only had to catch crosses and long range efforts. West couldn't capitalise on their possession, and gradually we worked our way back on top of the game. For the last 25 minutes we pressed them very hard. Taity should have scored with a header, then the keeper made a brilliant stop from a Paul Sammons volley, before the pressure told with two goals in three minutes for David Tait from Andy Jennings assists. First the big man crossed superbly for a header, then the keeper couldn't hold his powerful shot and Taity picked up the pieces. Game over, but West got another one back to make for an exciting last five, before Jennings notched his usual goal to make the scoreline more accurately reflect the match. A great win, lets hope we can really kick on from this!

Durham County Challenge Cup

Saturday, 27 September 2008

Another Jekyll and Hyde performance, as the same team who won so well at Northern League First Division West Auckland last week went down to a 2-1 defeat at Wearside League outfit, Jarrow FC.

Take nothing away from Jarrow, they were a committed and hard working group of players, and a credit to their club, but nonetheless with the amount of possession we had in the game we really should have come out comfortably on top. RCA had a good start as well, with decent possession from the kick off eventually leading to a very well worked Lee Owens goal after only seven minutes. Young Michael Chapman got down the left after a good passing move orchestrated by Buddy Halliday, and delivered an excellent cross which was well finished by Lee coming in on the back post.

But a few minutes later a mistake by Dava Lee, who will have nightmares about his attempted crossfield ball, led to Jarrow equalising after good quick passing and a solid finish. 1-1 after 12 minutes.

The rest of the first half saw mostly RCA possession, with good chances for Jennings and David Tait, but with Jarrow always dangerous on the break.

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first, we had most of the ball, got plenty of crosses in, but couldn't get a finish, while Jarrow always looked to exploit the pace of their front men on the counter.

A scramble on 50 minutes saw the Jarrow bar and post struck in quick succession, while on 55 minutes Jarrow struck the bar.

Lee Owens ran at the defence constantly, without always producing good balls for the forwards, and just before the hour, Hicker took off Tait and Sammons, both of whom were struggling with knocks, with Dean Goodwin and Glen Moan replacing them. Gaz Shields moved forward to replace Tait, and the pressure continued but without end result.

A break from Jarrow was always to be feared, and sure enough on 79 minutes their quick forward Craig Armstrong got away, two defenders clashed as they tried to tackle him and he coolly drew keeper Jon Minniss and slotted home. We huffed and puffed but it was not to be, so good luck now to Jarrow in the County Cup, and for us, all eyes now on the Vase next week!

FA Vase

Saturday, 4 October 2008

Visiting supporters eyes tend to light up on arrival at Meadow Park at our decent but quaint home. However the Marske United supporters visitors bus arrived today at 2.45pm with our guests stepping off with eyes to the floor, bracing themselves as the wind and rain had arrived around the same time to greet all. The contingent of approximately 50 with scarves and rattles as well, soon found warm voice though, as they all converged into the stand and proudly spread out the long banners with their team name and colours.

Home supporters were outnumbered, but optimism was high as this was a day when SRCA could possibly make the last 64 of the FA Vase for the first time ... in a long time! Many home locals were tempted to the Stadium of Light today with many more watching the same game against Arsenal from warm public houses (apparently beamed back games are not classed as live if there is a one minute delay). I wonder what this attendance would have been like if this tie was played on a Friday night or even Sunday. Even quiet in the cemetery; our past soldiers don't even want to join the attendance debate.

Winning the toss, captain Steve Halliday elected to defend the slope and more importantly the strong wind and increasing rain. Early touches were solid from the home side and the first chance was created on two minutes with a decent effort from David Tait just missing the post. In the first 10 minutes Lee Owens was fed the ball twice in quick succession and both times he created half chances, the second of which winning a corner for the home side. On a third occasion Owens again dribbled past the left midfielder and left back, but on cutting inside and beating further players the ball was stolen and Marske showed early sign of the pace in the side as the ball was moved quickly downfield, ending up with the visitors winning their first corner on 14 minutes. The knock in caused problems and hesitation in the SRCA box with keeper Shields connecting with a punch, but the ball was immediately hooked back in to cause further problems resulting in a second clearance for a further corner. Marske were now getting the impetus and controlling the game with quick decisive football and the quick forwards were causing problems for the defence. Richard Flynn making his debut for SRCA seemed well up to the task and was impressive when breaking down a couple of attacks. Halliday was quickest to react from clearances and getting the ball down he played an excellent wide ball again to the right where Owens was having a lot of joy again racing away to win a further corner. From the right a good cross was fired in which centre forward Jennings connected with, but this was a yard wide of the Marske goal.

On 28 minutes though a needless free kick was conceded by a SRCA defender just a yard from the D in a central position. A difficult one for the wall to defend, but it was still a massive surprise when Andy Swalwell hit a decent effort that went past Shields after the slightest of deflections. 1 - 0 to the visitors and a very loud celebration from most of those housed in the Ray Baines stand. The game was totally going with United now who were full of confidence and moving the ball round very quickly. Central midfielder Glen Wesson even fancied his chances when drilling a speculative effort from 25 yards, which Shields was pleased to see going wide of the target. SRCA were again finding joy down the right, but were fairly predictable and getting closed down with general ease. However disaster on 35 minutes when good play from the opponents had Owens racing back to defend and in a bad area he attempted to play an offside trap that only he knew about. The Marske left midfielder then cut behind, drilled a cross in a good area which was left by all defenders and goalkeeper, unbelievably the ball found the oncoming Derek Bradley at the backpost who not believing the chance gleefully rammed home from 2 yards. 2 - 0 and now real celebrations from all the visitors.

After 40 minutes Owens again made progress and a great cross was met by Jennings who headed upwards and over the bar. Half time approached and many of the home contingent were glad to get inside to warmer chimes. The visitors were in a very strong position and looking forward to further hospitality!

The second half kicked off with rain stopping and wind decreasing, Gary Shields replaced Paddy Little at right back for SRCA, a move that immediately gave the home side a lift as the extra pace supported the right side even further.SRCA were in general control now with Halliday in central midfield probing at all opportunities and firing a decent effort just wide. However on 58 minutes a loose ball again fell to Wesson in central midfield who cracked a thirty yard drive that crashed against the SRCA bar. Nearly all over.

Dean Goodwin replaced McLeod in the SRCA midfield and this again gave injection to the home play who were pushing forward at all opportunities. Halliday again played one-twos with forwards in an excellent move which finally resulted in him cracking a great effort just over the bar on 75 minutes. Marske made a substitution to bolster there defence, but this did not stem the tide as on 78 minutes came the goal of the game. After good home play, in a spell when we were always keeping the ball on the ground, Halliday in the centre circle hit a terrific 35 yard pass out to the right towards the corner flag. Gary Shields from full back had raced from the half way line and on reaching a ball that was just on the bye line, hit a raking cross which Andy Jennings met with a brilliant header at the front post. Right in the top corner. 2 - 1 down, but celebrations at last for the home contingent and all at SRCA were up for this now.

However with the clock running down the home side again reverted to a long ball game and whilst centre forward Jennings was winning a lot of balls in the air they were not finding on running forwards. In the 89th minute though good play again down the right flank resulted in a further cross, but this time Jennings glanced the header past the back post. Surprisingly only one minute of extra time was played and the Marske celebrations on the final whistle said it all. The away supporters gathered to applaud their heroes off the pitch, a Wembley FA Vase dream still alive at least until November. All SRCA attentions are now focused on moving up the League.

skilltraining Northern League

Saturday, 11 October 2008

Sunderland RCA got themselves back on the winning track with a 5-1 victory over Thornaby at Meadow Park. Hicker made a couple of changes to the line up, with new goalkeeper Gary Hoggeth coming in to replace Craig Shields, who's season will end soon as he has another operation to face. Good luck, Shieldsy!

Gary Shields started wide right, with Lee Owens wide left in a 4-4-2 formation, though no doubt they would switch at times during the game. Also included on the bench were debutants Chris Youldon from the under 18s, and Sparky Davison signed from the CW.

The game started on a beautiful afternoon, and after a few early exchanges RCA took the lead with our first serious attack, a great ball from Buddy putting Andy Jennings in to run at the keeper and slide it past him with minimum fuss. A few minutes of back and forth followed, as a young looking Thornaby side put themselves about, before our second good move saw Buddy put Lee Owens away to cross well where David Tait finished with a deft strike. 2-0 after 13 minutes, and looking good.

Thornaby struck back immediately and hit the post from close range, before the game settled into a bit of a scrappy pattern, with good defensive play from both sides making it hard for attackers to make their mark. This continued as the half wore on and it remained 2-0 at the break.

RCA came out looking strong for the second half. Dean Goodwin replaced Mark McLeod and the first ten minutes of the half saw RCA well on top and create and miss a series of good chances, with Andy Jennings, David Tait, Lee Owens, Gary Shields and Buddy Halliday all having good opportunities. It stayed at 2-0 though and Thornaby came back more into the game and some of us started to worry that we might pay for our profligacy. The impressive Abdullah hit the bar for Thornaby from a corner as a warning, and the bench became somewhat agitated. It looked as if it would stay 2-0 until the end, as Hicker gave young Youldon and Davison their chances for Tait and Jennings.

With five minutes left however an all action finish started as Youldon got his first Northern league goal as he advanced on the keeper and just beat his despairing effort to save. From the kick off Thornaby went straight up and made it 3-1, before with time running out first Sparky got his head to a good Shieldsy cross, and then Lee Owens produced a trademark top corner finish to give the scoreline a different gloss. 5-1 at the end and this big week of league action is underway.

skilltraining Northern League

Tuesday, 14 October 2008

This was a very disappointing result on a miserable night at Meadow Park, as Marske staged a smash and grab raid to take all three points.

Despite the rain a decent crowd had turned out. RCA took the field showing a few changes from Saturday, with Andy Reay making his debut at centre half after signing from Nissan, young Michael Chapman returning to the side, wearing number two, but playing in his usual wide left position, Dean Godwin replacing the unavailable Mark McLeod in centre midfield, and Adam McGuiness and Anth Laidler taking places on the bench.

RCA started playing up the bank into the rain, but soon got into the game and had the better of the early exchanges, before Marske took the lead after ten minutes with a back post header from a corner, scored by an unmarked Stephen Cochrane. RCA were stung by this and worked hard to get back level, winning a number of corners, without reward, and knocking the ball about well in midfield. Marske were busy and effective as always, but Gary Hoggeth in the RCA goal was rarely involved. The best chance of the half fell to David Tait, who was beautifully played in by Dean Goodwin, only to push his shot past the post. 0-1 at the break.

For the second half Adsy McGuiness replaced Michael Chapman. Playing down the hill in the second half the pattern of the game was established early, with Marske defending deep and RCA having almost permanent possession of the ball, but struggling to create clear shooting openings. Andy Jennings will think he should have scored when in on the keeper after a couple of minutes, and Dean Goodwin and Buddy Halliday, took time out from dominating the midfield for both to have good shooting opportunities, but could not beat the keeper.

Marske were reduced to booting the ball clear and occasional forays, although from one they hit the bar from a very wide left position to remind RCA of their threat, but it looked as if the equaliser was only a matter of time. Anth Laidler came on for the weary Andy Reay, who had done well on his debut, and Sparky Davison replaced David Tait, who had also battled well, up front.

The half wore on, the pressure continued but the goal would not come. As the last quarter started the Marske right back in particular came to prominence, with a string of superb last ditch tackles to deny shooting opportunities to Jennings, Goodwin and Davision. By this time the game was very congested, and it was clear that Marske thought they could hang on and defy whatever we threw at them. A last turn and shot from Jennings, which the keeper saved comfortably, a final couple of corners, from one of which the ball rebounded from a convenient backside into the keeper's arms, a free kick by Lee Owens that was scrambled clear and that was that. Marske showed that when your luck is in you keep winning despite the performance and make it eight in a row, and RCA are left wondering how on earth we lost the game.

skilltraining Northern League

Saturday, 18 October 2008

At 2:40pm there was a very welcoming atmosphere inside Meadow Park, both sides warming up in sunshine conditions, a few autumn leaves dropping from the cemetery side of the ground and a rainbow appearing in the distance - after Tuesday's bad luck against Marske, was this to be our lucky omen! When the players returned to the field for actual kick off though, a very swift change, as the rain and wind picked up strongly, so it was a good coin toss to win when captain Steve Halliday opted to kick against the conditions.

After a few exchanges of the ball between the teams and the customary early challenges in the midfield area, SRCA were the first to show with good passing interchanges between Goodwin and Halliday feeding Owens on the right who was looking to fire early crosses into the area. Jennings showed his early threat forcing defensive clearances before the first corner was won in the seventh minute. The same player did get a decent goalward header in, but this went safely wide of the goal.

Guisborough were hitting longer balls into the RCA half and Anth Laidler starting today as sweeper was heading back well. However this direct play nearly had success when Gary Shields playing at right back ran back to cover the central area, but underhit a back pass which Hoggeth in goal defended well against the strong number 10 Richard Storr, a further clearance giving the Boro their first corner. Hoggeth attempted to gather the deep cross at the back post, but this was pushed out and a scrambled clearance was pushed to the right, Owens raced forward, crossed quickly and Jennings fired in another header which was safely collected under the bar by Scott Allison in goal.

On the 25th minute after good interplay from all the RCA midfield the ball was pushed to Flynn who hit a cracking long pass to Jennings, heading down he found Goodwin who played in the overlapping Shields firing in a great effort which was well saved. The game was definitely opening up now with RCA also starting to find room down the left with full back Lee and McGuinness combining well, delivering a cross to Jennings who turned, but could not get full connection on his left peg and the shot was gathered.

In the 35th minute a further Guisborough long crossfield ball from the left found the right winger Mark James who nearly got past defenders ending up winning a corner. Another dangerous cross to the back post was forced away but Halliday quickly turned defence into attack when playing in Owens on the right. Feigning and dummying to go right again this time he cut inside and hit a tremendous 20 yard effort with his left foot into the top corner: 1 - 0 to the home team and very well deserved.

Guisborough responded by pushing more men forward and Onions and Storr were working hard to find an opening, winning a couple of corners after 40 minutes. The curling corners were hit into great spots at the back post, but were met by very good defending.

Half time: 1 - 0 and the positive signs were met with strong encouragement from home supporters.

Manager Neil Hixon was forced into change at half-time with Richard Flynn (who had played a lot of the first half feeling his hamstring) being replaced by Glenn Moan. The change did not affect the organised approach of SRCA who were pushing forward quickly playing football on the ground and finding early room. However although the approach play was good with some swift one-twos it was a surprise that the ball fell in the right area to Mark Davison and he wasted no time in slotting home the second on 49 minutes. 2 - 0 and the look on some of the faces of the Guisborough defenders said enough; this was going to be a very tough second half for them.

Although possession was dominated now by SRCA the home team were struggling to find a further break through and good opportunities were wasted. After corners were squandered, Lee Owens did find a lot of room on 60 minutes and when racing into the corner of the box he opted to cross when a shot might have been the best option. Although this split the defence the on-rushing forwards could not connect and the keeper was very pleased to see this fly past the back post. However Guisborough did not throw the towel in and pushed forward well in the 65th minute hitting successive goal bound efforts which Glenn Moan threw himself at to clear. Instead of this lifting the away side, SRCA upped the ante and pushed forward to kill the game off. Moan flushed by his good defensive work moved forward for the next RCA corner and nearly was the hero when connecting well, but sending a firm header over the bar.

McGuinness who had worked well as a left wing back today supplying three half chances for Jennings, was replaced by Michael Chapman on 65 minutes. David Tait also coming on a minute later for Davison. The Management were obviously keen for more goals and if these were not inspired changes then there is no such thing as inspiration.

After 75 minutes, first a left sided cross was hit into the Guisborough box and when this was half cleared substitute Chapman hit a 20 yard left foot cracker which flew in glancing off the inside of the post. 3 - 0 and game over! Guisborough were shell-shocked and this was evident as from kick off they immediately gave the ball way and now substitute Tait found himself in the clear racing through the defence and rounding the keeper to make it 4 - 0. Well the celebrations said it all and the management team of Hixon and Herd high-fiving each other as well !

The game nearly petered out with Jennings working to the end attempting to get the goal that his efforts deserved, but again he was thwarted by the keeper with two late efforts. However in the dying stages the Guisborough left back who had a torrid afternoon against Lee Owens decided to take his own free kick. Owens took exception to this and retaliated. Straight red and not even a caution for the full back. Well Lee, might have to see where the end of that rainbow is - he will need a pot of gold to pay the fine! Full time and very positive signs that the team is taking shape of the upward direction. Let's see on Tuesday when we are at home again in the cup. Don't back against the lads on this performance, Prudhoe will certainly have some defending to do!

Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup

Tuesday, 21 October 2008

Our very last Cup competition of the season and supporters were looking forward hopefully to progressing in the Ernest Armstrong Memorial tonight. On a very cold night, it was also pleasing to get a crowd of above 60 and a decent atmosphere when many locals could have stopped at home to watch Champions League football, but nothing beats live Northern League football, does it.

Michael Ford who was signed on the day from Horden CW was immediately pitched into the fray by SRCA manager Neil Hixon, selected in central midfield, whilst Chris Youldon who has stepped up from our youth team made his starting debut. After 10 weeks off, it was also pleasing to see stalwart Wayne Henderson return to the starting line up in central defence.

Prudhoe won the toss and from the kick off quickly won possession off RCA and showed their intentions. The ball was moved around quickly as they looked to get forward with RCA pushing the ball out to safety on three occasions. A young Prudhoe team were very lively and a very good move on eight minutes saw central midfielder Mark Hewitson hit a long-range effort a few yards wide of the RCA goal. Against the general flow of the game RCA won the first corner in the tenth minute, but a good cross was wasted after a foul on a Prudhoe defender. From that free kick the ball moved back up the field and only some good defending prevented Prudhoe creating their first chance. On Prudhoe winning their first corner though on 15 minute the ball was not fully cleared and forward Mark McKewan tried a speculative effort that travelled well wide.

After 20 minutes RCA were finding their rhythm as the midfielders were bringing wide men Lee Owens and Michael Chapman into the game on the flanks. Owens was cutting in well and creating a lot of space which Tait was starting to exploit. On 25 minutes with his back to goal and marked tightly Owens knocked a speculative overhead kick ball, which was nearly met by on rushing forwards but cleared for a corner. A good cross again was wasted as it ran out of play for a goal kick. After good work down the left ending with a cross fired across the six yard box, Chris Youldon raced in at the back post, but could not fully connect and the ball glanced past the back post.

Ford and Youldon in midfield were getting more in the game and on 30 minutes the latter split the whole defence with a piercing ball that found centre forward Tait, but he fired a decent effort over the bar. RCA were taking control now with Owens winning consecutive free kicks, but the home team were not making use of good crosses, centre half Andy Reay though nearly stung the opposition, coming closest as he leapt like a salmon, but over bar. The game reached half time with a final free kick won by Prudhoe, but 30 yards from goal central defender Ryan Monaghan hit well over the bar.

Half time: 0 - 0

Prudhoe started the second half as lively as they did the first with McAnespire, Armstrong and Hewitson combining to bring in centre forward Liam Bell who was unlucky when trying to dribble round the last defender. It was the visitors who were the more likely now and forward Ben Haddock was also starting to show his lot, combining again with Bell and a long effort was drilled at goal which Shields dived well to save. On 60 minutes Henderson who had done well on his return to action was replaced by Anth Laidler at the back and minutes later Mark Davison replaced Chris Youldon up front. The shape of the team was more direct in a 4 - 3 - 3 formation and RCA started to ask all the questions now with Davison and Owens finding more space and causing the Prudhoe defence all kinds of problems.

After 70 minutes with the game moving with the home side, top scorer Andrew Jennings also entered the arena as a replacement for wide man Chapman. This was the final impetus as RCA dominated play and it seemed clearly a matter of time, but the forwards were thwarted by some excellent Prudhoe defending. On 74 minutes though the inevitable arrived, but from an unlikely source as full back David Lee was played in on the overlap and beating the last defender, rounded the keeper and finishing with aplomb firing into the net.

One way traffic now and Davison who was looking positive in every attacking movement then got in after some good work by Jennings and Owens gave him space to fire a good shot in to make it 2 - 0 in the eightieth minute. All involved at RCA might of thought that was it, but injuries to Tait and Lee meant that the home side had to complete the last eight minutes plus injury time with nine men. Prudhoe now realising that they had more space, pushed forward winning consecutive corners then free kicks. It definitely wasn't wrapped up. In the 87th minute the game really came to life again when number 10 Haddock played a one-two, then drilled a 22 yard screamer inside the right hand post, past the diving Shields. Stunned silence from the home support. In extra time RCA would only have nine men! Prudhoe threw bodies forward with RCA all back to defend, counter attacking by hitting the ball wide to Lee Owens to keep. Very exciting till the end when Prudhoe's final gamble was broken down by Moan and Laidler. RCA raced away with the ball which was retained in the top right hand corner until final whistle. Job done, still in the pond and through to the next round draw and no minnows left!

skilltraining Northern League

Saturday, 25 October 2008

A very disappointing result at Darlington RA, which completely took the gloss off Sunderland's stuffing of the mags a couple of hours earlier. It was a blustery afternoon on a bumpy pitch, which made it difficult to play good football, or even to get the ball down and pass it, but we had most of the play throughout the game before RA popped up with a winner in the last minute, which Gary Hoggeth will be very upset that he failed to hold.

Adam McGuiness started for RCA wide left, with Anth Laidler at left back and Sparky Davison partnering Andy Jennings up front. The pattern of the game was set early on, with RCA having most of the ball but failing to make many inroads into a determined Darlington defence. Paul Sammons was his usual tigerish self in midfield for the home team, and chances were few and far between.

Sparky got his head to a couple of good Lee Owens crosses, but the keeper was equal too it, and we had a couple of decent corners, but otherwise not a lot to report.

Early in the second half Andy Jennings was surprised by a ball that came back to him and put a good chance wide of the post, and Adsy hit a good free kick over the top.

The ball continued to bounce around in midfield as both sides struggled to put a foot on the ball, and as the half wore on Darlo started to look dangerous from occasional breakaways. Glen Moan came into the fray for Anth laidler, and late on young Chris Youldon got another 10 minutes in his football education as a replacement for Sparky.

The game looked certain to end goalless until with 30 second of added time left a fairly innocous shot went through Hoggy's hands into the top of the net. Disaster! The ref blew for time almost immediately. A good chance to move up the table gone, a very bad day at the office, but still no need to panic, let's learn and move on.

skilltraining Northern League

Saturday, 1 November 2008

Another disappointing result for RCA in what must have been an interesting game for neutrals to watch. Heavy rain over night put the match in some doubt but, although it cut up quite a bit and players were slipping and sliding down by the grandstand, overall it allowed for a good game of football.

RCA started with Steve Jones making his debut at right back and Michael Ford making his league debut in midfield, and looking to make up for last week's major slip up at Darlington RA.

Crook were playing up the bank in the first half and started brightly with some good possession football before RCA got hold of the ball and with our first real attack Lee Owens saw a fierce shot pushed over by the keeper. The pattern of the first half was set, with Crook looking neat and tidy when they had the ball, and RCA having good chances with direct play. Michael Ford came close after nine minutes, Lee Owens hit a good shot wide after 14 and Ford again might have capitalised on a flick on in the box after 24 minutes. All the while Crook continued to probe carefully when in possession.

The Crook keeper had a lucky escape when he completely missed the ball as he rushed to the edge of his area and a defender hacked clear, and Andy Jennings had the ball taken at his feet by the keeper on the half hour. As the half wore on we began to think we might rue missed chances and on the 40th minute Crook took the lead with a tremendous strike from Michael Coad from the edge of the box.

HT 0 - 1.

The second half opened in a very competitive atmosphere and built up to be a real feisty exchange. There was good pressure from both sides and a lot of firm tackles and hefty exchanges in midfield. Hicker brought on Dean Goodwin and Gaz Shields for Sparky Davison and Michael Ford and the game really began to open up. The Crook keeper went walkabout again on the hour, and this time Lee Owens finished coolly to bring us level. Chances came from a flurry of corners, but within five minutes Crook were back in the lead as Mark Johnson seized on a cross to slide the ball home.

Young Chapman got into the game as sub for Adam McGuinness and looked sharp, and chances were made, but the equaliser wouldn't come and Crook played out time to take the points.

By no means a bad display by RCA, but things are definitely not running our way at present. Just got to keep playing!

skilltraining Northern League

Saturday, 8 November 2008

Don't infer from the score line that this was a close game. If RCA had not won it would have been a travesty, such was their domination, but as with previous matches the ratio of effort, possession chances to goals scored for RCA leaves everyone involved with the club thinking that the gods are not smiling on us.

RCA played a 3 - 5 - 2, with a back three of Steve Jones, Wayne Henderson and Andy Reay, Glenn Moan was sweeping in front of the back three, David Lee and Gary Shields were wing backs, Steve Halliday and Anth Laidler were in the middle and Andy Jennings and Mark Davidson led the front line. With Lee Owens beginning his three match suspension and injuries elsewhere in the squad, the bench was depleted, with assistant manager Glen McCartney joining Dean Goodwin, Michael Chapman and Michael Ford.

The game started with both sides testing each other out. On five minutes, David Lee took a free kick wide on the left level with the 18 yard line, which was cleared for a corner. On ten minutes a very good diagonal ball found the Washington number eight who cut in and shot only for Wayne Henderson to clear.

In midfield, manager Neil Hixon seemed to have got his selection and tactics right with Anth Laidler battling away, Glenn Moan looking assured and comfortable on the ball and captain Steve Halliday probing.

On 16 minutes a Glenn Moan shot from 20 yards was tipped over by the keeper for an RCA corner which he subsequently punched clear.

Five minutes later, RCA must have thought that their ill-fortune of previous weeks was continuing. Following a Washington free lick from their right, which was not cleared, the ball fell to the Washington number nine, who shaped to curl the ball into the the opposite corner: a shot he then executed perfectly. RCA will feel that they should have closed this opportunity down.

On 27 minutes Washington nearly scored a second when their forward was one on one with keeper Gary Hoggeth, who did well to kick clear.

The rest of the first half saw good periods of pressure from RCA. On 34 minutes, a shot from Steve Halliday rolled agonizingly wide. Overall, though, RCA needed more composure and movement in the box to make their pressure pay off.

Does anyone know what was in the RCA lads' half time drink? Because I want some! RCA attacked, attacked and then attacked again. Andy Jennings turned and shot, but just past the post. A Gary Shields free kick from near the corner flag was headed down for Andy Jennings to challenge the keeper. A Steve Halliday shot was turned away. Then Andy Jennings was in again, with his looping header coming back off the bar with the keeper nowhere.

On 59 minutes it seemed that the RCA pressure was going to finally pay off as Gary Shields stepped up to take a penalty. He drove the ball accurately to the left corner of the goal, but the keeper got down to push the ball round the post for a corner. The pressure ended with Andy Reay blasting over.

On 74 minutes, RCA's more than well deserved equalizer finally came. A free kick from the RCA left was gathered by Mark Davison, who hammered the ball home from 12 yards.

Nine minutes later Mark was on target again, this time following a cross from the right, which was skillfully headed on by Andy Jennings for Davison to head home from close range.

On 86 minutes a very good knock from Glenn Moan was headed goal ward by Andy Jennings and looked destined from the bottom left corner only for the washington keeper to save well.

On 89 minutes it seemed that skipper Steve Halliday, who had an excellent game, had done all the hard work only to shoot over.

Onwards and upwards!

skilltraining Northern League

Saturday, 15 November 2008

RCA began the match kicking up the slope and with the same formation - 3 - 5 - 2 - as the previous match against Washington. One change of personnel was forced on the management team, with Andy Jennings taking a place on the bench as he recovered from a nasty bug. Captain Steve Halliday moved up front to partner Mark Davison and Adam McGuinness came in for the position behind the front two.

One thing is very clear from this match: Brandon are not the rather sorry side of last season. This match finished 0 - 0, but it could have been 4 - 3 to either side and Brandon's young, fit, committed and slick passing players will perhaps count themselves the unluckiest as they missed a penalty and hit the woodwork twice.

Brandon shaded the early exchanges and 16 minutes had gone before Steve Halliday was nearly in against the Brandon keeper only for the combined efforts of two Brandon defenders, one of whom injured himself in the process, to clear the ball.

On 21 minutes it was RCA physio Darren Handy's turn to come on to the pitch as Glenn Moan required treatment. Brandon did not make the most of a series of free kicks which they won in midfield, but on 30 minutes one led to a corner, which RCA cleared. This was the occasion for more concerted RCA efforts. On 31 minutes, David Lee just kept the ball in to cross for mark davidson to fire a shot from 18 yards which the keeper covered. On 33 minutes Adam McGuinness kept the ball in play and passed it to Gary Shields whose first time cross was for a header by Mark Davison, which the keeper did well to save. Two minutes later though and it looked as though RCA would be going behind as the referee awarded a penalty to Brandon. The Brandon number 10, Paul Dixon, fired low and strongly to keeper Gary Hoggeth's right. Happily, Gary went the right way and made a good save, but the penalty taker will find fault with himself for putting it too close to the keeper.

On 43 minutes RCA forward Mark Davison was presented with another good heading opportunity when Gary Shields skillfully created space to fire in a cross from the right which Mark headed towards goal, but again the keeper was well-placed. At half time Andy Jennings replaced Adam McGuinness. Gary Shields continued his hard work down the right, but on 66 minutes it was a lucky escape for the home side as a Brandon cross shot came back off the post to be claimed by keeper Gary Hoggeth.

From the break, there was another text book Gary Shields right wing cross, which mark Davison headed just wide. Five minutes later and Brandon had the ball in the back of the RCA net, but were pulled up for off-side.

On 73 minutes Gary Shields' frustration continued as his cross came back off the Brandon bar. This was followed by three successive corners for RCA, but we could not make the pressure tell. Brandon dominated the last ten minutes of play and again had a shot come back off the post for the rebound to go wide. While RCA will continue to rue their goals to chances and effort ratio, credit should go to Brandon, whose youth policy, Dutch connection and tie up with Durham University seem to be paying dividends.

skilltraining Northern League

22 November 2008

Sunderland RCA gained a well-deserved win at the Glebe Ground against Whickham FC on the wintriest day of the season so far. RCA, with there now familiar 3 - 5 - 2 formation and wearing a third strip to avoid clashing with Whickham's stripes, kicked off facing the low sun and keeper Gary Hoggeth needed his peaked cap to see the approaching play.

On ten minutes good work from Andy Jennings from a throw in led to an RCA corner, which Gary Shields played short to captain Steve Halliday who played it back, but the cross was cleared. The RCA captain was back in action again two minutes later when a shot was tipped over by the keeper for another corner. There was consistent pressure from RCA.

On 15 minutes Andy Jennings, who was doing a lot of good defensive tracking back, drove powerfully, but wide. RCA won corners and fee kicks, but could not convert their dominance to clear cut chances. On 38 minutes great running led to a cross from right wing back Gary Shields which was headed clear for a corner, but David Lee hit it just too long. On 44 minutes a cross from Andy Jennings created a chance for fellow centre forward Mark Davison, who headed just wide.

Soon after the re-start RCA got a bit of a fright with Whickham through on goal and only a last ditch clearance averting real danger. After this, though, RCA dominated play, but again without creating clear cut chances until the hour when it seemed that the pressure must pay off with an Andy Jennings 'goal' ruled out for offside and a driving shot from David Lee tipped round the post for a fantastic save by the Whickham keeper. At this point manager Neil Hixon made a tactical switch, bringing on Adam McGuinness for Andy Jennings, which added new pace to the left side of the RCA attack. RCA scored minutes later. A Steve Jones cross from the left was headed back across goal for David Lee to break the deadlock.

On eighty minutes fresh legs were added to the central midfield battle with Michael Lawson coming on for skipper Steve Halliday. On 85 minutes good work from Mark Davison it seemed that RCA must score, but somehow Adam McGuinness's return ball was cleared. On 87 minutes the entire Whickham bench was on up on its feet claiming an equaliser when Gary Hoggeth gathered the ball on the line. Much shouting and abusing of the officials did them no good and the match ended with a well-deserved three points for the visitors.

skilltraining Northern League

17 December 2008

Sunderland RCA finally got our season back underway after nearly a month out through bad weather with what looked likely to be a very tough trip to League leaders Norton on Wednesday night. And it looked a lot tougher when a rash of late cry offs saw Hicker left with a depleted force at his disposal. Gary Hoggeth took his place in goal, but the absence of Henderson and Reay through illness meant dispensing with our more usual wing back formation and going with a flat back four, with Anth Laidler deputising alongside Steve Jones in the middle and Gary Anderson, welcome back Gaz, and Dava Lee as full backs. In midfield young Michael Lawson came into the centre to partner Buddy as Glenn Moan was in hospital getting his snout fixed, with Gaz Shield and Adam McGuinness wide, and Andy Jennings and Sparky Davison were our usual twin strikers. Lee Owens was baby sitting, don't ask why. The bench was very short, with only Chris Youldon and Jon Minniss as genuine alternatives, so we couldn't afford any knocks.

Norton were obviously confident and started well, competing hard all over the pitch, but the first half hour was fairly even, Norton had pressure without much in the way of shots on goal. Gaz Shields was getting a lot of room to run down the right, and Michael Lawson started well, looking calm in possession and passing well.

After 14 minutes a Norton lob bounced off the top of the bar, and Hoggy had a lucky escape when he fumbled a ball on the edge of the box, but Andy and Sparky were proving a handful for their centre backs whenever we got it forward.

On the half hour Norton had a little spell of pressure leading to a couple of corners and a harsh booking for Buddy. The corners showed we had trouble with a bit of lack of height at the back, but we coped well with the use of tight marking and solid competing. We now came more into the game and began to enjoy some situations out wide for Shieldsy and Adsy. Adam should have done better when well placed in the box and failing to find a man, but a couple of minutes later he made amends in some style, running onto a knockdown in the box and blasting an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. 1-0. From now to the break we looked confident and went in one goal to the good, after a well contested half.

The second half started with Norton throwing everything at us and for a while it was like the Alamo with Laids and Jonesy having to work their socks off under constant pressure in the air and Dava Lee and Gary Anderson also making a string of excellent tackles. But we seemed like we couldn't get the ball far enough up the pitch and had Norton had a bit more finesse about their play we must have been in trouble. We still looked sharp on the break though, with Sparky missing the best chance of the game when he pushed an Adam McGuinness cross past the post. And just after the hour we proved just how sharp with a candidate for goal of the season.

The ball was worked swiftly forward through three or four passes and reached Sparky about 25 yards out, from where he looked up and smashed a great shot past the Norton keeper, who could only dive in despair. 2-0.

Norton still pushed hard and had a couple of half chances, but you could tell they knew the game was up and we started to look good working the ball wide and forward. Buddy Halliday had led by example throughout, supporting his defenders and using the ball well when he got the opportunity and he again started the move that brought Sparky Davison his second, another corking drive, and tied the game up nicely with ten minutes to go. A fantastic performance from everybody, great team spirit and will to win, leadership by example from Buddy, everybody supporting each other and working their socks off. 3-0 and job well done!

skilltraining Northern League

20 December 2008

This was a real battle on a very poor pitch with North Shields unrecognisable from the team we played early in the season.

Manger, Neil Hixon made a couple of changes with Andy Reay resuming at the back and young Anthony Ashman making his debut alongside him as Gary Anderson dropped out with injury and Wayne Henderson was only on the bench. We reverted to a wing back formation with Anth Laidler going back into the middle of the park, as Adam McGuinness was also missing due to family illness.

The game was delayed for a minute or two for a presentation to SunderlandvRCA's Graham Defty to mark his fifty years in the game. League chairman Mike Amos did the honours, and the event was marked with warm applause from the crowd and both teams.

The sides kicked off and it was clear it was going to be a physical contest with football hard to play on the sticky surface that broke up from the start. North Shields were very combative and RCA stood up to it, and the Ref was fully involved. No surprise therefore when Shields took the lead after quarter of an hour through Ian Dugdale, up supporting his attack. RCA hit back immediately with young Ashman causing a few problems with his good quality long throws and within three minutes we were level as Sparky Davison forced home the ball at the far pst from a free kick. But Shields continued to harry and came again to lead from a corner as Brian Smith won a header at the back post, which Gary Hoggeth saved well, only for Smith to seize on the rebound and score. 2-1 to North Shields at the break.

RCA came out with a determined manner for the second period, playing up the bank and keeping the ball well. Dava Lee got the equaliser, scoring direct from a free kick out wide, despite the linesman trying to disallow it for offside. Sparky then put our noses in front for the first time with an absolutely superb header from an Andy Jennings cross, which beat the keeper on his line, and Andy Reay got forward to head home in text book style with another good effort to give us a two goal cushion. Shields didn't give up, pressed hard and had a goal marked off, but we held firm and took the points again. Five games unbeaten now, let's keep going!

skilltraining Northern League

27 December 2008

'It was a good result. I would have settled for a point before the game. - Manager, Neil Hixon

'This keeps our run going - undefeated in six games.' - Chairman, Owen Haley

Sunderland RCA earned a well-deserved draw with Horden CW at Welfare Park.

On a gloomy December day, RCA lined up with their now customary 3-5-2. Horden were quick to show and had good midfield possession without really troubling RCA keeper Gary Hoggeth, although they used dead balls effectively. At the other end, RCA mounted some good attacks.

On ten minutes a good move down the left ended with Mark Davidson taking a good cross shot, which the Horden keeper did well to dive to his left to save. Fifteen minutes later a good corner from the left was spilled by the keeper, but eventually Horden cleared their lines. On 35 minutes an RCA free kick led to the ball being cleared for a left wing corner, but this was cleared by Horden. With half time a minute away the referee seemed to miss a blatant handball by Horden and then awarded a dubious free kick to Horden on the edge of the RCA penalty area. The ball was pushed left and the resulting well taken shot was parried by Gary Hoggeth, but Horden followed up to force the ball home.

Horden threatened early in the second half, winning a corner from the kick off, which was only half cleared and Gary Hoggeth had to gather the following cross.

On 52 minutes RCA were unlucky not to equalise when the ball broke to Andy Jennings whose early taken shot came back off the cross bar with the keeper well beaten. A minute later and Horden were threatening again with a strong shot causing Gary Hoggeth to dive to his left, parry and gather the ball at the second attempt. On 60 minutes Andy Jennings had the ball near the Horden corner flag. Harried by two Horden defenders there was the usual cry of 'He's going no where!', but he was. Very skilful footwork beat the two defenders and Andy ran into the box squaring the ball across the six yard box. Unfortunately the final touch was just missing.

Four minutes later, more skillful work from Any Jennings led to a left wing corner. On 68 minutes RCA finally got the equaliser their play deserved. Micky Lawson, who had come on as substitute for Andy Reay three minutes earlier, threaded the ball through for the on-rushing Mark Davidson, whose powerful run beat two defenders. Running through the centre, Sparky fired powerfully past the Horden keeper.

On 73 minutes it looked as though RCA might take the lead as a throw in on the right led to a powerfully hit shot, but straight at the keeper. Horden exerted sustained pressure in the last ten minutes of the match and came closest when they headed against the cross bar from a right wing cross on the 86th minute.

skilltraining Northern League

3 January 2009

A very disappointing result as RCA missed the chance to consolidate on our recent good form when we entertained Hebburn Town at Meadow Park for our first game of the year. Neil named an unchanged side against a Hebburn Town sitting around us in the league table, but with a mixed record of decent results and poor defeats. The four points gained in previous two games against top three sides away from home meant we went into this fixture confident of making more progress.

We started brightly enough, playing down the slope, with half chances coming from long balls into the box for Andy, who would have scored with any kind of touch, and a good cross for Dava Lee which he couldn't quite control.

Hebburn looked workmanlike and confident and took the lead on 22 minutes when a corner came back off the post and was slotted home by Myers, 1-0 to Hebburn. Nothing to worry about there surely, we had come back twice against North Shields hadn't we? But this time the belief just wasn't there as Hebburn looked the better side for the rest of the half, and had the ball in the net again, before a linesman's flag meant it was ruled out for a push on Hoggy.

0-1 at the break.

Early in the second half came the turning point of the match, as a certain penalty for handball was refused. From then on we looked like a tired side. Hicker used all his subs, but it made little difference; we lacked punch or composure and might have played all night without scoring. So, Hebburn do the unlikely double over us, much like Prudhoe last season. Not good, but still not halfway in the season, keep the faith.

skilltraining Northern League

17 January 2009

RCA had two new faces on show for the game at home to Prudhoe, and another two on the bench, as manager Hixon prepared for the hectic spell of games to come by boosting his squad. Making a welcome return to the club was last year's captain, Scott Richards in midfield, and making a club debut was Wyn Fremlin on the right wing. Dave Henderson, joining from Tow Law was on the bench alongside Sean Joseph who has come to us from Northallerton.

There was a familiar face or two in the stand, but no doubt more of that later!

Missing from the previous game was Andy Jennings who is away, while Anth Laidler had to make do with a seat on the bench this time. RCA lined up in their familiar 3-5-2 formation, with Gary Shields moving from front to back to partner Mark Davison up front. Prudhoe came in to the game boosted by ceditable draws in their last two fixtures and made a decent start, and could have gone ahead within a minute or two as a ball broke in the box, but was scrambled clear.

The game settled into a steady pattern of midfield scrimmaging with Prudhoe, playing down the bank working hard to frustrate Buddy and Scott in midfield, but already the combination of Scott's running power and Buddy's steadiness on the ball looked very promising as a partnership. There were a few chances at either end: Wyn Fremlin made a number of good runs and his added width looked to balance the side well, but Prudhoe also created a chance or two.

Adam McGuiness made an excellent long break and created a shooting chance for himself, Richards fired just over, a good tackle stopped Sparky, and we made it to half time with honours even, but RCA were looking forward to playing down the bank in the second half.

The second half started with RCA camped in the Prudhoe half of the field and making good positions without creating many clear chances. Prudhoe continued to work hard in denying us clean possession, but the impression grew that it was only a matter of time until we made the breakthrough and one goal would lead to more. But time got on and it wouldn't come. Sparky had chances, the keeper made a great one handed save from one of the. Hicker took off Fremlin who had done well on his debut, and Adsy McGuinness, and gave debuts to Sean (Taz) Joseph and David Henderson and the pressure increased and increased. Taz, looking a quality left winger, put over a number of good crosses from the by-line, which were cleared or scrambled away, and Dave Henderson was very busy on the right.

It looked as if it would never come until in the 87th minute Andy Reay, by now playing as an auxiliary centre forward, claimed a header was over the line from another Sean Joseph cross, while Sparky seized on the keeper's half clearance and powered a header into the roof of the net for his 11th goal of the season. Relief all round, but hard lines on a very spirited and hard working Prudhoe team who never resorted to kicking people. This valuable three points lifts us into the top half of the table. Tally ho!

skilltraining Northern League

24 January 2009

It was a sunny day but a heavy pitch which looked sure to cut up badly as Sunderland RCA took the field for their vital game at table toppers Esh Winning on Saturday. Hicker has been busy in the transfer market ready for the second half of the season and some new faces were on display. Scott Richards returned to the club and took his place in midfield alongside Buddy, Steve Stewart, signed from Chester-le-Street, started wide right, and Sean Joseph (Taz) made his full debut on the left wing, while Adam McGuinness took up his occasional role up front alongside Sparky Davison as we went with a 4-4-2 formation, with Lee, Reay, Henderson and Jones across the back in front of Hoggy. Wyn Fremlin dropped to the bench, as did Gaz Shields, and they were joined by Paul Wardle (Delta), who also returns from Chester. Dave Henderson and Anth Laidler completed the subs, while Glenn Moan, David Tait, Liam Gill and Gary Anderson failed to make the 16, to their clear disappointment.

The game started with RCA playing up the bank, and we should have taken the lead after only two minutes as Taz was brought down and Buddy's free kick reached an unmarked Wayne Henderson in the box who put his header wide. The new width given to us by Taz and Steve Stewart was immediately apparent as the game settled down into an open, attractive contest, but one in which RCA clearly had the upper hand. Another good run and cross from Taz was forced away with Sparky closing in, for the first of a number of corners which always looked dangerous although the Esh keeper was obviously in good form.

A good burst from Adsy after 20 minutes was wasted when he shot weakly and Taz continued to cause a lot of trouble with direct running and good crossing. Hoggy had to be alert as Esh also pushed forward, and nearly dropped one into his own net after 23 minutes before recovering well. A couple of minutes later he tipped a fine shot over, but by and large it was RCA asking the questions with Adsy again denied by a double save from the keeper after great work by Stewart set him free, a Taz corner leading to a goal being disallowed for a push on the keeper, and then as the half wore down a bad miss by Scott Richards after a good turn in the box, followed by a shot over from Taz after great work and a mazy dribble from Buddy Halliday.

As the half ended goalless some of us were worried that we had seen the best of our play and that RCA would pay for failing to take their chances. A 2-0 scoreline at half time would have fairly reflected the play.

The second half started in similar vein to the first however, with Scott Richards and Steve Stewart becoming more prominent as the game wore on. Early in the half Gaz Shields came on for Adam McGuinness and his understanding with Stewart was immediately obvious as we broke with speed on a number of occasions. Sparky and Stewy were both guilty of blazing over early on in the half and then the keeper and a defender combined to get in a couple of blocks when it seemed Richards must score. Esh continued to look dangerous on the break, but overall RCA were dominating without reward, including as a great move was finished by Sparky sliding in, only for the linesman to flag for offside. The deadlock was finally broken in the 73rd minute as Stewart showed great pace to burst past his man, feed Shieldsy, and the little man showed great composure to slide the cross in for Sparky who made no mistake from close range.

Justice at last. But now Esh were stung into action and enjoyed their best spell of the game, pushing us back and enjoying a couple of good chances, and probably should have equalised. Dave Henderson came on for Taz, who had a great first half but who had tired as the game wore on after several weeks out, and the partnership of Stewart and Shields continued to look dangerous on the right. And so it proved as again the swift surge from Stewart led to a Gaz cross and Sparky firing home. 2-0.

Esh pressed hard, and Delta came on for Sparky to shore up the back as we went one up front to protect our lead. At the death the Esh skipper fired home to give them a little hope, but deep into injury time Steve Stewart finished them off with a calm finish from another Gaz Shields cross. Three assists from Gaz in his half hour appearance in a performance of real quality which bodes well for the rest of the season.

skilltraining Northern League

31 January 2009

A cracking win for RCA against a committed and hard working Birtley team who belied the unfounded rumours of their demise to put up a good performance. A diabolical pitch to play on, and a couple of enforced changes as Scott Richards was absent and Sean Joseph failed a late fitness test. Ever-reliable replacements in Anth Laidler in midfield and Gary Shields out wide meant we again fielded a strong looking side, in front of a decent crowd in bitterly cold conditions. And the game started lively as Birtley had a good near post effort in the second minute followed by a strong drive past the post in the fifth.

RCA started to get to grips with things, playing down the bank, and created a couple of good chances of their own with Gaz Shields doing well down the left to cross dangerously, and Sparky Davison looking to be in the same good form as of late and putting the defence under pressure. Steve Stewart made a couple of sttrong runs, but it was Birtley who took the lead after 24 minutes as a mix up between Gary Hoggeth in goal and Wayne Henderson let Hepplewhite in to give the visitors the lead with a soft goal. Hicker was not happy! And a few minutes later things took another turn for the worse as Dava Lee clattered into a concrete post and was forced off with a nasty looking knee, cut and swelling rapidly. Wyn Fremlin came on with Adsy McGuinness moving to left back and Gaz Shields moving up front to allow Wyn to assume a position wide right, with Stewy moving over to the left.

It was Stewy who got us back into the game, running well into the box and being brought down for a stonewall penalty. Sparky stepped up and confidently put us level after 39 minutes. A few minutes later, as your reporter was starting his half time duties, Sparky got his second running through strongly and hitting a strong shot from an anagle past the keeper to bring us in at half time in front.

HT 2-1.

The second half was a different story to the first. RCA ramped up the pace of the game, and dominated proceedings right from the off. Wyn Fremlin and Steve Stewart looked to run wide at every opportunity and stretched the defence constantly with excellent breaks, and helped by the good movement of Davison and Shields. Buddy and Anth had the centre well policed. Wyn saw a shot turned onto the post by the keeper, Shieldsy managed to miss an open goal twice in the same move, and Sparky had at least half a dozen good efforts. Birtley will be disappointed with their second half show playing downhill, and when Gaz Shields made it 3-1 with an excellent headed finish after good work from Stewart and Davison it looked all over. But Birtley roused themselves in the last 10 and had probably their best spell of the game. Glenn Moan and Paul Wardle came on to bolster the defence and had to work hard as the visitors suddenly looked dangerous, culminating in Hoggy making a tremendous save after 82 minutes, which kept the margin intact. Overall though a good show, up to sixth, and we get the chance to do it again on Wednesday, Birtley's problem pitch permitting.

skilltraining Northern League

17 February 2009

RCA Chairman Owen Haley observed that it was like watching Brazil as RCA ran out in their yellow and blue change strip for this reversed, evening fixture against Team Northumbria. For some early parts of the match, the remark did not seem, relatively, out of place, but at the end of the match it was the away side that had got out of jail and the hosts were justifiably frustrated.

After five minutes it was the consistently lively Team Northumbria who were through on goal with appeals for a penalty for holding dismissed by the referee. RCA were soon back in it with winger Steven Stewart crossing dangerously from the right. On nine minutes, Andy Jennings gathered the ball and evaded tackles, but his diagonal ball to the left wing was just too strong.

On 12 minutes, RCA pressure told, receiving the ball on the left wing Adam McGuinness made a good run and crossed strongly and accurately for Andy Jennings to collect unmarked in the centre of the penalty area. Lashing the ball home he gave the keeper no chance. Good stuff and a real early boost for Andy and the team.

Team Northumbria came back strongly from the kick off and shortly after had a corner which was only partially cleared, but North could only blast over the bar. RCA continued their good pressure - on 20 minutes the North keeper had to palm the ball away - but this was not a one-sided match: North broke strongly and with speed on many occasions and got into dangerous positions, but without delivering the killer final ball. The match got to half time at one - nil and RCA were worried that the lead was so slim - it should have been more both by chances and the perceived need for a cushion.

Two minutes after the re-start it looked as through RCA would rue missed chances in the first half as North very nearly equalized as the ball came back of the post from a strong cross shot.

Five minutes later and it looked as through skipper Steve Halliday must score as he broke the off-side trap to run through on goal. It looked as though he had the option to pass to Adsy, but shot only for a North defender to get back in time to deflect the ball behind for a corner.

RCA were looking ring rusty against a fit and lively Team Northumbria who won a disputed penalty on 57 minutes, which led to Paul Wardle being booked for his protests. Gary Hoggeth saved well parrying the ball after diving to his right, but North were quicker to the follow up and netted.

On 61 minutes, Scott Richards won a free kick 28 yards out. Manager Neil Hixon took the opportunity to bring off Wayne Henderson and put Glenn Moan into the fray in a like for like swap. From the free kick Scott Richards chipped the ball in, but it was just too high for Andy Jennings and when the ball broke out a Richards volley went wide.

Soon after Wyn Fremlin came on for Adam McGuinness (68) and Gary Shields for Mark Davison (76) as the RCA management tried to counter the liveliness and speed of North who were playing their wide pitch well.

RCA were increasingly harassed by North as the match went on and at this stage I would have settled for a point on the balance of threat - not that that's what we need as we try to make up ground. Not that we were without chances or hope. On 80 minutes RCA floated a free kick into the box which the North keeper missed and the header came back off the post. Five minutes later and a strong break from North down their right led to a strong cross-come-shot across the goal line.

Bit then our luck changed! Well into added time the referee blew for a penalty which I could not see from my position, but which drew great protests, ending in at least one red card, from Team Northumbria. Up steps AJ and blasts it into the roof of the net!

The push goes on! Come on you reds!

skilltraining Northern League

21 February 2009

Not a disaster at Thornaby as RCA battled well with a swirling wind and rough pitch to finish level with the bottom club. RCA will feel we should have won the game, and had plenty of chances in the second half to do so, but Thornaby worked hard, were well marshalled at the back by ex-Boro stalwart Nicky Mohan and will feel grateful for their point, not that it does them much good. Hicker made a couple of changes at the back with Andy Reay returning after suspension and Paul Wardle getting the nod to partner him. The game kicked off with Thornaby having the advantage of the breeze and for half an hour they made good use of it and were the better side. RCA were struggling to get going with passes going astray and the front two of Davison and Jennings not being able to hold it up. It was no great surprise therefore when Thornaby took the lead after 27 minutes with a simple enough strike from Morton.

The goal woke RCA up and we pressed from then to the break. Two or three decent chances were spurned before right on the stroke of half time Andy Jennings notched after good work by Davison and Stewart.

1-1 at HT.

The second half started in completely different mode with RCA totally on top. Jennings had a goal harshly disallowed for offside on 50 minutes, but the pressure was continuous and finally Adam McGuinness struck home from a narrow angle after 59 minutes. It looked like game over as we continued to push forward. Five minutes later however, during a rare Thornaby attack, Andy Reay was harshly adjudged to have pushed former RCA player Dean Fox in the box, and Foxy made no mistake from the spot: 2-2 with 25 minutes to go, certain to be more goals?

There should have been, as virtually every RCA midfielder and striker had chances to score. AJ hit the bar, Sparky headed over when he should have scored and in one ten second spell the keeper made two good saves before the ball went narrowly wide, and AJ had another disallowed for offside. But it was not to be and we have to settle for a point. Unbeaten in five though and need to keep going. A setback, but not the end of the world.

skilltraining Northern League

28 February 2009

Hicker started with Paul 'Delta ' Wardle at centre half today, playing alongside Glenn Moan who was recalled to the side. Dava Lee was missing through illness so Adam McGuiness played left back and a fit again Sean 'Taz' Joseph took his place wide left. Andy Reay, Wayne Henderson, Anth Laidler, Gary Shields and Wyn Fremlin took their places on the bench.

The Guisborough pitch was in very reasonable condition after a light rolling pre-game and the match started in very fair conditions, although with a few spots of rain. Both sides started quite brightly and within the first few minutes both keepers had to look lively against threatening attacks. The game soon settled into a pattern with RCA probably having the bulk of the ball, but with Guisborough showing good control in midfield and getting forward well when they got the chance. Taz seemed to have the regular beating of his man on the left though, and from one good attack Mark Davison rattled the post with a firm header.

Scotty Richards was getting forward regularly and hit a good shot over the bar, before making a great break into the box, again getting onto the end of a Taz cross and looping a shot again over the bar, when he had a lot more time than he thought. Andy Jennings also had opportunities, but could not force the ball home, particularly from one desperate scramble. At the other end the lads were having to stay alert, and after 30 minutes Delta went into the referee's book for a shirt pull, when it looked to many like half a dozen of one and six of the other. But worse was to follow in the 43rd minute when again the ref reached for his pocket as Delta went in on the edge of the box. Two fouls, two bookings and off! It looked very harsh indeed.

HT 0-0, and Hicker had a problem. To be fair draws are not much better than defeats to us in the present circumstances so it was understandable that he chose not to replace the missing defender from those on the bench, and instead went with three at the back, hoping to take the lead before making the change. And the pattern of the second half was much as the first despite the numerical disadvantage. We pressed, Guisborough looked dangerous when they could and chances came at both ends.

The Boro centre forward, Dave Onions is always a handful and you could tell he fancied his chances of leading his side to victory now. After the hour Guisborough took the lead with a well-worked goal which saw them exploit the gaps as one of their midfielders made it into the box and finished well. Hicker still kept pressing, brought Wyn Fremlin and Gary Shields on to refresh the attack, and we continued to press. But it wasn't until Guisborough made it two after 75 minutes, with what looked like a bit of a spawny goal as the ball spun in off the post, before we made some real chances again. As always happens we now had four or five good efforts, a great shot from Wyn Fremlin well saved by the keeper the pick of them, in the last 15 minutes, but it wasn't to be. A 2-0 defeat against a very decent young Guisborough side was no disgrace, but a real blow all the same.

skilltraining Northern League

4 March 2009

A good atmosphere tonight with a decent crowd gathered in the main stand for this match against neighbours Jarrow Roofing. The game was spiced up in that quite a few of the players on show had played for both clubs in recent years, with Jarrow having Keith (Rasher) Graydon and Dean Goodwin in their starting eleven, both players involved with SRCA at the start of the season.

Jarrow won the toss and opted to defend the slope. Immediately from the RCA kick off it was clear that all in sundry were in for a very competitive night. The referee had whistle to mouth consistently and exchanged words with a Jarrow forward on three minutes after a late challenge on Glenn Moan just inside the RCA half. Strong challenges were swapped throughout the midfield before RCA had their first surge into the box, with Stewart playing Halliday in from the right and although in a position to shoot the player attempted to switch inside, the defender reading the move, making a good intercepting challenge. Soon after Stewart was in again down the right and this time he was more direct cutting into the box then drilling an excellent 20 yard drive across the keeper who parried out; the ball nearly fell to Jennings who following up, but was beaten to it when a hasty defensive clearance was made for a corner. Jarrow's feathers were ruffled now and they conceded three successive corners, one great cross finding Jennings who headed firmly goalwards but this ricocheted off the head of a defender with the keeper beaten. Jarrow dusted themselves down though and now winning more of the ball, showed their first attacking intent after 12 minutes, moving the ball well up the left through Graydon, finding Tate, but the ball was wasted with a speculative effort hit high over the bar. RCA responded winning the ball again in midfield through Moan. Halliday played the ball to Stewart and moving forward quickly he hit a great effort from 25 yards which cleared the bar by inches. Only minutes later Shields got played in down the right and in a good position with the keeper to beat he hit a shot which the keeper easily dealt with. More corners were then wasted by RCA with poor delivery.

Jarrow were generally playing counter attack football and moved the ball well when breaking away on the right with Goodwin breaking clear and his run winning the visitors their first corner on 25 minutes. However after moving more players into the RCA box Jarrow were nearly caught on the counter, when McGuiness received the headed clearance on the left playing a great ball down the line to left winger Joseph who raced clear but pulled his shot a couple of yards wide of the post. On 30 minutes Halliday was booked for RCA and moments later Jarrow's Graydon, in what seemed a more serious tackle, only received a reprimand from the referee. SRCA upped the tempo with Joseph on the right causing major problems, but there was little end product, his best cross being headed over the bar by Jennings. Jarrow however responded with their best chance on 40 minutes when a five man move was completed with a great goal bound effort well saved by Hoggeth in goal. Half-time arrived 0 - 0 and well appreciated by the crowd who applauded the fighting spirit of both teams.

The second half opened like the first as neither side were prepared to give up territory and again it was RCA who had the first attack ending up with a saved shot hit by Joseph and a further corner that was well defended. As the game was becoming even more physical in midfield Hixon made a change in bringing on Scott Richards for Shields on 55 minutes. He immediately made his presence felt and after winning successive challenges was unlucky in playing through an excellent through ball which travelled through to the keeper. The next ten minutes brought most of the action from the referee and the game lost momentum with needless fouls from both sides. After bookings for two Jarrow players, Scott Richards also received a caution on 70 mins. Moments later RCA hit a ball into the box which was handled, however penalty appeals were turned down with a free kick been awarded right on the 18 yard line. Scott Richards drilled this into the wall. On 74 minutes Davidson came on for Jennings and the extra pace immediately livened up the RCA attack and again a flurry of corners were won. The Jarrow keeper was floundering at times and grateful for his defenders assistance in scrambling balls clear. To make matters worse Jarrow were reduced to ten men on 80 minutes, when a defender received his second caution for another dangerous tackle.

The last ten minutes were as lively as the rest of the game with chances end-to-end. Jarrow nearly stole the lead on 82 minutes when the right winger ended a good move by racing into the box and a cross shot eluded the home keeper and glanced off the bar to be cleared. Then the best chance of the game came to RCA on 85 minutes when Stewart raced away up the right, hassled by the last defender, the linesman was flagging for a foul close to the penalty area, but Stewart was given the advantage by the referee and he managed to cross the ball into the area where Joseph racing in and an open goal available, hit the ball with ferocity over the bar. The home supporters, arms already in air, were gobsmacked. Jarrow then ran the clock down and the referee blew. A 0 - 0 game that was very entertaining, but a severe setback to SRCA's promotion hopes. We need Saurday's home game to arrive quickly to get back to winning ways.

skilltraining Northern League

7 March 2009

A very modest attendance today - live FA Cup football on the box and SAFC at home - meant the crowd only numbered about 50 at kick off, very disappointing given that RCA are still in with a promotion chance. Darlington lined up eagerly, having Paul Sammons in the centre of the park (with us last season and winner of our Player of the Season award). RCA captain Halliday won the toss and elected to defend both the slope and one of the strongest winds felt at Meadow Park this season.

Darlington RA kicked off and immediately showed their intentions getting the ball into the RCA box quickly and defenders Jones, Reay and Wardle had to make aerial challenges in getting the ball away and eventually into touch. The approach clearly unnerved the home defence and in the fourth minute the quickest breakthrough made by a visiting side this season came when a long throw was launched into the box by the left back, deceiving the central defenders, was then half cleared to the right side of the penalty spot where number six Michael Carter, with a lot of space, drilled just inside the right hand post. A fantastic start for RA who raced back to the half way line, whilst enquiries were made between the RCA players. No relenting though as RA quickly won the ball again hitting direct balls straight into the box and winning corners in quick succession one of which was headed firmly away by Reay. After ten minutes RCA began to get more of the ball, Stewart making good ground up the right after exchanging passes with Halliday and this resulted in their first effort which was hit wide. RA responded again though, this time the RA right full back hitting a decent long-range effort which was well saved by Hoggeth.

After 20 minutes RCA were winning a lot more possession in particular up the left where Joseph won a free kick outside the box near the by-line. The cross hit in actually beat the keeper, but was then scrambled clear. RA responded on 25 minutes hitting a long ball which again deceived the home defenders and the centre forward raced onto meeting the on rushing keeper, but lifted his effort over the bar. A real awakening and the SRCA management shouted their instructions, the home side lifting the tempo and winning their first corners of the game. RA were struggling to clear their lines now as it was all one way traffic and it was no surprise when the equaliser came on 30 minutes. After good passing between Moan, Halliday and Davison the ball eventually arrived to Richards just outside the box and he drilled an excellent 20 yard effort in off the bar, bouncing over the line, with Halliday following up still pushing in the net again just in case their was any confusion. 1 - 1 and much more like it from RCA.

Darlington RA were completely on the back foot now defending frantically on both wings. Then on 38 minutes the best move of the game again down the right when Stewart played one-twos with Halliday who turned and played the ball into the right side of the box to the feet of Joseph who turned quickly and impressively before curling the ball with his left foot into the top left hand corner. Great goal, 2-1 and RCA in ascendancy. RA were struggling now as the attacking play was unrelenting as RCA won successive free kicks and more corners. However their desperation turned to joy as half time approached, a long clearance found Sammons in midfield who passed the ball to the left finding number 11, Lyons who played a neat one-two and in a great move finished off with aplomb lifting the ball over Hoggeth. 2 -2, then the half time whistle blown - home supporters gob smacked, but it was time to catch your breath again.

Although the wind strength reduced when SRCA kicked off the second half, it was clearly going to be a tough time for RA and a corner was won immediately by RCA on 46 minutes, which was scrambled away. Joseph was asking many questions of the left full back who was left for dead before a great cross was hit into the box finding the onrushing Stewart who possibly should have done better, but headed over with the keeper to beat. For the next ten minutes the ball was kept in the Darlington half, but all moves broke down when reaching the penalty box. McGuinness was hitting good free kicks in, whilst corner after corner was won, Wardle heading over from the best chance.

However the breakthrough was inevitable and Halliday after linking with Stewart on the right, got what his efforts deserved on 75 minutes, breaking into the box and after sidestepping the defender, he hit an early effort which took the slightest of deflections, beating the keeper at his near post. RA responded by winning their first corner soon after, having to adjust their game plan now that they were a goal behind. More space was being found all over the pitch by RCA and Stewart in particular was causing many problems down the right creating further half chances for both Halliday and Davison. Jennings was then brought into the fray on 78 minutes as a substitute for midfielder Moan, as manager Hixon declared his intentions. It was generally one-way traffic from then on. Jennings had three great opportunities in the last ten minutes bringing out a good save from the keeper in a one-on-one situation. It was Davison who benefited most though when following up on one of Jennings efforts to turn the ball into an empty net. 4 - 2 and game over! Lee was brought on for Joseph as RCA controlled the game until the end. A first win in four games hopefully gets us back on track and surely more goals will come in the eagerly awaited cup match at home against Thornaby this Tuesday. Could this be the year when we make history and bring home a Northern League trophy for the first time in the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup?

Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup - Third Round

10 March 2009

Arriving at the business end of the season now, the management made a number of team changes for tonight's cup game in readiness for a hectic run in, which could see 15 games played in the remaining eight weeks. Wayne Henderson returned to defence, Anth Laidler in midfield, Andy Jennings back starting as centre forward alongside Liam Gill, promoted up from our U21 side to make his debut for SRCA in the Northern League. Manager Neil Hixon also called up forward Lee Andrews (top scorer for our Under 18 youth side) for the first time - he who won a place on the bench, a clear indication that the overall SRCA club development project is progressing upwards.

SRCA kicked off with the slope advantage, but it was Thornaby who were the more lively in the opening exchanges winning more possession and quickly aiming to attack up the flanks. The ball was moved quickly in each half but forwards at both ends were flagged offside which slowed down the game momentum. After ten minutes the home sides first main attack came with Moan playing in Gill who showed excellent touches down the left before turning into the box and finding Laidler; he crossed the ball first time and Jennings racing into volley from eight yards, sliced the ball well wide of the target. Thornaby upped their game and after a period of keeping the ball with some excellent play involving centre forward Fox and left winger Gell, the ball was played to the feet of central midfielder Mohamed Abdullah who from a good 25 yards hit a great curling effort which had keeper Hoggeth racing back to cover. He was relieved that it just cleared the bar. Joseph on the left flank for RCA was now getting into the game a lot more and on two occasions he got past his marker, both times crosses found the head of Jennings who first time was pulled up for a foul on the keeper, but the second bringing a great goal line clearance from the full back who cleared well to concede a corner. RCA were winning many free kicks at this stage of the game the best of which was hit direct from 30 yards by Lee which brought a good save from Pisani in the Thornaby goal.

Thornaby were proving more than capable and again took the match to RCA with number 10, Elstrom Die and Gell again causing many problems when linking with Fox and they were certainly working the home keeper, who had to come out twice in a few minutes to collect very good crosses, hit right on the spot. Jones at right back had to make a number of last-ditch challenges, whilst Wardle and Henderson were having their work cut out in central defence. However their attacking play enabled the home side to counter attack quickly and in the 35th minute, against the run of play RCA took the lead. After the ball was won in midfield it was hit quickly to the feet of Gill who intelligently hit a high ball quickly out to the right wing where in a race between Shields and the left back, it was the attacker who controlled the ball brilliantly enabling him to move into the box, racing on with only the keeper to beat he despatched the ball into the far corner. 1 - 0 to RCA and the cup-tie was really brought to life now as the supporters clapped their appreciation. The game really opened up with Thornaby again taking the game to the opposition, but their final ball was letting down great approach play. If the first goal was harsh on the visitors the second was a real sickner for them when Jennings was played in tight on the left touch line and racing from 40 yards he beat the full back and cut right into the penalty box before racing towards the byeline and with the angle against him he hit a great drive into the opposite corner of the net. 2 - 0 and RCA looking like semi finalists already as the referee blew for half time.

The second half was as entertaining as the first with Thornaby showing quickly that they were still going to go for the tie. In the early stages they pushed more players forward creating many half chances. However the best effort actually came from their right full back, captain Richie Farrell, who hit a cracking effort from distance, which Hoggeth saved well. The direct approach was certainly unsettling the RCA defence who whilst solid in the first half were now mistiming clearances and Thornaby were winning more free kicks and corners. RCA made their first substitution on 60 minutes with Lee Andrews making his debut coming on as a straight swap for Gill.

At the back RCA were still unsettled and on 65 minutes after a period of quiet the game really came to life when a long ball into the home box was headed upwards into the air at high distance. When the ball came down a further clearance was sliced goal wards. When the ball was pushed out again to the edge of the box, No 6. Abdullah hit a great first time volley from 20 yards into the bottom corner of the net. 2 - 1 and game back on.

After a further substitution for RCA on 70 minutes, McGuinness coming on for Joseph, the home side raised the game and again were gaining possession in the opposition half. Jennings and Andrews were working hard trying to get a further goal, but the Thornaby defence stood firm. On 80 minutes though a good move did find the breach and McGuinness played an excellent cross into the centre which Andrews just headed wide, only to be pulled back for a very tight offside. As the clock ran down Thornaby did win a couple of free kicks, one approximately 25 yards from goal, Fox racing in to hit a fierce shot, fortunately for RCA hitting the centre of the wall. The referee blew a few minutes later and after a good entertaining game, it was RCA through to a guaranteed home semi-final tie against Birtley or Brandon. The season is replicating last year when we made a late promotion push, ending up fourth and runners up in the same Cup. If we can go one better in league and cup this year it will be good times indeed!

skilltraining Northern League

14 March 2009

A strong, blustery wind blowing down the pitch greeted us at Crook on Saturday, and the alternative attraction of Sunderland v Wigan on the pirate satellite in the clubhouse sounded good to a few of the locals as we prepared to meet Crook in a vital NL game. Hicker made a few changes from the midweek match, with Adsy preferred at left back to Dava Lee, who was on the bench, and Delta and Andy Reay reunited in central defence. Gaz Shields started wide right with Steve Stewart wide left, and AJ and Sparky were up front. The game started with us having the advantage of the wind, but for fifteen or more minutes the home side were in the ascendancy knocking the ball about well, while we struggled to get a rhythm. But we started to gradually get a hold on the game and took the lead in the 18th minute as a free kick floated to the back post and Gaz Shields soared to bounce a hopeful header past a flat-footed keeper, 1-0 and a great start, though Hicker wanted to know if it had just hit him on the back of the head. The goal altered the game completely, as we were lifted and all of a sudden Crook looked flat.

The keeper made a good save from Sparky from an AJ head on, our back four looked untroubled by the Crook forwards, and Scott and Buddy were in charge in midfield. In 25 minutes a super Steve Stewart run and cross was laid back for Scott to strike the post with AJ following up to fire home, 2-0. Better was to follow in the 28th minute when AJ took a quick throw in, Buddy ran onto it perfectly, made the box and dropped the cross on Sparky's head, 3-0 and happy days! Crook got a bit upset at this point and started to try and rattle us, but to no avail. Stewy should have made it four when he ran into the box with only the keeper to beat, only for the keeper to make a good save, and we cruised into the interval, looking very, very comfortable.

No doubt Crook got a good talking to at half time, and to be fair they came out with the wind at their backs and put us under a lot of pressure for ten or fifteen minutes. Hicker took off Adsy to bring on Dava with his better defensive qualities, and did the same to bring Glenn Moan into the action in place of Shieldsy. But we picked up the pace, and Glenn in particular found himself doing at least as much attacking as defending. We made more chances, but the fourth goal didn't come until the 77th minute when Stewy was brought down as he charged into the box. Sparky stepped up and hammered home the penalty, 4-0. Crook were goosed now, their heads dropped, and we were in complete control. In the 83rd minute Buddy, having got his goalscoring fancy back last week, strolled into the box and finished like a veteran striker, and in the 87th minute Sparky finished the rout with a well taken goal for an excellent hat trick. 6-0 away from home at one of the most famous old clubs in the country, well done all round. A great performance, and this season isn't over yet!

skilltraining Northern League

17 March 2009

Surely a Meadow Park record tonight, a visiting supporter (dressed with the Guinness St Patrick's Day top hat) waiting for the turnstile to open at 6.00 PM tonight. He had travelled by public bus from Norton for tonight's eagerly awaited promotion crunch match and was unperturbed that the game kick off was going to be 7:45. Conditions were near perfect as kick off approached and an above average crowd looked on with expectation from the stand. Manager Neil Hixon had to make enforced changes from the Saturday squad that had won convincingly at Crook Town 6-0 (our best ever win at their Millfield home) with both centre backs unavailable. Wardle, failing a fitness test and being replaced by Henderson, whilst Moan took the shirt of Reay, who was also unavailable.

RCA won the toss and defended the slope and Norton were first out of the traps, quickly gaining ground in the RCA half. Winning an early free kick in a dangerous area on the right side of the penalty box, Moan headed away well before Norton were pulled up for an infringement. The visitors were very positive in the early stages moving the ball around swiftly and they nearly opened the scoring after ten minutes when some great interplay allowed number eight, Alan Cossavella, space and he cracked a terrific effort from 20 yards against the RCA cross bar. The home team, that had started slowly in comparison, were brought to life and getting the ball down, they started to get right winger Shields into the game and he created a couple of half chances, Stewart getting on the end of a cross field pass, but drilling an effort well wide of the target. For the next period RCA central midfielders Halliday and Richards were finding little room from their opposite markers.

The sides were tending to hit longer balls, avoiding the midfield area, but playing very intricate passing moves in the final third thus minimising any risk and reducing counter attack opportunities. Both teams were firing good long crosses into the box, McGuinness in particular for RCA finding Jennings and Davison who were well challenged when trying to head towards the target. Both sides won a couple of corners each before the game really came to life in the last five minutes of the half. Stewart hit a great corner that Jennings headed goalward, but was cleared for a further corner. Richards then hit a terrific corner from the opposite side that missed all in the six yard area. End-to-end though as Norton replied winning corners themselves and again they nearly broke the deadlock with crosses hit in identical spots, which Hoggeth in goal dealt with very well. However the best chance of the game fell right on half time when Halliday was played through the centre and he raced into the right side of the penalty box hitting a 20 yard effort diagonally which Briggs in goal for Norton, did well in pushing away for the final corner of the half.

0 - 0 though at half time and a decent game for all and sundry.

It was the home side who really pushed forward in the second half and in the 50th minute McGuinness played in a great 30 yard pass to the chest of Jennings, who flicked the ball over the defender and spun round leaving himself with the keeper to beat, but he hit his effort past the post and into the side netting from ten yards. Norton responded winning further corners which were again gathered well by Hoggeth who was looking very assured in goal. After the hour mark it was RCA who were looking the more likely and Stewart broke away twice before being brought down when breaching the visitors midfield. The referee Terry Phillips had kept good control of the game and had long conversations with the fouling culprits. Manager Hixon then made a decisive change when taking off Shields on the right flank moving Stewart to that area and bringing on Joseph down the left on 70 minutes.

Minutes later RCA showed greater desire and after an attack down the right the ball was switched to the left, where Joseph raced into the box beating the left back who brought the attacker down; an obvious penalty and the referee had no hesitation blowing the whistle. Davison stepped up and calmly slotted home. 1 - 0 to RCA and loud cheers from the home supporters! However Norton pushed on immediately and successive throw-ins were conceded after good challenges by Stewart and Jones near the half way line. A moment's lapse in concentration allowed the left winger to make ground and he hit a great cross to the far post where Joseph racing back, headed out but right at the spot where centre forward Michael Dunwell was waiting and he despatched a terrific volley straight into the bottom corner of the net. 1 - 1.

The last ten minutes were very open and RCA pushed on knowing a point would not really help the promotion challenge and Halliday, Richards and Jennings all had half chances. Norton responded again and the centre forward also had a great chance when put through, but that was wasted. With time running out McGuinness again launched a long cross into the box, Davison beat the keeper in the aerial challenge, but the ball went over the bar before the referee blew to conclude the game.

skilltraining Northern League

21 March 2009

Manager Neil Hixon faced selection problems for the second time in a week with three central defenders unavailable for today's match against Washington. Wardle and Reay, who missed the match against Norton, were out again and they were joined by Wayne Henderson who failed an early fitness test. Glenn Moan kept his place at the back and his brother Neil was drafted in to make his first start in a few months, alongside him. David Lee replaced Adam McGuinness at left back and Anth Laidler was brought into central midfield for Scott Richards. Manager Hixon again had no hesitation in looking to the Youth squads to boost numbers and Liam Gill from our Under 21 side was added to the squad again, whilst defender Marc Moon was called in for the first time from SRCA U18s

Washington won the toss and although defending the slope they quickly showed attacking intent and took the game to RCA. The approach appeared to surprise the home team who had to defend well in the early stages. In fact, ten minutes had passed before RCA made their first approach into the opposition box with Davison finding Shields on the right who hit an excellent cross to the back post from which Stewart got an effort on goal and won a corner. However the visitors were unruffled and again were running the ball to make progress, with former RCA winger Andy Middleton moving well, dribbling forward from the half way line only to see moves break down at the edge of the box. A couple of free kicks won in decent positions were generally wasted with poor delivery. After 25 minutes some very good midfield play allowed Halliday to play in Jennings who after beating the offside trap found the referee blowing for an infringement against a Washington player when he could have allowed the advantage.

Washington controlled the next period of play with their number 11 picking up the ball after a good move, but on breaking into the box he pulled his effort across the face of the goal. RCA upped the ante though and after their best period it was no surprise when the breakthrough was made and what an excellent goal it was. After a couple of passes were made in central midfield the ball was played to Davison in the centre circle and he hit a great through ball to the advancing Jennings who, moving towards goal, played a brilliant reverse sweeping pass to Stewart who had ran behind him. Stewart, disguising to hit with his left foot to get both defender and goalkeeper changing direction, moved the ball to his right side to hit a cracking 25 yarder which the keeper could do nothing with. 1 - 0! Much more like it now and before celebrations had quietened RCA were in again when Stewart moving down the left got near the corner flag, but on losing the ball, the defender then bounced it back to him allowing only a couple of yards of space and the winger took advantage, hitting a great early ball with his left foot into the six yard area where Jennings had raced to the front post glancing the finest of headers which hit the inside of the back post and nestled in the net. 2 - 0 and looking good! All the home side now with Jennings having the ball in the net again from a corner yet again the referee unbelievably disallowed for pushing by Stewart who if anything was being held by the defender and at least eight yards away from Jennings who was totally in the clear when rising high in the air, but this was disallowed. Two further chances came RCA's way and in a near replication of the first goal, Stewart crossed in and in the same spot Jennings headed the ball, but this time it went a foot wide of the back post. Shields got in down the right moments after, hitting a great cross in to Davison who headed just over the bar. Great chances gone begging, but definitely looking more like it from RCA.

Whilst it was backs to the wall for Washington in the last 15 minutes of the half they certainly shrugged it off quickly and started the second half at a very fast pace. All RCA defenders were brought into action and the Moan brothers were doing well in central defence with clearing headers on successive occasions. Washington central midfielder Jamie Elrington began to move the ball quickly forward receiving balls back to feet quickly from no 12 Ray Oshin. On a couple of occasions the same player broke into the box, but weak attempts were fired at goal. Although a couple of corners and free kicks were conceded by the home side Hoggeth in goal was very commanding and grabbing well in the air on all occasions. After another Washington attack was broken down after an interception by full back Jones, Halliday and Laidler linked to get the ball forward, but Shields and Davison could not break down a resolute Washington line. However for all their endeavour Washington began to run out of ideas and good play was not rewarded with a final good finish. SRCA brought on Michael Coghlan as a replacement for Davison on 80 minutes to bolster the midfield, Sean Joseph came on for Steven Stewart and Marc Moon was brought on to make his debut a few minutes later replacing Shields. The clock ran down with Hoggeth called into action in the 90th minute, collecting a decent long range effort. Final score: 2 - 0 and another 3 points collected. SRCA are certainly on course to beat last year's effort of gathering 70 points. While we are certainly promotion chance outsiders we are by no means out of the race yet!

skilltraining Northern League

24 March 2009

Supporters, players and committee gathered at 3.30pm on Tuesday showing enthusiasm for the historic midweek journey to Whitehaven. No spare capacity on the buses, so Will Frater keen RCA supporter and season ticket holder had good foresight in turning down the offer of a possible lift and making his own way on the train (maybe he knew something we did not. The early departure caused disruption to the manager's squad plans as a couple of players could not get out of work on time. A squad of 16 travelled, including Liam Gill from the U21 team with Marc Moon and Anthony Ashman from our U18s.

Neil Hixon had plenty of time to consider his options and without three main central defenders again, decided to hand the team sheet in showing four changes from Saturday's line up. Steve Jones was swapped to central defence, Gary Shields moving to right back from midfield and Glenn Moan moving to central midfield. Adam McGuiness reverted to left back with Sean Joseph in front of him on the left side. Whitehaven kicked off appearing to sense the squad changes and attacked at a ferocious pace. Winning possession immediately down the left the ball was crossed to where McGuinness cleared for a throw in, level with the edge of the box. The ball was quickly knocked back to the left wing to David Dustin where the attacker beat the offside trap, knocked the ball to the back post where Robert Fowler for Whitehaven raced in to easily slot home. SRCA one down after two minutes. Definitely unsettling and there was no relenting in the early stages. Losing possession again the home side were clearly up for it and moving the ball again quickly down the left they won a free kick, then consecutive throw ins. After some neat passing the ball arrived to the feet of David Dunstin and he pushed forward with plenty of defenders in front of him. Moving down the wing on an inside left position he beat the first defender before cutting inside. Showing real skill now he beat another defender moving into centre and when a pass looked the best option he hit a terrific 25 yarder, which flew in along the wet surface past Hoggeth's right hand giving him no chance. 2 - 0 down and barely six minutes on the clock. SRCA clearly in for a long night. The pattern of play did not change much in the first 20 minutes as RCA could not settle down and Whitehaven were not changing their game plan of hitting the ball from anywhere in their own half to the pacey wing forwards. However when the visitors did settle down it was much more like it.

Joseph on the left began beating his markers on every occasion, but was pulled down (not with malicious fouls but clumsy challenges). Stewart out wide started to play very well down the right. One direction now with RCA winning corners and free kicks consistently. Davison and Jennings were dominating in the air from crosses, Glenn Moan and Anth Laidler were winning second balls in midfield …surely a goal was on its way. When Joseph was pulled down again on the left, time for the referee to have words with the culprit. No. Whitehaven broke away down the left again full back Shields did commit a bad foul first one and booked. Good times indeed!

However no stopping our forward momentum. A goal had to come and it did. Winning a corner again the home defenders made three blocks before the ball landed at the feet of Davison who did well in keeping the ball down and fired through a massive cluster of players into the net. 1 - 2 and back in it at last. Full steam ahead and Whitehaven definitely backs to the wall. Wave after wave of attacks before the key moment of the game on 43 minutes. The ball played down the right to Stewart who beat his man before moving the ball to Davison in the box. Taking the ball down on his chest he turned onto his left foot hitting a decent effort that the keeper palmed out to the feet of Laidler who gleefully hit home. 2 - 2 and real celebrations! No, a linesman has seen an infringement and unbelievably it's offside. Whitehaven taking advantage of the chaos moved the ball quickly down the left which number 9 Craig Robson sprinted on to. Running close to the bye line and into the box he hit a tremendous shot into the bottom corner of the net. Great goal and louder celebrations than before. The referee blew for half-time and SRCA players and supporters were shell shocked. 3 - 1 down was very hard to take.

The second half kicked off with Hixon making a tactical change for RCA switching Jones back to right back, Glenn Moan back to central defence and Mick Coghlan coming into the centre of midfield. If RCA were lively in the latter part of the second half then they really upped the ante know and Whitehaven set their stall out to defend the lead. The good surface suited RCA's style and some slick passing and movement even had coach George Herd applauding from the sidelines. Both wingers were getting used, but unfortunately the forwards could not get close enough on goal to make the efforts count. But after the hour a fantastic swift move involving seven players, Jones moving the ball quickly to Stewart, switching inwards finding Moan, then Coghlan, Laidler involved before the ball was switched to the left where Joseph racing forward hit a fantastic cross into the box where Jennings racing in at the penalty spot position rifled a header into the roof of the net: Goal of the Month and possibly a contender for Goal of the Season. Even the Whitehaven supporters applauded. 3 - 2 to the home side and game on. Real one way traffic now and RCA piled bodies forward in search of the equaliser.

Whitehaven were on the ropes and defending numerous corners. However it was only a matter of time and after 75 minutes RCA drew level again ... No! A cross was fired into the box and Jennings spotting the keeper off his line headed firmly from distance, the keeper racing back grabbed the ball which looked well over the line, he spun to push the ball back onto the goal-line as he landed and at this point, RCA celebrated, the referee looked at his linesman …again…. No …Linesman unbelievably did not flag for the goal. The match reporter who was one yard from the linesman's position was shell shocked……and still is. However no feeling sorry for ourselves as the attacking play continued and got its just rewards minutes later. Another corner was won on the right and Joseph hit in a great curler to the back post where McGuinness got up well to head home. 3 - 3 and real celebrations now, better than all previous! Only one winner now surely? No! Whitehaven were re-ignited and they now threw men forward quickly. In one of their few attacks of the half they also won a corner on the right and when this was hit to the front post Karl McGrady met with a firm header that flew into the net. 4 - 3 to the home side…..and you can imagine the scene. Minutes left and RCA again chasing an equaliser were caught again on the break and the home side won another corner on the right. Hit in to the same area, this time it was met with a half volley by Kevin Law. 5 - 3. What can you say! For the neutral a great game. For RCA a real dent to our promotion hopes. Life's tough!

skilltraining Northern League

28 March 2009

A cold and windy day on top of the hill at Brandon, for what promised to be a real tough game against the current form team in the division.

After Tuesday night's defeat at Whitehaven, Hicker made a few changes with Andy Reay returning at centre half, Steve Jones reverting to right back, Mark McLeod returning from university and gaining a midfield spot in the continuing absence of Scott Richards, and Buddy coming back into the side as captain. Glenn Moan, Gaz Shields and Anth Laidler had to be content with a spot on the bench, alongside Micky Coghlan, and young striker Liam Gill.

We had the advantage of the strong wind in the first half, and it looked like we would need to make full use of it. We started brightly, pushing hard and pressing the young Brandon keeper, whose kicking was not able to handle the wind at all. Brandon looked sharp on the occasional break with leading scorer Dixon, Foley Shekoni and Billy Greulich Smith all looking dangerous for our hosts. The pressure told in the 18th minute however as Sean - Taz - Joseph scored direct from a free kick which the keeper could only parry into the roof of the net. The pattern of the half was set now, with Brandon hoping to hold out until it was their turn to enjoy the breeze and RCA pushing hard, having a succession of corners and hoping to build a good lead.

Brandon held until the 35th minute when Steve Stewart got his head to a corner which had bounced at least twice - Brandon were not happy with the defending, or the keeper - and made it 2-0 from a yard out. And three minutes later it was 3-0 as Sparky Davison drove a powerful shot off all parts of the woodwork as the keeper was left helpless. It should have been four a few minutes on, when AJ had yet another goal disallowed for a dubious off side, at least the tenth this season.

3-0 at HT.

Would it be enough? It certainly seemed so as the second half opened with RCA much better into the wind than Brandon had been, looking confident, holding the ball well and using both wingers to great effect to carry the ball forward. Andy should have increased the lead with a couple of good chances in the first five minutes of the half, created by good passing and crosses, before Shekoni showed Brandon could still trouble us as he netted only for it to be ruled out, rightly, for an earlier infringement. And on 64 minutes that was it, as AJ made amends for his earlier misses, cracking home a fierce shot after his header had come back off the post and Steve Stewart, who was excellent all day, put the resulting cross back into the danger zone.

After 74 minutes Brandon got a penalty which Hoggy could have saved with his cap as a poor effort barely reached his goal line, then in 81 minutes Sparky got his second, and probably the goal of the game, as he screamed home a super volley from 15 yards. A late Billy Greulich Smith goal - what a cracking name - gave Brandon a little consolation, but the 5-1 final scoreline was no more than we deserved for a super performance, particularly in the second half into the wind, when our control, passing and movement was a joy to watch. The season is still alive!

skilltraining Northern League

1 April 2009

Another funny old night on our travels in North Yorkshire, as RCA took their goal scoring in our last four away games to an astonishing 17; astonishing because we have won only two of those games! Hicker had to make a couple of changes again as the problems of mid-week cropped up. Glenn Moan came into right back for the missing Steve Jones, and Paul Wardle returned after injury to replace Andy Reay, also unavailable. Neil Moan and Adsy McGuiness made up the back four, with the rest of the team unchanged.

The game kicked off in perfect conditions and RCA were immediately all over Stokesley with both wingers seeing the ball early and chances being created from the off. So it came as something of a surprise when Stokesley won a free kick on half way in the eleventh minute, about as far forward as they had been in the game so far, knocked it into the box for an unmarked forward to head home. We appealed for offside but in vain, 1 - 0. We pushed forward again, won a couple of corners from which Andy headed over, then in the 14th minute they wandered down our end again and made it 2 - 0 from their second attack. They looked nearly as surprised as we were.

Was this going to be Whitehaven again? We were shocked and Stokesley were lifted, and had their best spell of the game with decent possession in midfield. But we re-asserted, pushed on and started to dominate again around the half hour. A series of chances and corners were created, Adsy had a great shot from distance saved, Andy, who looked very lively, fired just wide and just over, the keeper pushed a couple round for corners, which came to nothing, both wingers had the beating of their men all day, until in the 30th minute AJ forced another save, the corner came over and the big fella made no mistake with the header, 2 - 1 and game on. The next quarter was all us but we could not force the equaliser, 2 - 1 at the break, a travesty in terms of the balance of play and chances, but no good moaning, a lot still to do.

The second half started as the first had ended and it looked impossible for Stokesley to hold out for long. After 54 minutes the chance came as Stewy played AJ in. He took it wide as the keeper came out and slotted past for a cool strike and his second of the game, 2 - 2. At this point, completely on top and 35 minutes to play, RCA looked certain to take the points, until two minutes later, and with their first attack of the half, Stokesley regained the lead as their striker ran onto a long ball, took the central defenders on for pace, and lifted the ball past Hoggy as he came out. A very good finish, but the scoreline was unbelievable! 3 - 2 and the locals jubilant. Stokesley then set up camp on the edge of their box, although to be fair, the quick lad up front always looked to get onto any chance to run at us and lift the siege and was a good outlet for his team. He probably thought he was going to get a hat trick. We battered away, but the fluency had gone a little now, although the chances still came every couple of minutes. Andy hit the post when he looked certain to score, Taz blasted wide from a good opportunity, and Sparky likewise from a good cross to the near post, but Stokesley stayed calm and battled away. It got a bit fractious in midfield with even Buddy squaring up to people as they tried to niggle and slow it down at every opportunity.

Hicker introduced Micky Coghlan into midfield and sacrificed a winger by withdrawing Stewy. Not everyone on the RCA line agreed with this move, but the manager was proved right and me wrong again as Micky saved the point in the last minute with a brilliant goal, picking up in midfield, exchanging passes as he ran into the box, beating his man and pushing past the keeper, a finish of a player of the highest class, and a sign of what he could bring to the team if he seizes his opportunities. A fantastic goal to end the game, a six goal thriller, but points dropped against a side not as good as the Crook or Brandon teams we have murdered on our travels recently. It's a funny game! Still alive!

skilltraining Northern League

4 April 2009

A very dry hard pitch, mixed with a blustery wind meant that conditions were far from ideal at Meadow Park for today's must win game against Whickham. Having lost the toss RCA kicked off with wind and slope advantage, winning an immediate free kick on the half way line, centre half Wardle fired into the box and Jennings put the defence under early pressure winning a corner. Shields crossed in an excellent delivery, which found Henderson who was unlucky when heading just over the bar.

A very bright start by RCA continued with attacks down both flanks with Shields creating half chances for Jennings and Davison before Joseph on the left also found room coming in at the back post; he beat the full back but screwed his shot wide of the when a cross shot may have been the best option. Whickham were looking nervous in the early exchanges moving the ball long at all opportunities. However after 15 minutes they did get the ball down well through captain Cavanagh who played in his right-winger resulting in a first corner win which was well gathered by Hoggeth. RCA then began to increase the pace. Halliday and McLeod in central midfield, playing some good football, were finding the forwards quickly and after 25 minutes RCA won three successive corners. Shields was delivering well, but each time the central defenders made good headed clearances. After the third corner the ball was half cleared to the edge of the box and when launched back in, Davison rose well but headed over from eight yards.

The strong wind was making it difficult for the visitors to make any headway whilst RCA players found the ball running away from forwards, meaning the Whickham goalkeeper was being overworked in taking goal kicks, but not having to make any real saves. A scrappy period was livened when Jones intercepted one of Whickham's few attacks and when the ball was hit long from a wide position Halliday brought the ball down well and played in Joseph inside the penalty area who spun to fire in a good early shot which the keeper was relieved to see travel wide. There was frantic defending by the visitors in the final period before half-time, but RCA could not find a way through and when the referee blew to conclude the half the Whickham defenders shouted encouragement to one another for a defending job well executed, whilst RCA forwards looked on at what might have been. 0 - 0 at half time and RCA with it all to do.

The second half kicked off with Whickham pushing forward more but it was RCA who created the first attack when McGuinness won the ball on the left and switching it to midfield play was switched to the right where Shields ran free and, after getting behind the defence, he raced into the box but over hit his cross which cleared all and ran out of play.

RCA were upping the pace now and on 60 minutes a real chance was created when, after good midfield play between McLeod and Halliday, a through ball split the defence and Jennings beating the offside trap raced on. When pulling the trigger at the edge of the box he was fouled by a last ditch challenge. The referee immediately blew for the free kick then raced to his linesman for a long discussion. On return no card and a free kick only, right on the edge of the box.

Davison hit the resulting free kick with great venom past the wall, the keeper saved spectacularly and did well to keep out at all, but the ball rebounded to McLeod who following in poked home. 1 - 0 and the breakthrough at last.

The visitors were rattled now and minutes later things got a lot better for RCA when a great ball up the left found Joseph who raced past the covering right back and on breaking into the box drilled a terrific 20 yard cross shot past the keeper and just inside the far post. Real celebrations now by the home supporters with Whickham hit with a double whammy!

Whickham really pushed forward now with one long ball nearly deceiving Hoggeth and then their good play nearly resulted in a goal on 75 minutes. After a free kick was won 25 yards out Cavanagh hit a brilliant effort round the wall and Hoggeth was relieved when it hit the outside of the post. Coghlan was introduced by the RCA management as a replacement for Joseph on 80 minutes. The home side pushed forward now and Jennings was on the end of two successive crosses from the left diving to head one that was saved and one just wide. On 85 minutes this good attacking play ensured the game was sown up. After Shields won a free kick on the right McLeod hit a great cross into the box, which fell to the feet of Davison who fired home, to get the rewards that his efforts had fully deserved. 3 - 0 and game over. The referee blew a few minutes later to conclude a match that RCA easily deserved to win and another three points on the board. The promotion challenge is still not all over!

skilltraining Northern League

8 April 2009

This was another of those games which we needed to win, should have won, but didn't.

RCA came under a lot of pressure from a lively Norton in the first ten minutes of this match, but on our first attack we won a corner and scored from it. Sean Joseph swung it and Scott Richards was on hand to tap it in at the near post. That goal was a real tonic for we were then on top. Andy Jennings hit the post on thirty minutes and Mark Davison hit over from a good position. We went in 1 - 0 up at half time.

Four minutes after the beak Norton equalized. RCA cleared the ball from a corner, but the Marske number 10 hit a good shot from distance. RCA took the lead again when Andy Jennings headed in from a free kick. On 83 minutes Marske equalized again. A long ball was hit up field and unfortunately Delta missed his back header and the Marske centre forward ran through to lob the ball over the advancing keeper.

skilltraining Northern League

11 April 2009

Sunderland RCA took the field knowing that nothing less than victory could keep us in the hunt for a promotion place and that goals scored could be important. RCA keeper Gary Hoggeth was returning to his old club and Jarrow had two ex-RCA men in their side, Matty Hysen playing number nine up front and Dean Goodwin in central midfield.

Both sides made a lively start. On two minutes Gary Hoggeth released Sean - Taz - Joseph down the RCA left. Taz hit a very good ball to Andy Jennings, whose shot was blocked. The game was even-stevens with both sides attacking, although RCA were not pleased by the number of times they were giving the ball away. On 11 minutes Adam McGuinness, who has taken to the left back position very well, hit a great ball to Scott Richards who crossed to Andy Jennings, who hit a good shot.

On 17 minutes it looked as though the Roofers would take the lead. Gary Hoggeth came out of his area and lost the ball to Matty Hysen whose shot went over the cross bar for a let off for RCA.

On 30 minutes the RCA keeper was shouting for the ball again, but was always second favourite as he came out of the penalty area, this time bringing down a Jarrow player, who needed treatment, and getting a yellow card for his trouble. The free kick was hit hard and low and was gathered by Gary who hit a long ball down field which was quickly latched onto by Northern League Division 2 leading scorer Mark Davison who lashed it past the keeper to give RCA the lead - a bit of a sickner for the hosts.

Towards the end of the first half it was clear that Taz was struggling with an injury and Steven Stewart warmed up. After Andy Jennings was through on goal, but placed his shot across the keeper and wide of his post, he was called on to swap with Sean to cover the left hand side and see out the half.

In the second half Steven Stewart came on as a replacement for Sean Joseph. Immediately opening scorer Mark Davison was looking lively with a strong shot from the outside the area going past the post. On 50 minutes a good move down the right saw Gary Shields' cross cleared for a corner. Three minutes later Andy Jennings saw his header cleared off the line as he beat the keeper. Jarrow were attacking too and their pressure led to a long range shot clearing the crossbar. On 58 minutes there was another strong run from Mark Davison, who should perhaps have tried to play Andy Jennings in. Two minutes later AJ hit the bar with a header. It only took another two minutes for RCA to deservedly increase their lead, with the old Chester pairing doing the business: Gary Shields crossed from the right and Steven Stewart shot across the keeper. Three minutes later and Steven Stewart was in again placing his shot out of the Jarrow keeper's reach into the right corner.

On 65 minutes manager Neil Hixon took Gary Shields off and put Michael Coghlan on in central midfield with Mark McLeod moving to the right. On 72 minutes Glenn Moan came on for Paul Wardle, who had twisted his knee. (He should be OK for Tuesday.)

On 86 minutes Andy Jennings got his just rewards when running through and outpacing the Roofers' defence he hit the ball strongly past the keeper to make it 4 - 0 to RCA.

A job well done, but it was not long after people had gathered in the club house that the news came through that Horden had won 1 - 0 with a goal in the last minute. That's football!

skilltraining Northern League

14 April 2009

A miserable dark night night at Meadow Park as the incoming fog shrouded the ground in a Faustian gloom, only partly pierced by the flickering floodlights. RCA had Jon Minniss returning to the fold in place of the injured Gary Hoggeth in goal, and with Scott Richards and Steve Halliday as the preferred pairing in midfield.

The game started brightly with RCA playing up the slope, and chances were created almost immediately with Andy Jennings in the thick of the goal mouth action as he was to be all night. Our visit to Whitehaven a few weeks ago was an eight goal thriller and it had all the makings in the first ten tonight of being the same; Whitehaven were prepared to run down the bank whenever they could and looked quick up front, but with Gary Shields in particular looking sharp out wide the RCA strikeforce were seeing plenty of the ball in good positions. AJ had his usual one disallowed after 10 minutes for offside, knocked a great chance past the post with his head, turned superbly to fire straight at the keeper, Shieldsy missed a great chance at the back post when he delayed and Mark Davison was running well onto wide balls to look dangerous all night. Scott Richards had a couple of efforts and it was no surprise therefore when we finally took the lead after 35 minutes with a simple back post header from Andy Jennings from a raking free kick out wide left. The pattern continued the same, but no more goals followed and at the break it was 1- 0, with the slope to use in the second half, and surely more goals to come.

As often however, it was not that simple, as Whitehaven came out strong for the start of the second half and for 15 minutes were the better side, although without creating many real chances. RCA gradually got back on top, the game settled into a one of relentless pressure on the Cumbrian goal, and how it stayed 1- 0 is a mystery. Sparky hit the bar with a header, AJ fired across the face of the goal, not once but twice, Delta blasted a shot in from the edge of the box, chances came at about one minute intervals with all involved, the keeper made some good saves and rode his luck as well and the ball would not cross the line. This gave Whitehaven heart as the game went into the last ten and they had a couple of good breaks, although even so AJ could have had a hat trick in injury time as chances continued to be spurned with gay abandon. The whistle went on another win, the ref told a moaning Whitehaven player they were lucky it hadn't finished 8 - 0, and the chase goes on. Still alive!

skilltraining Northern League

18 April 2009

A tough game was in prospect at Meadow Park as the much-improved Team Northumbria came to visit Meadow Park.

Hoggy was still out so Jon Minniss continued in goal. Andy Reay came in to replace the injured Wayne Henderson, but otherwise it was the same team as we attempted to keep our good run going and our promotion hopes alive. It was a decent day and the game started brightly with both sides moving the ball quickly as RCA faced up the slope for the first period.

A colour clash meant RCA were playing in a quite revolting combination of kit with claret and blue tops, black shorts and red socks; it looked even worse than it sounds!

The Team North right winger was immediately lively and looking to take on Adsy at every opportunity, but the first decent chance fell to Buddy whose shot was saved by the keeper after good team work had put him in on the edge of the box. But after fifteen minutes it was Team North who took the lead when a long ball wide into the box was met by their striker, who hooked over Jon Minniss has he charged out. Maybe a little misjudgement from the keeper, but a well-taken goal. Jon didn't let it upset him and for the rest of the game his handling was impeccable. But RCA were rattled by the goal and got themselves agitated, whinging about decisions and allowing Team North to dictate the pace of play. After 21 minutes it could have got worse as the visitors hooked another good opportunity over the bar. RCA finally began to settle and Andy Jennings headed wide from a good cross, and a period of pressure lead to a handball shout in the box, which only the ref didn't see. But Team North had another good chance just on the break and still lead at the interval, 1-0.

Hicker had obviously had words because RCA meant business on the restart and within a minute were level as AJ turned and finished smartly. We continued on top and after 55 minutes it looked like the game had decisively turned our way as Mark Davison converted a clear penalty, 2 - 1 to RCA. A few minutes later Sparky should have put the game away when AJ created a great chance for him, but the keeper blocked. Team North, to their credit, battled away and always looked dangerous as the game swung from end to end. A quite beautiful move from RCA deserved a goal as half a dozen players were involved in a passing move down the right that ended with Gary Shields crossing from the goal line and the keeper saving from AJ. Andy also had a couple of decent half chances getting onto long balls and then after 70 minutes the game was levelled as an Andy Reay challenge in the box led to a TN penalty, which was crisply converted to make it 2 - 2.

Was this going to be the end of the road for the RCA promotion chase? No, because a couple of minutes later up pops Gary Shields to coolly finish a good move and we are back in front, 3 - 2. Hicker made a couple of subs as the game wound down, Team North looked like they had used their last efforts and the game was closed out, 3 - 2 and just, just, still alive!

Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup - Semi Final

21 April 2009

It was semi final time again at Meadow Park tonight for the second successive year, in the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup. A bit like public buses you wait 27 years for one then two come in quick succession. There was a good atmosphere beforehand, with a lively contingent of visiting Brandon supporters helping set the stage. In fact approaching kick off time there were over 130 in attendance; not massive by any means, but enough to give a proper feel of what non-league football is all about. There were team selection problems for the SRCA management, with midfielders Stewart and Halliday unavailable, together with central defender Reay. Neil Hixon though, as with other matches this season, had no hesitation in making benefit of the club's good youth policy by adding Liam Gill and Lee Andrews to the squad from the U21 and U18 set ups.

In winning the toss, RCA captain Wardle surprisingly elected to take the half with slope advantage but only marginal wind at the home sides backs. Clearly the intention was to get at the visitors early and RCA were quickly on the attack and within minutes Andy Jennings did have the ball in the net, but the referee pulled the forward up for reversing into a Brandon defender. However the momentum had started and Brandon defenders were being tested early. After Jennings was fouled a couple of yards outside the penalty area, Davison stepped up to hit a ferocious direct free kick at the target which Brandon keeper Robert Joyce palmed firmly and confidently away for a corner. RCA were being very direct in the early stages with free kicks and corners won and half chances headed wide by both central forwards. However after the first quarter Brandon started to show good momentum with right full back Liam Bramley winning possession and linking well with Matty Hornsby, then Paul Dixon to make headway into the RCA box. At times the visiting side's football was a joy to watch with many successive passes as the visitors aimed to control the midfield area. Whilst enjoying the bulk of possession however the final pass was not finding forwards and RCA broke away twice to make direct attacks on the Brandon goal. Richards and Shields both created half chances, which were scrambled clear for corners. From one of the corners centre half Wardle could have done better when rising in the box unmarked he met the ball well but headed at least a yard over the bar. McGuiness also got on the end of another but glanced the ball wide.

Brandon captain Heslop was doing a very good job in playing a defensive midfield role resulting again in controlled possession by the Brandon side, who were keeping to their game plan of swift movement and passing, with the full backs on both flanks pressing more. Good opportunities in attack were wasted when any advancing forwards did not meet crosses fired in. Jones and Henderson at the back for RCA had to work overtime with some excellent defending. However the visitors had to re-organise when wide player Ian Pritchard had to be replaced having twisted his knee. After the substitution Brandon had to re-organise and after the half hour RCA increased momentum and winning possession at will a lot of crosses were fired into the box. On 35 minutes the breakthrough came when a corner on the right was fired into the front post where Jennings challenged well and although getting the slightest of touches a Brandon defender turned the ball into the net. 1 - 0 and RCA on their way! Not a great goal but massive relief now for home supporters who cheered loudly. Much more like it now and SRCA were pressing at all opportunities. Only minutes to go before half time and Brandon were defending admirably, however when good play freed Jennings in the box he held the ball well, turned out to the left and after sidestepping one defender he went wide again, feigned to shoot, wrong footing all and sundry, including the crowd, he pulled the ball back for his strike partner Davison who put the ball into the empty net, one of his easiest chances of the season. 2 - 0 and very hard on Brandon right on half time.

It was time now for RCA to reshape in the interval with Wardle unable to continue after pulling his hamstring and Glenn Moan eagerly entering the fray. Brandon really attacked now and wave after wave of attacks were met with a resilient home guard. Possibly the key moment of the game came on 60 minutes when two good chances were made for their forwards Fothergill and Dixon and the stop of the match by Hoggeth in the RCA goal when he saved at point blank range, forcing the ball away from six yards. A totally different game could gave been on offer if a breakthrough could have been made, but Brandon would live to regret the wasted chances. On 70 minutes Jennings, who was having an exceptional game, caused problems up front and racing with the ball he moved towards goal and again beating defenders with great ball control, he got into the box and at the point of pulling the trigger a last ditch challenge brought the forward down. Immediately the referee blew the whistle for the penalty. Davison stepped up with confidence and fired into the corner. 3 - 0 and Brandon definitely with it all to do. Hixon made further changes replacing Joseph with Coghlan and then Shields with Laidler, as RCA attempted to close the game down. Brandon to their credit went right until the end and if any player deserved something from the game it was their right back, Bramley, who worked and overlapped until the end crossing in twice from wide right only to see one chance hit over the bar from close range and one deceiving all in the box.

The referee finally blew and celebrations from the both sets of supporters who applauded what was a very competitive match and a proper advert for Northern League football. Another season drawing to a close and it is most likely that the final league placing will be fourth for RCA - the same as last, but our equal best position in 20 years.

Also as losing finalists in this same competition last year can we go one better and finally win some Northern League silverware? The final is at Chester-le-Street Wednesday, 6 May, kick off 7:00 PM. Let's hope supporters get behind the team like tonight. It's very good times and some great football at Meadow Park. Let's all savour the moment! The match reporter most certainly is; it might be time for a new role - this job was made for me!

skilltraining Northern League

25 April 2009

It was the last throw of the dice today at Meadow Park, as RCA fought to keep their slim promotion hopes alive, against a Stokelsey team that dented them considerably when they held us to a 3 - 3 draw at their place a couple of weeks ago. It was a strong RCA team that took the field, with Mick Coghlan in midfield for the delayed Scott Richards.

RCA started like a house on fire down the bank and had three good chances in the first few minutes as Steve Jones pushed forward and joined the attack and had a shot pushed wide for a corner, from which the keeper made a point blank save from a Mark Davison volley and Andy Jennings headed over the bar. Things settled and Stokesley got a foothold in the game, playing the ball about nicely and causing a few problems.

The game became a bit scrappy as the half wore on, with Stokesley holding the ball well when they could and RCA looking dangerous when they got the ball forward. AJ headed over and was beaten by the keeper to a long ball, Taz curled one past the post, before Gary Shields, who looked very lively, dropped one onto Andy's head for him to give us the lead on 39 minutes. That looked like being the half time, but with a minute left of the half Stokelsey broke for Dale Mendhum to bring them level, 1 - 1 at HT.

Stokesley fancied their chances playing down the bank in the second half and started strongly, but RCA play better football up the bank than down it nowadays and had a couple of good chances themselves. Sparky put a header past the post and a shot into the side netting, but Stokesley had a great chance to take the lead which Hoggy saved. Then up popped Steve Jones, having one of his most adventurous games to side foot home from eight yards and put us back in front, 2 - 1 on 62 minutes. Stokesley huffed and puffed, Taz hit the bar, but the game looked over and so it proved as we wound down the clock to win the game as needed, only to find Horden had tonked Crook, and that was that for another year.

skilltraining Northern League

27 April 2009

With Horden securing their promotion and settling the race for the promotion places, manager Neil Hixon made changes of personnel and formation for this last league of the 2008/09 campaign against The Hoops on a damp evening at Birtley Sports Complex. Steven Stewart, Liam Gill and Mark Davidson were up front in a 4-3-3 formation, with Anth Laidler, Michael Coghlan and Scott Richards in the middle and Adam McGuinness, Wayne Henderson, Glenn Moan and Steve Jones at the back. Gary Hoggeth was the between the sticks.

Birtley kicked off but it was RCA who made the sharpest start as Scott Richards won the ball straight away. On four minutes Steven Stewart put a cross into Liam Gill but his header towards goal was from an offside position. Birtley too were looking sharp and when Adam McGuinness gave the ball away they made a good break, but the cross in was wasted. RCA replied with good work from Stewart on the left who put in a good cross for Mark Davidson to challenge, to his pain unfortunately. Two minutes later and Davidson put in good work again releasing a ball for Liam Gill to chase down the right. He held possession well, brining in Steve Jones whose first time cross was too close to the keeper.

On 13 minutes there was a great move from Birtley, using both sides of the pitch. It ended in a shot from the right which was pushed behind by Gary Hoggeth for a corner, from which a free header went past the post. This was a sign of Birtley's capability and intent and on 17 minutes the break through came when the tricky and pacey Birtley number 11 Kris Hughes broke through in the centre and ran through to shoot strongly. Keeper Hoggeth parried the shot but its pace took it over the keeper and it spun into the net.

From the kick off RCA were straight back in it with a corner, but the referee blew for a foul on the keeper. On 27 minutes more pressure from RCA ended with a Steve Jones cross, which Mark Davidson headed wide.

On 32 minutes the locals were far from happy when a late kick from Steven Stewart downed a Birtley player who needed treatment. The referee showed a yellow card.

On 44 minutes RCA got themselves back in the game when a good cross from full back Jones found Stewart at a narrow angle at the far post and he slotted neatly past the keeper to make it all square at half time.

RCA started the second half in determined mood. On 48 minutes another good ball from Michael Coghlan - a player who can consistently see and execute good passes and play one touch football - nearly had Steven Stewart in on goal, but a defender nipped in to deflect the ball for a corner. A minute later and Coghlan was repeating the play with a ball into the left corner for Stewart to cross.

On 55 minutes manager Hixon made a tactical switch, bringing off Glenn Moan, bringing Steve Halliday on, switching Anth Laidler to central defence and deploying a 4-4-1-1 with Gill moving to the right wing and Coghlan playing just behind Davidson at the front.

RCA continued with good possession and pressure, but it was not all the away side. On 65 minutes a very good cross from Birtley's first half scorer Kris Hughes led to a last ditch clearance from Steve Jones in the six yard box.

On 68 minutes Liam Gill came off, replaced by Andy Jennings, with Coghlan dropping back into a conventional 4-4-2. AJ's height came in to good use on 71 minutes when he headed on a long ball from Gary Hoggeth to Steven Stewart who shot across goal.

The match turned on the 75th minute. Scott Richards lost the ball in the middle and Birtley broke strongly down their right with the player moving into shoot on the urging of the Birtley bench. Keeper Hoggeth parried the powerful shot, but the ball broke to the middle of the 18-yard line and a Birtley player shot strongly into the net. After that RCA were a spent force. Ten minutes later and it looked certain that Birtley would make it three as they were through again, but shot weakly and wide.

This was a curate's egg of a performance from RCA and after Saturday's let down on the promotion campaign some flatness was to be expected. Fair play to Birtley though - they played well and deserved the points here. RCA will need to be sharper against Horden in the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup Final.

Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup Final

6 May 2009

It was the last game of the season tonight for Sunderland RCA, against Division 2 Champions Horden in the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup Final. History was to be made as both sides had never won a Northern League Cup so the record books were to be updated for one of the clubs. As kick off approached there was a very healthy attendance at Chester-le-Street and all looked on in anticipation when Horden won the toss, electing to defend the slope with a strong wind in their faces.

RCA were quickly on the attack with centre forward Jennings quickly making his presence felt. Two early corners were won after some good play by Joseph down the left and one of the crosses was met by Jennings which James Winter in goal partially saved and was grateful for his fullback to scramble away the rebound. The wind was clearly proving to be an advantage and Horden were defending strongly with Mark Nicholson and Matty Taylor at the back making headed clearances to prevent RCA forwards Davison and Shields breaking away. Horden then hit back with their first main attack when after a midfield battle for possession the ball fell to left back Ian Clark who played a long pass upfield which cut the RCA defence in two leaving an opening for forward Craig Hubbard to run onto. Although 30 yards from goal he quickly noticed the RCA keeper Minnis racing out to cover the danger, he hit the ball first time up high over the keeper's head and the ball bounced once straight into the net. 1 - 0 to Horden and the RCA supporters were shellshocked. This lifted the Horden side who looked to push forward again with centre forward Chris I'Anson causing problems in the air for RCA defenders Wardle and Reay. The referee was allowing a lot of physical challenges to go unpunished and this disrupted the pattern of play for the next period. RCA regained composure and after 25 minutes a great move down the left involving midfielder Richards, Joseph and left back McGuinness resulted in a great long cross to Jennings just in front of the penalty spot. The forward met it perfectly and bulleted a header that look destined for the bottom corner, only to be met by a terrific flying save from Winter in goal.

Halliday and Richards started to control the passing in the midfield area and RCA pushed more bodies forward in search of the equaliser. Again early balls were played into the box and Jennings again was denied on the half hour when the keeper saved well again with the rebound falling to RCA full back Jones who hit a decent effort, again saved. Buoyant now, RCA were looking to attack at every opportunity and were winning many free kicks. Richards was fouled 35 yards out and Davison stepped up to hit a good effort but this was well clear of the Horden bar. The final few minutes were fast and furious and corners were won at both ends and a goal could have been scored by either side but resilient goal-line clearances were made. The referee blew and the Horden lads had their tails up looking forward to having the wind at their backs in the second half whilst RCA players were scratching heads, not believing that they had registered a goal having controlled most of the game.

The second half kicked off and followed a similar pattern to the first but now it was Horden quickly moving the ball forward and RCA defenders now having to deal with an awkward wind. But just like the opposition in the first, RCA now made use of their first proper attack and although Horden defenders half dealt with the situation the bal l fell to McGuinness and from a good distance he hit a cross shot and although not catching it sweetly the slice deceived the keeper and the ball found the bottom right corner of the net. Just the lift RCA needed and loud cheers from supporters. 1 - 1 and game back on. The game closed up now with space being at a premium and it was Horden who nearly made a breakthrough when a shot from the halfway line had Minnis chasing back to goal and he done exceptionally well to get a touch on to the ball which also glanced off the top of the bar. Stewart who brought extra pace into the RCA midfield replaced Joseph and this lifted the team for a short period. In general though no clear chances were being created and the game look destined for extra time with supporters appearing to get further refreshments in readiness.

Out of nothing though with normal time up, the ball broke lose in central midfield and travelling through to McGuinness he appeared to get control but was dispossessed by I'Anson who raced clear and clipped the ball coolly over the advancing Minnis. 2 - 1 and no time left to recover for RCA. McGuinness who was possibly in the running for the MoM award was punished for his one mistake of the night. The referee blew, Horden the victors, well done to them for a league and cup double in their centenary year. Deja vu for RCA an exact repeat of last year's league finish of fourth and losing finalists. Well stiff upper lip needed, but the club is till moving forward and RCA will grow stronger together. After lean times in the last 20 years the club has had two fantastic seasons. Neil Hixon's men have gathered 70 then 71 points, so if we keep on progressing at that rate one day we will go up. Roll on next season the supporters can't wait!