Sunderland RCA FC 0 Celtic Nation FC 2

RCA's right back Ross Preston attacks during the second half of the match.

Saturday, 23 March 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goal scorers: Celtic Nation: Simpson, OG.

Please click here for photos from the match.

Once again SRCA were guilty of missed chances and were punished for two errors of judgement.

Preston, Richards and Shaw were recalled after the mid week defeat by Billingham Synthonia and Gordon started the game on the right wing.

In difficult conditions with a strong swirling wind, both teams served up a fairly entertaining affair with Celtic Nation taking their chances when they came along which proved the difference between the two teams.

It could have been so different given the start that was made by RCA kicking up the slope in the first half. As early as the second minute a long clearance from McGuinness bypassed the Celtic Nation defence and fell to Clarke. Unfortunately he decided to try and beat the keeper with a first time header and Lowson saved comfortably.

A minute later and a strong run from Kane saw him dribble past three defenders before shooting over the bar.

Celtic Nation's first attack produced a corner as Preston came across to cover a good run by Reed. The in swinging corner was headed clear by Wardle to Close who was dispossessed on the half way line by Simpson who played the ball to Reed who fired in a low shot which Ball saved low down to his left.

Celtic Nation took the lead in the 12th minute when a ball from Lee was misjudged by Marron and found Hoolicken on the left. He crossed into the box where Simpson was unmarked and he drove the ball into the net from 10 yards out.

RCA picked up the pace again and a shot from McGuinness went narrowly wide. From the goal kick Preston headed to Gordon who returned the ball to the overlapping Preston; his cross was met by Clarke who turned sharply but fired over the bar.

Celtic Nation were winning the midfield battle and RCA were forced to use the flanks, which they did to some effect. Shaw in particular was causing problems with his direct approach and he really should have done better in the 33rd minute when he beat two defenders before shooting into the side netting.

The game became a bit scrappy with both teams guilty of misplaced passes, but the windy conditions were making good football almost impossible.

As the game neared the end of the first half Clarke had a shot which took a huge deflection, but as RCA's bad luck in front of goal continued, the ball flew up in the air and Lee headed the ball inches wide of his own goal. In the final attack of the half McGuinness curled in a wicked looking shot cum cross which Clarke was only inches away from getting a touch on for a certain goal.

RCA were almost back level within minutes of the start of the second half. A drilled cross from Gordon was met superbly by Celtic Nation defender Lee, who powered his header over the bar.

Celtic Nation, with the advantage of the wind, broke forward at every opportunity and were causing problems for the RCA defence. Marron was outstanding in marshalling his defence and it was only a piece of bad luck which saw Celtic Nation extend their lead, an inocuous looking cross in from the right seemed to get caught in the wind and was heading towards two attacking players at the far post. Preston, under pressure, headed the ball into the roof of the net to make it 2-0.

RCA rallied and threw men forward in an attempt to get something from the game. Guerin-Lokonga, on for the injured Richards, made a great run into the box before cutting the ball back to Shaw who could only chip the ball into the arms of Lowson.

It was certainly not RCA's day in front of goal and this was shown when good work by Guerin-Lokonga and Shaw set up Cutts inside the six yard area, but he hit his shot onto the post and it was cleared.

Celtic Nation looked to have settled for their two goals and were only looking to counter attack, which they did to great effect with both Wallace and Simpson going close.

RCA's best chance in the closing stages fell to McGuinness who headed over the bar from eight yards out.

With time running out RCA threw caution to the wind and sent men forward looking for the goal that might spark a revival, but it was all in vain and they were left to rue the missed chances of the first half.

We need to start taking the chances we create or we will end up in a relegation dog fight. Celtic Nation for their part are a well organised, slick outfit who, if they keep this team together, will be a force to be reckoned with next season.