Northern League Division 1

Tuesday, 4 September 2012

After a wait of two weeks without a fixture SCRA travelled to Hillheads to play a rejuvenated Whitley Bay team.

With Atkinson and Close unavailable, holiday and suspension respectively the management team brought in the experienced Shields and gave a starting debut to youngster Jamie Davis. James Oates returned from holiday and took the place of Salim.

SRCA started with an unfamiliar 5-3-2 formation in the expectation of unsettling a very familiar Whitley Bay team.

The old adage of a game of two halves was represented here tonight SRCA far superior in the first half were totally outclassed in the second.

SRCA were first into their stride as they took the game to Whitley Bay, as early as the 3^rd minute Hudson floated in a freekick which was met by Jardine who sent the ball across the six yard box to Guerin-Lokonga but Fawcett managed to get afoot on the ball and force it for a corner.

After this opening flurry both sides settled down with both sets of defenders looking quite comfortable.

It was not until the 14 minute that SRCA threatened again this time Jones sent in a ball to Jardine, the striker expertly controlled the ball before slipping it through to Guerin-Lokonga but Kyle was alert to the danger and saved at the feet of the RCA Forward.

Kyle kick out found Robinson on the right to set up Whitley Bay’s first attack of the game, swinging in a cross behind the RCA defence which flew across the face of goal with Fawcett unable to get a touch on the ball.

SRCA were looking the better side and deservedly took the lead after a spell of pressure which saw Jardine and Davis going close. A cross from Jones was tipped away by Hayes but fell to Hudson who quickly played in Gordon who sent in a curling shot which McFarlane scooped into his own net whilst trying to clear.

Whitley were finding it difficult to penetrate a well organised RCA defence with Preston and McGuinness marshalling Chow and Kerr to great effect.

The only half chance of note for Whitley Bay was when Fawcett and Robinson combined and Preston was forced to head over for a corner.

 The corner was cleared towards the half way line and Jones and McFarlane collided in a 50-50 tackle with Jones left prone on the ground.

A lengthy delay followed as the physio treated Jones who had suffered a nasty gash to the knee and was unable to continue.

With RCA forced to reshape Whitley Bay took full advantage and deep into added time they drew level when Lee Kerr, unchallenged on the left played a long ball into the box, the RCA defence did not deal with it and it fell to Fawcett who fired in a tremendous shot into the far corner.

SRCA, not for the first time against the Bay, had dominated without really posing a threat to the opposition keeper.

What Chandler said to the players at half time certainly worked as they upped the work-rate and looked an entirely different team.

Kerr seemed to move to a more defensive role and from there was dominating, spreading the ball all over the park.

A shot from Paul Chow was blocked by Shields and the ball sprang back towards Chow, who flicked the ball to Robinson but his effort was cleared off the lone by McGuinness.

Kerr and Chow combined twice more in as many minutes but the RCA defence was standing firm against the onslaught.

A Freekick from Reid was flicked over the bar by Shields before a loud appeal for a penalty was turned down when Fawcett looked to be blocked as he went for a ball inside the box.

For all their second half dominance it was RCA who nearly snatched a late winner when a long ball from McGuinness found Davis who flicked the ball forward for Jardine who fired well over the bar. RCA probably deserved a point for their first half display and some resilient defending in the second half. Having not played for two weeks didn’t help. Whitley Bay showed that they are still a threat on the break and will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.

David Gordon attacks down the left in the first half of the match.

Northern League Division 1

Saturday, 8 September 2012

Click here for photos from the match.

Despite scoring three times at home Sunderland RCA suffered their first league defeat of the season when defensive mistakes were punished by the clinical finishing of Norton & Stockton Ancients strikers.

The management team were forced into a number of changes with Jones and Preston both injured and Jardine unavailable due to work commitments. Butler was called up to play in place of Jones, Oates reverted to centre back to replace Preston, Close came into midfield and new signing Gavin Barton took over up front to replace Jardine.

The match started in beautiful sunshine and RCA were soon on the attack, with Appleby causing the Norton defence into a hurried clearance which was picked up on the half way line by Close, he played a forward pass to Hudson who clipped an exquisite pass to Davis on the right edge of the box, he cut inside before crossing the ball beyond Howarth and into the path of Appleby who slotted home from close range.

Norton struck back with a well worked move that saw Brown win the ball on the left before crossing for Hume but the Striker could only head straight at Atkinson.

However, in the 11 minute a defensive mix up between Close and McGuinness saw Martin take full advantage, sliding between the two players before sending in an inch perfect cross and this time Hume headed powerfully past Atkinson to equalise.

RCA stormed back on the offensive but were thwarted by some good work by Harbron and Crossman.

The lead was restored in the 20 minute when a cross from Butler was palmed clear by Howarth but it fell to Davis who evaded two tackles before passing to Gordon who crossed to Barton at the far post, hid first effort was saved by Howarth, his second struck Harbron but fell kindly back to him and he made no mistake volleying into the roof of the net from close range.

RCA looked on top at this point and both Appleby and Barton had great chances to increase the lead when clean through but on both occasions the shots were hurried and went over the bar.

Norton for their part were hanging on with a determination reminiscent of our defence last week at Whitley Bay.

In the 36 minute, a long clearance from Lilley should have been dealt with by Butler but he headed the ball straight to Brown, who skipped past the tackle before sending in a cross to the far post where the ball wasn’t cleared and Woodhouse was on hand to stab the ball home.

Two minutes later and RCA’s defence was shambolic as Norton tore through the middle, and Woodhouse was once again left unmarked to strike home.

It could have been worse in the 40 minute when Dalton picked up a ball in midfield and thundered in a shot which went narrowly wide.

RCA equalised in the last minute of the half when both Appleby and Barton burst past Norton’s defence, Appleby pick up the loose ball and tried to curl it past the keeper but Howarth was able to get a hand onto the ball but could only steer the ball onto the head of Barton who made no mistake from 6 yards out.

Half time 3-3 and all the goals were scored through poor defending.

It took 15 minutes for the second half to liven up as both teams came out to determined not to concede.

RCA kicking down the slope and with a slight wind could not make their superiority tell and although Barton had a great chance his header went tamely wide.

At the other end Crossman played in a lovely ball to Woodhouse, but he mistimed his header.

In the 74 minute as Cross from Butler was headed onto the bar by Barton and Wells headed the ball over the bar for a corner with Guerin -Lokonga, bearing down on goal.

The Killer goal was a brilliantly executed strike by full back Lilley, He started the move with a pass to Hume who flicked it into his path and he unleashed a terrific volley which gave Atkinson no chance at all.

RCA hit back with  Guerin-Lokonga going close then Hutchinson had a half chance which was smothered by Howarth but really it was all too little too late.       

Northern League Division 1

Tuesday, 11 September 2012

Goal scorers: Sunderland RCA FC - Guerin-Lokonga        West Auckland Town FC :  Campbell, Banks.

SRCA are still without a home win after yet another defeat to a well organised West Auckland Town team. It could have been so different if the lads had taken their chances in front of goal.

With key players, Jones, Preston and Gordon sidelined with major injuries the management team were once again forced to reshuffle the squad. In came Hall at centre back and Oates moved to right back, Shields started on the right and Davis on the Left in a more familiar 4-4-2 formation.

Goals from John Campbell and Stuart Banks gave West Auckland a 2-0 lead before RCA struck back through Aristote Guerin-Lokonga. RCA then had the better of play but couldn't make it pay in the final third.

A keenly fought encounter was expected and the crown of 142 were not disappointed.

West took the early initiative and Gardner was unlucky when he shot wide after some good work by Banks on the right.

In the 4 minute came the first strong challenge of the game as Shields and Green clashed as they went for a 50-50 ball with the RCA man shown a yellow card.

The game came to life in the 11 minute when a hopefull ball into the box by Pattison was misjudged by Former West player Hall and bounced through to Campbell who made no mistake blasting the ball past Atkinson.

RCA replied with a great move between Davis and Close with the ball being squared to Appleby but his shot was blocked by Stephenson. The resulting corner was punched clear by Bell.

West were using both wings to great effect with Banks and Rundle looking good in possession and it was Banks who carved open the next real opportunity as he found Moffatt with a pass and the west forwards shot was saved by Atkinson.

RCA forced another corner when Shields cross from the right was headed goalwards by Barton but the ball was scrambled away.

Hudson's kick to the far post was met by Appleby but his header went well wide of the upright. Within a minute RCA had another corner and Bell did well to punch clear when under pressure, sustaining an injury in doing so.

There was another outstanding save from Atkinson in the final minutes of the half when Moffatt latched onto a cross from Banks and struck the ball goalwards with some venom, however the RCA Keeper pulled off a terrific one handed save down to his left.

 The half ended with another attack from West which produced another shot, this time from Campbell and Atkinson scrambled the ball clear.

At half time Guerin-Lokonga replaced Appleby and his presence had an immediate effect, beating the offside trap he  ran into space before finding Shields on the right, his cross was met by Barton but he couldn't steer the ball home.

In the 54 minute McGuinness found Davis ith a deft past and the youngster attacked the West defence beating three players before slipping the ball to Barton who curled the ball into the net only to be adjudged  offside.

The response from West was immediate and emphatic, from the free kick Bell found Campbell who slipped the ball to Moffatt, he in turn flicked the ball into the path of Banks who slid the ball into the net past Atkinson, 55 minutes and 2-0 to West.

RCA came back and 3 minutes reduced the arrears with a wonderful solo effort by Guerin-Lokonga. A long ball from McGuinness looked to be going out for throw but Guerin-Lokonga had other ideas, heading the ball back in past Pattison, he then continue his run to outpace Stephenson along the goal line before skipping past Bell to tap the ball into an empty net.

This goal gave RCA a massive lift and they responded with some good football, however once again the finishing was off key as tme and again good position were squaundered.

A cross into the box by Davis was headed goalwards by Barton and bell was able to push the ball away, straight to Paxton who volleyed the ball off the post and the ball struck Hudson on the thigh before being collected by the thankful Bell.

Minutes later and another great run by Shields saw the ball played to Guerin-Lokonga who played a neat one - two with Barton but fired wide.

West were defending well at this point and the only outlet was Moffatt up front and he did have a chance to seal it but fired well over the bar.

Barton was unlucky with a snap shop after some good work by Shields.

The finall throw af the dice was to put Hall up front and the gamble nearly paid off when a long ball from Atkinson was headed into the path of Hudson but the Ex west midfileder could only chip the ball into the arms of Bell.

All in all a thoroughly entertaining match which maybe should have produced a draw.

Next up is Marske United on Saturday.

Scorer and provider: RCA forward Aristote Guerin-Lokonga resists the Marske defence to lay the ball off for RCA's second goal scored by Jamie Davis in the first minute of the second half of the 3 - 1 away win for RCA on Saturday, 15 September.

Northern League Division 1

Saturday, 15 September 2012

Please click here for photos from the match.

Goalscorers: RCA: Guerin-Lokonga, Davis, Jardine. Marske: Onions.

RCA got back to winning ways with a comprehensive victory over Marske United. This performance showed that we can dominate a game and get a good victory. The second half was very reminiscent of last season's displays. 

The only change to the team from the mid week defeat at the hands of West Auckland was to bring in Guerin-Lokonga for the injured Appleby.

The match started at quite a high tempo with both teams looking to attack but both defences looking solid. The opening 10 minutes saw the game evenly balanced with little to show in the way of chances.

A quick interchange of play between Oates and Shields saw the first real attack of any significance develop as Oates raced into space before trying to cut the ball back to Guerin-Lokonga or Barton, both of whom had taken up great positions, Oates cross lacked power and Allison saved at the feet of Guerin-Lokonga.

Marske hit back  and 3 minutes later a long ball from Carling found Lambert who found space on the wing before squaring the ball to Edwards but his shot was blocked Paxton.

In the 18 minute a well taken freekick from Hudson caused panic in the Marske defence and Allison let the ball slip through his hands and run for a corner. The corner was taken by Hudson and Hunter headed towards his own goal but the ball cannoned off McGuinness and was cleared by Carling.

The pressure was being applied by RCA and Marske were being forced back deep into their own half.

It was no real surprise When RCA took the lead, Davis picked up a loose clearance on the edge of the 18 yard box and clipped in a wonderfully weighted cross onto the head Guerin-Lokonga the ball struck the post and luckily rebounded back to the RCA forward who made no mistake from 3 yards out.

A minute later and Guerin-Lokonga skipped past Marron before crossing onto the head of Davis but Grier got in a block to deny RCA a 2-0 lead.

Marske looked to have overcome RCA’s pressure and came back with some good football, keeping possession and in Lambert they had a great outlet when they were in trouble.

On the half hour McGuinness fired over from a free kick.

Marske were now starting to get back into the game an Edwards through ball almost caught the RCA defence napping but Hall was able to block the shot of Onions.

A minute later and RCA Almost conceded a bizarre goal, the ball was swung over from the right by Lambert and looked to have been dealt with as the Hall headed away towards Oates, his first time attempt to clear the ball was sliced high into the box but McGill fired well over the bar.

RCA tried to pick up the tempo again and a surging run by Davis saw the midfielder fir over from 25 yards.

As the half came to a finish it was Marske who were making the running,  a corner from Charlton was fired over the bar by Lambert and Edwards shot straight at Atkinson.

In the final minute of the half Hall made a rash challenge on Callantine, from the resulting free kick the ball was cleared only as far as Onions who made no mistake from 12 yards out.

The start of the second half saw RCA taking the initiative and within 2 minutes of the restart they had regained the lead. A brilliantly constructed move which saw, Close move the ball to Barton who held it up before playing in Guerin-Lokonga  he quickly slid the ball to the advancing Davis who curled the ball past Allison and into the net.

RCA were well on top at this point and could have scored on a number of occasions, Barton had a shot saved then Guerin-Lokonga fired straight at Allinson when in a good position.

Marske’s only response was a shot from Lambert which went narrowly wide.

RCA took almost complete control, in the 65th minute a cross from Shields was headed into the arms of Allison then a cross into the box found Hudson but his shot was blocked by Carling.

Within a minute RCA were 3 -1 up when Shields sent in a wicked cross which evaded everyone, Barton picked up the loose ball and sent in a lovely cross which Allison dropped under pressure from Davis and substitute Jardine was on hand to blast home.

Both teams had chances to score as the game wore on, probably the best fell to Jardine one on one with Allison and the Marske keeper won the battle.

All in all a very good game if you were an RCA supporter. The control and energy shown in this game especially the second half were the best seen this season.
 

Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Goalscorers: RCA Jardine (2) Barton   Crook Town: Hodgson (pen)

RCA progressed to the next round of the Brooks Mileson League Cup with this 3 - 1 victory but the hosts can count themselves very unfortunate after giving a very good account of themselves, especially in the first half.

Changes were again made with the injury crisis worsening by the day, Beasley came in for Oates, Jardine for Guerin-Lokonga and Gary Shields started at right back.

Good news was that Appleby returns after a groin strain and Southern was available after suspension.

A good start was made by RCA as they pushed Crook back into their own half, however it was short lived as the home team upped their game.

In the 2minute a free kick taken by Hudson was headed down by Hall and cleared by Maddison, bird picked up the ball on the half way line and sped past a static RCA defence before shooting into the side netting.

Crook started to take the game to the visitors and in the 10 minute a good run by Bird saw him cut inside and lay the ball to Wallace who thundered in a shot which Atkinson saved at the second attempt.

The game was beginning to look like Bird againsty RCA as the Crook forward looked dangerous everytime he touched the ball, in the 18 minute, he raced past the RCA defence and into the box before shooting across the face of goal with Davis not far from connecting.

Two minutes later and Bird was away again this time he was tackled by McGuinness but the referee deemed that he had beenn fouled. the freekick was plucked out of the air by Atkinson.

RCA took the lead against the run of play when a long ball out of defence was supurbly controlled by Barton, he then squared the ball to Davis inside the 18 yard area, the youngsters shot struck Barnes and rebounded to Barton who made no mistake from 5 yards out blasting  the ball into the roof of the net.

Back came Bird, picking up a ball from Pearson he played a quick one -two with Hodgson before firing in a low shot whichh forced a good save from Atkinson.

RCA knocked the stuffing out of Crook inn the 44 minute with a great individual goal from Jardine, a crossfield ball from Close found Jardine on the left, he headed the ball over the defender before outpacing him to the ball he then took the ball on 5 yards before slotting the ball past the advancing Poskett.

The second half started with the evergreen Marc Riches replacing Poskett in the Crook goal and he was quickly tested as Jardine fired in a shot which he had to save low to his right.

Five minutes into the half RCA though that they had increased their lead when a through ball from Close was picked up by Barton who flicked it over the keepers head and into the net, it was rulled offside.

Crook stemmed the tide a little and Hodgson carved out an opening for Davis but the striker fired over.

Hodgson then set up Bird but his shot was blocked by Beasley before falling to Wallace who sliced his shot wide.

Substitutions were made with Appleby replacing Barton and the effect was almost immediate as Appleby and Southern combined to create a chance for Jardine but the effort went straight to Riches.

A minute later and Southern was unlucky not to score as he jinxed past the crook defence and sent in a thunderous drive which looked destined for the net until it was deflected onto a post.

Crook would not lie down and it was bird whop once again set up on opportunity for Davis who saw his effort well saved by Atkinson, from the resulting corner RCA struggled to clear the ball and it fell to Hodgson who tried to curl it into the net but the bakll went the wrong side of the post.

The home team were once again shocked inn the 75 minute when Jardine slipped between two defenders to receive a poass fron Hudson and the in form striker made no mistake calmly sliding the ball past Riches.

Within two minutes another chance fell to RCA when they were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box, Southern took the kick and powered ashot which rattled the crossbar.

Crook picked up the momentum as the game came to its conclusion and a shot fromm Marshall went narrowly wide before Bird had a shot which struck the post and rebounded to safety.

In the final minute a long ball into the box found Davis and McGuinness was adjudged to have fouled the Crook player in clearing the ball. McGuinness sent off and a Penalty awarded. Hodgson sent Atkinson the wrong way in converting the kick.

Crook had the better of the open play and much more possession but the clinical finishing of the RCA strikers was phenominal.

Had Crook been clinical in front of goal then this could have been a very different scoreline.

RCA keeper Neal Atkinson gathers the ball in the second half of the match.

Northern League Division 1

Saturday, 22 September 2012

Goalscorers: RCA Barton, Appleby.

Please click here for photos from the match.

The injury crisis looks a little better with the return of Andrew Appleby, but progress is slow on the long term injuries to Jones, Gordon and Preston, with Jardine joining this list with a pulled hamstring, Preston did do a light training session today. We have also lost the services of Daryll Hall who has returned, prematurely, to Shildon after a short loan spell.

Back into the fold is the evergreen Wayne Henderson who slots straight into the right back spot and Guerinn-Lokonga takes over from Jardine.

Penrith fresh from their midweek 15-0 victory over Wigton FC were expected to give our defence a stern test today. However RCA scored two quick goals during a purple patch at the start of the second half which killed off a spirited but goal shy Penrith team.

Firstly I must apologise to the readers of these match reports for the lateness of this report. Unfortunately, I have moved house and although Virgin Media claim to be able to connect you to the internet in days, what they don’t tell you is that it is 28 days. Normal service will be resumed after the 20 October 2012 or 2013 not really sure.

Anyway here is the belated match report.

RCA started well and in the 2 minute Henderson sent a through ball to Guerin-Lokonga who in turn pulled the ball back into the path of Hudson but he blazed his shot well over the bar.

Penrith looked to push forward down the right and almost got an opening goal when a long throw into the box was headed away by Paxton and Nugent, picking up the loose ball fired wide.

Almost all of the first half was played at a fairly pedestrian pace with the only real chances of the half falling to Coleman of Penrith, again from a long throw but this time the Striker shot wide with the goal seemingly at his mercy and in the last five minutes of the half Barton was sent clean through by Close but fired into the side netting.

What a contrast in the opening minute of the second half as RCA took the game by the scruff of the neck, pressurising Penrith into mistakes.

In the 48 minute they took the lead when a Hudson Corner was flicked into the net, at the near post, by the head of Barton.

Within a minute Close was the instigator of another RCA attack as he powered  forward before slipping the ball to Davis who shot wide.

RCA went 2-0 up when a clipped ball by Close was controlled superbly by Guerin-Lokonga before laying the ball into the path of Appleby who rounded Jameson before tapping into an empty net.

Guerin-Lokonga was causing major problems to the Penrith defence and a great dribble and cross into the box was met by Shields who headed the ball against the bar and away to safety.

In the 78 minute a well worked move between Allison and ainsworth saw the Penrith captain force a magnificent save from Atkinson.

The game then degenerated into a long ball game in which neither team seemed capable of providing the finishing touch in the final third.

As the game petered away Guerin-Lokonga had the only real attempt at goal forcing a good onr handed save from Jameson.

Although Penrith put up a good fight they never looked likely to score and RCA were well worthy of the 3 points.

Northern League Division 1

Wednesday, 26 September 2012

Goal scorers: SRCA: Guerin-Lokonga, Beasley, Paxton  Shildon: Flynn, Briggs.

The injury list just seems to be growing at the moment and so it was that Nikolas Gibson was given a debut in the number 11 shirt; there was also a recall for the Assistant Manager Carl Beasley.

After the quiet game on Saturday against Penrith came the cauldron of Dean Street, and how RCA responded was truely magnificent as they repelled the attacks of Shildon and gave back twice as much. They looked like a team who were brimming with confidence and why not as they continue to be undefeated away from home.

Shildon played well and looked in control in patches but it was RCA who dominated and controlled the ball and the tempo of the game.

To go to Dean Street and beat a good Shildon team is testament to the strength in depth and the team spirit that is in abundance at RCA.

Both teams looked to attack from the start and the initial reaction from both defences was that they were up for the challenge.

RCA looked to give the ball to debutant Gibson at every opportunity and he showed a willingness to get forward and deliver crosses into the box but both Flynn and Hall were in no mood to let the RCA strikers get the ball and cleared up effectively.

The first real threat on goal came when Garvie picked up a long ball from Flynn and cut inside Henderson at pace before unleashing a low shot which brought a terrific save from Atkinson.

RCA's response was immediate, Davis won the ball in midfield before slipping it through to Hudson. The midfielder then played a quick one-two with Guerin-Lokonga before powering a shot just wide with Finch scrambling across his goal.

In the 26th minute RCA took the lead when Gibson chipped in a cross which caused problems for the home defence and Barton was able to get a shot at goal which Finch parried into the path of Guerin-Lokonga and he headed home from eight yards out.

As the game progressed there was a lot of good football being played but there was no final penetration into the dangerous area and both defences looked reasonably comfortable.

Within two minutes of the restart Shildon had leveled when a left wing corner was headed in by ex-RCA man Flynn giving Atkinson no chance.  

Back came RCA and they should have taken the lead again when Finch dropped a freekick from Hudson and Paxton, following up shot wide.

RCA did regain the lead when Close found McGuinness free on the left and he crossed to the far post where Beasley was on hand to head home past Finch.

As the game ebbed and flowed there were chances at both ends, Garvie had a shot which went over the bar and Barton had a shot well saved by Finch.

Shildon equalised once again in the 70th minute when a Clarkson freekick was passed square to Briggs who thundered in a terrific low shot from 30 yards out which flashed past a crowd of players and settled in the bottom corner of the net.

Shildon almost went a head but a weak effort by McCabe failed to test Atkinson and when a long free kick into the box evaded the RCA defence McCabe could only shoot into the side netting.

It was to be RCA's night as they restored their lead once more, this time Hudson drove in a corner which Paxton was able to steer into the net.

RCA should have extended their lead in the 88th minute when Guerin-Lokonga was tripped in the box for a penalty, Mark Hudson stepped up but Finch made a brilliiant save diving to his left.
 

A truely entertaining game which on balance ended with the right result. In the end it was the defenders who won the day, 3 of the 5 goals scored by defenders and only one goal scored by a forward.

Good ground work from Andy Appleby sees the ball beak for new signing Nikolas Gibson in the second half of the match.

Northern League Division 1

29 September 2012

Scorers: RCA Aristote Guerin-Lokonga, Gavin Barton 2; Markse David Onions, Leon Carling

Click here for photos from the match.

The game started in a bright and competitive fashion, with Marske more than playing their part, with right back Collantine looking very dangerous going forward, and the evergreen David Onions leading the line as well as ever, and causing us some real problems. But Buddy was soon back in the groove and with Mark Hudson was working a few openings for youngsters Gibson and Davis out wide to feed off. Aris Guerin Lokonga and Gavin Barton looked sharp when the ball reached them, and it was Aris who gave us the lead with a beautiful flighted header from a corner half way through the half.