Saturday, 2 March 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

The Bedlington perspective

Goal Scorers: Terriers: Doninger, Carr   SRCA: Clarke (2), Home-Jackson.

Ross Preston failed a late fitness test and his position in central defence was taken by Paul Wardle. Monson replaced Guerin-Lokonga up front and there was the welcoming sight of Gary Shaw taking his place on the left side of midfield at the expense of Dixon.

Bedlington were forced to make a change just prior to the kick off when their keeper failed to arrive in time for the Kick off due to traffic problems on the A19.

After the snow and rain over the last few weeks the pitch was in remarkably good condition.

There was no clear advantage to either team in the early exchanges with neither keeper tested as the game was played almost entirely in midfield.

The first real chance of the game fell to Bedlington after 15 minutes when a sweet move between Convery and Leeson saw the ball chipped to the far post where Williamson headed past Shields but Close was on hand to clear off the line.

The game was livening up and a cross by Close to the far post was headed goalwards by Shaw but stand in keeper Baxter made an easy save.

both sides seemed committed to attacking football and only the constant intervention of the referee's whistle stopped a free flowing game. In the 20 minute Shields was forced into a save from Brayson and this then resulted in a sucession of corners which were all dealt with by the RCA defence.

The deadlock was broken in the 25 minute when Shaw ran onto a lovely through ball from Kane, carried the ball forward into the six yard area but as he tried to go round Baxter, the keeper unceremoniously fouled him and a penalty was awarded. Clarke strode up and stroked the ball into the net .

A clever move by Bedlington almost got them the equaliser as a long ball by Stewart was chested down by Williamson into the path of Doninger put shields, racing from his line,  was able to make a great save.

Shaw was causing problems to the Bedlington defence and on the half hour was unlucky not to put RCA 2-0 up when he wriggled past two defenders but his shot went narrowly wide, the referee inexplicably brought the paly back and awarded RCA a freekick 25 yards out which McGuinness fired over the bar.

Back came Bedlington, Convery fed a great through ball to Williamson who chipped the keeper but Marron was able to get across to chest the ball away from danger.

As the first half closed a long ball by Shields was picked up by Shaw who tried to lob the keeper from 18 yards out but the ball fell tamely into the arms of Baxter.

At the opening of the second half it was RCA who went on the offensive taking the game to Bedlington. Guerin-Lokonga, on for the influential Shaw, combined with Clarke to set up Cutts but the midfielders shot was weak and easily saved by Baxter.

Within a minute, Cutts burst past two players before squaring the ball to Clarke who turned and shot, forcing a great save from Baxter.

Bedlington responded with a cross from Baptist which was headed over the bar by Doninger.

Kane was making some good runs and was unlucky with a shot which went narrowly wide.

Then, slightly against the run of play a long ball by Morton found Doninger on the edge of the box and he struck the ball first time into the bottom of the net.

RCA were in no mood to lie downand a beautiful through ball from Cutts set Kane on a run down the middle, Carr came across and clearly fouled the RCA player who lost control of the ball and the chance of a shot on goal was lost, RCA protests only resulted in a booking for Cutts.

The introduction of Home-Jackson was a master stroke as the RCA forward tore into the heart of the Bedlington defence. within two minutes of coming on he had caused Baxter to mis time a clearance by chasing him down and then got booked as the keeper fell over.

In the 70 minute Home-Jackson picked up the ball on the left side of goal area and cut inside, one tackle and was then brought down. The referee immediately pointed to the spot and Clarke once again converted the spot kick sending Baxter the wrong way. 

RCA were well on top at this point and almost made it 3-i when Home-Jackson side footed a cross from McGuinness into the path of Kane but the winger sent the ball sailing over the bar from 10 yards out.

In almost an identical move two minutes later Clarke headed down a McGinness freekick into the path of Kane and once again the winger was guilty of missing the target.

RCA got the reward that their play deserved in the 84 minute when a Home-Jackson picked up a crossfield ball from Guerin-Lokonga, dribbled past two defenders before side footing past Baxter into an empty net.

Bedlington tried in vain to respond and when Shields,RCA's keeper, was injured coming for a cross the referee allowed play to go on while the ball was in and around the penalty area and only some desperate defending by McGuinness, Wardle and Morran kept the ball out of the net.

The referee by this time seemed to have lost control of the game, was well off the pace of the game and making wrong decisions time and aagain.

In the 93 minute, Morran was involved in a clash of heads with Brayson and lay in the box holding his head, the referee ignore the protests of the RCA players and let play continue, he ball was sent back into the box and by Cave and Carr, with his back to goal turned and volleyed the ball into the back off the net. A truely superb goal, but a one that should not have happened should the referee had stopped the game.

A great all round team display by RCA, a poor performance from the man in the middle especially in the second half. RCA players need to produce these sort of performance levels consistently, if they do then you will see us rising up the table.

Note of warning, It is absolutely pointless arguing with the referee when he is in the mood that Mr Woodward was in on Saturday.            

Tuesday, 5 March 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goal Scorers: West:   Campbell, Wilkinson, Banks, Bulmer, Moffat 2:     SRCA: Close 2

 

Tuesday, 12 March 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Scorers: Penrith: Jardine, og:   SRCA: Dixon

I am not sure what it is about playing Penrith at the new Stadium at Frenchfields Park, but we never seem able to get a team out. Last season 11 turned up when we were doing well this season 12 turned up, one of whom was the injured goalkeeper Craig Shields who was forced to play due to the lack of another recognised keeper.

There were obviously a number of first team players missing but the management team were still able to put out a strong looking team.

On a near perfect pitch RCA started with a bang, a through ball from Marron found Cutts who laid the ball inside to Dixon who struck a perfect shot over the outstreched arm of Jamieson and into the roof of the net.

Penrith pushed forward and RCA were forced to defend in numbers.

In the 14th minute a free kick taken by Allison was headed away by Marron for a corner. The corner was taken by Jackson and Jardine, ghosting in at the far post was able to score unchallenged.

Penrith took a hold of the game and only some good defending kept them at bay, it wasn't until the 28 minute that Shields was called into action, turning a fierce drive from Gullen round the post for a corner. Once again the corner was taken by Jackson and this time it was Davidson who was afforded a free header but it flew over the bar.

Within minutes Penrith were back again with Gullen getting down the wing to send in a great cross which evaded everyone and landed at the feet of Allison inside the six yard box but the winger somehow managed the blast the ball wide.

It is fair to say that Penrith were having more of the possession in the first half and it was Shields that was the busier of the two keepers.

In the 40th minute a stinging shot from Jackson brought a truely great save from Shields as he parried the ball over the bar from point blank range.

RCA eventually forced a corner in the 43 minute, Cutts took it and Wardle powered in a header which was saved by Jamieson, the ball fell to Close who clipped in a delightful cross which was saved by the penrith keeper under pressure from Guerin-Lokonga.

As the players walked of at half time it was noticeable that the Penrith keeper was struggling and so it was that he was replaced by Brass who was making his debut.

RCA, as in the first half, stared with great purpose, Dixon skipped past two defenders before delivering a great cross to the near post which Wardle clipped towards goal only for Brass to pull off a good save.

Two minutes later he was called into action again when a freekick taken by Clarke looked to be creeping in at the far post Brass managed to get a hand to the ball and gathered it in under pressure from Monson.

Penrith responded witha freekick of their own, taken by Allison, his shot was headed away by Marron and Holliday following up could only fire the ball straight at Shields.

Shields looked to take a knock a few minutes later as a good move between Connelly and Holliday ended with the latter firing wide and Shields who had closed down the forward got up clutching his injured shoulder. Not a good sign for RCA.

RCA were actually now the team in the driving seat and were pushing Penrith back, a Shot from Clarke was easily saved by Brass at the expense of a corner. Cutts took the kick and Marron rose highest to head toward goal but Brass once again saved.

A clever move between Dixon and Monson released Clarke just inside the area, the striker looked to curl the ball into the net but Brass was equal to it and saved easily.

Clarke tested the keeper twice more in quick succession and each time the keeper made the saves look easy.

RCA forced another corner in the 82 minutes and Cutts fired it into the area, Guerin-Lokonga met the ball perfectly but could only direct it narrowly over the bar.

In the 86th minute, against the run of play Penrith were awarded acorner after Gullen's shot had been deflected wide. The corner was sent into the six yard box where it appeared to strike Preston and shot into the net.

There was no way back for RCA and the game pettered out to the final whistle.

RCA probably should have got a draw out of the performance tonight; there was no lack of committment from the players on display and it was only unfortunate that an injury to our keeper Craig Shields probably cost us a point.

    

Spennymoor defender and captain, Daniel Moore, clears ahead of RCA's Jamie Clarke in the second half of the match.

Saturday, 16 March 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Please click here for photos from the match.

Scorers: Spennymoor: Moore, Rae.  SRCA: Shaw

After a late pitch inspection at the Brewery Field the game was declared on at the request of both managers.

Games are won and lost at all levels of football by inexplicable lapses by officials and today's match was no exception.

Spennymoor started the game with the advantage of the slope and made the most of it, applying the early pressure but RCA stuck to their guns and defended really well.

Cogdon forced the first corner of the game on five minutes when he danced past Preston, but Marron was on hand to clear. The corner was headed away by Richards and Guerin-Lokonga picked up the loose ball before sprinting into space, but unfortunately he could not deliver a meaningful cross and Moore was able to clear.

In Spennymoors next attack Ruddy was fouled on the edge of the box and Stephenson stepped up to fire in a shor which McGuinness headed away for a corner.

McGuinness was in action at the other end of the pitch minutes later when a loose ball was scrambled away from the Spennymoor area into his path and he hit a curling shot which Dean saved.

A slick move between Cogden and Capper saw the latter cross into the box and Davison, rising head and shoulders above everone else, headed down, but Ball was able to save at the second attempt.

In the 25th minute RCA were unlucky not to take the lead when McGuinness curled in a cross to the far post were Shaw chested the ball past Capper before curling in a superb shor which had Dean beaten but rebounded of the underside of the bar and was cleared by Dodds.

A long ball out of defence tried to find Cogden but RCA debut keeper Ball was aware of the danger and raced out to clear. Inexplicably the referee brought play back 20 yards to awarded a freekick to Spennymoor for an incident between Marron and Cogdon, neither of whom looked to have a chance of getting to the ball ahead of the Keeper. 

Capper floated the ball to the far post where the ball was headed back into the box and Moore rose above the keeper to head into the net from close range.

Spennymoor upped their game and it was only some good saves from Ball that kept RCA in the game. A header from Davison was saved low down and he had to react quickly with Cogdon closing in on the rebound.

Ruddy was starting to make an impression on the right and when he cut inside and let fly on 40 minutes; it looked all over a goal, but Ball managed to get a fingertip to help it onto the bar. Stephenson's corner was once again met by Davison, but he headed wide.

RCA tried to rally and Clarke had a great chance in the final minutes of the half when Close fed the ball through the centre of the Spennymoor defence, but Clarke's shot lacked power and was easily saved by Dean.

RCA started the second half in determined fashion,.A freekick, awarded when Richards was brought down on the edge of the box, was taken by McGuinness, but his shot didn't trouble Dean.

The kick out by Dean fell straght to Wardle who played in Kane and the RCA winger shot straight at Dean.

Spennymoor were finding it difficult to get the ball out of their own half and it was RCA who carved out the next chance as Kane dribbled past two defenders, got to the by-line before sending in a dangerous low cross which Laws got to fractionally before Guerin-Lokonga.

RCA deservedly got the equaliser in the 55th minute when Richards won the ball in midfield, Close picked up the loose ball before sending an inch perfect pass to Shaw who calmly slooted the ball into the net past the outstretched arms of Dean.

As the pitch started to cut up so the game started to get a bit scrappy with the ball sticking sometimes and skidding away at other times it was very difficult playing conditions, but both teams were trying to play football and chances were being created.

The ever dangerous Ruddy sent in a terrific shot which went narrowly wide and the introduction of Richardson was causing concern to the RCA defence.

As Spennymoor started to turn the tide and start creating openings RCA were resorting to quick counter attacks and both Clarke and Guering-Lokonga had shots which were easily dealt with by Spennymoor's defence.

In the 80th minute a long range effort by Capper flew over the bar and looked to be the shot of a tired player.

Looking around the pitch there seemed a lot of tired legs on display. A lazy tackle on Richardson as the Spennymoor forward was bearing down on goal went unseen by the officials.     

With the game deep into injury time Richardson received the ball inside the 18 yard area and in one movement fired the ball into the side netting; inexplicably the referee awarded a penalty for a late challenge by Wardle. (having seen the video it looks to me as if Wardle is trying to block the shot not tackle Richardson and the Spenny forward follows through falls over the defender. listening to the commentary the Spenny supporters are as shocked as the RCA players are that it is awarded).

Rae took the kick and made no mistake sending the keeper the wrong way.

For all the RCA supporters 2-1 was bitter pill to swallow after their team had given everything in the cause.

Once again a referee booking a player in the 98th minute of the game for a trip was ridiculous given the spirit and conditions the game was played in.  

If RCA can continue to produce performances like this then they should have no worries.    

 20 March 2013

Ebac Northern League Division 1

Scorers: Synners:  Callender, Hassan

RCA returned to the Glamal Stadium for this rearranged Ebac Northern League match after the original match was abandoned at half  time due to heavy fog.

Late changes to the team selection were forced on the management team with the work commitments of Richards, Preston and Shaw. In came Pattison, Charlton and Cutts.

RCA started well with Guerin-Lokonga making a surging run down the right, his cross was met by Pattison who scooped his shot over the bar.

Synners then started to play the ball about to good effect in midfield and in the 13th minute a Callender through ball to Cattermole, split the RCA defence, and Porritt who had found space could only watch as his shot went wide.

A minute later and Ball was called into action for the first time saving low down from Cattermole

Charlton had a shot charged down by Robinson and the ball was cleared only as far as Clarke who fired goalwards but Griffiths made the save look easy.

This mini revival by RCA was stopped in its tracks as Synners once again produced some flowing football. Edwards sent an inch perfect pass to Bettson who in turn found Porritt and it took a great save from Ball to turn the ball past the post for a corner.

RCA responded almost immediately from the corner the ball was played up to Clarke who laid the ball to Charlton who ran through on goal but his finish went wide of the target.

Porritt, who was linking up well with Edwards in the middle of the park, played in Bettson who volleyed the ball over the bar.

Synners took the lead in the 33rd minute when Porritt found space in the box to turn and shoot, the ball rebounded off the post and Callender was the quickest to react firing the ball home from six yards out.

They almost doubled their lead in the 40th minute, a corner was headed goalwards by Callender, it looked to take a deflection and was cleared off the line by Close the clearance bounced about in the area before Ball took control smothering the ball and averting the danger.

The second half started with RCA pressing for an equaliser, in the 50th minute RCA were awarded a freekick and Cutts fired in a low grass cutter which Griffiths did well to save.

Griffiths kick out was picked up on the halfway line by McGuinness who ran 20 yards with the ball before unleashing a terrific shot which Griffiths plucked from under the bar.

In the 58th minute Synners had their first effort of the second half when Callender shot wide of the target and a minute later some sloppy defending allowed Cattermole in on the right and his floated shot cleared both the outstretched hand of Ball and the upright.

RCA were back on the attack in the 63rd minute, Guerin-Lokonga crossing from the right for Pattinson, who had acres of space at the far post, his shot goal-wards brought a great reaction save from  Griffiths.

It was end to end play as  Synthonia then attacked and a shot from Callender was blocked by Wardle, the ball rebounded to Wilson who fired over.

RCA piled players forward now and they almost got the reward in the 70th minute with a quick break sawo Guerin-Lokonga pick up the ball on the left blasted his shot wide into the side netting.

Synners almost made it 2-0 when Wilson clipped a cross onto the crossbar with Ball beaten.

You couldn't take your eyes off his game for a spilit second as the ball was cleared up field Guerin-Lokonga beat the offside trap and was clear of the Synners defence, but he once again fired the ball into the side netting.

As the game entered injury time RCA threw everyone forward leaving only one man back in a vain attempt to salvage a point but it was Synners who claimed a a second goal when Porritt played left to substitute Johnson and he squared to Hassan who cooly picked his spot and placed the ball beyond the reach of Ball in the RCA goal.

Another good performance by RCA but it has to be said that when Synners passed the ball tonight they were very, very good.

RCA need to take heart from the last few performances. Keep the faith and belief and we will be ok.  

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.

25 March 2013

Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup 4th Round

Scorer: Spennymoor: Ruddy

Both teams had a depleted look to them with Spennymoor looking to rest some players ahead of their FA Vase Semi-final 2nd leg match on Saturday and RCA with no fewer than six players cup tied.

The eventful plane journeys to and from Guernsey were the main topic of conversation prior to the match with a few players and management staff still feeling the after affect of the horrendous landings encountered.

Captain Brian Close declared himself fit to play and RCA started with two debutants, Mark Foden in goal and Ian Redman partnering Marron in the centre of defence.

RCA opened well with Gorden making a good run down the left before slipping the ball to Monson who was fouled just outside the area. Clarke stepped up and fired the freekick straight at Knight who saved easily.

Close picked up the goal keeper's clearance and played a quick one-two with Marron before setting up the RCA defender, but his tremendous drive went well wide of the target.

A quick breakaway by Spenny saw Ruddy interchange paases with Peacock and only a well-timed challenge from Redman blocked Ruddy's shot at goal.

In the 10th minute Ryan was booked when he hauled Monson to the floor following a long ball out of defence from Marron. Once again Clarke took the freekick, this time sending it high over the bar.

Guering-Lokonga was causing all sorts of problems on the left wing and when he skipped past Ellison into the box it looked likely that he would test the keeper, but Laws came across and cleared the danger with a well timed tackle.

At the other end Ruddy was causing similar problem to the RCA defence with his direct running and he was unlucky with a shot which cleared the bar.

Spennymoor took the lead in the 16th minute. A corner for RCA was cleared up field where Peacock picked up the ball and ran at the RCA defence before passing to Ruddy who made no mistake from 12 yards out giving Foden no chance.

RCA responded through Guerin-Lokonga who continued to take on the Spenny defenders at every opportunity; in the 25th minute he beat two players before cutting the ball back for McGuinness who unleashed a terrific shot which Knight did well to save.

Both young keepers where doing very well in this match and Foden was once again called upon to save from Boyd, manageing to get a hand to a shot and then recovering to dive at the feet of Peacock.

Guerin-Lokonga then had a shot which went into the side netting just before the half time break.

Within five minutes of the restart RCA were forced to bring on Shields to replace the struggling Close and reshuffle the team to accommodate.

Almost immediately Moors almost scored as Moore stepped inside Preston's challenge before firing hard and low towards goal, but Foden was able to get down and save at the foot of the post.

The game became a very scrappy affair as players started to vent their frustrations and a few mistimed tackles were duly rewarded with yellow cards.

RCA started to push forward more and more as the half wore on, but never really tested Knight in the Moors' goal and for all their possession could not find a way through a well organised defence.

It was Moors who were getting the most joy as they countered at speed and it was only some superb saves by Foden that kept the score at 1-0. One memorable one when Peacock set up Ruddy in a carbon copy of the goal: this time the keeper stood firm and produced a truely sublime save send the ball over the bar.

With a howling wind and sleet causing the conditions to worsen by the minute it was a relief to the players, officials and supporters when the referee blew the whistle to end the match.

Good wishes to Spennymoor in their endeavours in the FA Vase and also in the semi final of the League Cup against Dunston FC.

RCA showed that they can compete at this level and the position they hold in the league looks to be false, however the table doesn't lie and we now need to start turning performances into points.

 

 

  

 

27 March 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Scorer: SRCA :  Shaw.

After six straight defeats and no goals in our last three matches, the possibility of being dragged down into the relegation battle were becoming a reality.

The pitch was in remarkably good condition given that this was the third match played on it in five days although the night itself was bitterly cold.

17 year old Mark Foden retained the number 1 jersey after an impressive home debut against Spennymoor on Monday, Kane replaced the injured Gordon and Shaw replaced Monson.

RCA again started well, as they have in their last three matches, but poor decisions in front of goal have cost them dearly, tonight was to be no exception.

As early as the second minute a cross into the box by Kane caused widespread panic in the Hebburn defence, but nobody could put a touch on the ball and Regan took charge smothering the ball at the feet of Guerin-Lokonga.

Hebburn seemed happy to sit back and soak up the RCA pressure and hit on the counter; both teams were looking nervous and that was probably down to their recent form nobody was looking to make a mistake.

The next chance of the half fell to Hebburn when Luccock swung in a right wing cross which was partially cleared by Wardle but Mcdonald, ghosting in at the back post headed past the post.

RCA had plenty of possession and looked dangerous up to the edge of the box, but failed to make their good work pay off and the Hebburn defence seemed capable of holding its own.

Nicholson had a great chance for Hebburn on 18 minutes, but fired his shot wide of the target

A delightful move by RCA almost culminated in a goal when Kane picked the ball up, ran into space before picking out Guerin-Lokonga who in turn slipped the ball through too Shaw, the normally cool winger could only hook the ball over the bar.

The dangerous Nicholson almaost scored when he managed to get a touch on a cross by Gredziak, but headed just wide.

RCA then took control ao the remainder of the half, except on the half hour mark when a Hebburn free kick was lofted into the box and Kirkup headed down for Gredziak who struck the ball sweetly towards the corner of the goal, but Foden brought off a brilliant save to turn it round the post.

A minute later a great move in which at least six players were involved saw the ball switched from one wing to another until the ball fell for McGuinness who fired in a 25 yard screamer which went narrowly over the bar.

The pressure was being applied by RCA now and a quick throw found Guerin-Lokonga on the right. He fed the ball to Clarke who powered in a shot which was deflected wide by Donaldson. The corner was headed away by Kirkup for another corner which was met by Clarke, but he could only steer his header wide of the near post.

The last action of the half saw Harrison cross in to the far post where Luccock seemed to have acres of space but the winger fired wide.

The second half saw a quick change in fortune for RCA in front of goal as a goal kick from Regan was headed forward by McGuinness to Clarke who fooled the Hebburn defence with a neat back heel into the path of Shaw who, cool as you like, slid the ball under the keeper.

Hebburn responded by sending 6'5" Kirkup into an attacking position and then sending in high ball after high ball in the hope that he could get an equaliser.

The plan almost suceeded on a number of occasions by some stirling defending and goalkeeping kept Hebburn from scoring.

In the 62nd minute RCA should have killed the game off. A long ball from Wardle was flicked on by Clarke and  Guerin-Lokonga raced onto the ball, but just as he was about to shoot the ball bobbled and the shot went wide.

The long throw of Gredziak was causing some problems and in the 69th minute one of his throws was volleyed towards goal by Donaldson but Foden was equal to it making the save look easier than it was.

Hebburn were pouring forward looking for an equaliser and a Luccock’s cross was dropped by Foden but the keeper reacted well to dive at the feet of Gredziak.

It was RCA now who were reduced to counter attacking and when  Guerin-Lokonga picked up the ball on the right and ran past the last defender to crossed to Shaw, it looked certain to be RCA's second of the night, but the normally reliable Shaw fired over the bar from eight yards out.

A Kirkup header was then cleared off the line by McGuinness and the half ended with a snap shot from substitute Robson flying wide of the upright.

Certainly not the best game of football seen this season, but both teams gave 100% and on another night it could have ended 6-6. By the end of the night the effort of playing three games in five days was starting to tell on the RCA players.

At least they will get a bit of a rest before the match on Saturday against league leaders Darlington at Heritage Park. Weather permitting.