A packed Ray Baines Stand, as nearly 500 people attended the Northern League fixture between RCA and Darlington on 3 April 2013. Good luck to Darlington, who are an excellent team and club.

Wednesday, 3 April 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: 1883: Thompson (2), Scott, Johnson.

Over 450 turned up to watch this second encounter between RCA And Darlington 1883 in the last five days.

RCA made a number of changes to the team, giving a debut to new signing Adam Drysdale who replaced the injured Richards, Redman replaced Wardle who was also carrying a knock and Home-Jackson came in for Clarke.

Three goals in the last seven minutes saw Darlington record their 14th win in a row, as the Quakers ran out 4-0 winners at Sunderland RCA.

Time and again this season RCA have fallen victim to the late strike, if every game was decided on 85 minutes then we would probably have an extra 10 points on the board. Not that it would have made any difference tonight as there were three superb strikes in the last seven minutes of the game.

Was it just four days ago that RCA were beaten 7-2 at Heritage Park? Tonight was a different matter as RCA set out their stall from the outset getting men behind the ball and hitting quickly on the break. This was a much more resilient performance from the team.

Darlington, with the advantage of the slope in the first half, struggled to create any clear cut chances in the early stages of the contest and it wasn't until the 14th minute that they had a shot on target. Thompson took a freekick from 25 yards out which forced Foden into a brilliant one handed save, turning the ball round the post.

The game was being played mainly in midfield with both teams unable to produce a telling final ball. Nicholls fired over the crossbar after 17 minutes.

A clearance from Marron was missed by Brown and fell to Owens, but he lobbed his shot over the bar from 12 yards out.

Shortly after this miss RCA were hit with a double blow when Gordon limped off with a groin injury and within five minutes he was followed into the dug out by Home-Jackson with a pulled hamstring.

Thompson, as he did on Saturday seemed to be central to Darlington's attacking flair and he almost gave them the lead on the half hour mark when he fired just wide of the post as RCA were adjusting to the second substitution.

Two minutes later, he picked the ball up on the left and drove into the box, where he was seemed to ride the first challenge, but was caught and a penalty was awarded. Thompson as on Saturday, fired the ball into the net, sending Foden the wrong way.

It was turning into the Thompson v Foden show as the Darlington forward was unlucky with a shot after some good build up play by Scott and Emms.

RCA were being forced to defend deep, but they were doing so really well and in the 40th minute a ball from McGuinness found Pattison on the left. The winger cut inside and then instead of shooting he chose to pass to Owens and Brown was able to get across to clear.

In the final minute of the half Gott forced a great save out of Foden firing in a low shot from a freekick  which the keeper did well to turn away for a corner.

This was to be his last contribution to the game as he limped off at half time with a groin / hip problem.

As with the first half RCA continued to frustrate Darlington and showed great battling qualities without setting the game alight in the final third of the pitch.

RCA's best chance of the half fell to Pattison, but the winger was again guilty of hesitancy and the ball was taken off his foot by Brown.

Darlington’s fitness began to tell as the game drifted into the final 15 minutes and Purewal came close poking a shot over the bar from 15 yards.

RCA must have thought that they could pinch a draw as they piled men forward for a corner in the 80th minute, only for Bell to pluck the ball out of the air and send it straight to Thompson who again cut inside onto his right foot, but fired over.

With seven minutes left, another darting run by Thompson, who looked to have the whole pitch to himself, saw him go past two defenders before playing a one-two with Johnson before lifting an exquisite chip over the keeper from 20 yards and into the net.

Within a minute it was 3-0 as Scott moved into the area and, with the RCA defence at sixes and sevens, stroked the ball past substitute keeper Ball and into the net.

Super sub Johnson as he is becoming known as, continued his record of scoring from the bench when he made it 4-0 in the 88th minute with a simple tap in after a goalmouth scramble.

RCA did show glimpses of the commitment needed to compete against the best in the league, but in the end it was fitness which did it for Darlington, Fitness and Finishing.

Thompson was once again almost unplayable, but there were some notable performances from RCA tonight, Close led by example, Redman could establish himself at this level in the future and debutant Drysdale kept Gott quiet for most of the game. Everyone played a part until that dreaded last ten minutes.

Keep the faith.

Centre forward Ross Preston in action in the second half of the match.

Saturday, 06 March 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA: Clarke.

Please click here for photos from the match.

Another hard fought win against a team, like ourselves, struggling at the wrong end of the league.

With goalkeeper Foden suffering a torn glutean maximus (whatever that is) muscle and out for the rest of the season the RCA management installed able deputy Jonathan Ball between the sticks for this very important Northern League relegation battle.

Billingham for their part had won five out of their last six games, only losing to Spennymoor Town.

In the early stages neither team seemed able to settle into a rythme and the hard uneven pitch was adding to the problems encountered by the player as the ball bounced erratically.

It wasn't until the 16th minute that a chance was created when a long ball was missed by the RCA defence and Brunskill turned but mistimed his shot.

Five minutes later, Garbutt dispossesed Shaw and sent a 50 yard pass into the path of Flockett who fired in a shot which was deflected for a corner.

RCA were pricked into action by this and Close fed the ball through for Clarke whose shot was charged down by Butterworth, only as far as McGuinness who curled a lovely shot narrowly wide of the upright.

As the game wore on it became clear that neither team looked capable of finishing in front of goal.

Preston, playing in an unfamiliar forward role chased down a ball from Wardle, winning the ball in the corner he played in Shields who picked out Clarke with a deft chip but the RCA striker could only head his effort wide.    

The rest of the first half staggered uneventfully to half time with both teams guilty of poor passing and woeful shooting.

The second half started a lot better than the first half, in the opening minute a good run and cross by Macdonald was well held by Ball in the RCA goal with Brunskill on hand to pick up on any mistake.

Close picked up the ball in midfield before squaring it to Marron who ran 20 yards with the ball before unleashing a shot which flew over the bar.

The impressive Preston closed down Butterworth and the ball sprang to Close who passed wide to Shaw who looked to lob Molyneux, but only succeeded in passing the ball into the keeper's hands.

A cross into the box by Brunskill was easily dealt with by McGuinness, but the ball fell to Selby who fired in a shot just wide of the upright.

Billingham were starting to get a foothold into the game and were awarded a freekick 22 yards out. Butterworth stepped up and blasted in a dipping swerving shot which Ball did exceptionally well to turn round the post for a corner.

Back came RCA with Shaw bursting down the left and forcing a corner off Gaston. Shields took the corner and Wardle's downward header was blocked by Risbrough and scrambled away for another corner by Wray. Again Shields took the corner and this time Wardle headed wide of the upright.

The only goal of the game came in the 71st minute and was simplistic in its construction. Close ran down the left wing to deliver a left foot cross which somehow eluded three Billingham defenders before reaching Clarke who scuffed the ball beyond the reach of Molyneux and into the corner of the net.

Billingham were stung into action and Brunskill was guilty of a glaring miss as he picked up a cross from Flockett but his hastily taken shot went harmlessly wide.

RCA had a great chance themselves to sew up the match when Preston won th eball and gave it to Shields who crosses into the box, but Risbrough intercepted the ball before it reached Shaw.

In the final flurry by Billingham, Butterworth pushed forward and had an effort which went high over the bar.

Not a game for the purest as passes went astray and there was no real impetus to the game, but from RCA's perspective it was three well earned points.

Team Northumbria on Monday will be a different kettle of fish and we will need to be a lot better than today.

   

Monday, 08 April 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: TN: Sherlock (2) Marshal (2) Cavener :  SRCA: Shaw.

On a bitterly cold night RCA were destroyed by the fluent passing and movement of Team Northumbria.

With players unavailable through injury and work commitments, Dixon and Drysdale were brought in but the bench was decidedly void of players with just two named only of which never arrived.

In the opening 10 minutes both teams played well, attacking at pace but not threatening and the defences were able to deal quite comfortably with what was thrown at them.

In the 11th minute a long ball from Wardle was flicked on by Preston to Shaw who cut inside his marker before placing his shot wide of the keeper; unfortunately it also went wide of the far post.

The game seemed to burst into life at this point, a smart run down the right by Marshal was stopped by McGuinness, but the ball sprang free to Sherlock, who thundered in a shot from 35 yards which went narrowly over the bar.

The goalkick from Ball was met by Preston who slipped the ball to Dixon. He clipped the ball into the area for Shaw who from 10 yards out poked the ball over the bar.

It was end-to-end fooball and the pace of the game was frightening. Sayer picked up the ball from Jennison, played the ball out wide to Marshal who ran 35 yards unopposed before delivering a pass to Cairns who blasted the ball over the bar.

Team Northumbria took the lead in the 26th minute when a lovely through ball by Jury bounced invitingly for Cavener and the centre forward lobbed over the head of the advancing Keeper.

Worse was to follow four minutes later when a move, started by Sayer was finished by ex-RCA player Marshal, the build up play was mesmerising but the inexplicable lapse by Ball in the RCA goal rushing out and leaving the goal area exposed gave Team Northumbria the sort of chance that they rarely miss.

RCA started a mini revival as they surged forward looking for some inspiration and it came in the form of a dribble and shot from Dixon who forced a terrific save from Jennison. From the corner Drysdale rose best but could only steer his header wide of the goal.

Then Clarke receiving the ball with his back to goal managed to get the ball through to Preston, but the striker, at full stretch, could only steer the ball wide of the target.

RCA started the second half looking to try and add to the momentum they had built up towards the end of the first half, but the Team Northumbria defence held firm and looked menacing on the break.

So it was that in the 55th minute a wonderfully controlled clearance from Story found Riley who passed inside for Sherlock and he made no mistake to make it 3-0.

Within a minute RCA should have got one back as Shaw took the ball past two defenders before sliding the ball to Drysdale who, under pressure, got in a great cross to Clarke three yards out but the striker hooked the ball over the bar.

Gary Shaw gave RCA a little hope of a recovery when he latched onto a through ball and fired the ball under the body of Jennison.

Within a minute it could so easily have been 3-2 when Clarke hit the bar from inside the six yard box.

It was obviously not going to be RCA's night and it got even worse when Shelock picked up the ball on the left and completely bamboozled two RCA defenders before firing past Ball for his second and Team Nothumbria's fourth.

Team Northumbria continued to press forward and it seemed inevitable that a fifth goal would come this time another swift move saw the ball switched from the left by Sayer into the path of the unmarked Marshal who gave Ball no chance from 12 yards out.

The fitter team won tonight and they along with Darlington have been the best passing team we have played all season and in all four games against these teams we have been well beaten.

 

        

RCA's Adam McGuinness attacks during the first half of the match.

Saturday, 13 April 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: Ashington: Grieve, O'Dea, Antony. SRCA:  Shaw.

Please click here for photos from the match.

Preparation for this important EBAC Northern League match was disrupted once again when Nicholas Kane was pulled out of the starting line-up with an injury sustained in the warm up. Gary Shields replaced him.

After the 5-1 defeat at Team Nothumbria SRCA were looking for an improvement. Marron switched back to a more familiar central defensive role and Drysdale moved to right back with Richards returning from suspension occupying the centre of midfield.

However all this was to no avail as Ashington swept RCA aside in the first 11 minutes taking a 2-0 lead.

RCA conceded a corner in the first minute and Grieve rose head and shoulders above everyone else to power in an unstoppable header.

Straight from the kick off Ashington were back on the attack and it took a superb save from Ball to prevent Walton from making it 2-0.

The only response was a through ball from Close to Clarke who, although firing in a shot which Dryden saved easily, might have done better to square the ball to the on coming Shaw.

In the 11th minute Ashington increased their lead when Godsmarck crossed in to O'Dea who calmly side stepped the RCA defence before slotting the ball home.

The "Colliers" went into comfort mode for the next 20 minutes, a lot of midfield passing, but no final thrust. RCA for their part were also finding it hard to make any inroads to a solid looking Ashington defence.

On the half hour mark Walton had another great chance, the ball was swept into the box by Johnson and from inside the six yard area Walton fired over the bar.

Minutes later O'Dea went on a run up the right, then cut inside before curling in a shot which went narrowly wide of the upright.

RCA's only real reply came from Close who picked the ball up 25 yards out before thundering in a shot which Dryden did well to save.

As half time approached a long ball out of defence by Greive sent Walton clear of the RCA defence and either by luck or good judgement Ball managed to save the ball between his legs.

Whatever was said to the RCA team at half time had the desired effect.

The introduction of Gordon for the aging and ineffective Clarke put instant pressure on the Colliers' defence. A free kick from McGuinness found Shaw who cut the ball back to Gordon and the striker fired narrowly wide.

RCA pulled a goal back in the 49th minute. Shields did well to stop the ball from going out of play, slipped it to Close who in turn picked out Shaw inside the area. Shaw looked up before curling a fiercly struck shot into the far top corner of the net.

The came was coming to life and when the inspirational Close won a corner on the right it almost set up the equaliser as Shields flicked McGuinness' corner kick just wide of the upright with Dryden beaten.

Two minutes later and Shields and Close were involved again this time Shields turned provider as his cross was met by Preston but the forward could only manage to head into Dryden's hands.

Unfortunately for RCA not taking their chances when they cam along was to cost them dear. A high ball into the RCA box was cleared by Marron, but the ball fell to Antony 25 yards from goal and he blasted in a shot which rocketed into the net past a bewildered RCA defence.

RCA were not finished and continued to press forward. A long clearance by Ball fell to Shaw who crossed in to Preston but he was stretching to far and fired over the bar.  

Both sides started to tire towards the end of the game and neither keeper was really tested in the final 10 minutes.

Once again our failings are defending set pieces, not closing down in vital areas and and inability to be direct in front of goal.

Positives to come out of the game: the performance in the second half was very encouraging, Shields on the right gave 100%, Close continues to lead by example, Gordon and Shaw both played their part especially in the second half and Drysdale has impressed in the games he has played, just doing the job he has been asked to do effectively.

As Paolo Di Canio has said of SAFC evey game has to be treated like a cup final from now until the end of the season. The same must apply to SRCA. The team has too much quality to be involved in relegation battle.

We probably now require nine points from five games to retain 1st Division status. Starting at Consett on Wednesday. 

 

  

     

RCA's Ian Redman goes shoulder to shoulder with a Consett forward.

17 April 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: Consett: Guerin-Lokonga, Sullivan (2).

Please click here for photos from the match.

Another dismal day at the office for the RCA team as they succumbed to two quick goals just before the half hour, missed a penalty, hit the bar and then conceded a goal mid-way through the second half.

The team need to pull together now for the remaining fixtures of the season to avoid the drop into the second division. Coincidentally this would replicate the last time RCA were relegated, three years after promotion to the first division.

Consett made it look easy playing four games in seven days and recording victories in all four games and only conceding one goal. In stark contrast to RCA who have shipped 12 goals while only scoring two in their last four games

A cross wind greeted the two teams as they came out for RCA's last visit to Bell Vue and the wind caused a lot of problems in the first 20 minutes as both teams tried to get to grips with the conditions.

In the 22nd minute an inocuous looking cross from Robson was easily caught by Foden in the RCA goal but the referee pointed to the spot, deeming that Redman had pushed Sullivan inside the box. Up stepped ex-RCA star Guerin-Lokonga to make no mistake from the spot. How many times when he was at RCA did he have the ball taken off him to watch someone else miss the penalty?

Within two minutes it was 2-0 as RCA once again collapsed at the back. A corner was swung into the box and although initally cleared it fell to the unmarked Sullivan who smashed it into the top corner.

It was all one way traffic at this point and when Lund cut in from the left and unleashed a terrific shot it looked all over a goal until Foden somehow managed to get a hand to the ball and divert it for a corner. 

RCA rallied towards the end of the half and a well taken freekick by Clarke had Elliott scrambling to turn round the post for a corner. 

RCA's best chance of the half came when they were awarded a penalty five minutes before the break, but Elliott once again denied Clarke with a fine save.

The wind effected the second half even more as it seemed to get worse.

In the 52nd minute a freekick from Smith rattled the RCA upright and flew away from the advancing Sullivan and was cleared.

Sullivan then made it 3-0 in the 56th minute, reacting to a Lund shot which was brilliantly saved by Foden to power a shot into the empty net.

RCA tried in vain to get something from this game, however their lack of composure in and around the opponents goal was all too evident. McGuinness did strike a lovely freekick against the cross bar in a frantic last five minutes, but the result was never really in doubt.

Ross Preston returned to his usual defensive duties after playing up front for a few matches.

Saturday, 20 April 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Scorer: UTS: Craggs

Please click here for photos from the match.

Please click here for Ken Fitzpatrick's photos from the match.

Well what a change from the dismal display on Wednesday, RCA bounced back with a match full of character and heart.

A goal down after just 25 seconds and a man down after 35 minutes the remaining 10 men produced a plucky display which almost got them a well deserved draw, only the referee blowing for an infringement, when Clarke headed into the Dunston goal stopped them equalising.

The game started in dramatic fashion, from the kick off the ball was played to Pickering who sent a long ball down the right wing to Shaw, his cross was met by Craggs who had time to controll the ball before guiding the ball  past Foden to make it 1-0 after 25 seconds.

RCA came back and almost equalised when Home-Jackson cut inside on the right and crossed in to Gordon who flicked his header on to Shaw who could only guide his shot wide of the upright.

Home-Jackson's injury woes continued as he limped off after eight minutes with what looked like a hamstring problem.

Dunston's next real attack came on 15 minutes when Shaw was again the provider this time it was Teasdale who found space, but could only head into the arms of Foden.

Although RCA were playing well the old failing of a lot of possession was not creating any real chances up front continued.

Dunston for their part looked dangerous when they attacked, a corner taken by Craggs was headed over the bar by Swailes and Burrell was denied when Foden brought off a good save.

In between these efforts Clarke, on for the injured Home-Jackson, received a through ball from Richards and fired in a shot which bounced just in front of Clark, the Dunston keeper, who made the save.

In the 35th minute after a foul tackle by Young on Richards, the RCA player retaliated and was given a straight red card.

Dunston stepped up a gear and only some heroic defending kept the score at 1-0. A goal mouth scramble in the 40th minute saw no less than four shots blocked by RCA players as they put their bodies on the line for the cause.

The second half saw 10 men RCA taking the game to Dunston, it was difficult at times to tell who had the 10 men.

On the hour mark Close picked up the ball 45 yards out and ran at the Dunston defence before unleashing a terrific shot from 25 yards which had Clark scrambling to push round the post.

There followed a succession of corners which saw Clarke's header deflected wide, then a McGuinness header  hit a defender on the line and was cleared for another corner.

It was all RCA at this point and when Kane flicked the ball over Robson's head and then over Swailes head he looked in a good position to finish, but the ball bounced awkwardly and his effort flew over the bar.

RCA did get the ball in the net in the 70th minute when Shaw's corner was powerfully headed into the net by Clarke, but he was adjudged to have pushed a Dunston defender prior to scoring.

Dunston were reduced to counter attacks utilising the pace of substitute McAndrew.

As the game wore on RCA just got better and better and it was Dunston's turn to defend in depth and Swailes was outstanding, repelling attack after attack. Four corners in quick succession were all dealt with by the big centre half and his co defenders.

It was a testament to RCA's superiority in this second half that it wasn't until the 85th minute that they posed a real threat when McAndrew crossed in from the right wing to Bulford who, unmarked 8 yards out, headed over the bar.

In the last minute of normal time RCA were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box, Clarke stepped up and fired in a shot which beat both the keeper and the far post.

Today's performance was what a lot of supporters have been looking for from this team, we knew that the players are good enough, they just need to believe in themselves. the only thing missing from today's performance was goals. They will come if we continue to play as we did today. 

Tuesday, 23 April 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goal scorer: Whitley Bay: Wardle og.

Sunderland RCA welcomed Whitley Bay to Meadow Park for this re-arranged Ebac Northern League match after the first was called off when the electricity supply unit failed and almost set fire to the away dressing room.

Also in attendance at the match was a film crew from the FA who were doing a piece on the Secret Shoppers initiative. It has to be said that both dug outs seem well behaved and but for a few lapses by the players the general mood was one of let's enjoy the game.

RCA made only one change to the team that played so well on Saturday, Redman came in for Richards and the misfield was reshuffled so the Marron moved into misfield to partner Close.

A brisk opening five minutes saw both teams go close. A break by Shaw was halted by Reid but the loose ball was picked up by Marron who fired goalward, the ball took a deflection for a corner and the resulting kick was cleared by Kerr.

In Bay's first attack Kerr found Davis with a direct ball, but his cross into the box was cut out by Redman and the danger was averted.

RCA then produced a great move. Shaw picking the ball up on the right touchline cut inside and beat two defenders, forced along the edge of the 18 yard line he produced a lovely through ball to Marron but the midfielder was unable to get his shot on target.

The impressive Kerr once again picked up a ball deep in his own half before releasing an inch perfect pass to Chow who fired straight at Foden.

In the 16th minute, a long ball out of defence found Fawcett on the right wing and in acres of space, the Bay winger whipped in a cross which was deflected into his own goal by Wardle with Chow in close attendance.

Unfazed by this set back, RCA continued to take the game to Whitley Bay and in their next attack Shaw once again looked to cut inside before shootng narrowly wide.

Whitley Bay took a firm grip on the game just before the half hour mark and it was only some fine defending than averted an avalanche of goals, Reid combined with Davis to create an opening but the Bay defender fired straight at Foden, then a beautifully weighted crossfield ball from Kerr was inches away from Chow who from five yards out would surely have scored if he made any contact and then a little backheel flick from Robinson fell to Brooking who also shot straight at Foden.

Having survived this onslaught RCA looked to get back in the game and a long ball from McGuinness found Gordon on the edge of the box, his shot was blocked and the rebound fell to McGuinness but his curling shot went wide.

In the final minutes of the half a raking shot by Shaw beat Hammond in the Bay goal but went narrowly wide of the upright.

The second half was in much the same vein as the first but reversed as RCA took the initiative and Whitley Bay were forced to defend.

Shaw was causing problems for the Bay defenders and was really unlucky when he latched onto a bouncing ball from Close, he got to the ball before Hammond but could not find the net with his lob, the keepe managing to get a hand to it.

Davis, at the other end, fired wide when in a good position.

RCA seemed to sense that they could get something out of the game and continued to push forward, a cross into the box by McGuinness was headed out for a corner by Blake the resulting kick was headed into the danger zone by wardle but Reid scrambled the ball clear.

Back came RCA. Shaw fed a lovely ball through to Gordon who fired in a vicious shot which Hammond did well to parry out but only as far as Marron who fired over the bar from 12 yards out.

It was relentless pressure fromn RCA, but nothing to show for their efforts, throwing men forward did have its drawbacks as Chow started to find space in the RCA defence. Twice in quick succession the ball was cleared up field into the path of Chow and both times he was not able to test Foden as he slid the ball wide of the post. One the one occassion he did hit the target Foden was equal to the shot and saved easily.

As the game entered the final 10 minutes, it seemed that it was only a matter of time before RCA scored. Attack after attack was being thwarted by a rock solid Bay defence and when RCA did breach it Hammond was in fine form.

In the 85th minute RCA were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box, McGuinness took the kick, floating it to the back post where Close rose and headed against the post from three yards out.

The game ended with RCA still attacking but not getting any luck in front of goal.

Another excellent performance by the whole team and a good game to watch for the neutral. If RCA can continue to perform at this level until the end of the season then points should start to coming their way.

The performances of Marron, Close and Redman were exceptional tonight, but everyone played their part in a great team performance.

Whitley Bay played their part in a very entertaining match with Kerr, Scroggins and Reid the pick of their team.

RCA's Nick Cane in second half midfield action.

Saturday, 27 April 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goal Scorers: SRCA: Gordon:  Synners: Close og, Newby, Huggins.

Please click here for photos from the match.

The woes of RCA continued. When you are near the bottom of the league things always seem to conspire against you: today, an own goal and three penalties (one missed) all to Billingham Synthonia. When your luck is out it is well and truely out.

RCA kept the same team that played so well against Whitley Bay in midweek although the shape of the team looked a little unfamiliar at kick off as they looked to play with three at the back.

In the opening minute, as with the match on Tuesday, a ball into space behind McGuinness almost created a goalscoring chance but J Wilson's cross was intercepted and cleared by Preston.

Then a ball from Liddle released Cattermole on the right. His cross was met by Jameson, but his shot was charged down by Wardle.

RCA were awarded freekick 25 yards out and Close took responsibility firing narrowly wide.

In the 5th minute Synners' opened the scoring Jameson picked up the ball on the right, ran 15 yards with it before sending in a low cross which was turned into his own goal by Brian Close.

Five minutes later and it was 2-0 Foden came tearing out of his goal and in trying to clear the ball collided with Jameson, the referee awarded a penalty and Newby made no mistake from the spot.

Synners were flowing now and two minutes later Liddle found McWilliams on the left he played in Jameson who shot wide of the upright.

As Synners continued to push forward they looked likely to score at will, but some stirling work at the back kept them at bay, however RCA can count themselves lucky that a further penalty was not awarded when Jameson looked to be caught inside the area.

RCA started to make progress up the field and Close clipped in a ball to Gorden who's shot went wide of the upright.

Then Shaw dribbled his way inside the box before passing inside to Kane, but his shot was blocked by Abel.

In the 38th minute RCA pulled a goal back. McGuinness's long ball found Shaw on the left and his cross found Gordon whose first shot hit the post, but he made no mistake with the rebound rifling it into the top corner.

Apart from the goals no keeper had been called upon to make a save until the 40th minute when N Wilson's effort forced a reasonably easy save from Foden.

From the kick off of the second half RCA pushed forward looking for the all important equaliser, but it was Synners who had the first real chance when Porritt had a shot blocked by Redman, the ball was picked up by McGuinness who sent Kane away down the left, He cut the ball bac k and then lobbed Grifiths, but Newby was able to get back head away for a corner.

RCA piled on the pressure at this point and continually threatened the Synners' goal. When Kane received the ball on the edge of the penalty area he lined up his shot but it went just wide of the post.

As the second half settled down Synners started to produce some attacks of their own, most notably when J Wilson found Cattermole on the edge of the box and the Synners captain fired in a shot which was superbly saved by Foden turning the ball round the post.

While RCA continued to threaten they were unable to trouble Griffiths in the Synners goal. A snap shot from Shaw was probably the closest that they came.

Time was running out for RCA and they threw caution to the wind as the pushed more players forward looking to get something out of the game. 

In the 89th minute Synners broke forward and Liddle slipped the ball to Cattermole and he was caught by McGuinness and another penalty was awarded. Newby stepped up again, but this time shot wide of the target.

Was this the change in fortune that RCA had been hoping for? They poured forward again and once again were caught on the break in the 93rd minute when Synners were awarded their third penalty of the game as Wardle was adjudged to have fouled Liddle inside the box. Huggins took charge of the kick this time and made no mistake.

Another decent performance from RCA players, but once again poor decision making has let them down and Synners have taken full advantage.

Next up for RCA will be Billingham Town, the re-arranged match due to the playing of an ineligible player in the game that RCA won 1-0.