Tuesday, 3 September 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers:  SRCA , none  Bishops: Hawkins (2) L Bythway (2)

Unbeaten Bishop Auckland FC were the visitors to Meadow Park for this EBAC Northern League match.

RCA were still without the suspended Andrew Brown and injuries continue to plague the club with four players unable to play.

It was almost a dream start for RCA as from the kick off Edwards received the ball and played it forward into the path of Home-Jackson who lobbed the advancing Pocklington and watched as the ball drifted agonisingly wide of the goal.

Five minutes into the game and Brunskill picked up a through ball from Hawkins and was only denied by the quick thinking of Jameson who blocked the shot.

Bishops, slightly against the run of play, took the lead when a cross into the box was headed on by Luke Bythway and Hawkins was on hand to glance a header home past Jameson.

The goal seemed to pick up the tempo of the game as Bishops looked for a second quick goal. Attempts by Megran and Hodgson were dealt with by the RCA defence and having weathered a rough patch they came back strongly.

A thundering freekick by McGuinness was deflected over the bar by the Bishops wall, the resulting corner was headed down by Barton into the path of Jury, but his shot was cleared.

RCA were on the front foot now and a long ball from Bell was chested down by Barton into the path of Edwards who couldn't keep his shot down and it flew over the bar.

A minute later a dreadful back pass by an RCA defender forced a brilliant one handed save from Jameson, RCA Broke from the resulting corner and Winter really should have done better, having beaten the last defender he tried to curl the ball past the keeper but Pocklington was able to make an easy save.

In the 28th minute RCA were awarded a corner, taken by Edwards, the ball was flicked at the near post Home-Jackson and struck Pocklinton on the chest, the keeper was able to recover and pluck the ball out of the air with Barton in close attendance.

For all their pressure RCA were not able to take advantage and produce the goal that could change the game, indeed it was Bishop who came back at RCA and a cros into the box by Douglas was headed over by Luke Bythway.

A surging run by Douglas was stopped at the expense of a corner by Bell and Hodgson headed the ball wide of the upright from the resulting kick.

Thompson almost equalised as the half time whistle approached, picking the ball up on the right wing, he cut inside, beat several defenders before striking a low shot which went narrowly wide of the post with Pocklington struggling.

The first half was a fairly even affair with Bishops managing a goal which RCA couldn't. The second half was more like the battle of the Alamo with RCA unable to defend effectively against the Bishop Auckland onslaught.

Two minutes into the half and it was 2-0 when a right wing freekick taken by Hawkins was headed home by the unmarked Luke Bythway.

Three minutes later and a rampant Bishops made it 3-0, with the RCA defence at sixes and sevens, Douglas crossed into the box, the ball was flicked on and into the path of Hawkins ata the far post and he fired the ball into the roof of the net past the helpless Jameson.

It was all Bishops as they tore forward and a shot from Douglas dipped just under the bar but Jameson was able to save comfortably. Then Lee Bythway rose highest to power in a header which went just over the bar.

On the hour mark Hawkins was fouled inside the area and a penalty was awarded which was taken by Luke Bythway who sent Jameson the wrong way.

Bishops pushed forward at every opportunity after that and only some good saves from Jameson kept the score at 4-0.

RCA only attempt on goal came in the 86th minute when substitute Southern fired in a dipping 25 yarder which Pocklington spectacularly tipped over the bar.

Not a good day at the office for the RCA.

Seven goals conceeded in last two home games after only conceeding four goals in the previous five matches tells its own story. We need to revert back to the principles applied in the West and Spenny games.

That being said the squad is still doing well and only needs tweaking; get some players back from injury and we will be flying again.

Richie Logan under pressure from two Dunston players.

Saturday, 7 September 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Please click here for some photos from the match.

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

Please click here for the Dunston UTS match report.

Please click here for Sky Tyne and Wear video coverage.

Goal scorers: SRCA, none  Dunston UTS: Burrell.

RCA suffered their third consecutive home defeat at the hands of Dunston UTS when they succumbed to a goal deep into stoppage time.

The team are still missing a number of players through injury, Andrew Brown (groin), Kyle Morris (ankle), Wayne Henderson (groin) and Jack Lilley (knee) are just a few.

Liam Clough returned to the heart of the defence to partner Paul Wardle and Richard Logan was preferred up front to replace Winter. Goalkeeper Peter Jameson passed a fitness test on his shoulder and took his place between the posts.

After the heavy rain of yesterday the match kicked off in bright sunshine and for the second Saturday in a row the game was officiated by a female referee, Helen Conley taking charge in the middle in her first season in the Northern League Division 1.

Dunston started well forcing RCA onto the back foot. In the fifth minute Lee Bell headed over from a Gary Shaw corner.

Then the two ex-RCA players combined when Gary Shaw crossed into the box and Nicky Kane could only direct his header over the RCA crossbar.

In the early stages Gary Shaw was causing problems on the left and in the 12th minute he crossed toward the near post where Michael Dixon got to the ball just in front of Wardle. His glancing header was blocked by Jameson and cleared by Aaron Brown.

RCA started to get into the game, having weathered the early Dunston pressure and in the 16th minute a freekick taken by Aaron Brown saw Adam McGuinness rise perfectly at the back post, but his looping header landed on the roof of the net.

Two minutes later and a long throw from Adam McGuinness caused problems for the Dunston defence and Liam Connell could only punch the ball into the path of Edwards who stabbed the ball towards goal, but Gilhespy was on hand to clear off the line.

The game, although flowing from end-to-end, was producing little in the way of goal mouth action. A couple of poor headers over the bar from Dunston and a couple of long range shots from RCA, neither keeper being troubled.

In the 35th minute a brilliant crossfield ball from John Jury found Adam McGuinness in acres of space; the RCA captain picked out Josh Home-Jackson making a run into the box, but as his header slipped past the post the linesman had already flagged for offside.

In the 42nd minute Dale Burrell crossed and a Gary Shaw header hit the back of Aaron Brown and John Jury cleared.

RCA were almost one up in the 48th minute when John Jury sent an inch perfect pass to Richard Logan. His cross shot evaded Liam Connell and was just too far infront of the advancing Gavin Barton.

In the 50th minute RCA had a claim for a penalty as Keiran Edwards sent a cross into the box it was met by Stuart Thompson who looked to be fouled as he controlled the ball, but nothing was given.

Immediately Dunston went on the attack and another penalty appeal was waved away when Daniel Craggs went over under pressure from Clough.

A Gary Shaw cross was cleared away by Paul Wardle and Luke Gilhespy following up could only fire well over the bar and a minute later Michael Dixon turned and fire in a shot which went narrowly past the far post.

Dunston seemed to be getting up a head of steam as they poured forward in attack but RCA's resiliant defending was handling the pressure really well.

In the 72nd minute Luke Gilhespy shot into the area and Jameson did well to hold the ball under pressure and two minutes later Danniel Craggs tried to chip Jameson, but the ball drifted past far post.

As the game entered the final ten minutes both teams had great chances to win the game. In the 83rd minute, Stuart Thompson burst forward and with Gavin Barton and Keiran Edwards breaking with him he tried to pick out the former, but his pass was intercepted by Luke Gilhespy and the defender cleared the danger.

In the 86th minute Lee Bell shot well wide long range and then in the final minute of normal time RCA almost scored: John Jury, still full of running sprinted past two defenders before crossing to Gavin Barton who headed down for substitute Scott Richards but from ten yards out he fired over the bar.

Into time added on for a head injury to Adam McGuinness and Dunston continued to apply the pressure, especially substitute Lee McAndrew who had run and cross which went across the face of goal with two forwards inches away.

In the final minute of added time Dunston were awarded a corner which was taken by Lee McAndrew. Ben Cattanach headed goalwards and it was cleared by Aaron Brown, but into the path of Dale Burrell who slammed it home from three yards out.

A disappointing finale to a very well organised defensive display. I seem to remember doing the same thing to Dunston a couple of years ago in the League Cup.

It's disappointing once again to concede from a set piece, but positives have to be taken from this game we defended well, broke quickly and decisively and given a bit of luck could have scored a couple of goals. 

Next easy game away to Celtic Nation FC on Tuesday.

Tuesday, 10 September 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: Celtic Nation: Johnson SRCA: Callaghan.

My second attempt at this match report, the original confined to the annuls of hyper-space Whooooooooooo. I bet it's that gadgy from the cemetery's fault.

Why is it that every time we travel across the A69 to Cumbria we seem to end up losing at least one of our players en-route. So it was at Celtic Nation when yet another player failed to negotiate the long journey to the Gillford Park Stadium (Deja vu or what).

With McGuinness out suspended, Callaghan, recently signed from West Auckland FC after being released by Sunderland AFC, was given his debut. Jury reverted to right back and Aaron Brown moved to the left wing. There were also places in the starting line up for Halliday and Summers.

As expected the hosts started like an express train and in the opening minute Jameson was called into action when Luscombe crossed to Gibson and his first time effort was parried away before being cleared.

RCA responded immediately with Brown laying off a ball to Jury who crossed to Barton at the far post, but he could only direct his header into the arms of Lowson.

The home team continued to press with some good approach work, but were restricted to long range efforts and a Boyd freekick which Jameson saved easily.

In the 23rd minute a clearance from Wardle looked to be heading for a goal kick to Celtic Nation. Thompson had other ideas, chasing the ball to the byline before chipping it back into play then sending in a curling shot which went narrowly wide of the upright.

On the half hour Edwards sent in a terrific freekick which was saved by Lowson.

RCA were enjoying a bit of a purple patch and should have taken the lead a minute later when a cross from Brown was chested down by Barton into the path of Thompson who volleyed the ball off the crossbar.

The hosts went straight up the other end and a free kick from Boyd was headed out by Summers to McMenamin who headed goalward but once again the ball was headed out only as far as Gibson who headed back and Jameson was on hand to pluck the ball from under the bar.

RCA took the lead in the 42nd minute when an Edwards freekick was headed away and fell to Callaghan on the edge of the box where he found time and space to drill an unstoppable left-foot shot in off the far post.

There was still time for Nation to create chances before half time as McMenamin latched onto a lofted through ball and ran across the 'keeper only to see his shot blocked by Jury who was covering Jameson.

As half time approached RCA almost made it 2-0 when Barton played in Logan who controlled the ball before firing in a low shot which Lowson managed to fingertip round the post.

There was still time for Gibson to go up the other end and force Jameson into a stunning save and the follow up header by Luscombe was scramble away.

Four minutes into the second half and Skinner almost scored, curling a free-kick towards the top corner, but Jameson once again got a hand to the ball tipping it onto the crossbar.

RCA were on the back foot and the hosts were piling on the pressure.

When the equalising goal came it was a fairly tame affair. McMenamin's shot was saved by Jameson who could only palm it as far as Johnson who headed it back into the net.

In the 70th minute McMenamin headed a Luscombe cross back across the face of goal, but Taylor could only head the bal into the arms of Jameson.

The hosts were playing some good football without really penetrating the RCA defence. It was only late in the game when Luscombe went on good dribbling run that RCA were under real pressure, but his final effort crashed off the post.

In the dying minutes RCA created a great chance to claim all three points when Barton chased down a long ball out of defence, got a foot to it, but could only steer the ball into the arms of Lowson.

A much more stable performance than Saturday's 4-4 draw for Mick Wadsworth's men, but a great performance from Jameson in the RCA goal prevented the Nation from going joint top of the division.

A good defensive display by RCA who withstood a lot of pressure from a well organised Celtic Nation team who will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.

Steve Halliday comes away with the ball in the second half of the match

Saturday, 14 September 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA Barton (2) Billingham Synthonia FC: Porritt (3), Alderson

Please click here for photos from the match.

Please click here for photos from the Billingham Synthonia photographer.

RCA's home form continues to be a major problem, this being their fourth defeat at home in a row. The team only showed one change from the team who performed heroics at Celtic Nation in mid week, Home-Jackson replacing Thompson who had a slight rib injury.

Synners who had only played four games before today's match started well, Magowan forcing the RCA defence to clear their lines under pressure, the ball fell to Garton who had his shot blocked by Summers before Wardle cleared up field.

A long diagonal ball from McWilliams fell at the feet of Osmond who lobbed Jameson but, had to watch the ball go narrowly wide of the post.

In the 10th minute a Porritt corner was headed over by Alderson, Jameson took a quick goal kick to Callaghan who playe the ball forward to Edwards who dribbled past two defenders before crossing into the box where Barton headed into the net only to be ruled offside.

This seemed to give RCA the confidence to go forward, and it was only some good defending by Burton which stopped Logan from getting in a shot when in a good position.

In the 20 minute a cross into the box by Jury was headed down by Barton to Home-Jackson but his shot was well blocked by Gaston.

As the game started to swing in RCA's favour they found themselves behind, Jury lost the ball inside the Synners half to McWilliams who sent a 40 yard pass straight to Porritt on the opposite wing, the Synner's wing man cut inside and curled a beautiful left foot shot into the top corner of the net.

Within a minute it could have been 2-0 when Osmond found himself in space, he turned and fired in a shot which took a wicked deflection which wrong footed Jameson and he watched helplessly as the ball struck the post and went behind for a corner.

As the game became more competative in mid field a string of minor offences were picked up by the referee and the game went through a scappy period.

Synner's goalkeeper, Briggs was called into action to tip a Callaghan free kick over the bar and from the resulting corner had to be aware as the ball dipped onto the crossbar and over for a goal kick.

RCA's equaliser came in the 33rd minute when Brown and Edwards did well on the right wing to conjour up some space before edwards was able send a cross into the penalty area, two Defenders completely missed the ball and it fell to Barton who fired past Briggs into the net.

The game looked once again to be swinging in the direction of the RCA, however, Synners had other ideas and in Porritt they had a great outlet when they were under pressure.

With half time approaching a harmless long ball seemed to be easily dealt with by the RCA defence, but a weak back pass was pounced on by Porritt who charged down Jameson's clearance and fired in a shot which Jameson chested away, Porritt again shot and this time Jameson saved with his legs, appeared to sit on the ball and as he picked it up Porritt nipped in again and volleyed into the net to make it 2-1 despite the protests of Jameson and the RCA defence.

After the drama of the last few minutes of the first half the second half started in high tempo with osmond heading just wide from a Porritt cross.

RCA found themselves back on level terms when a great passing move between Andrew Brown, Aaron Brown and Edwards saw the ball switched to the right wing where Aaron Brown sent an inch perfect pass into Barton who lifted the ball over the advancing Briggs and into the net.

Then came the second controvertial incident in the game, once again a poor back pass was intercepted and Jameson, charging out caught Osmond and was quite rightly cautioned. Porritt took the free kick which was headed away but only as far as Alderson who forced the ball goalward, Barton seemed to head the ball away towards the corner flag where the assistant referee was flagging for a goal. (Photographs appear to show that the ball did not cross the line.) Where is goal line technology when you need it?

There was no such debate about Synner's fourth goal and Porritt's hat-trick. Awarded a freekick on the edge of the box Porritt strode up and curled a shot over the wall and into the top corner of the net.

RCA almost got back into the game when a cross from Jury was brought down by Home-Jackson inside the area and althogh under pressure was able to get a shot at goal but Briggs was able to deal with it comfortably.

The final 10 minutes saw RCA trying to get something out of th egame and Synner's defending very well. There were a few scares for the visitors, not least when Home-Jackson slipped the ball to Andrew Brown who crossed to Barton but his header flashed inches wide of the upright.

In the fanal minute of the game Synners produced a great move involving Porritt, Osmond and Huggins with the ball being swung wide to Garton who crossed to substitute Cattermole but his low drive was well saved by Jameson.

Once again the home hoodoo struck, there appears to be no luck at all in Meadow Park at the moment. Two controvertial goals, both decisions going against us.

It has to be said that basic defending has also cost us, to many back passes to the keeper and poorly organised wall's for freekicks have cost us today but as was said after the game, you cannot defend for 90 minutes without making some mistakes.

Synners can also take some credit for the result today, as they played really well and in Porritt they have a real match winner.

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup

Scorers: Morpeth: Anderson 3, Taylor 2, Chilton 2  SRCA: Logan

RCA started this game with only one change to the team that lost to Billingham Town on Saturday, Andrew Brown starting the game and Halliday moving to an unaccustomed central defensive role in place of Paul Wardle who has left the club to take up an asistant management job at Washington FC.

5 - 0 down inside 40 minutes showed up the problems that have beset RCA this season that of allowing crosses into the penalty area without any pressure on the ball.

Apologies to all Morpeth fans who read this, but I was unable to ascertain from anyone on the night the order in which the goalscorers scored, this was my best shot.

The game started in dramatic style as Morpeth went for the jugular from the off. Taylor picked up a loose ball on the left and his first time cross into the box was only partly parried away by Jameson and the ball was blasted into the bottom corner by Anderson.

Two minutes later and it was 2-0 to the Highwayman, when a slip by Brown allowed the ball to run to Robinson who then slipped the ball into the path of Taylor who slotted home past the helpless Jameson.

RCA almost responded immediately when from the kick off the ball was switched to the left and Home-Jackson fed the ball through to Barton, but the striker's finish was easily saved by Mundy.

It wasn't long before Morpeth recorded their third goal, this time it was one of stunning proportions. Henderson picked the ball up from Mundy, was allowed to run unchallenged for 15 yards before making a 50 yard pass into the left hand side of the RCA penalty area where Chilton was waiting unmarked 16 yards out; he hit the ball first time sending it crashing into the roof of the net with Jameson understandably rooted to spot. A truely wonderful goal and worth the entrance fee on its own.

For all their dominance it was RCA who next struck and it was only some superb goalkeeping that denied them a goal. Jameson sent a long freekick forward and Logan controlled the ball well before skipping past two defenders and shooting low toward the goal, Mundy managed to get a hand to the ball, but it was still heading toward the net until Walmsley headed off the line.

RCA continued to press forward, but were vulnerable to the counter attack. Hutchinson looked to stop the ball with his hand, but when appeals for a hand ball were turned down he sent the ball forward to Forster who clipped the ball into the six yard area for Anderson to Head home to make it 4-0.

Morpeth were on the rampage now and looked to be able to get behind the RCA defence at will, it was therefore no surprise when Taylor made it 5-0 just before half time.

RCA brought on Hassan after 50 minutes and his first contribution to the game was to rob Mundy of the ball before rolling in a cross towards, Barton which was intercepted by Tumilty.

Morpeth struck back and it took a good save from Jameson to stop them increasing their lead when Taylor burst through and shot low.

Hassan almost got one back for the visitors when he got past Tumilty before sending in a shot cum cross which went across the face of goal and narrowly wide of the far post.

In the 75 minute, Morpeth were awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty area and Anderson fired it straight through the wall and into the net for his hat trick.

A minute later and RCA got a consolation goal when Edwards sent a cross into the box, Mundy dropped the ball under pressure from Hassan and the ball fell to Logan who volleyed the ball home.

The joy of getting a goal back was short lived as  Morpeth produced yet another flowing move which saw the ball switched from deep in their own half by Henderson in the right hand corner, to man of the match Taylor on the left wing; he in turn squared the ball to Chilton who finished the move with some aplomb, firing low into the centre of the goal.

RCA were, on the night, thoroughly outplayed by a Morpeth side who were up for the game. They are a very good competitive team and unless you match them for pace and strength then you will be, like RCA were, under pressure for 90 minutes.

Captain Gavin Barton leaps high to head the first of his two first half goals.

Saturday, 21 September 2013

FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round

Goal Scorers: TN: Watling, Colvin:  SRCA: Barton (2), Thompson and Morris.

Please click here for photos from the match.

After the mid-week capitulation at the hands of Morpeth RCA were again in cup action this time the FA Vase and a welcome return to fitness of a few of our players: Liam Clough, Kyle Morris, Wayne Henderson and Stuart Thompson have been out with long term injuries while Kris Summers, Andrew Brown and Josh Home-Jackson were declared fit after receiving knocks in the mid week encounter.

So it was a much revamped team that took the field at Coach Lane. The line up: Jameson, Jury, Clough, Henderson, Summers,  Brown (Andrew),  Thompson, Edwards, Barton, Home-Jackson and Callaghan: Subs from: Hassan, Halliday, Morris, Brown (Aaron), McEvoy.

The game got off to an explosive start as Team Northumbria surged forward from the kick off and a weighted ball from Sayer found Chippendale who crossed into the area for Watling to volley past the outstretched arm of Jameson; the goal was tmed at 27 seconds.

This set the standard for the rest of the match as both teams decided that attack was the best form of defence. Edwards picked up a loose ball in midfield, brought Thompson into the move with a great ball, the RCA winger cut inside before crossing but Jennison plucked the ball off the head of Barton.

The game was really open and when Watling intercepted a back pass from Clough he looked certain to add to his tally, but Jameson pulled off a great one-handed save at the expense of a corner. The corner was swung toward the far post where Colvin was unmarked, however he could only direct his header over the bar.

RCA came back and a threaded ball by Brown found Home-Jackson on the edge of the box where he was unceremoniously up-ended. Callaghan took the freekick and sent it inches wide of the post with Jennison stranded.

Team North broke again down the right where Chippendale seemed to have acres of space, his pass in to Luke was missed by the RCA defence and the midfielder was allowed time to shoot fortunately for RCA his fired high over the bar.

After 15 minutes RCA started to look a bit more coordinated and less panicky and it was the turn of the home team to start getting flustered under pressure. Edwards gained a corner and took it, sending the ball into the box where it was headed away by McKeown.

Storey was forced to concede a corner under strong pressure from Home-Jackson, Callaghan took the corner which was scrambled away but only as far as Callaghan to cross back into the area where Barton controlled the ball but his shot was blocked by McKeown and picked up by Jennison.

Jennison's clearance fell to Brown who in controlling the ball seemed to stumble and had to stretch to recover the ball. This was his last contribution to the game as he limped off to be replace by Aaron Brown.     

What a substitution, RCA forced yet another corner when McKeown headed away a dangerous cross, Edwards took the corner and Barton got in front of Jennison to head home the equaliser.

Team North's response was almost immediate as once again from the kick off they retained possession as they tried to carve out an opening, The ball eventually fornd its way to Watling after what seemed like 20 passes and the Team North forward curled in a magnificent effort which went inches over the bar.

It was the home team's turn to pile on the pressure and when Luke slipped the ball to Riley it looked certain that he would score, he chipped the ball over the advancing Jameson and watched as the ball rolled agonisingly wide of the far post.

Minutes later and RCA were in front, Jameson threw the ball to substitute Brown, he carried the ball forward before senting in a deep cross which was met on the edge of the penalty area by Barton who managed to power a header past the flat footed Jennison.

RCA were now looking to kill the game off and a surging run by Home-Jackson ended when he looked to have been impeded inside the box but the referee awarded a goalkick.

In the 40th minute RCA were let off the hook when Callaghan lost the ball in his own half and Chippendale, in acres of space was unable to capitalise on the mistake and fired his shot past the near post.

As half time approached Team North almost equalised when Glen-Ravenhill picked up the ball on the right wing and sent in a wonderful cross which Watling could only volley over the bar under pressure from Henderson.

Team North started the second half in total command and would keep up a constant bombardment on the RCA defence for the majority of the half. It was to be a great testement as to the resolve and commitment of the players that they did not concede early in the half.

Glen-Ravenhill, who had hardly showed in the first half, picked up the ball on the edge of the box and fired wide then a minute later he was involved in a great move with Luke which produced a shot from Watling which went narrowly wide.

In the 50th minute a crossfield pass from Sayer picked out the advancing Colvin, but he could only hit his first time shot into the side netting.

Against the run of second half play RCA went further ahead a clever pass from Edwards found Home-Jackson in an advanced position; he slipped between two defenders before crossing to Thompson who controlled the ball before shooting into the net off the near post.

RCA looked to capitalise on this good fortune and two minutes later Home-Jackson once again made a good run past two defenders before firing in a low shot which Jennison saved.

Team North, once again took up the reins and started to take command of the game and it was that man Glen-Ravenhill who started the ball rolling producing another shot at goal after some good build up play between Sayer and Luke.

It was one way traffic now as Team North looked to get back into the game. Jameson was forced into a tremendous save from Richardson and seconds later he was called into action as Riley burst into the box and fired in a shot.

The way the game was going it seemed likely Team North must scor,e but their final shooting, RCA defending and super goalkeeping all combined to deny them the lifeline their endeavours deserved.

Hassan replaced Home Jackson and with his first touch forced a save from Jennison after Barton and Jury had combined to set the substitute up.

Another good move by Team North ended with RCA conceeding a corner and from the resulting kick Colvin headed down and Henderson cleared off the line.

In the 80th minute the life line that they were looking for arrived, when Watling surging into the box was brought down by Summers. Watling took the kick, but Jameson pulled off a fine save to deny the home team captain.

Team North continued to press forward without any real success until the 86th minute when a poor back pass by Summers was pounced upon by Colvin and he blasted the ball past Jameson.

As Team North pussed forward looking for the equaliser they were leaving themselves exposed at the back and as the game moved into injury time a long ball out of defence found Hassan in space and past the Team North defence. As he entered the penalty area he was brought down from behind by McKeown. Hassan took the penalty and fired high over the bar.

The game was sealed a minute later when Hassan once again found himself beyond the last defender. This time he looked up and played the ball to Morris who calmly side stepped Jennison before sliding the ball home from an acute angle.

This was a hard, but entertaining, game. It was fairly obvious that some of the returning players were not fully match fit and that they tired as the game went on. There were some good displays today. Edwards seemed to be back to something near his best and Jury never stopped running, Barton continues to score goals and Clough looked good until he tired half way through the second period. Defensively we still look vunerable, but we need to get a settled back four which seems to have eluded us for the last two seasons.

We can now look forward to the First Round draw on Monday.   

Wednesday, 25 September 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers:  Newton Aycliffe: Owens, Lambert SRCA: Barton

SRCA gave a debut to new signing Philip Horsman and recalled Scott Richards to the team for this important League match against Newton Aycliffe FC. Matches against these two teams are always tight affairs and this one was no exception.

Newton Aycliffe as expeted were the first on the attack with Owen cutting in from the left before unleashing a shot which took a deflection and went for a corner.

The ball was cleared upfield from the corner and picked up by Thompson who outpaced the aycliffe defence before whipping in a cross which Gareth Young did well to get down to just in front of Barton.

A minute later and Edwards won the ball in midfield and slipped the ball wide to Barton who crossed into the area where Home-Jackson was waiting, but he could only manage to direct his header wide of the post although Young looked like he had it covered.

Aycliffe tried to get some forward momentum but were stopped in their tracks by some good defensive play by RCA.

In the tenth minute a ball from Richards found Callaghan on the left. With three players bearing down on him he somehow managed to slip between them all and found space for the cross; unfortunately he was unable to produce the cross that his endeavours warranted and Gareth Young was able to pluck the ball out of the air comfortably.

Once again Aycliffe moved forward. A ball from Salvin found Broom on the right and as he turned he was caught by Clough. From the free-kick the ball was switched to the left where Owens looked to have beaten the offside trap but in doing so was adjudged to have fouled Henderson.

RCA were, for the first time in the game, under a little pressure and a poorly headed back pass had to be hastily headed away by Jameson on the edge of the box, the ball fell to Martin Young who could only head the ball back to the waiting hands of the keeper.

The response from RCA was instant. Jury and Thompson combined down the right before switching the ball inside to Edwards who played a neat reverse pass to Thompson; his wickedly curling cross caused havoc in the Aycliffe defence and they were pleased to see the ball cleared by Salvin for a corner.

Aycliffe were now resorting to counter attacks and long range efforts as RCA started to dominate the game.

As the half hour approached a ferocious shot from Edwards was punched away by Gareth Young. Thompson picked up the loose ball and played in a cross for Home-Jackson whose shot was blocked.

The Aycliffe keeper was called into action again a minute later when a cross from Callaghan was only partially cleared and the ball was chipped back into the box. The ball fell between Gareth Young and Home-Jackson, but the keeper was just able to punch the ball clear.

The only contribution from Aycliffe in an attacking sense was a sweeping move which saw Selby pass the ball to Owens, he cut inside before sending in a cross which bounced just in front of Martin Young and from five yards out, in front of an open goal, he managed to put the ball wide of the far post.

RCA took the lead in the 43rd minute when Richards won the ball in midfield and the loose ball was picked up by Edwards who threaded an inch perfect pass into the path of Barton who finished superbly firing across the keeper into the far corner of the net.

RCA came straight back and forced a corner when a cross from Thompson was headed behind. Callaghan took the corner and Richards, inside the six yard area, headed against the bar and the ball was scrambled away.

In the opening minute of the first half RCA were back on the attack. A cross in from Jury was headed away for a corner, Callaghan took the kick and his inswinging corner was dropped by Gareth Young and cleared off the line by Gibson.

In the 50th minute Aycliffe were awarded a free kick on the left; the ball was crossed into the area and headed down by Owens to Broom who from an acute angle fired across the face of goal and away for a goal kick.

The game was flowing from end to end now and a good run from Thompson ended with the winger's shot being deflected over the bar for a corner.

RCA were starting to come under pressure as Aycliffe looked for an equaliser. In the 65th minute Owens should have scored as he found himself beyond the last defender. He went round Jameson, but his weak shot was cleared off the line by Clough.

Within two minutes Aycliffe were level when a cross into the box from Owen was headed away by Horsman. There then ensued a goalmouth scramble with the ball being finally headed away by Henderson, but only as far as Owens who headed the ball into the top corner of the net.

This gave a great boost to the Aycliffe team while RCA looked to visibly wilt. Aycliffe applied more pressure and a shot from Broom was well saved by Jameson. Then Mellanby was unlucky with a turn and shot which went narrowly wide.

RCA were finding it difficult to get a hold of the ball and in the 84th minute Aycliffe went ahead when a run by substitute Lambert was allowed to go unchecked. He beat two defenders before cutting the ball back onto his left foot and driving an unstoppable shot low into the net.

There was little left in the RCA tank and their efforts late in the game were fairly easily contained by Aycliffe's defence and Aycliffe looked to be happy to see out the final minutes with the three points in the bag.

After a good first half in which RCA dominated possession and territorial advantage they once again hit the 70 minute wall and were unable to respond to Aycliffes pressure.

While this was a disappointing result the performance in the first 70 minutes RCA showed signs of getting back to the sort of early season form which saw us take points off Spennymoor, West Auckland and Celtic Nation.

Aaron Brown defends successfully in the first half of the match.

Saturday, 28 September 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Please click here for photos from the match.

The injury problems continue to blight the season with Andrew Brown suffering a hamstring injury and Scott Richards out with a dead leg. Liam Clough declared himself fit while Wayne Henderson was unavailable due to work commitments.

There was also the shock news that the manager Neil Hixon had stepped down from his position as manager after six years in change and whilst remaining at the club it would be in an advisory capacity on the committee. Head coach George Herd has at the same decided to retire at the tender age of 77. A press release will be issued shortly regarding this matter.

The new joint management team of David Lee and Stephen Halliday was forced to make changes for the match today. Aaron Brown returned to right back and Kris Summers was recalled to fill in the vacancy left by Henderson. Upfront Kyle Morris was preferred to Home-Jackson and John Jury moved back into a central midfield position.

RCA took advantage of the slope in the first half, but it was Morpeth who had the best of the opening exchanges. Palmer collecting the ball from Mundy sent a speculative pass forward which was won by Anderson, he crossed to the far post, but Chilton at full stretch could only direct the ball wide of the upright.

Within a minute another good move was started by Palmer, this time switching play to the left wing where Taylor crossed to Bell who was off balance and fired over the bar.

RCA produced a spell of good play of their own, Morris winning the ball in midfield slipped the ball to Edwards who in turn played the ball forward to Barton who turned and snapped a shot inches wide of the upright.

In the 20th minute Jameson was forced into an excellent save as Henderson clipped a lovely ball into the path of Chilton; the RCA keeper read the move and closed down the Morpeth forward getting a hand to the ball and then pouncing on it at the second attempt.

Morpeth were starting to boss the game but were meeting a very resilient RCA defence.

Taylor, switched wings, received the ball from Henderson, cut inside and unleashed a shot which flew high over the bar.

As the game started to open up RCA were producing some good interplay in midfield, but as soon as the ball went forward they were met by the outstanding partnership of Hall and Jewels who commanded everything.

Another surging run by Taylor ended with the winger sending in a cross cum shot which Jameson was relieved to guide over the bar for a corner.

A promising move involving Edwards and Thompson saw the ball moved down the right, then Edwards switched play to the left with a lovely ball to Callaghan but the RCA winger allowed the Morpeth defence to regroup and his cross was easily dealt with by Hall.

In Morpeth's next attack the ball was played to Anderson who headed down to Taylor and his first time effort was brilliantly saved by Jameson.

As the game progressed toward half time play was being confined to the midfield were Jury and Edwards were looking to get a foothold. Jury was making tackle after tackle in an attempt to keep Henderson quiet while Edwards was picking up the loose balls and bringing both wingers into the game.

Unfortunately for RCA Hall and Jewels continued to excel at the back for Morpeth repelling any RCA attacks.

The second period started with RCA going on the offensive and a through ball from Edwards to Morris saw the RCA front man fouled as he tried to break past Jewels. The referee awarded a free kick and then showed Jewels a straight red card for denying a goal scoring opportunity.

The free kick was taken by Edwards who fired it into the wall. The ball rebounded to Jury who crossed low into the box, but Mundy got down to smother the ball in front of Morris.

Morpeth regrouped and reorganised after this set back and when Anderson crossed to the far post for Chilton it looked like Morpeth had taken the lead but the header went into the side netting.

RCA responded with a quick break and Edwards found Jury who crossed into the box. For the first time in the game the Morpeth defence panicked and it took a great save from Mundy to prevent his own full back Palmer from scoring in his own goal.

On the hour mark a great move by RCA saw Thompson ghost past two defenders, play a one-two with Barton, then slip the ball to Home-Jackson who played it back into the path of Thompson who fired over the bar from the edge of the box.

Almost immediately Morpeth were awarded a free kick on the left which was taken quickly by Anderson to Taylor who was all by himself on the right. He took control of the ball before forcing Jameson into a superb save.    

The game was swinging from end to end with both teams guilty of wasting chances when in good positions. Anderson had two efforts both of which went wide and then Barton was clear of the Morpeth defence, controlled the ball well but Mundy was equal to the RCA strikers thunderous shot.

Morpeth's Hall was showing great strength at the back and looked to be winning every ball in the air.

When Hassan burst past two defenders and crossed from the by line the ball fell to Home-Jackson, but the RCA substitute mishit his shot and the ball was easily saved by Mundy.

In the final minutes RCA tried to press home their man advantage. Two crosses into the area by Home-Jackson were met by Barton who first set up Thompson, but he fired over the bar. Barton then set up Hassan, but Hall was able to block the shot. 

The attacks continued into the final minutes when Mundy was forced to make a terrific save from Home-Jackson.

After the 7-1 defeat 10 days ago this was a much better display by RCA. The sending off changed the game to some extent, but both teams defended well and both keepers made important saves when required.

A hard earned point for both teams today and a good start for the new management team at RCA.