Satueday, 09 August 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA:  Preston, Durham City: Hotchkiss, Hope (2)

Please click here and here for Mike Carter's - aka SR3Boy - Twitter photos.

Sunderland RCA started the new season with a visit to New Ferens Park to face a Durham City team who are reportedly looking to gain promotion to the Evostick League next year.

Both teams had added personnel during the close season so there was a new look to both sides as they took to the pich.

The game kicked off on a lovely if windy summers day, RCA took advantage of the wind in the first half and were immediately on the attack with Callen breaking down the left before sending in a great looking cross which was cut out by Wilkinson.

RCA opened the scoring in the 7 minute when Gary Wood played a ball out to the left where Callen fed the ball to Stanger whose pinpoint cross was met supurbly by Preston to head past Harkess.

Durham reacted immediately with Wallace sending a through ball into the path of Stoker who fired in a low shot which Carmichael saved at the second attempt.

The game was becoming a midfield battle and it wasn't until the 15 minute before either side had a worthwhile effort on goal, another cross field ball from Gary Wood found Callen who clipped the ball to Stanger the RCA number 10 picked out Lewis Wood at the far edge of the box and his shot was well saved by Harkess. The resultant Corner was header for another corner by Stoker before Morris glanced a header wide of the upright.

Durham lifted the pace of their game and it took a good save from Carmichael which denied Hope after some good work by Hotchkiss.

Two minutes later and it was Davis who fired wide from 25 yards.

RCA came back at Durham and were awarded a freekick 35 yards out, Browns cross was headed away by Wilkinson but fell to Lewis who struck a great shot which was brilliantly saved by Harkess.

RCA kept the pressure on with another two corners in quick succession which were well defended by Durhams resilient defenders.

In the 26 minute Lewis Wood once again found himself unmarked 25 yards out and unleashed a shot which went wide of the upright.

Having defended for a long spell Durham broke free and and were awarded a freekick when Hotchkiss was fouled, Stoker took the freekick but fired well over the bar.

The tide seemed to be turning in favour of Durham on the half hour mark a move involving Hotchkiss and Davis saw the ball picked up by Allen who cut inside before blasting in a shot which went narrowly wide.

Within a minute RCA were back on the attack and Stanger brought the save of the match from Harkess as he hit a terrific drive from 30 yards out which the keeper managed to get a finger tip to and the ball rebounded off the post to safety.

In the final flurry of the half Durham were awarded a corner, the ball was swung into the box where Carmichael elected to punch clear under pressure, unfortunately the ball fell to Hotchkiss, 20 yards out, He had time to pick out a spot just inside the post and fired in the equaliser for Durham.

The second half started with both teams looking to go forward and it was Durham who had the first real effort in the 50 minute when they forced a corner on the right, Wallace’s cross was met by Purewal but he could only send his header over the bar.

Wallace seemed to be getting a lot of the ball early in the second half for Durham and when Hotchkiss found him with a cross field ball the Durham winger controlled the ball before firing wide of the post.

From the goal kick Jury picked up the ball on the left and sent a perfectly flighted ball into the Durham penalty area where Morris brought it down superbly but as the ball bobbled his shot was blocked and then cleared by Wilkinson.

It’s funny how fortunes can change in seconds as the ball is switched to the other end it was easily defended by RCA, however a misplaced pass was seized on by Hotchkiss who chipped the ball over Carmichael, hitting the underside of the bar before rebounding to Hope who had the simplest of headers from 8 yards out into an empty net.

RCA picked up the tempo and took the game to Durham a quickly taken freekick by Stanger went narrowly wide and Durham defended well with Stoker, Wilkinson and Purewal all called upon to make timely interception.

In the 65 minute the quick thinking of Stanger almost created an equaliser for RCA when he received a short corner from Callen before crossing into the box where Lewis Wood rose to meet the ball but his well-placed header was saved by Harkess.

Durham increased their lead in the 74 minute via another defensive slip when Carmichael gave the ball to Horsman, he misjudged his infield ball to Gary Wood and the ball was intercepted, fed to Hope inside the area and his deft chip cleared Carmichael and nestled in the back of the net.

The final 15 minutes saw RCA create a number of half chances and the introduction of Hughes instilled some pace to the attack but on the day Durham’s defence managed to cope with everything that RCA could throw at them.

It could have finished even worse for RCA if Jury hadn’t been on hand to head a Hope effort off the line in the final few minutes.

All in all this was a decent opening game, we will need to learn quickly that mistakes at this level will be punished, having said that there were many plusses to be taken from the game, we played some good football, defended well for the majority of the game and created a fair few chances.

Next up West Allotment Celtic FC who gained a 3-0 win against Penrith FC on their return to the first division.

Captain Gary Wood in first half midfield action.

Tuesday, 12 August 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers:  SRCA:  K Morris (2),    WAC: Hudson (2), Dormand.

Please click here for photos from the match.

RCA were the hosts to newly promoted West Allotment Celtic who had made an immediate impact on their return to the first division with a resounding 3-0 victory against Penrith on Saturday. Unsurprisingly they named an unchanged starting 11 for tonight's match.

Due to work commitments both Stanger and Brown were missing for tonight's match and their places were taken by McNab and Hughes. Jury reverting to a more familiar right back slot, McNab was installed at left back, Hughes partnered Morris up front with the two Gary and Lewis Wood starting in the centre of midfield

This game had a dramatic start, a competitive edge throughout, football to a decent standard and a sting in the tail at the end. All in all a good footballing night for the neutral. However a frustrating night for the home fans. While the away fans went away ecstatic with another 3 points making it 6 points from two away games.

RCA were left in wonderment as to how they lost this after dominating the second half.

West Allotment kicked off at 7.30 the ball was played to full back Cairns who launched a long ball toward the RCA penalty area, the ball was headed clear and fell to Dormand 35 yards out, he hit a first time shot that rocketed into the top corner of the net at 7.30 and 13 seconds RCA were 1-0 down.

RCA tried to pick themselves up from this early set back but were finding it difficult to get into their passing game as West were pressing hard and picking up any loose balls.

It almost went from bad to worse in the fourth minute when a through ball from Anderson was picked up by Hudson on the edge of the RCA penalty area, he elected to chip the keeper but the ball cleared the bar by some margin.

The game swung from end to end with RCA trying to move forward with controlled passing and West counter attacking to great effect.

In the ninth minute RCA levelled the scoring when Morris won possession on the edge of the penalty area, swung the ball out to Callen who beat two defenders on the left before crossing to the far post where Coe rose to head back across the goal and Morris was on hand to chest the ball home from close range.

Having fought back to level terms RCA then proceeded to allow West back into the game when Hudson pounced onto a long ball by Dummett, rode two tackles before slotting past Carmichael into the bottom corner of the net.

RCA responded again with some good passing moves but the final ball into the box was lacking.

In the 20th minute Coe won a corner on the right which was taken by Gary Wood, Reid headed the ball away only as far as Hughes on the edge of the box but his shot went narrowly wide.

The free flowing football that RCA were producing was good to watch but ineffective in the final third, whereas the direct approach of West Allotment made them a huge threat every time they attacked.

As the half progressed it looked more and more likely that RCA would get an equaliser as Callen, Hughes and Wood all had shots either saved or blocked.

A great move between Gary Wood and Jury on the right wing set up Hughes but his shot was saved by Beal.

A minute later and Morris once again intercepted a pass before setting up Lewis Wood but he shot a foot wide of the upright from the edge of the box.

West were now restricted to the odd counter attack as RCA swept forward in the final minutes of the half.

RCA with the advantage of the slope in the second half swept forward from the off pressing West deep into their own half.

Callen was seeing a lot of the ball on the left wing and was getting some joy attacking the fullback, in the 50 minute he picked up the ball on the lrft played a one two with McNab before passing the ball to Lewis Wood who again fired wide.

RCA equalised in the 58 minute when the two Woods combined in midfield to disposses West Allotment, Gary Wood then played the ball out to Callen who played in McNab who sent in a terrific cross which was met on the half volley by Morris and flew into the top of the net past a static Beal.

It was all RCA now as they pushed forward in an attempt to snatch a winner, West to their credit stuck to the defensive guns and held on repelling attack after attack.

In the 65th minute a cross from Callen was met at the far post by Jury who hit a first time volley well over the bar.

Two minutes later and RCA were awarded a corner which was met at the for post by Preston but the ball fell awkwardly and he could not get a shot on target.

Then Lewis Wood had a shot blocked on the edge of the 6 yard box and the ball fell to Guthrie who couldn't control the ball and it was cleared.

In the 77 minute RCA lost possession near wests corner flag, the ball was cleared up field to Dunn whose cross cum shot strck the post and rebounded in between two RCA defenders into the path of Hudson whoo made no mistake from eight yards out.

RCA continued with their passing game which created a number of other chances, Callen won a corner on the left and then from the resulting corner saw his header go narropwly wide.

West were defending in numbers now with eleven men behind the ball at all times, RCA's patient buildup was giving them time to reorganise in defence and they didn't seem to have much ambition to go forward.

As the game entered the final few minutes RCA threw everyone, including the keeper, forward for freekicks and corners, but for all their efforts it was always West's defence who were able to clear the ball up field.     

RCA can feel unlucky not to have gotten something from this game, we had by far the greater amount of possession, more shots on goal and better chances than West. What we didn't do better than West was defend at the key moments of the game.

Next up Bishop Auckland FC in the FA Cup on Friday, 7.45pm Kick off.

Note: if it goes to a replay the match will be at Meadow Park on Tuesday, 19th August 2014; Kick off 7.45pm.

RCA winger Tony Coe prepares another raid down the right in the second half of the match.

Friday, 15 August 2014

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round

Goalscorers: SRCA: Callen:  Bishop Auckland: Butler.

Please click here for the usual RCA match photos.

Please click here for a multimedia take on the match from RCA fan @SR3Boy Mike Carter.

Please click here for Peter Jackson's match photos.

It is a quirk of fate that we seem to draw Bishops in some cup competition or other during a season so it was no surprise to see the FA Cup draw pair us together. Matches in cup competitions have always been hard fought encounters and tonight's match would be no exception.

The RCA team saw the return to defence of Wray in place of Horsman, Stanger returned to the centre of midfield replacing Hughes. Andrew Brown also returned to the bench after injury.

Bishops were in great spirits, having won their opening two encounters in the league at Celtic Nation and West Auckland.

RCA started the game but were soon under pressure. Lawson picked up a loose ball and sent it forward to Brunskill who was stopped in his tracks by Wray, only for RCA to give the ball away again; this time it was Nicholson who won the ball and his pass picked out Butler on the edge of the RCA penalty area, he moved forward unchecked before blasting the ball into the roof of the net past the helpless Carmichael. Bishops 1-0 up inside two minutes.

Bishops looked like they were going to completely overrun RCA as they pushed forward and it took some excellent defending to keep them at bay, even so they should have gone 2-0 up on five minutes when Brunskill looked certain to score but managed to shoot well over the bar when in a good position.

It was one way traffic at the moment and RCA were finding it difficult to get into their passing game, in the ninth minute a poor clearance fell to Tarling who side stepped a challenge before unleashing a low drive which skimmed past the post after taking a deflection off a RCA defender. Thompson curled the corner to the far post where Lavery was unmarked fortunately for RCA he headed wide of the post.

The first real effort on goal by RCA came in the 20th minute when Gary Wood hooked the ball forward and Morris controlled the ball and, seeing Pocklington off his line, tried to lob the keeper, but the ball was easily saved and Pocklington was able to set up another Bishops attack down the right.

A quick counter attack by RCA produced their best move of the game so far. Preston won the ball on the edge of the box and slid it to Gary Wood, he in turn passed to Callen who was cutting in from the right, he clipped the ball through the Bishops' defence for Lewis Wood who burst into the box to fire in a shot, unfortunately the linesman's flag was up for offside.

Bishops were in no mood to settle back and pushed forward once more. A good run by Thompson saw his effort saved by Carmichael. a minute later Bishops were awarded a freekick which was swung into the box by Megran and headed wide by Butler.

There were signs that RCA were getting back into the game as they started to get more possession and Bishops looked to run out of ideas on how to break down the RCA defence. Gary Wood once again produced an inch perfect pass to Coe on the right and his cross into the box was met by Lewis Wood who could only direct his header straight at Pocklington.

The long ball tactics of Bishops almost paid off when Lane latched onto a freekick by Megran but his shot was well saved by Carmichael.

When Lawson found Butler with a long ball, it looked to be a carbon copy of his opening goal but this time Manab produced a great tackle to stop the forward in his tracks.

The cutting edge that Bishops had shown earlier in the game was missing when Nicholson made a great run down the right before sending in a perfect cross which was missed by both of Bishops' forward players and went halmlessly wide for a goal kick.

In the 40th minute RCA were awarded a freekick on the right. Coe took the kick and it was headed away by Lawson into the path of Lewis Wood who looped hi shot onto the roof of the net.

RCA were making inroads into the Bishops' defence for the first time in the game. Jury, surging forward picked up a pass from Gary Wood, played the ball to Coe who slipped the ball back to Jury on the overlap but a great covering tackle from Lavery stopped the attack.

RCA levelled the scores in the 44th minute when, after a spell of possession, the ball was switched to the right wing where Coe controlled the ball before delivering a perfect cross into the area and Callen raced in to head home past a bewildered Pocklington.  

What was said at half time by the two managers only the players will know but the transformation in both teams was enormous. RCA, undoubtedly bouyed by their equaliser late in the first half, were a revelation in the second whereas Bishops who had controlled most of the first half were a shadow of that team in the second.

RCA went straight on the attack, Callen who had been switched to a more central role picked up the ball 30 yards out and ran at the Bishops' defence before side footing the ball to Coe whose shot was blocked by Riding.

RCA were working hard in midfield to win back the ball and It was the combination of stanger and Gary Wood which set up their next attack Stanger sending the ball out to Lewis Wood who found Morris inside the penalty area but he fired wide of the target.

At the other end a rare attack by Bishops saw a Lavery freekick crossed into the box and headed down by Butler, Carmichael made the save and was fouled as the ball was cleared for a second time.

RCA piled forward again. This time a through ball from Preston was flicked on by Callen to Morris who again fired low but into the side netting. A minute later and Coe burst down the right before sending in a great cross to the far post to Morris who could only direct his shot inches wide of the upright.

It was all RCA in the second half in a complete reversal of the first half. Coe was the instigator of the next attack as he found time and space to cross into the box, but it was headed over the bar for corner by Lawson. Coe took the corner and again Lawson headed behind for yet another corner. This time Coe picked out Wray who headed straight at Pocklington.

In the 75th minute Gary Wood sent a through ball into the path of Coe, but Pocklington raced out of his goal to control the ball before clearing up field, the ball fell to Gary Wood 35 yards out and he tried to send the ball into the net but Pocklington was able to get back in time to make an easy save.

Thompson set up Bishops' next attack as he moved forward on the right, his cross was headed clear by Wray, the ball falling to Megran who fired the ball back into the box where Carmaichael made a great save under pressure from Butler.

In a final throw of the dice RCA sent on Hughes to add pace to the attack and he almost scored with his first touch of the ball showing a clean pair of heels to Lawson, but his shot was saved by Pocklington.

In the 85th minute, Hughes burst into Bishops box and looked to be fouled in the process of crossing, but neither the referee or the assistant saw anything wrong.

RCA's final chance of the game fell to Lewis Wood who showed some good control as he evaded a number of tackles to create an opening for himself before unleashing a low drive which was well saved at the foot of the post by Pocklington.

Bishops almost stole the game in the final minute of added time when substitute Sakr got free of the defence but sent his shot horribly wide of the target.

The replay will take place on Tuesday, 19 August 2014. Kick off 7.45pm.

RCA were well worth the draw in this encounter and maybe with a bit of good fortune could have won it.

If you forget about the first half an hour RCA showed that they can pass the ball effectively and keep control of the game. In previous games they have played well without getting the result that their efforts deserved. Tonight they got their just desserts for an excellent all round display for the last hour.

To quote an old phrase used in football "the job is only half done", on Tuesday we need to finish the job off.

Andrew Brown makes progress in the second half of the match.

Tuesday, 19 August 2014

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Replay

Goalscorers: SRCA: None Bishop Auckland: Davis, Sakr

Please click here for photos from the match.

Please click here for Peter Jackson's photos.

After Friday's excellent performance in the second half at Heritage Park it was back to Meadow Park for this FA Cup Replay.

Unfortunately due to work commitments both Coe and Lewis Wood were unavailable for the replay and Hughes was injured playing on Sunday. Their places were taken by Brown and Horsman with Halliday returning after suspension and taking his place on the bench. The team was reshuffled to accommodate the changes in personnel.

Bishops took advantage of the slope in the first half and went on the attack from the off Megran forcing a save from charmichael in the second minute.

Two minutes later and an unfortunate slip by Horsman allowed Thompson room on the right and the winger cut inside to shoot, but Wray was able to deflect the ball for a corner.

RCA responded with a good move which saw Stanger lay the ball into the path of Callen but he fired over the bar.

Bishops pressed forward again and in the ninth minute took the lead. When RCA didn't clear an attack the ball broke to Davis who fired home from 20 yards out.

The game then became a midfield battle with the referee blowing his whistle for every tackle or nudge and both teams became very frustrated. There was little of the free flowing football that was seen on Friday, maybe it was the occasion, maybe the referee, or maybe the tension on the pitch whichever it was the game became very scrappy.

It wasn't until the half hour mark that either side produced anything like a chance and it was a great reverse pass from Stanger which fell to Morris inside the penalty area the RCA striker took the ball forward before curling in his shot but Pocklington saved brilliantly to deny the equaliser.

Almost immediately at the other end a slip by Wray saw him chest the ball into the path of Butler whose shot was blocked by Preston before McNab cleared up field.

Bishops had picked up the pace again towards the end of the half and efforts by Butler and Davis were wide of the mark.

In the final minute of the half Bishops produced a great move when Lavery picked the ball up inside his own half played a one-two with Davis before sliding the ball to Tarling who drilled in a terrific shot which Wray blocked before scrambling clear. In doing so the RCA defender injured himself and didn't appear for the second half.

As on Friday, RCA came out of the dressing room on fire, kicking with the slope they settled into their passing game quickly and it was only some good defending which stopped Morris and then Callen from getting in shots.

In the 50th minute RCA were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box when Callen was fouled by Elliott Woods. The kick was taken by Stanger whose curling shot hit the upright and went behind for a goal kick .

Bishops moved on to the attack with Thompson crossing into the box where Butler got in a great header forcing a point blank reaction save from  Carmichael and a minute later a cross into the box was headed wide by Davis.

RCA responded by sending bodies forward and a long ball forward from Horsman was chested down by Morris into the path of Callen who slotted the ball wide to Jury who, racing in from the right, fired into the side netting.

Two minutes later and Wood slipped the ball to Stanger who found Callen on the edge of the box but he was quickly closed down and could only produce a weak shot which Pocklington saved easily.

As in the first half there was a period when the referee kept stopping the game and it degenerated into scrappy mayhem. Neither side seemed capable of stringing two passes together and if they did there was a niggly foul to stop play.

In the 75th minute a lovely piece of skill from Morris saw him control a through ball from McNab, dribble past three defenders before curling a shot past Pocklington unfortunately it also cleared the far post.

RCA piled forward in search of the equaliser committing more players forward which left gaps at the back.

In the 85th minute Jury pick up the ball on the edge of the box before turning and producing another good save from Pocklington.

In the 88th minute, with RCA overcommitted, Bishops broke through Sakr, and although his initial shot was stopped he followed up to convert and send the away team supporters into raptures.

The disappointment was obvious for all to see, but it was more frustration than anything else, the small margins that seperate teams at this level are compounded when officials make simple mistakes and on Friday the non-penalty decision has come back to haunt us.

These decisions always seem to happen when we play Bishops in the cup at Heritage Park.   

Saturday, 23 August 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers:  SRCA: None.   Dunston: Ormston, Fenwick, Kane.

RCA dropped to the bottom of the league after today's result and remain the only team in either divison of the EBAC Northern League not to have pickup any points so far this season.

After the disappointment of the FA Cup Replay defeat to Bishop Auckland FC in midweek today's result was a bitter blow to the team who had fought so courageously in the two cup matches.

With first choice central defenders Wray and Preston unavailable through injury and holidays respectively it was a makeshift defence that started the game against Dunston UTS. Brown and Horsman were selected in those positions and both did really well with Brown giving a man of the match performance despite the result.

RCA had the advantage of the slope in the first half, but rarely threatened the well organised defence of Dunston in the opening minutes.

In the 11th minute Dunston took the lead when a good run and shot from ex-RCA winger Kane rebounded off the post into the path of Ormston who had the easy task of side footing home from eight yards out.

Dunston continued to press forward and a good passing move between Dixon and Fenwick saw the ball laid off to Wilson who fired well oevr the bar.

Callen gave a little hope to the RCA follows with a good run down the right which resulted in a corner. Coe took the kick and Brown rising at the far post coulf only steer his header wide of the upright.

Back came Dunston and it took a great tackle by Brown to stop Fenwick from getting in a shot inside the penalty area.

Dunston increased their lead when they were awarded a freekick 35 yards out on the right. The kick was swung into the box where Fenwick, unmarked on the edge of the six yard box was able to head home.

Dunston were in complete control of the game and RCA were reduced to sending long balls forward for either Coe or Callen, but Coulson and his fellow defenders were well able to repel any attacks.

In the 41st minute Dunston, unsurprisingly, increased their lead when a mix up near the corner flag allowed Ormeston to pinch the ball and square it into an empty box for Kane to side foot home from close range.

RCA started the second half a little brighter and Halliday, on for the injured Gary Wood, sent a quick freekick into the area for Lewis Wood who slid the abll into the path of McNab, but the youngster fired his shot wide.

RCA continued to press forward and had a number of half chances notably a shot from Callen which shaved the cross bar and an effort from Lewis Wood which unluckily went the wrong side of the post with the keeper beaten.

The best chance of the half fell to Callen, as he raced onto a through ball from Stanger, but his shot was blocked by Dan Halliday with the keeper again beaten.

As the game subsided, RCA looked unable to breakdown the Dunston rearguard and on the break, Dunston always looked threatening.

In the final 10 minutes the visitors brought on Bulford and the striker almost got on the score sheet with his first touch of the ball firing in a low drive which went narrowly wide. In the final minutes of the game Fenwick forced Carmichael to make an instincive point blank save.

RCA once again gifted goals to the opposition and although they looked threatening going forward it is always from the position of being a goal or two down.

Next up bogey team Morpeth on Bank Holiday Monday.

Monday, 25 August 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA. None, Morpeth: Chilton (2), Taylor.

Whoever decided that a Bank Holiday derby match should be between RCA and Morpeth Town really need to get hold of a map or a SATNAV, there are certainly nearer first division teams who could be classed as a derby. 

Also, I keep hearing people talk about player commitment, but on Monday,  Lewis Woods travelled from Guisborough to Ryhope before boarding the team bus to Morpeth, played 90 minutes got back to Ryhope about 3.00pm before setting off for work in Brighton 340miles away. On Friday he will travel back after work in order to play on Saturday. This is true commitment to the club in my opinion.

RCA, once again with only one central defender to choose from, changed the back four to Coe, Jury, Horsman and McNab. Back into the fold after suspension was striker Gavin Barton with Chris Thompson starting on the right wing.

RCA started well forcing Morpeth onto the back foot.

The first real attack saw Coe send a great through ball into the path of Morris, inside the area, but Buchanan was on hand to clear the danger.

Then Callen picked up a loose ball and ran at the Morpeth defence skipping past two challenges before firing wide.

Morpeth's response was a long ball out of defence by Henderson which found Jewels, he squared the ball to Chilton, but his shot was blocked by Jury.

RCA continued to press forward and when Wood found Callen with an inch perfect pass inside the penalty area it looked odds on that RCA would go 1-0 up, but Callen slid the ball under the body of the advancing Dryden and inches wide of the post.

A minute later and Coe and Stanger combined to set up Morris, but the strike fired wide.

Morpeth were starting to get a grip of the game as RCA looked to run out of ideas. An RCA freekick was cleared by Jewels to Hiftle who sent a 40 yard pass across field to Chilton who managed to control the ball and fire his shot on target but Carmichael made and effortless save.

This was to be the pattern for the rest of the game. Morpeth defend, break quickly on both wings and pressure RCA.

Morpeth started to get their forward play moving and in the 20th minute a curling shot by Fry went narrowly wide with Carmichael scrambling to cover.

Almost immediately Chilton picked up a loose pass and ran at the heart of the RCA defence before being fouled on the edge of the area. Taylor fired the shot straight at Carmichael.

Morpeth took the lead in the 28th minute with a carbon copy of a goal scored last season. An RCA attack broke down, Henderson was given the ball in space and sent a long ball forward, Taylor controlled the ball before slipping it past Carmichael into the corner of the net.

This had the effect of lifting the RCA team who piled forward looking for an equaliser, in the space of three minutes Morris, Woods and Guthrie allhad  shots blocked by defenders.

In the 40th minute RCA were awarded a freekick on the edge of the penalty area. Morris struck a superb dipping shot which Dryden did well to tip over the bar.

In the final flurry of the halfa through ball by Stanger found Morris who fed the ball back into the path of McNab, but the full back curled his shot wide of the far post.

The second half was almost a complete reversal of the first with Morpeth attacking RCA defending. As early as the 47th minute Henderson was given forty yards to run at the RCA defence before crossing into the box for Chilton who headed over the bar from close range.

In the 55th minute RCA had a great chance to equalise when Jury sent a great ball forward to Thompson who slipped the bal inside to Morris, he found space for the cross into the path of Barton who from 12 yards out should have scored, but scuffed his shot and Dryden was able to make n easy save.

Almost from the goalkick Morpeth once again worked the ball to the right wing where Henderson was completely unmarked and this time his cross was met by Chilton, who made no mistake this time powering a header into the net.

On the hour mark it got even worse for RCA when Henderson again cut inside gave the ball to Taylor who dribbled into the box before being upended and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty. Chilton stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way.

Morpeth were now rampant and it took some good defensive work from Horsman and Jury, who both made crucial blocks to prevent further shots on goal.

RCA did have chances late in the game. Morris set up Barton in the 80th minute, but his shot was smothered by Dryden and a minute later Barton controlled a long defensive clearance before sliding the ball to Guthrie, but he fired wide of the target from a good position.

Morpeth is never a good place to go if you are an RCA supporter: 15 goals conceded in the last three matches there and only one scored.

Whilst we didn't play badly, we conceded goals easily and most of the damage was done by two wide players who we decided didn't pose a threat. It can and will get better so long as we can regain our composure in front of goal and stop giving poor goals away. 

RCA's Gavin Barton rises above Guisborough centre half and ex-RCA man Leon Carling in the first half of the match.

Saturday, 30 August 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA: L Wood Guisborough: Mulligan

Please click here for some photos from the match.

RCA gave a debut to new signing Craig Price who partnered Ex-Guisborough town Captain Gary Wood in the centre of midfield.

With Wray passing a late fitness test he resumed his partnership in the centre of defence with Ross Preston who was back after holiday.

The Team: Carmichael, Jury, McNab, Wray, Preston, Coe, Price, G Wood, Barton, K Morris, L Wood: Subs:   Horsman, Thompson, Stanger, Brown, C Morris.

Guisborough took advantage of both the wind and the slope in the first half but it was rCA who mounted the first real attack when Lewis Wood weaved his way past three defenders before slipping the ball to Kyle Morris who was through on goal but Liversedge made a great stop and the danger was cleared.

As in so many RCA games the visitors took the lead almost immediately when a long ball up field looked to be heading for a goal kick, Hume had other ideas putting pressure on Preston who cleared the ball but only as far as Mulligan who from 25yards out sent a screamer of a shot into the roof of the net.

Mulligan had another effort two minutes later when he picked up a loose pass and againt shot from distance but this time his effort went wide.

The danger signs for RCA were evident again in the 13 minute as Hume chipped the ball over the advancing Carmichael before the ball was cleared by Preston fell to wray who cleared only as far as Gell who sent in a lovely cross to Hume but he headed over the bar.

RCa moved back on the attack and Coe forced a corner which was taken by Gary Wood, the kick was met by Preston but he could only direct his header srtraight at Liversedge.

Hume was causing a lot of problems for the RCA defence and it was he that had the next attempt on goal firing into the side netting from 10 yards out.

In the 25 minute RCA had teh ball in teh net but Barton was adjudged to be off side.

Guisborough maintaied the pressure on the rCA defence and it took some great defending by Jury to block another Hume effort before McPhillips fired over.

There was a long delay while Carmichael received attention for a stomach / dizzyness problem.

He was immediately under pressure when a quick throw in was played to Gell who struck a cross which hit the top of the crossbar.  

The pressure continued with Liddle heading a corner Goalward but it was deflected wide, from the corner Barton headed away but Liddle picked up the loose ball side stepped a tackle before drilling in shot which flew over the bar.

In the dying minute of the half Morris was again put through on goal but his attempted lob went staright the Guisborough Keeper.  

RCA were forced to make a substitution at half time with goalkeeper Carmichael unwell and unable to continue it fell to Carl Morris to make his debut between the sticks.

The home team once again started brightly with Coe forcing an early save from Liversedge.

Guisborough's Martin was finding a space down the right and it took a great interception by Jury to deny Hume at the far post.

A long clearance from Carl Morris found Kyle Morris on the edge of the box, the RCA striker, seeing Liversedge off his line chipped the ball over him but unfortunately it landed on the roof of the net.

with in 4 minutes the two produced a carbon copy and this time Kyle Morris's chip was destined to the goal but McPhillips somhow managed to get back and clear off the line.

RCA, like Guisborough in the first half were piling the pressure on kicking down the slope.  

On the hour mark Guisborough were awarded a freekick which was taken by Gell towards the far post were Mulligan headed down for Risbrough but McNab reacted quickly to block the shot.

The ball was quickly passed forward towards Barton who chested the ball into the path of Gary Wood who fired in a snap shot which Liversedge did well to save.

RCA equalised in the 67 minute when Coe forced a corner on the right, Gary Wood took the kick sending it to the far post where Lewis Wood was unmarked and the ex-Guisborough player headed back across goal and into the net.

The competitive nature of the game began to cause some physical challenges to be made and rge referee did well to control it albeit by stopping the flow of the game.

In the 75 minute Guisborough’s Hume found himself free at the abck post but headed over the bar then two minutes later a corner from Price was sent to the back post again where Lewis Wood was again unmarked unfortunately for RCA this time his well aimed header was cleared off the line by Liddle.

The final 10 minutes saw a number of substitution made and the game slowed as both teams cancelled each other out.

In the final minute of added on time A throw out from Carl Morris found McNab on the left, He surged forward 40 yards before sending in a cross which got caught on the wind and struck the underside of the bar before rebounding to safety.

RCA’s first point of the season and it could so easily have been the first win of the season.

Yet another decent display by the team but we still lack a bit of quality in our finishing.

There were a lot of positives, Lewis Wood has proved he can play anywhere, Carl Morris did well in the second half, Danny Wray got through 90 minutes unscathed and most importantly we battled hard to get the point.

Tuesday, 02 September 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: RCA; Price, Barton.  CN: Bowman, Crozier.

Having made his debut as a second half substitute on Saturday, Carl Morris retained the number 1 Jersey for this Northern League clash with Celtic Nation.

With Tony Coe unavailable, RCA reshuffled their team Lewis Wood moving over to the right wing, Horsman coming into the team at left back and McNab in a more familiar role on the left wing. New signing Garry Guyan was on the bench.

RCA started nervously and were immediately under pressure when a back pass was miskicked by Carl Morris at the expense of a corner. Salkeld swung the corner to the far post to Bowman who headed back across goal towards Crozier, but Preston managed to clear before the Celtic Nation striker could pounce.

Celtic Nation continued to press forward and did not allow RCA to settle into their passing game. It wasn’t until the 1tenth minute of the game that RCA had any sort of meaningful attack and it came from the right wing where Price picked up a good pass from Wray and crossed into the penalty area where Barton met the ball perfectly but Coward was able to get both hands to the ball.

The game flowed from end to end with neither team testing the opposition’s keeper until Barton latched onto a loose ball and watched his first time shot glance off the crossbar.

Then a minute later with RCA pressing in midfield Jury won the ball gave it to Lewis Wood who played the ball into the path of Kyle Morris who blasted in a shot which Coward turned onto the post. Celtic Nation defended the corner and hit RCA on the counter attack with Boyd forcing a corner off Horsman. The far post corner was headed back into the penalty area by James and in the goalmouth scramble that followed Boyd fired over the bar.

The home team started to get their passing game going with Lewis Wood and Price combining to good effect on the right, the latter sending in a great cross in the 35th minute, which Kyle Morris controlled before playing in McNab but his shot was cleared by Bowman.

In the 43rd minute RCA thought that they had taken the lead when a through ball by Gary Wood created mayhem in the Celtic defence. Barton looked to get to the ball in front of Coward and the ball fell to Price who fired home from eight yards out. However the referee had already blown for a foul on the keeper who required treatment.

RCA deservedly took the lead in the first minute of injury time. This time it was a cross from the left wing by McNab which found Price and his header could only be helped into the net by the fingertips of Coward.

The second half saw Celtic Nation press forward, but it was the home team who extended their lead in the 50th minute when Barton latched onto a corner at the near post, steering the ball into the goal and it was adjudged to have crossed the goal line by the linesman despite a late lunge and clearance by James.

Barton had a great chance to put the game out of reach in the 53rd minute when he flicked the ball past his marker and set off on a 30 yard run, inside the area and with Coward advancing he chose to try and place his shot but Coward made a supurb save.

The Carlisle side started to create problem for RCA on the wings in particular the run of Douglas on the left and in the 63rd minute he played a low driven ball to the far post where Bowman was on hand to slide home.

This gave the visitors the momentum and they surged forward looking for an equaliser, but the RCA defence held firm.

RCA were awarded a freekick in the 75th minute and Price curled in a low effort which Coward was equal to turning the ball away for a corner. The corner to the far post was picked up by McNab who curled in a shot which was cleared by Swift, but the ball fell to Guyan on the edge of the box and the RCA debutant fired in a shot which thundered off the inside of the post and out of the danger area.

The ball was quickly switched to the opposite end of the pitch, Douglas once again sending a lovely cross into the penalty area which wasn’t cleared by the RCA defence and with the goalmouth resembling a ping pong machine the ball was laid off to Crozier inside the area and he fired home the equaliser.

Both teams had half chances to snatch a late victory but it wasn’t to be.

RCA can only blame themselves for letting a two goal lead disappear.

Celtic Nation fought back and probably deserved a draw in the end.

Looking at the table and the teams we have played well against we should really not be worrying but two points from six games is not a good start to the season.

Another tough test on Saturday against high flying Darlington RA (unbeaten in five) in the FA Vase could this be the game that rekindle our season.

Saturday, 06 September 2014

FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round

Goalscorers:  Barton (2), Jury, Price, Guyan.

The FA Vase 1st preliminary round was a welcome distraction from the rigours of life at the wrong end of the first division. A run of poor results, despite some very encouraging performances, have left SRCA languishing at the bottom of the table.

In comparison our opposition Darlington RA are unbeaten in their last 5 matches and are lying in 5th position in the second division. They include two ex RCA players in Nathan and Jim Wilson the former captaining the side.

RCA made changes to the team that started on Tuesday against Celtic, with Carmichael preferred in goal, Wilson came in at centre back, Brown replaced captain Gary Wood who failed a late fitness test and Coe returned to the right wing with Lewis Dodds partnering Barton up front.

The match started with RCA retaining possession well, in th e4th minute a freekick was awarded when Woods was fouled, Price took the kick floating it towards Barton who flicked it on to Wood who headed wide from an acute angle.

In RCA's next attack McNab skipped past two defenders before cleverly finding Barton on the edge of the box, he squared the ball to Jury who crossed toward the far post but Richardson managed to tip the ball over the bar.

After these early shocks Darlington started to get a bit more possession but they were missing a controlled ball in the final third.

15 minutes into the game and RCA were looking comfortable although they were not producing any telling scoring chances and it was Darlington who had the next effort on goal when Nathan Wilson gave the ball to Jim Wilson he cut the ball back to Macleod who shot narrowly wide.

RCA took the lead in the 23 minute when Jury picked up the ball 40 yards from goal was allowed to move forward unchallenged before shooting toward goal, the ball seemed to bobble before passing Richardson and nestling in the bottom corner of the net.

Darlington almost equalised with 2 minutes when a through ball from Harrison found Jim Wilson in space on the left, Carmichael alert to the danger raced from his goal to narrow the angle and in doing so fouled the Darlington winger on the edge of the box. Nathan Wilson took the freekick but it was headed clear by Horsman.

RCA picked up the pace as the game approached the half hour mark and shots from Wood and McNab produced saves from Richardson.

Wood in particular was causing all sorts of problems and was constantly being fouled as he dribbled past players.

In the 35 minute a quickly taken freekick by price was slide forward by Brown to Barton who found a delightful cross to the far post where McNab forced a great save from Richardson with a point blank header.

It was all RCA as the game headed toward half time and a crossfield pass from Coe split the Darlington defence, fell to McNab who stabbed the ball inches wide of the upright.

In the 45 minute Darlington’s England cut in from the right before producing a stunning shot which Carmichael did well to hold. The RCA keeper then sent the ball forward to Mcnab who crossed to the far post where Coe controlled the ball before crossing to Barton who guided the ball home from close range, unfortunately, he was adjudged to be off-side.

The second half opened with a bang as Price found Barton in space, the striker clipped the ball forward to Wood who forced yet another brilliant one handed save.

As RCA poured forward it looked inevitable that they would score again and in the 52 minute Jury picked up a pass from Price, nipped past a static Darlington defender before crossing into the box where Barton was on hand to power home a terrific header.

RCA almost made it 3-0 two minutes later when Horsman and Coe combined on the right but coe’s effort went well over the bar.

A minute later and Barton fired over when in a good position. In the 67 minute RCA were awarded a penalty when a freekick by Price was blocked by the arm of a Darlinton defender, Price took the penalty and sent the keeper the wrong way.

Darlington thought they had been given a lifeline 3 minutes later a Nathan Wilson Freekick was parried by Carmichael and Sims following up fired into the roof of the net however the offside flag was up and the goal was disallowed.

Two minutes later and the game was over as a spectacle when substitute Guyan fired in a shot which was saved by Richardson but the ball fell to Barton who fired into the net from a narrow angle.

In the final minute of the game a lovely ball from Brown was played to Morris and he squared the ball to Guyan on the edge of the box and he produced a quality curling shot into the top corner of the net which left Richardson no chance.

This was a good display of controlled football from everyone in the team. We need to begin putting results together now. Next up Whitley Bay Tuesday.

Tuesday, 09 September 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA:  Hughes.   Whitley Bay: Watling, McDonald.

After the weekend success at Brinkburn Road in the FA Vase it was back to league action for RCA against a Whitley Bay team who are unbeaten at home this season.

RCA were forced to make changes with both McNab and Lewis Wood unavailable due to work committments. Captain, Gary Wood failed a late fitness test and was ruled out, but is hopeful for Saturday. Into the starting line up came Garry Guyan and Kyle Morris.

Both Teams stared hesitantly using long high balls to test each other out but both defences seemed well able to cope with this tactic.

In the first threatening move of the game Whitley Bay took the lead, McFarlane intercepted a pass and sent the ball forward to Bird who crossed the ball from out on the right and Peter Watling first time effort  flew past Carmichael into the bottom corner of the net.

RCA's only reply at this stage was a freekick taken by Price which was deflected wide by the wall, the resulting corner to the back post was cleared by Ryan and although the ball fell to Guyan he was unable to get in a shot and the ball was cleared up field. 

Whitley Bay were moving the ball around at pace and with purpose and on the quarter hour, Kempster raced into the 18 yard box and only a good challenge from Wilson stopped him. Although the Bay fans were appealing for a penalty the referee thought otherwise. 

Kempster was causing problems on the left and Bird was doing likewise on the right it was the former who created the next chance for Bay as he burst past RCA's static looking defenders before seeing his shot blocked by Preston the ball ran to Watling who fired in a low shot and this was cleared by Wilson.

It was all Whitley Bay at the moment as they poured forward in numbers and a cross from Kempster was sliced clear by Wilson, the resulting corner, saw Bird's shot parried round the post by Carmichael for another corner, this time Watling side foot wide.

Two minutes later and a throw in from McDonald was allowed to bounce in the golmouth before Bird, attempted an overhead kick which ws easily saved by Carmichael  

The next Whitley chance came when McFarlane played the ball through to Bird who slipped past RCA's defence again before shooting but Carmichael, who was having a great game, produced a scintillating save.

RCA, having withstood some ferocious pressure started to get into the game in the last 5 minutes and in the 42 minute almost equalised, a Price freekick was met at the near post by Barton but he could only glance his shot onto the post and away for a goalkick.

The second half saw no let up in the Whitley Bay pressure, McDonald picked up a loose ball 25 yards out but Jury was able to get foot to it to deflect it for a corner. The far post kick was met by Kempster whose shot was blocked by Wilson and the ball bounced about the goalmouth before being scrambled clear by Preston.

Within a minute the home team were on the attack again McFarlane was set away on the riight and his cross was met by Chow whose header was deflected wide for a corner. Kempster’s corner resulted in yet another goalmouth scramble which saw Carmichael block two shots before the danger was cleared.

As in the first half the Bay were asserting all the pressure with RCA reduced to long balls forward for Barton and Coe who were well marshelled by the home team defenders.

Chow played a neat through ball for Watling in the 57 minute which  saw the striker clear and with only the keeper to beat but Carmichael made a tremendous diving save and somehow managed to tip the ball round the post.

RCA had there first real chance of the second half on the hour mark, awarded a corner on the right, Price swung the ball in to the near post where Barton managed to clip the ball goalward producing a brilliant one handed save from Gladstone and Smith was able to clear under pressure.

RCA immediately brought on Hughes who was returning after a month out with an ankle injury and he made an immediate impact, hitting the Whitley Bay bar with a snap shot from 30 yards out which Gladstone could do nothing about.

Having nearly conceded their lead, Whitley hit back and after Watling saw another effort pushed wide, Leon Ryan’s header from a right wing corner was pushed over the bar.

Another good run by Hughes resulted in a corner and Price sent it deep to the far post where Morris elected to volley instead of head and the ball cleared the bar despite protests that it was deflected. 

Another surging run from McFarlane saw him yet again produce a save from Carmichael with a well struck low shot.

At the other end Hughes was causing problems with his pace and when he dribbled past two defenders to set up Barton it looked odds on that he would equalise but he chose to try and chip the keeper and his effort drifted wide of the post.

A few minutes later Hughes in another display af pace and dribbling fired narrowly over the bar.

Then came the controvertial moment in the game, in the build up to Whitley Bay's second goal Mr Keogh appeared to awarded a goal kick after a Whitley Bay shot flew over the bar. When the Bay fans complained he changed his mind, and not for the first time, pointed for a corner after seeing his assistant indicating a corner. This led to a furious response from the visiting players, some of whom seemed to feel he had been swayed, not for the first time, by the crowd and resulted in the booking of Brown.

The corner was taken and cleared for a throw in which was taken long into the box, Carmichael punched the ball clear but it fell perfectly for Chris McDonald who, seeing the keeper off his line crashed the ball into the net from 20 yards out.

Within 90 seconds Hughes had given RCA a lifeline, drifting in from the left he evaded two challenges before curling a supurb shot into the top corner of the net.

This  set up grandstand finish to the match and in the final minute of the game Hughes once again got in a shot while under pressure from three Bay defenders, firing into the side netting.

It was to little too late from RCA but encouraging signs in the final 25 minutes of the game especially the introduction of Hughes and new signing Lee Bythway.

Whilst this was an entertaining game for the neutral it was Whitley Bay who produced the better play over the 90 minutes. They carried the luck for the second goal and maybe should have had a penalty and on balance probably deserved the three points.

Time and again at the end of matches we are left to discuss refereeing decisions and unfortunately when you are at the wrong end of the table they seem to forever go against you.

Massive game played by Josh Carmichael or the score line could have been worse. Having said that we defended well and Hughes looked back to some sort of fitness and will be an asset so long as he can remain injury free.

Guisborough up next.

Saturday, 13 September 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA:  Wray ,  Guisborough Town: Hume (3), Marron.

The meeting between these two clubs just over a week ago produced a 1 - 1 draw and a similar result today would have been welcomed by the RCA faithful.

Team news was that Captain Gary Wood was unavailable due to family committments, new signing and ex Guisborough player Lee Bythway was working and Tony Coe was injured, into the team came Wray, Hughes and Lewis Wood.

As football games go the first 45 minutes was probably the worst I have witnessed in the last 5 years, after an initial opening burst by Guisborough in the first minute which saw Carmichael make a great double save first from Risborough's rasping shot and then from the rebound which McSweeney hit low struck the keepers outstretched foot and went over the bar. the resulting corner saw Mulligan's overhead kick sail over the bar.

In the 15 minute a surging run from Hughes saw his cross take a double deflection off two Town defenders before Liversedge somehow managed to claw the ball away to stop RCA taking the lead.

The rest of the half was a really scrappy affair, with a number of poor challenges being made by both teams the game had no flow to it and the referee's whistle seemed to follow every pass.

 A particularly unsavoury challenge from Gell on Wood saw a mass confrontation as the Town player tried to manhandle Wood to his feet. When calm was restored Barton and Gell were both caution by the the referee.

In the final minute of the half RCA were awarded a corner which Jury took, sending the ball to the back post where Wilson rose to head inches wide.

0-0 at half time.

Within 2 minutes of the restart Guisborough were reduced to 10 men when Gell made another poor challenge on Wood and received a second yellow.

RCA should have taken advantage of the man advantage but time and again they were stopped by a very solid Town defence.

in the 55 minute Martin received the ball on the right ran 40 yards down the right wing before crossing to teh edge of the box where Marron was unmarked and he stroked the ball past Carmichael.

RCA almost got a goal back when Hughes dribbled into the box before shooting and only a supurb diving save from Liversedge denied the RCA striker. thr resulting corner by Price was headed over the bar by Barton.

In the 67 minutes Barton received his second yellow card of the game after a collision with Marron.

With both teams down to 10 men the game, like the first have became very scappy.

In the 72 minute Guisborough doubled their lead when Risbrough broke forward at pace up the left wing, cut inside befoer squaring the ball to Hume who flicked it past Carmichael and into the net.

3 minutes later and it was all over bar the shouting when Carmichael came rushing out of his area collided with Wray, the ball spun into the path of Hume who turned and lobbed the ball into the net from 25 yards out.

RCA gave themselves a lifeline in the 78 minute when Wray headed home a freekick from Price his looping header giving Liversedge no chance.

Carmichael was in obvious discomfort and had to be substituted, the second time in the two meetings between the two teams

in the 85 minute  McWillams was tripped and Hume took responsibility for the kick blasting iyt straight down the middle to score his hat-trick and make the final score 4 - 1.

This was below par performance from RCA who looked to be holding their own in a scrappy game, then in a 15 minute period, lost concentration and conceded quick goals. Tactically we were second best with so many players on the left which gave their No 3, McWilliams, acre's of space and put Jury under pressure from three opposition players throughout the game.

Next game is against Birtley Town in the Durham Challenge cup.

Hat trick hit man Gavin Barton keeps possession in the second half of the match.

Durham Challenge Cup Preliminary Round

Goalscorers: SRCA: Barton (3),  Birtley: Gill, Waters.

Please click here for photos from the match.

Managerless RCA welcomed our friends from Birtley to Meadow Park for this Duham Challenge Cup preliminary round.

Ian Smith took charge of team selection and made sweeping changes to the team that played at Guisborough, Carl Morris, in for the Carmichael, Bythway in for Wray, Gary Wood in for Brown and  Matty Thompson making his debut replacing Wilson.

In a nervy start to the game RCA looked good in possession but were unable to find a good delivery in the final third.

Chances were few and far between and it wasn't until the tricky Hughes was brought down inside the penalty area on 26 minutes that RCA opened the scoring, Gavin Barton blasting the penalty into the net with Fish diving the wrong way.

On the half hour Hughes burst past two defenders on the right before looking up and delivering a perfect pass into the path of the onrushing Barton who stroked the ball into an empty net for 2-0.

RCA should have killed off the game in 40th minute when Jury crossed into the box and the ball fell to Thompson but the youngster snatched at the ball and it went halmlessly wide.

Early in the second period, Birtley were thrown a lifeline as Gill halved the deficit firing home from a left wing corner.

Two minutes later a cross from Jury to the far post was met by Barton who headed wide of the upright with an open goal begging.

However he did not have to wait long to complete his hat-trick, in the 75th minute a freekick by Price was clipped back into the danger area by Callen, Barton's first shot was blocked but the ball spun into the air and Barton following up headed home from close range.

At 3-1, RCA looked home and dry, and when, having used all three substitutes, Gill was carried off with a twisted ankle the writing was on the wall.

However as on Saturday, within five minutes of the opposition being reduced to ten men RCA conceded when Waters fired home after a mix-up in the RCA defence.

RCA withstood the late pressure of Birtley and ran the clock down to the final whistle.

A welcome win for RCA in yet another cup and against second division opposition. We still need to tighten up defensively and move the ball forward quicker, cut out the hollywood pass and look for the decisive pass in the final third.

Craig Price in midfield action.

Saturday, 20 September 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscoreres: SRCA. Barton,  Jarrow Roofing: Campbell (2).

Please click here for match photos.

Newly appointed manager Martin Swales was in attendance at the game but it was Ian Smith who selected the team.

Carl Morris continued in goal for the injured Carmichael with Bythway back on the left side of defence to make way for Wray. The rest of the team was the same as for the Durham County Cup match on Tuesday.

RCA started smartly without testing Hunter in the the Jarrow goal. In the sixth minute Gary Wood slid a great ball into the path of Barton who moved it on to Hughes but the RCA striker's shot was deflected for a corner. Two corners followed with Jarrow's defence making sure that RCA attack did not make contact with the ball.

Disaster struck in the 14th minute when a corner to the far post was picked up by Wright, he slipped past Preston before going down under a challenge inside the area and the referee pointed to the spot. Campbell stepped up and converted the penalty. 

Bouyed by this success Roofing started to create more chances, a long ball out of defence by Barnes found Wroght on the left, he cut inside before curling a shot wide of the far post.

Barnes started the next Roofing move when he won the ball on the half way line, ran 20 yards unopposed before crossing into the box where Campbell was inches away from making it 2-0.

RCA picked themselves up and started to look to play the ball forward, a pass from Gary wood found McNab on the lrft and his cross into the box was palmed away by Hunter and cleared by Kirkup.

RCA equalised in the 26th minute, awarded a freekick on the left Price curled in a wicked ball which Barton managed to steer past Hunter.

Two minutes later and RCA were awarded another freekick this time Gary Wood took a quick freekick to Price who returned the ball to Wood and he moved the ball forward before firing in a low shot which went wide of the target.

Roofing's response again came from the combination of Barnes to Wright as they switched play from right to left with Wright once again guilty of wasting a good opportunity firing over the bar when clear of the RCA Defence.

In the 37th minute it took a double save by Morris to keep out Wright's thunderbolt of a shot and then he was on hand to pluck Campbell's follow up effort out of the air.

Roofing were gifted their second goal when a quickly taken freekick to  Gary Wood caused the midfielder to pass the ball backwards and it was intercepted by Gardiner who broke forward into the box before squaring the ball to Campbell who drilled the ball into net past the helpless Morris.

Roofing were now on top and RCA were making Fundemantal passing mistakes which allowed the home team to surge forward. Wright and Campbell both went close.

RCA looked to try and salvage something in the second period and the introduction of Callen gave more in the way of attacking options, on the hour mark a good ball into the box from Jury was headed towards goal by Barton but Hunter was able to tip the ball round the post for a corner. Bythway rose highest at the back post to head the resulting corner wide.

Two minutes later and Lewis Wood and Hughes combined but Hughes' deflected shot was brilliantly saved by Hunter who was initially going the wrong way but was able to correct his positioning and turn the ball away for a corner.

A srappy second half was void of any further major chances until the 75th minute when Barton was released by Lewis Wood and the RCA striker powered a shot on target but Hunter was equal to it and smothered the ball at the second attempt. 

RCA pressed forward in search of an equaliser but Jarrow,s stubborn defending denied any real goalscoring opportunities and it was the home team who almost increased their lead when Wright crossed the ball to Teasdale and he forced a great save from Morris.

RCA were let down by some poor passing today and they were punished in the worst possible way.

The new management team will need to address these small problems as a matter of urgency if RCA are to move away from the relegation zone. 

Joseph Hughes attacks down the left in the first half of the match.

Tuesday, 23 September 2014

Brook Mileson League Cup Preliminary Round.

Goalscorers: SRCA: Barton (2), L Wood, Bythway.

Please click here for photos from the match.

The first team selection for the new management team, an away League Cup match against Celtic Nation FC, who are probably not firing on all cylinders at present but are well capable on their day of performing against the best in the division, RCA also had traffic problems to contend with, an accident on the A19 meant four players were late for the team bus.

With Carmichael still injured Carl Morris retained the No 1 Jersey, the back four remained unchanged, Brown came into midfield to replace Price and their was no change up front.

Less than five minutes to warm up and out onto the pitch, not ideal preparation for the players but what was to follow was a revelation. The players are the same, but the desire, passion and hunger is there for all to see.

The game started badly for RCA who looked a little leg weary as the hosts poured forward from the off and as early as the sixth minute took the lead, a straight forward looking pass was clipped into space by Boyd and Armstrong, who looked yards offside, picked up the ball 20 yards out before slipping it past the advancing Morris and into the net.

With a goal advantage the home team looked to keep possession and RCA were pressing hard to stop them retaining the ball.

Celtic Nation were intent on stopping RCA when in possession committing a number of niggling fouls which went unpunished.

In the 18th minute RCA got their first real effort on goal when Bythway pick up a pass from Hughes before crossing into the box for Barton to head toward goal, but the ball was deflected for a corner. Gary Wood took the corner and sent it deep to the far post where it was partially cleared by Crozier. Preston picked up the loose ball and was immediately fouled. Gary Wood took the resulting freekick and Lewis Wood headed it over the bar.

The hosts having withstood this pressure came forward once more with Douglas and Skinner combining to set up Armstrong, his shot was blocked by Wray and the ball fell to Douglas inside the penalty, the diminutive winger’s shot was well saved by Morris.

With the game flowing now it was the turn of RCA to apply the pressure and Hughes almost capitalised on a defensive error when the ball rebounded to him from a clearance by Allan, the RCA striker chose to curl his shot round the advancing Casson but could only watch in horror as it went agonisingly wide of the far post.

The game then got bogged down in midfield with both teams guilty of committing fouls and the referee was happy to stop play at every opportunity.

As the game entered the last five minutes of the half it was clear that the home team were looking to retain possession and their passing was excellent until the final third. To be fair to RCA when they had the ball they were also passing it much better than in previous matches.

RCA started well in the second half, Hughes, who had caused problems with his pace in the first half, burst past two defenders, got to the by line and crossed into the penalty area where Brown controlled the ball before squaring it to Gary Brown, but the RCA captain snatched at the shot and it sailed wide.

Celtic Nation were finding it difficult to string two passes together at the start of the half and it was no surprise when RCA equalised in the 62nd minute. Bythway won the ball inside his own half, picked out McNab on the left wing, he took the ball forward a few paces, looked up and sent a perfectly weighted cross into the box where Barton rose highest to power a headed past the despairing dive of Casson.

Three minutes later and RCA took the lead as the home team lost control of the ball in midfield, Lewis Wood picking up a loose pass, fed the ball to Hughes who flicked it on the Brown he evaded two tackles before sending in a cross which was met by Bythway inside the penalty area and he blasted the ball home from 10 yards out.

RCA took full advantage of the disaaray in the home team’s defence as they pressed forward looking to kill the game off.

In the 70th minute RCA were awarded a freekick on the right wing, the kick was swung in towards the near post and Lewis Wood was on hand to glance a header into the net.

It was all RCA now and they were relentless in their pressure, Celtic Nation were finding it difficult to get the ball out of their own half and resorted to long ball tactics.

In the 88th minute a ball into the box from McNab was controlled by Barton, but as he tried to get in a shot he was fouled by Casson and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Barton converted the spot kick to make it 4-1.

After a shaky start RCA turned this one round convincingly. It was good to see the encouragement from the dug out even when a goal down. The players responded with a brilliant second half display.

RCA's Lewis Wood in dynamic midfield action in the second half of the match.

Saturday, 04 October 2014

FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round

Goalscorers: SRCA: Brown, Crook: None.

Please click here for match photos.

The two bottom clubs in the EBAC Northern League Division 1 met today in the 2nd Preliminary round of the FA Vase.

Both teams are currently going through a re-construction process having recently appointed new managers.

At SRCA the management team of Martin Swales and Gee Errington took charge of their first home game and with matches coming thick and fast it was an opportunity to assess players. There were always going to be changes to the team as Barton was suspended and Gary Wood was unavailable due to work commitments. The injury list seems to be getting better with Callen and Coe declared fit and Carmichael almost there. Callen started the game up front partnering Hughes, Jury was switched to the centre of midfield with Bythway moving to right back and Wilson brought in to left back.

The Visitors started the game with the advantage of the slope and took the game to RCA getting the better of the early exchanges. A long ball from Mitchell split the RCA defence and landed at the feet of Alexander but Wray was able to get back and block the shot as the Crook forward took too long to control the ball.

The next chance of the game came from an RCA freekick, Wood’s kick rebounded of the two man wall and fell to Davison who moved the ball forward quickly to Weekes, he in turn slid the ball into the penalty area where Blackburn beat the RCA keeper to the ball, cut back and curled a shot goalwards, luckily for RCA Preston read the danger and was able to head the ball off the line.

This was the wake up call that RCA needed and they started to get more possession, Callen and Hughes combines well on the left and when Hughes burst past Davison inside the area he looked to be fouled but the penalty appeals were turned down by the referee.

Two minutes later and the quick thinking of Hughes in taking a throw in to Callen caught the Crook defence napping, Callen drifted across the penalty area passing three sytatic defenders before firing in a shot which was comfortably saved by Graham.

RCA had picked up the tempo of the game and Crook were forced to defend in numbers and relied on breaking quickly.

On the half hour Brown picked up a ball from a pass by Jury, slipped his marker before delivering a perfectly flighted ball to the back post where Callen met the ball but could only head it into the side netting.

In 35 minute Crook were reduced to ten men when Weekes kicked out at Wood as the RCA player lay on the ground. Little else the referee could do.

For all their pressure in the final ten minutes of the half RCA could only manage one real chance from a Brown freekick, again delivered to the back post, this time Preston rose to meet it but could only manage to send it wide of the upright.

With the advantage of the slope and an extra man RCA piled on the pressure in the early part of the second half.

However, in Graham, Crook had a very capable keeper who stopped everything that was fired at him.

Combined with some, at times, desperate defending they kept RCA at bay. It could have been so different if Callen had made the most of a glorious opportunity in the opening minute of the second half but his well struck shot was well saved by Graham.

In the 50 minute Wood displayed his dribbling skills when he slipped past three defenders before cutting the ball across the penalty area for Bythway who from 10 yards out blazed the ball over the bar.

With the pressure mounting it took a great double save from Graham to deny Hughes, the quick RCA striker burst into the box, cut inside the full back before unleashing a great shot which Graham parried at the foot of the post, Hughes following up drove in another shot which the keeper turned away for a corner.

Crook were resilient in their defending and in Alexander they had a forward who was willing to run all day and hold the ball up when it was played forward.

Hughes was a constant threat for RCA but a lack of luck continues to follow him, in the 65 minute he shrugged of two defenders before hitting a low shot which beat Graham only for the ball to be cleared off the line by Renshaw, the ball conveniently falling into the arms of the Crook keeper.

RCA brought on Kyle Morris to replace Callen and his first touch set up Hughes, this time his effort rebounded off the post and was cleared.

Crook produced a moment of anxiety in the RCA defence when in the 80 minute they surged forward, Webster playing the ball forward over the heads of the RCA defence, Blackburn picked up the ball and it took a good save from Morris to keep the scores level.

With the game drifting towards extra time Hughes went down under a challenge from Crooks substitute Greenwell and the referee pointed to the spot.

With the normal penalty taker in the stands Brown took responsibility and crashed the ball past Graham to take RCA through to the next round.

This was nowhere near a classic football match it was obvious that both teams are struggling with confidence and it became a scrappy affair which was always only going to be settled by the odd goal.

RCA will need to be a lot better than this on Tuesday when they take on West Auckland Town at Meadow Park.

Tuesday, 7 October 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA: Hughes, Barton.    West: Fowler, Moffatt

SRCA welcomed tabletopping West Auckland to Meadow Park for this top versus bottom Ebac Northern League Division 1 encounter.

With the injury worries looking to have inproved in the last 48 hours the management team had almost a full squad to choose from. Back into the team came Carmichael, Gary Wood, Charlton and Barton. They replaced Carl Morris, Wray, McNab and Wilson in an attacking line up. Tony Coe, initially in the starting 11 pulled up during the warm up and was unable to take part.

The game started well for the home team as they looked to take advantage of the slope, in the opening minute Hughes pounced on the ball after some indecisiveness in Wests defence and it took a good block by Gibson to stop the RCA striker.

In the fifth minute of the game RCA were awarded their first corner when Hughes again slipped past two challenges before Gibson deflected his shot wide, The corner was won by Hall who headed away to Close, he sent the ball forward to Larkin who fired over from 20 yards out.

This was to be the pattern of the half as RCA pushed forward and West were happy to counter attack.

RCA took the lead in the 20th minute when Hughes beat the offside trap before lobbing the ball over the head of Lowson from 20 yards, his first goal of the season and well deserved.

A minute later it could have been 2-0 as RCA swept forward again, a ball to the edge of the box by Gary Wood was chested into the path of Jury who drove in a low shot which Lowson did well to stop from creeping into the bottom corner.

The game was swinging from end to end without any real chances being created until in the 40 minute Fowler set up Briggs on the edge of the box and the ex-RCA player stuck a sweet shot inches wide of the upright.

West started the second half the better and in the 47 minute it took a great save by Carmichael to deny Larkin from three yards out after he connected with a Briggs corner.

Three minutes later and Galpin stabbed the ball forward to Larkin who moved into space before smashing a terrific thunderbolt of shot from 25 yards out which Carmichael did tremndously well to tip over the bar.

RCA held on until the hour mark, when West equalised, Briggs picking up a pass from Close played a 40 yard crossfield ball to the feet of Fowler and he volleyed an unstoppable shot past Carmichael.

 RCA, although disappointed to concede struck back almost immediately whe Hughes picked up a ball from Lewis Wood to slot home only to be ruled offside.

The home fans didn't have to wait long for their team to regain the lead, again it was that man Hughes causing the problems this time his cross into the box was heading for Callen but Hall fouled the RCA winger and the referee had no heistation in pointing to the spot. Barton smashed the penalty home to restore RCA lead.

West were in disarray at the back and RCA should have taken advantage of this as Gary Wood won the ball in midfield played it into the path of Hughes who slipped past the keeper and with the goal at his mercy fired the ball straight at the outstretched leg of Hall.

As the game entered it final five minutes West were awarded a freekick 25 yards out for a very dubious foul on Close. Pattison took the kick, floating it to th eback post where Moffatt, who had only been on the pitch for a matter of minutes, Headed home from a yard out.

West then almost took the lead deep into injury time when Briggs had a shot blocked by Brown then Galpin had a curling shot well saved by Carmichael.

RCA survived a frantic end to the game as West poured forward in numbers, there was even a penalty appeal turned down when a freekick appeared to strike a defender on the arm, but in the end they deserved the point for a very gutsy performance.

We have set the bench mark for the rest of the season now and need to maintain this level in all games.

This season is going to be tough every team seems capable of taking points from each other and there are no runaway leaders or whipping boys at the moment. 

Saturday, 11 October 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers:  SRCA: Charlton, Morris, Bythway and Austin-Wilson.

SRCA entertained Crook Town for the second time in seven days and after the closely fought encounter in the FA Vase last week a keen encounter was envisaged for today's match.

Both managers made changes from last week's squads with cup-tied players involved in the two squads.

RCA only made one change from the team that played exceptionally well in the mid week draw against top of the table West Auckland. With Barton unable to make the game due to work commitments, it gave an opportunity for Kyle Morris to step in to the No 9 shirt.

The game set off at a furious pace with first RCA attacking through Callen, he drifted wide of his marker before sending in an inviting cross which was headed clear by Davison with Morris in close attendance. the clearance fell to Poole who quickly switch play to the other end of the park with a supurbly weighted pass which Weekes controlled but fired low into the side netting.

In the fifth minute RCA took the lead when a through ball from Jury looked to be going out of play for a goal kick, Lewis Wood had other ideas, slipped past the Crook defender before cutting the ball back into the path of Charlton, his first shot was saved by Graham and the ball was scrambled away but fell to Charlton again and this time he made no mistake side footing the ball into the bottom corner.

As the rain started, got heavier until it was torrential, the play on the pitch got slower and very predictable, both teams resorting to long balls in the hope that the conditions would force errors from defenders. However both teams seemed well able to cope with whatever came there way.

The rain relented as half time approached and it was Crook who seemed to suddenly wake up. Holbrook found space on the left and sent in a wicked cross which was inch perfect for Alexander, but the Crook striker headed over the bar.

In the final minute of the half Hughes ran onto a through ball from Gary Wood and saw his cross cum shot cleared over his own bar by Davison.

What a start to the second half for RCA, Lewis Wood picked out Callen on the left, he cut inside before sliding the ball to Hughes who flicked the ball first time into the path of Morris who guided the ball past the outstretched hand of Graham.

Within three minutes it was 3-0 when Charlton won a corner on the right, Gary Wood sent a lovely cross to the back post where Bythway was on hand to head home from five yards out.

RCA looked in total command and Crook were forced to defend as the swept forward at every opportunity.

Then in the 75th minute Callen was dismissed for kicking out at a Crook defender and the game suddenly changed.

Crook looked to push forward as RCA made changes to their formation leaving one up front.

In the 80th minute Crook were awarded a freekick on the left, Evison took it and found Weekes free at the far post and the striker should have done better than head over the bar from close range.

As the game drifted into the last 10 minutes. Crook almost pulled a goal back when Poole played Rose in but he could only fire wide of the target with only the keeper to beat.

By committing players forward Crook were leaving gaps in their defence and in the 88th minute Lewis Wood went clear of the Crook defence with two players in support, but his cross evaded everyone, was picked up by Holbrooke who set Crook on the attack once more this time Wray made a timely challenge as Rose tried to break into the penalty area.

In the final minute of normal time RCA wrapped up a convincing win when Lewis Wood won the ball in midfield, chipped it forward to Charlton who played it into the path of Austin-Wilson and he made no mistake from eight yards out, giving Graham no chance.

RCA deserved the win no doubt about that and it keeps the momentum going, unbeaten under the new management team and impressive home form which has eluded us for the last couple of seasons.

There is still a long way to go till the end of the season and plenty of water to run under the bridge, but we have turned a corner and we now look like a team who is hard to beat and can score goals.

Next up North Shields Away.  

Wednesday, 15 October 2014

Ebac Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA: None North Shields FC: Morris, Wrightson, Holmes.

Only one change for this ENL First Divison match against newly promoted and highflying North Shields. Into the team came leading scorer Barton replacing Kyle Morris.

RCA were undeafeated under the new management team of Swaz and Gee, before tonight's match and optimism was high for the run to continue. North Shields have set the first division alight with their start to the season and the fans were expecting an easy three points tonight.

From the start both teams looked to attack, RCA in the opening minutes created the first chance when a ball from Jury found Barton in space but the RCA striker fired over the bar.

North Shields first attack came when Morris latched onto a long ball from Parker, passed inside to Walker who fired in a low drive which Carmichael did well to save low down to his left before Brown cleared up field.

Morris was causing problems for the RCA defence with his pace and in the 15th minute he dribbled his way into a shooting position, but Carmichael was quickly off his line to smother the shot.

RCA were back on the attack in the through Callen, the winger picking up the ball on the half way line before slipping inside past two defenders and unleashing a wickedly dipping shot which Bannon saved brilliantly, tipping the ball onto the bar. In the goalmouth scramble that followed both Hughes and Charlton had shots blocked before Walker cleared the danger.

Once again Shields moved the ball forward and a quick one two between Morris and Luccock resulted in the latter firing in a shot which Carmichael saved.

Minutes later and RCA rattled the Shields bar again this time Gary Wood won the ball in midfield before crossing into the box where Barton rose above everyone to head onto the bar and the rebound was cleared by Elliot.

In the 38th minute Hughes had to leave the field with a groin/hip injury and he was replaced by Austin-Wilson.

Within a minute Austin-Wilson had a great chance to open the scoring when a cross cum shot from Callen struck the bar and the ball fell to the substitute, but his shot was blocked and cleared, the resulting cross from Callen was collected under pressure by Bannon.

The second half saw North Shiedls raise the pace of the game and RCA seemed to struggle to come to terms with it.

A long ball to Luccock seemed to be cut out by Carmichael but his clearance fell straight to the Shields winger who managed to fire the ball over the bar with an empty net beckoning.

However it wasn't long before the home team took the lead, a slick move through midfield saw the final ball slipped through to Morris who broke past the RCA defence before firing past Casrmichael.

North Shields increased the pressure and Luccock was now causing problems on the right and it was his cross which Carmichael could not hold andthe ball fell to Wrightson who volleyed home from two yards out.

RCA's only response was from a corner which Barton headed over the bar. However there were signs that RCA were getting a foothold into the game with 20 minutes to go.

Unfortunately in the 75th minute, RCA lost the ball deep in Shields half and the ball was played forward quickly to Holmes who broke forward before slotting the ball into the bottom corner finishing the match as a contest.

North Shields continued to break forward quickly and although they had the ball in the net again it was ruled offside and the game ended 3-0.

This was a wake-up call for RCA. Although they played well for 45 minutes and auguably could have been 2-0 up they were completely over run in the second half by a very pacy North Shields team.

Next up Bedlington Terriers which is going to be another hard match against a high flying team.

RCA captain Gary Wood considers attacking options in the first half of the match.

Saturday, 18 October 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA: None: Bedlington Terriers: Young, Nellis.

Please click here for some photos from the match.

The games are coming thick and fast at the moment and we seem to be playing all the top teams in the same month, West Auckland (Top), North Shields (4th) and now Bedlington Terriers who are lying in 2nd place in the table.

Bedlington look to be having the sort of season that we had when we finished 4th in the league while we are still trying to get a settled squad.

Once again injury to a key player, Joe Hughes, caused a change in the formation and selection of the team, Wray returned to the centre of defence, Brown was pushed forward into midfield leaving Barton as the only front man in a 4-5-1 formation.

RCA took advantage of the wind and the slope in the first half and were on the attack from the start, a long ball from Jury to Lewis Wood split the Terriers' defence, but the final ball into the box towards Callen was read by McCafferty in the Terriers' goal.

Bedlington threatened two minutes later when Davison sent a ball out of defence to Watson on the edge of the RCA Penalty area, he tried to make space for the shot but Bythway was able to get in a tackle and the ball went behind for a corner which was cleared up field by Wray.

RCA started to get their passing game together and forced the home team onto the back foot; a quickly taken throw in to Charlton caught the Terriers defence off guard and when the ball was squared to G Wood in space the RCA captained skied his shot well over the bar.

In the 16th minute RCA ripped the Bedlington defence wide open with a slick passing move which saw the ball chested into the path of Brown by Barton, Brown then slid the ball to Callen who played in Wood and his first time shot was well saved by  McCafferty.

A long clearance by McCafferty almost produced the opening goal of the game as Wray slipped and let in Watson, but Carmichael made a fantastic save.

In the 23rd minute a cross into the box by jury was headed on by Callen and fell to Barton, the RCA striker clipped a neat shot past the outstretched arms of McCafferty but unbelievably it hit the underside if the bar  then the inside of the post before rebounding into the keeper's arms.

The pressure was relentless now from RCA as they surged forward looking for that all important first goal. A good move between Lewis and Gary Wood saw the RCA captain's effort blocked by Harmiston and the rebound was fired wide by Lewis Wood.

Bedlington were lucky to keep 11 men on the pitch when Harmiston handled a through ball from Charlton which was heading towards Barton. A yellow card and Barton blasted the freekick over the bar.

In the final minute of the half a long throw found Callen free inside the area, but McCafferty was able to produce another good save to deny RCA the lead.

The second half started in dramatic fashion when Barton slipped the ball past Little and tried to run past the defender; he was deliberately fouled and adjudged to have been denied a goalscoring opportunity and Little was dismissed.

The freekick taken by Bythway was sent into the box and Lewis Wood headed just wide of the upright.

With Bedlington reduced to 10 men RCA looked to push forward and when Callen was fouled on the edge of the box Gary wood took the freekick which was Blocked by the outstretched arm of a Bedlington defender and a penalty was  awarded. Barton stepped up and fired in a low shot which McCafferty saved brilliantly diving to his right.

This had the effect of galvanising the home team and they almost opened the scoring through Nellis when he was sent clear of the RCA defence by Blandford, but his shot was saved by Carmichael.

The Jury, Barton combination set Lewis Woods up with a great opportunity as he took the ball in his stride before unleashing a thunderbolt of a shot which struck the post and rebound away for a throw in to Bedlington. RCA continued to press and Charlton did get the ball in the net but was ruled offside.

Having withstood the pressure for almost all of the second half Bedlington brought on their substitutes and they had an immediate impact, Young breaking down the left before sending in a cross which beat Carmichael but Jury was on hand to clear off the line.

A minute later and Young again caused problems as he ran onto a ball from Blandford and fired in a low shot which Preston managed to block, the rebound was blasted wide by Walker.

This should have been a warning to RCA, but they didn't heed it as they continued to over commit players and eventually the were caught on the break, a cross into the box by Charlton was tipped away by McCafferty and the ball was cleared up field by Harvey, the ball fell to Young who, from 25 yards hit a screamer of a shot which flew into the roof of the net despite Carmichael getting a hand to it.

RCA continued to press forward now in search of an equaliser, but another breakaway by Bedlington produced a goal deep into injury time this time Callen was dispossessed inside the home teams penalty area and the ball was swept out to the left where Young slipped the ball into the path of Nellis wand he deftly chipped the ball over Carmichael and into the net.

Not what RCA deserved as they bossed most of the game only to fall down in the final third of the pitch. Had the penalty been converted then it might have been a different story. However there was a lack of discipline in the team towards the end of the game. 

Before the game we would have been happy with a draw, our starting formation was set up with that in mind, don't concede. When Bedlington went down to 10 men and Gary Wood went off injured we lost our shape defensively and got punished for it. Hopefully lesson learned.

Next up the visit of Newton Aycliffe another team, like ourselves, struggling at the wrong end of the table.. Even at this stage of the season it is being classed as a six pointer.

Tuesday, 21 October 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA: Hughes,   N. Aycliffe: C Winter.

Meadow Park played host to third bottom Newton Aycliffe in this six-pointer, the visitors having suffered a run of six straight defeats while we have lost our last two matches despite playing well.

However with both teams recently securing the services of new managers and new players this was always going to be a close run affair.

Out of the window at half time went the unwritten rule regarding discussing the referee's performance, but that is for a little later.

RCA were forced to make a change up front with Barton unable to play after injuring his ankle in Saturday's defeat and in his place came Hughes on his return from injury. Jordan was also given his first start for the team replacing Lewis Wood in midfield.

The opening minutes of the game saw RCA attacking up the slope and as is becoming customary conceded a goal from our corner. In the third minute Callen forced a corner kick after a good left wing run, Brown took the corner which was easily defended at the near post and the clearance landed at the feet of Garthwaite who was allowed to run unchallenged for 40 yards before squaring the ball to the unmarked Conor Winter and the ex-RCA striker slotted home from 12 yards out.

Newton Aycliffe to hang onto the lead for three minutes. RCA were awarded a freekick on the right, Bythway tried to slip the ball to Hughes, but Mitton read the intent but miscued his clearance and Bythway at the second attaempt threaded the ball through to Hughes and the striker flicked the ball over James Winter's head and into the net.

Seven minutes gone and  1-1, what a start from two teams who have found scoring difficult recently.

The game became tense and srappy with some mistimed tackles going unpunished by the officials, in the 11th minute Banks picked the ball up on the left, slipped past a defender before sending in a cross to the edge of the box where Conor Winter was storming in  but he mis hit his shot straight at Carmichael.

At the other end a good run by Charlton ended with the winger send in a perfect cross to Hughes who controlled the ball before sending ijn a terrific shot which James Winter was only able to parry away, Mitton cleared the danger.

As the game deteriorated as a spectacle and the tackling became fiercer it was apparent that neither team were willing to give up the midfield without a battle and that's what the crowd got.

There could so easily have been two red cards and six or seven bookings. Had the first serious foul been dealt with a bit more consistently then the game would have got back on track earlier.

Aycliffe were the first to calm down and start playing football and it was another good run by Mitton who produced a stnning ball across the face of the goal but there was no one on hand to tap home.

On the half hour mark RCA were unlucky not to go in front, when a fluent move down the left saw Bythway and Callen combine before Callen was fouled,  Bythway took the freekick sent a lovely cross to the far post where Wray headed inches wide of the post.

Aycliffe went straight down the other end where Boagey controlled the ball well before setting up Young who sent in a terrific shot on the turn which flew over the bar.

After a couple of niggly fouls, RCA had a freekick on the left, Bythway sent in a cross which Callen deflected into the path of Hughes his shot was blocked by Maddison and fell to Charlton who fired wide.

As the half ended, a long ball from Brown into the penalty area seemed to be handled by an Aycliffe defender, but the referee only awarded a corner.

With the advantage of the slope RCA started to drive forward at the start of the second period , however when we do this we leave opening at the back.

Both teams were now relying on the long ball and any coherent midfield play was lost. RCA did win a number of corners but in Maddison and Mitton Aycliffe had players who were well capable of dealing with everything that RCA threw at them.

As the game wore on the pressure mounted and once again the match became very scrappy, then in the 70th minute Aycliffe has a golden opportunity to settle the match as a cross in from Banks was not cleared properly and fell to Hinchley on the edge of the box but the Aycliffe substitute blasted the ball well wide of the target.

Two minutes later and RCA thought they had taken the lead a cross into the box by Callen was headed backwards by Maddison and the ball fell to Charlton who drilled in a low cross which Was deflected into the net by an Aycliffe defender only for the goal to be disallowed for offside. (Apparently our new centre forward Smart, who hadn't touched the ball since his introduction was interfering with play?).

Then Aycliffe missed the chance of the match when he miskicked a shot from two yards out and the ball fell into the arms of Carmichael.

After that the game degenerated into something of a farce with Aycliffe looking to waste time and RCA not able to break down a very well organised defence.

At the end RCA can count themselves unlucky to have only come away with a draw but once again we were the victims of some weird and wonderful decisions by the referees,

However, there are signs that we are a lot stronger than we were a month ago. 

We remain unbeaten at home under the new management team and need to build on that for the remainder of the season.

Next up is Newcastle Benfield FC at home.

Terrific Tony. High impact sub Tony Coe returned from injury to score two cracking goals against Newcastle Benfield.

Saturday, 25 October 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Please click here for photos from the match.

Goalscorers: SRCA: Coe (2), Charlton:  Benfield: None

RCA were without a number of players for this important EBAC Northern League match, Barton (Ankle Injury), Callen (Suspension), Wray (Work), Smart and Austin-Wilson (Holidays) were all unavailable for today’s match. In to the team came Lewis Wood, and Ross McNab and there was a welcome return after long term injuries for Tony Coe and Davis Henderson and they, along with Alex Smith, Jack Stanger and Carl Morris occupied the bench.

Newcastle Benfield started the game with the advantage of not only the slope but also the very strong wind which was blowing straight down the pitch. In the early exchanges both teams looked to adapt to the conditions but it appeared that the conditions were winning as the ball seemed to get blown 20 yards further than it was meant to go.

RCA’s first real attacking move of the game brought the first goal of the afternoon when Jury switched play from the right to the left, Hughes controlled the ball well before weaving his way past two defenders to deliver a great near post ball which Charlton managed to get to and stab home from close range.

Benfield responded almost immediately when Paterson intercepted a pass and sent a great ball forward which evaded the RCA defenders and fell invitingly for Taylor, the Benfield forward lobbed the advancing Carmichael but the ball drifted wide of the upright.

Two minutes later and Benfield were awarded a freekick when Bowes was fouled 25 yards out. Taylor drove the kick low under the wall but Preston was able to clear the ball up the field. RCA withstood the pressure being applied by Benfield and were responding with some good counter attacks.

The injury bug struck again in the 17th minute when Jordan pulled up with a groin injury and had to be replaced by Stanger.

In the 20th minute Bythway and McNab combined to send Hughes clear of the Benfield defence; his shot was blocked by Tobin and the rebound fell to Charlton whose thunderous shot hit the foot of Grainger and was cleared by Leeson.

Five minutes later and Hughes almost doubled RCA’s lead when he latched on to a Stanger through ball before chipping the ball over Grainger but like Benfields earlier effort the ball slipped narrowly wide of the post.

With half an hour gone Carmichael was required to make his first real save of the half when Nolan dribbled past two RCA defenders, cut inside and unleashed a low drive which the RCA keeper held fairly easily.

This was Benfields best spell of the half but RCA were containing them and restricting them to long range efforts both Leeson and Scorgie firing efforts over the bar.

As the half entered its final minute Hughes once again skipped past his marker before squaring the ball into the box where it took a terrific challenge by Morse to prevent Lewis Wood from getting in a shot.

RCA opened well at the start of the second half and Hughes, who had causing problems all afternoon, picked up a through ball from Stanger before firing in a shot which took a deflection for a corner, Brown took the kick and Preston rose highest but directed his header wide of the goal.

Two minutes later and Benfield came very close to equalising when the won a corner on the right, the cross into the box was superbly headed by Morse but Jury, not for the first time this season, was on hand to clear off the line.

With Gary Wood struggling with an injury RCA brought on Coe and what an impact he had, a freekick was taken by Stanger to Hughes who clipped the ball into the path of Coe and with his first touch of the game he lobbed Grainger to make it 2-0.

RCA took control of the game from this point on and when Jury found Lewis Wood with a trademark cross field ball it looked like it would be 3-0 but Tobin came across to blocked the shot.

In the 80th minute a break by Benfield almost got them back into the game, Bowes slipping the ball through to Taylor who, inside the box, scuffed his shot and it fell into the arms of Carmichael.

RCA sealed the points in th e88 minute when Jury and Stanger traded passes before the ball was played into the path of Lewis Wood who burst past the Benfield defence before unselfishly squaring the ball to Coe who side-footed into the net from eight yards out.

This was another good performance from the lads and they showed throughout the team that they are up for the fight.

Hopefully the injury, late in the game, to Tony Coe is not too serious given his recent spell out.

Next up is the Durham Challenge Cup tie against Stockton Town FC, Wearside league leaders and unbeaten this season. This will be a stern test for our players.

Saturday, 1 November 2014

FA Vase 1st Round Proper

Goalscorers: SRCA: Austin-Wilson;  Handsworth: None

RCA welcomed Handsworth Parramore FC of the North East Counties League to Meadow Park for this First Round tie of the FA Vase.

The visitors, like ourselves, have recently changed managers and are in a period of transistion.

With a number of the first team squad missing the manager gave debuts to our two latest signing and brought into the squad club stalwart Wayne Henderson (16 seasons with the club) for his first appearance of the season. Into the team Richardson, replacing Jury (wife due to give birth), Armstrong, for Hughes (working), Coe, for Charlton (Cup tied) other notable absentes were Barton (injured) and Callen (suspended). The team was as follows:

Carmichael, Richardson, Bythway, Brown, Preston, Armstrong, Stanger, Wood L, Coe, Wood G, McNab: Subs: Austin-Wilson, Morris C, Wray, Henderson D, Henderson W.

The visitors took advantage of the slope in the first half and immediately went on the attack, a cross into the box by Marrison was headed wide by Handsworth’s top scorer Smith.

As the game settled a lovely through ball from Griffith found Fletcher in space on the right edge of the penalty area and he hit a fierce drive which looked to be creeping in at the near post, but Carmichael managed to get across to parry the ball away and Bythway cleared the danger.

At the other end RCA were awarded a freekick on the edge of the area when Armstrong was fouled, Bythway took the kick which smashed against the underside of the bar and the rebound was picked up by Stanger but his effort was blocked by Maxfield.

Handsworth responded to this with a spell of pressure, but their tactic of sending high balls into the box wasn’t effective as Preston and Brown seemed capable of dealing with them.

The game was stopped in the 18th minute due to a serious injury to stand in centre forward Anthony Coe, (later diagnosed as a dislocated shoulder and shoulder ligament damage).

The referee took the players off the field to await an ambulance and sensibly allowing the players a period of time to warm up again before continuing the match after half an hour.

Almost from the restart RCA went on the attack, a through ball from Stanger was met by substitute Austin-Wilson, on for the injured Coe, he skipped past his marker and into the box before firing in a low shot which was blocked. The rebound fell to Armstrong but he couldn’t get enough power in his shot and Lindley was able to pick up the loose ball.

Back came the visitors this time down the left, Maxfield found Tootle with a great ball and the winger cut inside before shooting but Preston was able to block the shot at the expense of a corner. Brown managed to Head the corner clear.

Minutes later and Handsworth were awarded a freekick after a tackle on Tootle, Thompson fired the ball straight into the RCA wall and from the rebound shot well wide of the target.

As the game entered the last ten minutes of the half RCA had an appeal for a penalty turned down when Austin-Wilson picked up a loose ball at the far post and fired in a shot which struck Maxfield on the arm. Both the Referee and the Assistant waved the appeal away. Gary Wood took the corner and Cotterick headed clear.

Handsworth continued to press until the half time whistle, but RCA stayed resolute in defence.

With the advantage of the slope in the second half RCA supporters would have expected their team to pressurise their opponents from the off but it was the visitors who created the first opening of the half. Fletcher sending in a wicked cross which was met by Smith who powered in a header which Carmichael was relieved to see go wide of the target.

RCA eventually got their passing game together and started to make an impression on the Handsworth defence. However the hard working midfield meant that they were restricting the home team long range efforts or over hit passes.

In the 55th minute a through ball from Armstrong was well controlled by Austin-Wilson, but as he cut across the angle of the box he was stopped from shooting by a great tackle by Cotterick.

RCA were being frustrated by Handsworth and as attacks were breaking down they were leaving themselves exposed to quick counter attacks, however the back four of RCA were able to deal effectively with this.

The game was becoming a battle of the midfield with neither team able to gain control.

Then, slightly against the run of play, RCA took the lead, awarded a freekick on the right Stanger took it quickly to Brown who moved the ball forward to Austin-Wilson in space, his first shot was saved by Lindsay, the second from the rebound was blocked by Burrell but at the third attempt he squeezed the ball past the diving Lindsay and into the corner of the net.

Handsworth made a couple of quick substitutions in an attempt to put more firepower up front and it almost worked a high ball into the box from Tootle was headed over the bar by Cardwell.

A minute later and a low cross into the box by Marrison was met by Travis who caught the ball perfectly and with Carmichael beaten the ball rebounded off the bar and fell to a Handsworth player who headed straight into the keepers arms.

With time running out it was nearly all Handsworth as they piled forward looking for and equaliser and it took some heroic efforts by Preston, who was outstanding all afternoon, Bythway and Wray to keep them at bay.

A relieved RCA team, who had given their all, were jubilant at the final whistle.

This was a game where every player on the park gave 100% effort and whilst it might not have been a classically entertaining match it was full of endeavour and enterprise.

On another day RCA might have lost this match but we now have a belief in ourselves, especially at home. Defensively we were excellent today with Ross Preston the pick of the bunch, closely followed by Browny, Lee Bythway and what a baptism of fire for debutants Richardson and Armstrong.

We go again in the Durham Challenge Cup against Stockton Town on Tuesday night.

Tuesday, 4 November 2014

Durham Challenge Cup 1st Round

Goalscorers: SRCA: Wray, Charlton, Brown; Stockton Town: Stockton;

Stockton Town were the visitors to Meadow Park for tonight's Durham Challenge Cup first round tie. 

Stockton, unbeaten in 22 games thus far this season and running away with the Wearside league, were looking to pit their skills against a Sunderland RCA side, who under new manager Martin Swales, looked to be improving rapidly. Since Martin's appointment RCA have played 10, won six, drawn two and lost two; unfortunately the majority of the won games have been in cup competions like tonight.

The RCA team looked a little experimental with Austin-Wilson in at left back, Brown pushed into midfield/forward role, Armstrong sitting in a holding role, Stanger wide right and Hughes recalled to play as the solitary front man. Both Gary and Lewis Wood were suffering from knocks picked up on Saturday and on the bench we saw the welcome return of Barton after a lengthy period out with an ankle injury and John Jury after missing Saturday's match due to the birth of his son Joel.

As has become customary lately the opposition elect to take advantage of the slope and the match kicked off on an autumnal evening with Stockton forcing the pace in the early stages.

RCA  looked capable of withstanding the early pressure exerted by Stockton and responded with effective use of the wide men in building counter attacks. Neither keeper was forced into action in the opening 10 minutes as the teams worked out each others tactics.

In the 12th minute, Stockton's captain, Roberts played a great ball to Stockton, who curled a beautiful shot towards the top corner and Carmichael had to be at his supreme best to tip over the bar at full stretch. The low driven corner caused panic in the home defence but was scrambled clear by Preston.

The game, as on Saturday, seemed to get bogged down in a midfield war of attrition with both teams limited to long range efforts. It is fair to say that Stockton seemed to have more possession and shots than RCA at this stage in tha game.

However, the best chance of the half to date fell to RCA on the half hour, Armstrong picked up a loose ball in the centre circle and sent a great forward ball into the path of Brown who slipped past the final defender before bearing down on goal, Arthur produced a stunning save from Brown's first shot and then reacted superbly to the follow up shot, which was driven low by Brown, to divert it for a corner.

This had the effect of opening the game up and Stockton picked up the pace, a surging run by Craggs ended with a terrific effort, which the RCA players were happy to see sail over the bar.

In the 44th minute RCA were awarded a freekick on the right wing which Armstrong took, drifting a lovely flighted ball onto the head of Wray, who was unmarked in the six yard area, and he powered a header into the net past the helpless Arthur.

Its easy to see why Stockton haven't lost in 22 games, their passing and commitment in the first half was excellent and it took some great defending by RCA to keep them at bay.

The second half saw the introduction of Barton for the injured Hughes and he was immediately in the action holding up the ball before setting up Brown for a shot which was blocked.

In the 50th minute a slack ball out of defence was picked up by Stockton and he fired in a shot which brought a brilliant save from Carmichael and Austin-Wilson cleared up under pressure from Garbutt.

Stockton continued to press forward looking for an equaliser and a cross into the box by Stockton was headed over the bar by Roberts and a minute later Roberts brought another great save by Carmichael this time from point blank range.

Having withstood this pressure RCA started to build up there own spell of pressure and this resulted in their second goal of the game, a quick passing movement between Barton and Stanger sent Charlton clear of the Stockton defence and he somehow managed to squeeze a shot inside the near post past Arthur.

Then came two moments of madness, in the 63rd minute Hannah fouled Richardson and was shown a Yellow Card, from the freekick the ball was played to the opposite wing where the same player put in a late challenge on Preston and was shown his second Yellow and dismissed.

This dismissal had the effect of spurring Stockton on and they were chasing everything and making it difficult for RCA to get possession of the ball. Preston, injured in the earlier challenge left the field and was replaced by Henderson.

It was no surprise that Stockton got back into the game in the 80th minute when Stockton slammed home a close range shot during a goalmouth scramble, after the RCA defence couldn't clear the danger.          

This set up a grandstand finish as Stockton piled bodies forward against RCA's makeshift defence and it took two terrific saves from Carmichael to deny the visitors an equaliser and extra time.

RCA were reduced to humping the ball forward and it was coming straight back at them. Stockton in the final mnute of normal time had a great chance to level the scores but Cossavella couldn't get his shot on target.

Deep into injury time a long clearance from Richardson fell to Brown who skipped past a very tired Stockton defence before somehow evading two dives by Athur before clipping the ball into the empty net.

3-1 flattered RCA who for long periods looked to be outclassed by their opponents. However they showed the difference in the leagues is in the finishing, RCA took their chances well and Stockton found Carmichael in superb   form tonight.

RCA march on to play our favorite team Spennymoor Town in the next round early in January, (why do we always seem to get them in cup competitions).  

With a free weekend our next match is another cup match, this time away to Dunston UTS in the League cup.

Tuesday, 11 November 2014

Northern League Cup

Goalscorers: Dunston: Ormston, Bulford. SRCA: None.

RCA travelled up the A1 to play Dunston in the EBAC Northern League Cup at the Dunston UTS Stadium. Another top v bottom game but, as they say, anything can happen in football.

Martin Swales' problems started before kick off. Held up in traffic, he arrived to the news that Ross Preston had failed a fitness test and was unavailable and within minutes of the warm up starting Joe Hughes pulled up with a recurrence of a hernia problem which has plagued him all season.

The eventual starting eleven included new signing Clayton Davis, making his debut after transferring from Washington FC. Danny Austin-Wilson replaced Hughes up front, Jury was installed in the centre of midfield to replace the injured Gary Wood and Callen returned to the team after suspension. The team: Carmichael, Richardson, Bythway, Wray, Brown, Davis, Jury, Charlton, Barton, Austin-Wilson, Callen, Subs: McNab, Morris, Henderson (D).

From the kick off Dunston went on the attack and it was Ormston who created the first chance of the game with a low driven cross which Carmichael smothered at the near post.

RCA responded a minute later as debutant Davis sprinted into space on the right before putting in a cross which Gilhespy cleared with Austin-Wilson and Barton in close attendance.

In the 12th minute a snap shot by number 10 Harrison was easily saved by Carmichael. Minutes later and Dunston’s Dixon had a great chance to open the scoring when he met a cross from Wilson, but could only sky his shot well over the bar.

RCA were starting to get their passing moves together and a slick move between Davis and Richardson sent Charlton clear on the right and his cross to the edge o the box was met by Austin-Wilson, but the ball bobbled and the chance was gone as Coulson intercepted to clear.

In the 20th minute RCA were awarded a freekick 35 yards out and Richardson floated in a great ball which was met by Wray, but his header was well saved low down by Clark.

As the game continued at a pace it was end-to-end stuff and entertaining for both sets of fans.

With 25 minutes gone Wilson met an Ormston cross at the front post, but his diving header went wide.

As the half hour approached it was Dunston who looked to be creating the better chances although RCA were playing well up to the final third.

The next chance fell to Kane as he picked up a clever through ball from Dixon but skewed his shot wide of the far post.

An injury to Halliday meant he couldn’t continue and he was replaced by Cattanach.

RCA’s best chance of the half fell to Austin-Wilson in the 35th minute when he burst past Cattanach to get to a through ball from Charlton before unleashing a great volley which sailed inches wide of the post with Clark well beaten.

Two minutes later and Wightman was played in by Dixon, but he pulled his shot wide of the near post.

In the final throws of the first half Davis, who had impressed so far on his debut, once again slipped his marker before firing in a low shot which went into the side netting.

The second half saw RCA burst out of the traps putting Dunston under pressure from the off.

A good move on the left saw Callen win a corner and the resulting kick by Brown was met at the back post by Barton and his looping header was expertly tipped onto the bar and over by Clark for another corner, this time the corner was met by Austin-Wilson who headed back across goal and just wide of the upright.

Dunston resorted to punting the ball long in the hope of picking up the ball off the RCA defence and in the 55th minute Ormston did just that, but fired over the bar.

RCA were piling on the pressure at the other end and when Callen fed Austin-Wilson he looked odds on to score but steered his shot wide of the far post.

Then, a minute later Austin-Wilson raced past a static Dunston defence before squaring the ball to Charlton who mis-hit his shot from six yards out and Gilhespy was able to clear.

It was nearly all RCA and in the 65th minute they hit the bar again; this time it was a freekick by Richardson near the corner flag which was met by Wray, but his looping header sailed over Clark and onto the top of the bar.

Dunston’s next chance fell from a Wightman long throw which caused a few problems before Brown headed the ball out for a corner.

RCA had another chance in the 70th minute when Richardson played the ball in to Davis who turned and fired in a first time shot which sailed over the bar.

With 72 minutes gone RCA supporters where wondering what the team had to do to score. A good run by Davis gained a corner on the right. The kick was punched clear by Clark, but fell to Bythway who struck a sweet volley back towards goal, but Ormston managed to get a foot on the ball, on the goal line, and the ball was cleared.

As has happened so many times this season the opposition broke away down the field, a bad bounce beat Jury and the ball was played quickly out to Bulford who did well to get to the ball before pulling it back into the path of Ormston who shot home from close range to make it 1-0.

RCA’s response was immediate as they came straight back at Dunston when a through ball from Jury found Barton who shot on the turn and forced a great save from Clark, with Austin-Wilson challenging at the far post.

With RCA committing players forward they were leaving gaps at the back and in the 80th minute Dunston almost made it 2-0 when a Wilson cross was met by Ormston whose shot hit Carmichael and rebounded to Wilson who fired in another shot which resulted in a goalmouth scramble with the ball eventually stabbed wide by Ormston.

In injury time and with RCA pressing forward Dunston scored again as Bulford latched onto a Wilson diagonal ball and fired in past Carmichael.

RCA can take more positives from this game. Playing the team who are second in the league they dominated for long spells especially in the second half. We won the midfield battle and looked defensively solid until the last 10 minutes, understandable as we pressed forward.

The game was always going to be about who scored first and we certainly had our chances tonight.

I don’t normally pick out individual players but in this game Andrew Brown looked exceptional at the back.

Saturday, 15 November 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: West: Moffatt (2) Richardson (2)

RCA made the trip to table topping West Auckland Town and were in good spirits after the excellent mid-week performance against Dunston UTS.

Unfortunately Martin Swales missed this one due to sickness which meant that his assistant Gee Errington made the team selection. His job was made more difficult when it was revealed that Brown, Barton, L Wood, G Wood and Austin-Wilson were unavailable and added to that list was Hughes who was declared 80% fit and took his place on the bench.

Into the line-up from the match on Tuesday came, Preston, Armstrong and McNab with Davis pushed forward as the lone striker.

Early pressure by West was easily defended by RCA and in the fifth minute they were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box when Charlton was fouled. Armstrong took the kick but it lacke the power to trouble Lowson in the West goal.

West took the lead in the eighth minute. When Briggs looked to foul McNab, the referee allowed play to continue and Briggs swung in a low ball to Richardson, who controlled the ball before turning and firing in a low shot into the bottom corner of the net.

The game became very scrappy as both teams looked to get to grips with the conditions underfoot.

Another injury blow was dealt to RCA when Charlton, who had looked to be our most dangerous player, was fouled and after lengthy treatment had to leave the field to be replaced by Wayne Henderson.

West lifted the tempo of the game after this and ex-RCA  player Brian Close looked to be getting acres of space. In the 35th minute a through ball by Close was met by Francis who burst into the box and it took a great save by Carmichael to stop West going into a 2-0 lead.

Within minutes West were back when Moffatt forced a corner off Bythway. The corner was floated to the near post where Francis headed it on and Carmichael parried it into the path of Richardson who blasted the ball straight at the RCA keeper.  

The second half saw RCA push forward and an early chance fell to Davis who clipped a shot across the face of goal, but Galpin managed to get a foot to the ball before Armstrong and Close cleared up field.

Almost immediately West went 2-0 up. A pass was intercepted by Briggs and he sent in a great ball to Richardson who struck the back of the net with Carmichael helpless.

RCA came back this time through Callen who drifted across the bax before shooting low, but Lowson managed to get a hand to the ball and it went agonisingly wide of the upright.

West responded and this time it was another mistake as RCA lost possession in the West half. Briggs again sent a long ball forward toward Moffatt and he needed no second chance as he buried his shot into the bottom corner out of the reach of Carmichael.

RCA continued to go forward and a great move between Richardson and Davis set up Callen on the edge of the box but he could only fire his shot straight at Lowson.

Matty Moffatt completed the scoring in the 75th minute when Close picked out Pattinson on the right wing and he swung in a cross which Moffatt headed powerfully home from inside the six yard box.

Next up is the FA Vase match against North Shields at Meadow Park. 

Midfielder James Armstrong in possession in the first half of the match.

Saturday, 22 November 2014

FA Vase 2nd Round

Goalscorers: SRCA: None   North Shields: Bainbridge (3)

Please click here for some photos from the match.

After beating Handsworth Parramore in the first round of the Vase RCA were handed the difficult task of overcoming a very slick North Shields team in the second round. The meeting between the two teams in the league ended 3-0 to North Shields with three clinical second half finishes.

RCA gave a debut to recent signing Stephen Bogie, Carl Morris took over in goal for Carmichael who was on holiday, Brown returned to the centre of midfield, Lewis Wood returning after injury played wide right and Barton returned up front. Both Charlton and Davis were cup tied. So it was a much changed team who took to the park for this important cup match.

The pitch had taken a battering with the amount of rain that had fallen in the last 48 hours and it was only the efforts of the groundstaff on the day that made it playable.

The game itself started rather tamely, not, the first real challenge of the game earning a yellow card for Luke Richardson after a rash challenge on Luccock, from the freekick Ben Richardson crossed to Hughes who headed over the bar.

As the game settled it was RCA who looked to attack up th eslope and Shields were content to counter attack. A good move between Callen and Armstrong was stopped by Parker who played a long ball forward to Denver Morris who forced a save from Carl Morris, the ball was only cleared as far as Denver Morris and hid deft chip was tipped over the bar by the RCA keeper.

RCA continued to probe the Shields defence and when Brown sent a ball forward Bogie laid it off for Callen but his effort was blocked by Hughes.

Two minutes later a RCA were back on the attack, Armstrong played in Bogie and he curled a beautiful shot past the dive of Bannon but unfortunately it hit the upright and rebounded to safety.

The pressure was mounting and in the 22nd minute Armstrong once again picked out a lovely pass to Callen but he blazed his shot well wide.

In the 25th minute a ball from Brown found Callen who slipped the ball into the path of Armstrong and he fired in a great drive which Bannon did really well to turn away for a corner.

Having withstood the pressure Shields started to make their stamina tell and as the game wore on it was obvious that they looked sharper and fitter than RCA.

In the 35th minute a Luccock cross from the left was headed wide by Elliott, a through ball from Ben Richardson fell to Bainbridge and he blasted the ball well wide when in a good position.

Denver Morris then picked up a loose ball in the centre circle played the ball wide to Luccock who chipped the ball into the box where Carl Morris had to make a save at the second attempt with Bainbridge in close attendance.

The final flurry of the half was RCA's as Bogie and Barton combined and the ball finally fell to Bogie who drove a low ball goalwards but Parker blocked the shot, Barton picked up the rebound but his effort was also blocked this time by Hughes.

The  second half started well for RCA as they went on the attack down the slope, however it all fell apart in a disastrous five minute spell.

Lancaster picked up the ball on the left and fed the ball to Wrightson, his reverse pass split the RCA defence in two and Bainbridge was able to capitalise on a slip by Wray to get i a low shot which went through the legs of Morris and into the net.

Five minutes later and it was 2-0, this time a run by Denver Morris was stopped inside the box by Bythway only for the ball to fall into the path of Richardson who squared it to the unmarked Bainbridge who finished clinically from eight yards out.

RCA tried to get back into the game with a number of half chances but the Shields defence were in no mood to let them get any sort of a foothold on the match.

In the 75th minute Bannon turned defence into attack with a quick throw out to Denver Morris who sprinted thirty yards before sliding the ball to Lucock who drew the RCA defence before squaring the ball to Bainbridge who blasted the home to complete his hat trick.

Shields were in almost total control now as their fitness came more into play and they stretched the RCA defence time and time again.

RCA made their substitutions but showed little by way of creativity in the final 15 minutes and it took a desperate tackle from Wood to stop Denver Morris from getting a shot on target.

As in the league match against Shields, RCA were given a object lesson in finishing. We played some good football for long spells in the game but Shields were patient and happy to get eight or nine players goalside of the ball and then hit with pace on the counter attack.

Once in front Shields looked comfortable and RCA found it difficult to break down their very efficient defence.

Good luck to North Shields in the next round against Seaham Red Star. Whoever wins this one might well go all the way to Wembley.

RCA's Clayton Davis battles for the ball in the second half of the match.

Saturday, 6 December 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA: Brown, Callen, Hughes.   West Allotment: Stonemen.

Please click here for photos from the match.

With no game since the 3 - 0 defeat by North Shields in the FA Vase on the 22 November RCA were looking to get their season back on track at Whitley Park. A victory today against fellow strugglers West Allotment Celtic would go a long way to restoring the confidence of the team after three straight defeats.

Martin Swales made several changes to the side which crashed out of the Vase, Carmichael, Jury,Hughes, Charlton and Davis all returned to the first eleven. In a bold move he started the game with Ross Preston playing up front alongside Joe Hughes.

It was the home team who started on the front foot and in the opening minute Hudson found space on the left to run at the RCA defence before firing in a rasping shot which Carmichael did well to save. A minute later Hudson was again unmarked on the left this time his wicked cross evaded everyone and was cleared by Bythway.

RCA absorbed the initial pressure before settling into their passing game, Jury almost opened the scoring in the eighth minute when he latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area, but blasted his shot wide of the post.

However, RCA didn't have to wait very long to take the lead. Armstong's 12th minute freekick into the box was headed away by Pendlebury, but fell invitingly for Brown on the edge of the box and he powered in a shot which took a deflection on its way into the net.

RCA should have extended their lead minutes later when Beal misjudged the flight of the ball from a Brown corner and the ball fell to Armstrong who looked to have chipped the ball back into the net only for Pendlebury to head over the bar. From the poorly taken corner the home team broke quickly but McGlen totally miscued when through on goal and the ball went halmlessly for a goal kick.

In the 20th minute Jury picked up a pass from Wood before crossing into the box where Hughes met the ball but could only steer his header over the bar.

A minute later and a long ball from Brown found was collected by Hughes who squared it to Preston and he forced a fine save from Beal.

West were threateneing on the break and alarm bells were ringing in the RCA defence when a McGlen cross was headed wide of the upright by Reid then minute later the winger sent an inch perfect pass into the path of Fenwick who, with only the keeper to beat, fired low and hard but Carmichael was able to pull off a supurb one handed save to deny West the equaliser.

RCA where forced on the defensive as half time approached, Fenwick was again denied when he had a shot blocked by Wray and the follow up by Hudson went wide of the post. At the other end Davis had a great chance to increase RCA's lead but his shot was deflected away for a corner.

In the final minute of the half West were awarded a corner. McGlen sent the ball to the far post where Reid powered in a header which Carmichael palmed away but Stoneman was on hand to blast the ball into the net.

Not the best time to concede and it could have been made even worst in injury time when a West freekick was drifted to the back post where Reid was again unmarked but headed wide of the targert.

Unpeturbed by the last five minutes of the first half RCA opened the second half on fire and in the opening minute Davis, tore past the West defence before crossing to the far post where Callen headed goalwards, Beal made a great save parrying the ball out and made an even better save from Callen's follow up shot.

RCA restored their lead in the 50th minute when Wood dribbled past two defenders before slipping the ball to Callen who made no mistake directing his shot wide of the keeper and into the net.

Davis was starting to make his presence felt on the right and when he drifted past his marker and crossed into the box it looked certain that Armstrong would score but the youngster directed his shot inches wide of the upright.

Hughes put the game beyond doubt in 65th minute when he latched onto a ball from Preston before driving into the box past a despairing tackle and despatching a lovely shot into the bottom corner of the net.

West responded by going on the attack, but RCA defended well, a strong penalty appeal was waved away as West surged forward. when they did get past the solid back four of RCA, Carmichael was there to pick up the pieces.

In the 70 minute Carmichael was brought into action charging out to meet Reid who was sent clear by McGlen, the shot by Reid struck Carmichael and spun tantalisingly wide of the far post.

Hughes, Davis and Callen all spurned chances to increase RCA lead as the game entered the final minutes and West threw players forward leaving gaps in their defence

In the final minute Callen thought he’d scored his second when he beat Beal to a high cross, but man of the match Pendlebury was once again on hand to clear of the line .

This victory makes little change to the league table but it does move us closer to the the other struggling teams.

It will have also restored confidence in the team and the belief that we can finish the season in a mid table spot. "The season starts here."

With Shildon's match off our next fixture will be at home to Penrith.

Captain John Jury attacks down the left in the first half of the match.

Saturday, 13 December 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers:  SRCA: Brown (2)   Penrith: Coleman.

Please click here for photos from the match.

This match could not have gone ahead without the commitment of the Groundstaff at SRCA, they worked wonders in preparing the pitch and the only doubt in the referee's mind was an area of about 2 metres in the top corner. Once the players started warming up it softened and the game went ahead. Albeit 15 minutes late due to traffic problem encountered by Penrith's team bus.

RCA were once again forced to make changes with Wray, Wood and Charlton all unavailable. Richardson started in the centre of defence, Davis moved into the centre of midfield and Coe made a welcome return after injury to start on the right wing.

The game kicked off with RCA kicking down the slope and immediately looking to push forward but Penrith were well organised at the back and in the opening exchanges looked fairly comfortable.

The first real chance of the game came after 6 minutes when, makeshift centre forward, Preston picked the ball up on the left wing, looked up, and seeing Coe unmarked on the opposite wing, drilled a 40 yard pass into path of Coe who controlled the ball before driving in a ferocious shot which went inches over the bar.

Penrith's response was almost immediate, Hope sending a diagonal ball toward Simpson but he was fouled on the edge of the area. Coleman stepped up and fired in a low shot under the RCA defensive wall towards the bottom corner of the goal but Carmichael somehow manged to get a hand to the ball and turn it round the post for a corner.

It was end to end play with both teams pushing player forward looking for the elusive opening goal.

In the 20th minute RCA were awarded a freekick on the left which was taken by Bythway, his floated cross was met by the unmarked Brown but he could only direct his header wide of the upright.

Five minutes later and RCA were awarded another freekick on the left when Callen was fouled, Armstrong took the kick, it was met by Callen who powered in a header which produced a fantastic save from Richardson in the Penrith goal.

Penrith came back at RCA and almost opened the scoring in the 38th minute when Colemen laid the ball off to Smith who thundered in a shot inches wide of the upright.  

As the game moved towrd half time the chances were few and far between as both teams looked to be cancelling each other out.

In the 44th minute a long ball forward by Davidson toward Coleman was well covered by Brown who played the ball away, however the referee spotted an infringement and cautions the RCA central defender. Penrith moved the ball a good 10 yards to the right before taking the kick which Coleman clipped well over the bar.  

The second half started well for RCA, Armstrong and Callen combined to set Hughes free on the left and when the striker burst into the box he was impeded by a Penrith defender and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Brown stepped up and blasted the ball into the bottom corner of the net  sending Richardson the wrong way.

Three minutes later and a ball into the box by Armstrong was chased down by Bythway and in committing to going for the ball he collided with the Penrith keeper who came off worse and was substituted.

Penrith started to mount attacks kicking down the slope and when Hope dribbled past three player the writing looked on the wall for an equaliser but his shot was brilliantly saved by Carmichael, turning the ball round the post for a corner.

Although the corner was cleared it fell invitingly for Wainwright who struck a low shot goalwards but Carmichael once again was on hand to make a great save.

Penrith got their equaliser through the second penalty of the game when Kelly sent a hopeful ball into the box toward Coleman he went to ground a was adjudged to have been fouled. Coleman blasted the ball low from the penalty spot and although Carmichael guessed right he dove over the ball.

RCA almost regained the lead 3 minutes later when a goalkick By Penrith's substitute Newton was collected by Davis who sent the ball quickly forward where Preston was able to flick the ball on to hughes who struck a cross shot which Newton got a hand to preventing it going into the net and the ball was cleared by Paul.

Within a minute RCA had retook the lead when Hughes picked up the ball from a throw in drifted past a Penrith defender who hauled him to the ground inside the penalty area. The third penalty of the game was despatched into the bottom corner of the box by Brown.

Penrith started to commit players forward in a effort to get an equaliser and it was only a massive performance from the RCA defence that kept them at bay. Carmichael pulled off a great save from a shot by Coleman and the rebound was cleared off the line by Jury.

RCA should have increased their lead in the 75 minute when a cross into the box by Jury was met by Coe but he fired across the face of the goal and inches wide of the goal.

Back down the other end and Carmichael was called into action again as Hope volleyed in a terrific shot which the RCA keeper turned round the post for a corner.

In the 80 minute Callen should have sealed the points for RCA when he found himself free in the box with only the keeper to beat, the ball seemed to stick in the mud and Davidson was able to recover and put in a clearing challenge.

Back came Penrith down the left with Wainwright, his cross into the box was headed away by Brown, the ball fell to Hope whose shot was deflected for a corner, in the goal mouth scramble that followed Jury managed to get in a great block to stop Simpson's shot and in doing so was injured.

In the final minutes RCA ran down the clock, taking the ball into the corners and taking the resulting corners / throw-ins short.

This was not a classic, but in the conditions and given the circumstances this was a great win and a much needed three point for RCA.

Some outstanding performances from Brown and Carmichael ably supported by every other RCA player. A battling team performance which deserved the points although Penrith supporters might not agree.

Next up is Consett on Tuesday.  

Clayton Davis looks to build an attack during the downpour in the second half of the match.

Tuesday, 16 December 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA: Coe,  Consett: Gray, Mackay.

Please click here for photos from the match.

After Saturday's battling win against Penrith the RCA supporters were in good spirits for the journey to Consett.

One forced change saw Hughes (chest infection) replaced by Charlton who went to the centre of midfield, Davis moved to the right wing and Coe started up front with Preston.

This was to be another battling rearguard action by RCA but in the end Consett, on their second half performance alone, probably just deserved the points. There was no denying the commitment of the RCA players tonight witnessed by the number of goal line clearances and blocks made at crucial times in the match.

Small things cost us tonight, a) a lapse of concentration, not picking up the Consett substitute for the home team's first goal, b) a lack of discipline, why were both wingers on the right hand side of the pitch at the time of the sending off, and  c) a little naivity, in defending very deep after our first substitution was made these probably cost us all three points in this highly competitive Northern League match.

Both teams started slowly as they weighed up the opposition and it wasn’t until the 10 minute that there was any real goalmouth action. Carmichael throwing the ball out to Armstrong who played in Callen on the left, he found Charlton in space. He drove forward before slipping the ball to Preston inside the penalty area but he couldn’t get in a shot as Martindale came across to cover.

A minute later and Armstrong won the ball in midfield before playing the ball to Davis who set of on a mazy run before shooting, Madden blocked the shot which fell to Bythway who had his shot deflected for a corner. Poskett gathered the corner and sent a long ball forward, Jury headed the ball away from deep inside his own half and the ball was picked up by Sullivan who fired in a shot which forced a save from Carmichael.

Consett looked to play across the back and hit RCA with long diagonal balls, RCA looked comfortable in defending the long ball and were pressurising the home defenders when they had the ball.

Davis, who was causing problems down the right, almost opened the scoring in the 20 minute when he burst past two defenders before cutting inside and shooting but Poskett was able to smother the ball at the foot of the post.

In the 26 minute a move involving Armstrong, Callen and Bythway end with RCA winning a corner. Armstrong took the corner which was cleared by Martindale, Moore picked up the loose ball and ran up field before sending in a cross cum shot which beat Carmichael but Jury was on hand to clear off the line and away for a corner. The resulting corner was powerfully headed goalward by Martindale and again it was cleared off the line, this time by Bythway.

As the game became stretched and with both teams looking to attack at every opportunity chances were being created at both ends, Brown heading clear at one end and Madden blocking a shot at the other.

RCA’s pressure tactics paid off in the 34 minute when the Consett defence were caught in possession and Coe nipped in to intercept a pass before chipping Poskett from 20 yards out.

The home team pushed forward to try and get back in the game but RCA were resolute in defence and restricted them to only one shot in the last 10 minutes of the half, a freekick taken by Piecha was headed away by Brown, the loose ball was controlled by Smith who fired in a wickedly dipping ball which bounced just in front of Carmichael but he was able to hold onto the ball.

With half time came torrential rain.

Consett set out their stall in the second half, slick passing and moving the ball quickly in the conditions then shoot on sight.

In the first minute of the second half Moore played the ball forward to Sullivan who drove in a shot which took a deflection off Richardson but Carmichael was able to adjust his position and make the save.

Five minutes later and Sullivan won the ball 35 yards out before, unselfishly, passing the ball to Mackay inside the penalty area but, the usually clinical finisher fired high over the bar.

RCA were finding it hard to get to grips with the changing conditions with most of their attacks being stifled by the Consett defence outside of the penalty area.

On the hour mark Consett should have taken the lead and would have done but for some last ditch defending by the visitors. A ball into the box by Slocombe found Mackay unmarked, his volley was blocked by Jury but the ball fell to Sullivan who blasted the ball towards the top corner where Bythway was able to get a head to the ball and clear the danger.

Two minutes later and it was déjà vu as Slocombe found Sullivan, this time the striker's shot was cleared off the line by Jury.

Consett must have thought that their chance of an equaliser had gone, as in the 65 minute the same combination saw another shot blocked by Jury on the goal line.

I haven’t used the word Alamo for some years but this was becoming like a siege as Consett forged forward and RCA defended deeper and deeper.

Consett introduced Gray in the 73 minute and he had an immediate impact, picking up a loose ball after an RCA attack broke down, he was allowed to travel 20 yards before unleashing a terrific shot which flew past Carmichael and into the top corner of the net. 1- 1 after 75 minutes.

The game became very ill-tempered as time and again the referee stopped play for niggly little fouls this spilled over and became confrontational and resulted in the dismissal of both Slocome (Consett) and Davis (RCA).

As the game entered the last 5 minutes both sets of players looked leg weary and in needed a piece of luck to win the game, it came the way of Consett a long ball forward was chased down by Mackay but he looked to have lost the ball as his shot was blocked but the bouncing ball landed perfectly for the striker and he made no mistake with his second effort to make it 2-1.

This was yet another hard game in which we showed that we can compete. Defensively we don’t look to concede which is great trait to have, our mid-field work hard and have started to be creative and we continue to score goals.

We do need a little bit of luck in front of goal especially when we are on top in games.

However, take nothing away from Consett their second half display, where they adapted to the changing condition a lot better than we did, was very impressive.

Tuesday, 6 January 2015

Durham Challenge Cup 2nd Round

Goalscorers: Spenny: Fisher (2), Capper. SRCA: None

Please click here for match photos by @DJNelsonPhotos - David Nelson.

RCA's team selection for tonight's re-scheduled Durham Challenge Cup, was somewhat hampered by the suspension of three players, another five were cup-tied and two were on holiday. The loss of home advantage due to the continuing drainage problems didn't help with team morale.

However there was a place in the team for Chris Armstrong who, along with Paul Weldon were making their RCA debuts in a 4-5-1 formation.

Spennymoor's team looked strong on paper with a mixture of first team, reserves and youth team players on display.

The home team took advantage of the slope in the first half and were soon on the attack a shot from Peacock flying over the bar after three minutes.

Both teams looked to keep the ball on the floor and pass to feet. Spennymoor looked the more accompished at this and they retained possession a lot better than RCA.

In the 10th minute a good move down the left saw Capper feed the ball to Stephenson who fired in a low shot which went narrowly wide.

Spennymoor took the lead in the 10th minute when a marauding attack down the left saw Mason play the ball to Capper, his run was stopped by Jury but the ball fell to Fisher who drifted across the box before dispatching the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

It got worse for RCA five minutes later when another left wing attack was stopped at the expense of a freekick on the edge of the penalty area, Capper stepped up and curled a beautiful shot into the top corner of the net with Carmichael rooted to the spot.

RCA tried to shrug this set back off as they looked to get back into the game. However, all there efforts came to nought as Moor's defence held them at bay.

On the half hour after a spell of possession football Spennymoor were awarded a corner, the kick was taken by Peacock who swung the ball to Clarke who shot from long range and Carmichael was able to save fairly easily.

As the half progressed RCA started to become more adventurous, a ball out of defence by Bythway was picked up by Hughes, he found Callen on the left, the RCA winger cut inside before shooting but his shot was blocked by Tait, the loose ball fell to James Armstrong who fired over the bar from 25 yards.

The second half saw RCA pushing forward, a change of tactics to a 4-4-2 formation meant the introduction of Wray up front to partner Hughes.

In the opening minute Chris Armstrong sent a long ball forward which was headed down by Wray into the path of Callen who fired over the bar.    

The early second half pressure continued with Hughes having an effort wide and Jury hitting the side netting.

Spennymoor looked content to soak up the pressure and hit RCA on the counter attack and they were creating chances when they moved forward. Fisher and McReady were both on target with shots but RCA defence seemed able to cope.

At the other end it was a matter of a lot of pressure, but no real cutting edge up front.

In the 68th minute an uncharacteristic mistake by RCA captain Jury, whose mishit a back pass to Carmichael allowed Fisher to nip in, round the keeper and slot the ball into the net to make it 3-0.

Effectively this killed off the game and although RCA tried for a consolation goal the nearest they got was a late effort from Wray which forced a good save from Atkinson.

All in all this was a comfortable win for the home team, RCA, with so many missing showed a lot of character, endeavour and commitment but that was not enough against a well organised and disciplined side like Spennymoor.

Left back Paul Weldon in first half action for RCA.

Saturday, 10 January 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA:  OG,   Durham: Carr, Davis, Fryatt, Noble, Hope.

Please click here for photos from the match.

With the Meadow Park pitch still under water this fixture was swapped to take place at Washington FC's Ground at the Nissan Sports and Social club complex. A massive thank you to the management at the Sports complex for their excellent hospitality on the day. It was a pity that the second half display fell short of expectations.

RCA gave a (home) debut to Kieran Megran in a much changed team from the one which crashed out of the Durham Challenge Cup at Spennymoor on Tuesday. In came Bogie, Charlton, Brown and Morris as well as Megran.

Durham took advantage of the strong wind blowing straight down the pitch in the first half. 

Although the wind was threatening to spoil the game both teams seemed to adapt very quickly and looked to play short crisp passes along the ground.

It was RCA who created the first real opening when Callen and Weldon combined on the left before switching the ball inside to Charlton but the RCA midfielder fired wide from 18 yards out.

Durham reacted almost immediately, Reece Noble playing a long ball out of defence for Fryatt to chase, the ball was cleared by Brown but fell to Davis who powered in a long range effort which flew well wide.

In the 18th minute Armstrong picked up a pass from Megran and fed the ball forward to Bogie who looked to have beaten Wilkinson to the ball but the ex RCA defender managed to clear Bogie's shot for a corner.

Durham were starting to find it difficult to string two passes together at this point and RCA looked to be creating the bettre opportunities.

A good run a cross fron RCA captain Jury saw him cross into the box where Callen, unmarked met the ball and volleyed first time straight over the bar.

On the half hour RCA should have gone ahead when a great passing move, which saw in excess of twenty passes, ended with a Armstrong slipping past the last defender before crossing into the box for Bogie who headed straight at Harkess. A foot either side and it would have been a certain goal.

Durham came back at RCA, a run and cross by Fryatt saw Haley shoot and Brown had to be at his best to block the shot.

The game was opening up now as both teams looked to open the scoring Callen had a great chance after some good work by Bogie but fired over from the edge of the box.

Deep into injury time in the first half Durham were awarded a dubious freekick on the edge of the box, Up stepped Carr, his curling shot struck the wall and looped over the outstretched hand of Morris.

I doubt if anyone in the ground at half time could have predicted the final result of this match.

RCA started well at the beginning of the half but found the wind at their back was causing them to over hit forward passes and time and again the ball ran out of play.

In the 50th minute Fryatt broke cleear and fired over the bar, this should have been a wake up call for RCA but what was to follow proved that they had not heeded the warning.

RCA were awarded a freekick in the 62nd minute. The kick was intercepted by Haley, switched to Fryatt who once again burst into the RCA half before passing to Davis who blasted the ball home past Morris to make it 2-0.

The home team continued to press forward and three minutes later were awarded a corner after some good work by Megran a nd Armstrong. Unfortunately the Corner kick was cleared to Haley whose quick thinking sent the ball to Davis, he broke free of the RCA defence before crossing into the path of Fryatt who volleyed home from close range.

In the 80th minute Ryan Noble fired the fourth from 25 yards.

RCA did get a consolation gola when Armstrong's corner was punched into his own goal by Harkess.

Armstrong almost made it 4-2 a minute later as he apicked up a pass from Megran, slipped past a defender before thundering in a terrific shot which skimmed the post.

However it was Durham who finished the game on a high as substitute Hope grabbed the fifth after another good passing move from the City outfit.

Lessons need to be learnt from this game especially how to defend when we are attacking. We have been susceptible to counter attacking teams all season. While our efforts in front of goal seem to be rushed when a little composure is required.

Saturday, 17 January 2015

Friendly

Goalscorers: Larkin (3),  Wood, Brown, Bythway, Bogie.

Richmond Town called off their game with Cleator Moor on Friday night as their pitch was waterlogged. A Friendly was hastily arranged between the managers of Richmond and RCA and the game took place on the 4g pitch at Conyers School in Yarm.

It gave the manager a chance to look at some fringe player while also giving match time to the full squad.

The match gave new signing Colin Larkin a chance to show us what he can do, he didn't disappoint as he scored a first half hattrick inside the first 30 minutes, Lewis Wood, recently returned from Australia,  completed the first half scoring, slotting home after Bogie forced a good save from the Richmond keeper.

Wholesale changes were made at half time, there was also a change of system to a 3-5-2 formation (not a favorite of mine but that is what friendlies are for.)

The scoring continued when Larkin was brought down by the Richmond keeper inside the penalty area, Brown stepped up to convert the penalty blasting in after the keeper saved the initial spot kick.

Bythway was the next on the scoresheet with a stunning volley from the edge of the penalty area direct from a Megran corner.

Richmond then got their just rewards for a lot of second half effort when they scored two goals in as many minutes as the RCA management team made changes in the personnel and the formation again.

Bogie completed the scoring with a well taken goal late in the game.

A number of players will have impressed the manager today, James Rowe never wasted a ball all game, Colin Larkin impressed up front combining effectively with Stephen Bogie and Kieran Megran looked very comfortable on the ball.

The manager must have been impressed with the overall performance as RCA dominated from the off and controlled the game, If they had taken all their chances it could have been 12 or 13. 

Get in! Ross Preston heads home the first of his two goals at Heritage Park.

Tuesday, 27 January 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscoreres: SRCA: Preston (2),   Bishops: Butler.

Please click here for match photos.

On a perishingly cold night at Heritage Park the travelling fans went home with a glow in their hearts as RCA out played their rivals, coming from a goal down at half time to win fairly comfortably in the end, the score could have been 4 or 5  to 1 had RCA taken their chances.

The management team had a full squad and more to choose from for this important EBAC Northern League fixture, rearranged several times due to cup ties and the weather it was a relief to both teams to have the game on.

RCA introduced James Rowe into the centre of the park for his first start for the team, Ross Preston linked up with another debutant, Colin Larkin and Kieran Megran started against his old club.

RCA started well kicking against the wind and were quickly into their passing game, as early as the 3 minute Megran found Charlton in space on the right, his cross fell to Preston who crossed back into the box for Weldon who set up Rowe but his fierce drive was always going wide of the target.

This spurred Bishops into action and a through ball from Hotchkiss was picked up by Johnson who raced into the box before shooting low towards goal but Carmichael got down well to smother the ball.

RCA were looking to pass the ball at every opportunity while Bishops were counter attacking with some pace. However it was both defences who looked on top in the early stages of the encounter.

In the 15 minute Larkin almost broke the deadlock when a through ball from Rowe split the Bishops defence, Larkin took the ball on his chest and although he was being pulled back he managed to get a shot on target, beating Jobling but the ball was cleared off the line by Mitchell. appeals for a penalty waved away by the referee.

RCA were using the wingers to great effect as the first half progressed and were unfortunate on a number of occassions when crosses were missed or over hit.

In the 24 minute a good run by Weldon was spotted by Megran and he played the ball out to the left, the young full back sent in a wicked cross which fell to Charlton but he couldn't control it and it went behind for a goal kick.

Bishops, having withstood this RCA pressure started to produce some forward moves of their own, A ball out of defence by Poole was chested into the path of Thompson but the ex-RCA player fired high and wide from 35 yards out.

Within minutes Bishops were on the attack again this time it was Butler linking up with Hotchkiss to find space for the Bishops midfield to get in a shot which went narrowly over the bar.

RCA came back through Charlton, he played the ball inside to Megran whose return sent Charlton clear on the right, his cross was headed away by Mitchell with Preston in close attendance, the clearance fell to Hotchkiss who set off on a run but was fouled Charlton.

The resultant freekick was sent into the box by Hotchkiss and Butler, at the far post was able to head home unchallenged. RCA 1-0 down against the run of play and thats how it stayed until half time.

The crowd had hardly settled back into their seats before RCA were level. Awarded a freekick on the left Armstrong took the kick and floated it to the far post where Preston was on hand to head home. Almost a carbon copy of the Bishop goal.

RCA had responded brilliantly to the late first half shock and now were looking to capitalise on the early goal in the second half.

A throw in on the right was picked up by Larkin who played in Charlton but his shot was blocked by Irving at the expense of a corner.

It was one way traffic at the moment with RCA pushing forward and Bishop's on the back foot. Armstrong and Rowe combined to set Megran up but his shot was blocked, the ball fell to Larkin on the edge of the box but he was unable to get in a shot as the Bishop defenders closed him down,

Five minutes later and RCA took the lead, Weldon picked the ball up from Carmichael, played it inside to Megran who found Armstrong on the left, he sent in a measured cross which was well met by Preston and the RCA forward powered home a great header.

Not content with this RCA went looking for the goal that would kill the game off, Larkin picked up another throw in from the right, this time he beat two defenders before pulling the ball back into the path of Megran who fired in a low drive which was blocked by Poole.

Bishops huffed and puffed but in the final third they were found wanting as time and again the final ball eluded them and they became very frustrated and a number of heavy, late challenges were punished with Yellow cards.

RCA should have extended their lead in the 75th minute when a through ball from Armstrong was met by Preston but his shot was well saved by Jobling.

As the game wore on substitutes were made and in the 83rd minute RCA's substitute Callen had a glorious chance to put the game beyond doubt when Jobling made a hash of a clearance and the ball fell to Callen but with an open goal at his mercy he fired the ball wide of the target.

This miss infused some life into the Bishop team and they pushed forward as the game entered injury time, however RCA looked to deal with everything fairly comfortably to see out the final 5 minutes.

This was a well deserved victory with everyone contributing to a fantastic performance, the Bishop supporter who said that RCA only looked good because Bishop were so poor, did his team and RCA a massive disservice.

There is much to like about this team now, we have a blend of youth and experience which bodes well for the future so long as we can retain this squad.

Next up weather permitting Newton Aycliffe away on Saturday.

RCA goal scorer Stephen Callen makes a trademark forceful attack in the first half of the match.

Saturday, 7 February 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Scorers: SRCA: Callen,    Bishops: None.

Please click here for photos from the match.

Please click here for photos by Peter Jackson.

Once again RCA were playing at the Nissan Sports Complex as the problems surrounding RCA’s pitch continue.

RCA were forced to make changes to the team who played so well against today’s opponents 10 days ago, with both Bythway and Weldon unavailable the management team re-shuffled the team, Preston moved to the heart of the defence and Richardson was brought in at left back. Callen was recalled to partner Larkin up front.

For their part Bishops had both Pocklington and Tarling returning after suspension.

The game kicked off in bright sunshine and it was RCA who went on the attack from the start, in the first minute Megran was set up by Rowe and he sent in a rasping shot which Pocklington saved quite comfortably.

RCA continued to press forward and in the fifth minute a slick move between Larkin and Callen saw the latter break down the right before crossing towards Larkin, but Poole was on hand to clear the danger.

Bishops' first attack came down the left as Lavery crossed into the box, Butler rose highest to get in a header which was easily saved by Carmichael.

The game was already opening up as the ball was switched from end to end, a through ball from Megran fell to Charlton but his shot was saved by Pocklington.

Within a minute the ball was at the other end and this time it was Thompson on the right crossing into the path of Butler who struck a thunderbolt of a shot which Carmichael blocked one handed and then, with Davis bearing down on goal, the RCA keeper managed to punch the ball clear a truly magnificent double save.

RCA took the lead in the tenth minute. Rowe won the ball in midfield before sending it forward to Larkin, he played an inch perfect pass into the path of Callen who shrugged off the challenge of Poole before slotting past Pocklington and into the bottom corner of the net.

The home team's lead could have been extended three minutes later when the influential Rowe clipped the ball through to Larkin who cut inside before powering in a shot which Pocklington did well to save, he could so easily have been embarrassed when his throw out fell straight to Megran but the RCA midfielder fired the ball straight back to a relieved Pocklington.

As the game became a battle of the two midfields chances were few and far between and both teams looked to play long hopeful balls forward with little purpose.

However RCA continued to show a great spirit and looked solid at the back. It wasn’t until the half hour mark that they was any further real goalmouth action and it was Bishops who provided it, Tarling winning the ball on the right wing moved forward before squaring the ball to Thompson but he fired over the bar when in a good position.

Two minutes later at the other end Pocklington picked up a through ball and for the second time in the game he threw the ball out straight to an RCA player this time it was Callen who fired the ball back towards goal but Pocklington was able to make a good save diving to his right.

Once again the game started to open up with both sides guilty of misplaced passes and only some good defending stopped any further scoring chances.

As the game drifted towards half time Bishops best chance fell to Davis who headed over a freekick from Lane while RCA’s best chance fell to Preston who headed over from a corner.

The second half saw Bishop’s pouring forward in an attempt to equalise and RCA defending in numbers and as the half progressed they got deeper and deeper into their own half.

In the 50th minute, what looked like a terrific challenge from Brown on Davis was punished with a freekick on the edge of the box. Tarling stepped up and fired in a low drive through the wall which Carmichael did well to block and Preston was on hand to clear the ball up field.

Bishop were passing the ball well at this point but with little penetration in the final third.

On the hour mark a ball into the box by Tarling was punched clear by Carmichael. The ball fell to Davis whose shot was blocked this time the ball rebounded to Lane who fired goalward but Brown was able to get a head on the ball and deflect it for a corner.

It was all Bishop in an attacking sense as they continued to send players forward. In the 75th minute Lavery fired in a long range shot which flew over the bar.

Carmichael came to RCA’s rescue once again in the 80th minute when a cross into the box by Johnson was flicked goalwards by Davis but the RCA keeper was alert to the danger and saved diving to his left.

RCA were restricted to long balls out of defence as the midfield tired and in the 83rd minute should have sealed the match when a long ball forward bounced invitingly for Larkin who chipped the ball over the advancing Pocklington, but the ball drifted wide of the goal.

A minute later and the same player almost scored a fluke goal as he broke down the right, his cross into the box was poor but actually deceived the Bishops' keeper landing on top of the net.

In a grandstand finish Bishops threw everything they had at RCA including sending the keeper up for a last minute corner.

RCA weathered the storm and ended up with the three points.

Although this was a less convincing performance than the one 10 days ago at Heritage Park, the defence looked solid and until Rowe suffered an injury mid way through the second half we looked good in midfield. Up front both Larkin and Callen worked hard in the first half but looked a little leg weary by the end.

Next up is Ashington away, never an easy game and with them getting a new management team in this week it will give the game added importance.

RCA left back Paul Weldon stops a cross from the Ashinton winger in the first half of the match.

Saturday, 14 February 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: Ashington AFC: Oliver,   SRCA: None.

Please click here for some match photos.

Woodhorn Lane is never an easy place to visit and today was made all the more difficult with the appointment, at the beginning of the week, of Stephen Harmiston as manager. There was certainly a buzz about the place and it was obvious that the players were up for the game.

RCA made one change, recalling Weldon at left back to replace Richardson.

Ashington started well pinning RCA back in the opening minutes of the game. Downey had the first shot on target in the second minute when he shot from 20 yards out through a crowd of player and forced a good save from Carmichael.

RCA were finding it difficult to come to terms with the pitch and their passing game was suffering as misplaced passes gave possession to a rampant Ashhington team.

In the eighth minute Harmiston found Stephenson on the right and he crossed into the path of Davison, but a great tackle from Preston deflected the ball for a corner. Stephenson took the corner which was headed away by Brown, but the ball fell to Walton who scuffed his shot and the ball was scramble behind for another corner which was easily cleared by the RCA defence.

The game then became scrappy and both sides were guilty of poor passing.

In the 18th minute RCA had their first real chance of the game when Megran split the Ashington defence with a superb pass into the path of Callen, the RCA forward cut the ball back instead of shooting and Christensen was able to block the shot and send the ball for a corner. Armstrong took the corner and Callen headed wide of the target.

A long ball out of defence by Ashington found its way to Taylor and with his back to goal, he swivelled with the ball before firing in a low shot which forced another save from Carmichael.

As the game drifted to the half hour mark it was RCA who, having weathered the early  storm, looked the more likely to score. A rasping shot by Larkin from 25 yards was brilliantly saved by Grant.

An injury to Brown forced the first substitution of the game with Bythway replacing him in the heart of the defence.

Both teams were cancelling each other out and the game continued to be very scrappy with little goalmouth action of note.

In the final five minutes of the half a ball from Bythway to Larkin on the right opened up the Ashington defence and when he crossed into the area the ball was met by Megran who smashed in a shot which flew wide of the goal.

The second period opened brightly for RCA who forced Ashington onto the back foot with a string of attacks.

Rowe sent a ball forward to the edge of the Ashington penalty area where Callen controlled the ball before laying it off to Larkin who blazed a shot inches over the bar.

A minute later and Armstrong and Rowe combined to send Larkin clear on the right. The RCA forward crossed into the box where Megran chested the ball down before firing goalward only to see Grant get a fingertip to the ball and deflect it for a corner.

RCA were starting to turn the screw and it took some brave defending by Ashington to stay in the game.

Only five minutes into the second half and RCA had already created more chances than in the whole of the first half and they kept on coming. Armstrong picked up the ball on the left slipped it to Callen who played in Megran and he produced another stunning effort which went inches wide of the upright.

A minute later and Rowe picked up a loose ball in midfield, played it to Charlton who crossed into the box for Larkin, he beat his marker before shooting but his shot took a deflection for a corner.

Armstrong took the corner and it was swung to the edge of the box where Bythway fired in a shot which appeared to be handled by an Ashington defender, the referee waved away the vociferous appeal of the RCA players.

As is the case with these incidents, the ball was switched to the opposite end of the pitch and Ashington took the lead when, after some good build up play on the left the ball was passed inside to Oliver who sent in a curling drive which crept just inside the RCA goalpost giving Ccarmichael no chance.

Within a minute RCA were unlucky not to be level when a throw in from Weldon was picked up by Larkin and the RCA striker fired just over the bar.

As in the first half the game became scrappy but the ball was being moved from end to end and at least chances were being created, a cross in from Taylor found Davison in acres of space inside the box but the Ashington winger headed wide.

At the other end Larkin set up Charlton who fired in a cross shot which Callen flicked goalward forcing a great save from Grant.

In the 75th minute RCA once again carved out a great chance when Weldon picked up the ball on the left and sent a tantilising cross towards the back post where Jury rose and powered in a header, once again Grant was on hand to make the save and deny RCA a share of the spoils.

In the final minute of normal time a long ball into the box by Christensen was headed away by Jury and fell to Airey who thundered in a tremedous shot which cannoned off the bar  and away to safety.

Ashington saw out the final minute of added on time to gain their second victory of the week for the new manager.

Getting nothing out of today's game was hard to take given the amount of effort that went into the match from the whole team. We didn't get the luck when we needed it and we lost to a very good goal in the end.

Next up Newton Aycliffe on Tuesday.

Josh Carmichael dives to save in the second half of the match.

Saturday, 21 February 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA: Callen   Shildon: Emms (2), Donniger, Greulich-Smith, Wood.

Please click here for the usual match photos. Click here for photos by Tom Clegg and Amanda Scaife (black and white set.) Please click here for The Railway Men's match report.

Apologies to my faithful reader for the lateness of this report, unfortunately I was away for a few days and didn't get time to do it.

RCA travelled to Shildon‘s Dean Street ground for their twice postponed Ebac Northern League Division 1 match and came away with nothing but a lesson in direct forward play.

Gee Errington took charge of the team in the absence of Martin Swales, Larkin was unavailable and Armstrong was rested after suffering a dead leg in the match against Ashington. That meant Bythway and Brown partnered in the centre of the defence with Preston moved up front again to partner Callen.

Shildon AFC made it look easy soaking up any forward play by RCA in the opening minutes and on seven minutes Greulich-Smith headed over from a Hodgson cross.

A minute later Rae received the ball in space and with only Carmichel to beat he fired wide of the target. RCA held on until the 25th minute when Wood slipped his marker and crossed to the unmarked Emms who slotted home from 10 yards out.

Shildon piled on the pressure and Scroggins almost made it 2-0, but squandered a great chance shooting wide when in a good position.

RCA’s attacks looked to be easily dealt with by the Shildon defence with Moore leading by example.

A snow shower made for some entertaining photographs but little in the way of goalmouth action until the 44 minutes when Wood again found space on the right, passed the ball to Rae who unselfishly teed the ball up for Emms to slam in his second goal of the game.

With the slope in the second half Shildon piled on even more pressure but it was the visitors who had the first real chance of the half when Wood set up Megran who fired in a terrific shot which was fingertipped over the bar by Hayes.

Within minutes Callen burts through on goal, but his effort went wide. However the revival was short lived as Shildon took complete control of the game and after Emms, had missed a good chance the ball was fed wide by Rae to Jones who crossed to Greulich-Smith who placed the ball past the outstretched hand of Carmichael.

Two minutes later the game was well and truly over when Rae crossed to the far post for Wood to tap in from two yards out.

Doninger completed the scoring with a deft chip over the advancing Carmichael, despite looking a yard off side, to make it 5 – 0.

RCA produced their best spell of foolball in the final ten minutes and Bogie was unlucky with a low shot which went narrowly over the bar and in the 87th minute RCA got a consolation goal when Callen reacted quickly to an unusually poor defensive clearance to volley the ball through a crowd of players and into the roof of the net.

Not RCA’s best performance of the season but they must move on and with Newton Aycliffe on Tuesday there is a chance to redeem themselves.

The proverbial six-pointer? Time will tell.

Tuesday, 24 February 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA: Megran,   Newton Aycliffe FC: none

After Saturday’s crushing defeat against Shildon, RCA made the trip to the Moore Lane ground for their rearranged fixture against fellow strugglers Newton Aycliffe.

Changes were made by the manager and in came Larkin and Armstrong to replace Weldon and Rowe. Preston returned to the centre of defence, while Bythway was moved to left back. Larkin was to be supported up front by Callen and Armstrong came in on the left of midfield.

RCA started well keeping possession and passing the ball from the off, a ball forward from Wood to Larkin split the Aycliffe defence and Larkin spotting Charlton at the far post crossed the ball to him, unfortunately his shot was blocked by Stephenson at the expense of a corner.

Aycliffe's first attempt on goal came after a misplaced pass from Armstrong fell at the feet of Laidler and he fired in a rising shot which Carmichael saved brilliantly tipping over the bar.

The game became a battle of midfield, both teams electing to play a very tight game. There was little in the way of action in either goalmouth and the keepers were restricted to clearing back passes.

The midfield battle seemed to be going the way of RCA as the half hour approached and when Wood found Charlton with an exquisite pass the winger cut inside before passing to Larkin who controlled the ball well before firing low at the target, Winter read the situation and was able to make the save look easier than it was.

Two minutes later and RCA should have taken the lead Brown sent a long defensive clearance into the path of Larkin who left the Aycliffe defence for dead, he then flighted in a wonderful cross which beat Winter and Callen steaming in at the back could only manage to steer the ball onto the post and it rebounded straight to the Aycliffe keeper.

In a rare Aycliffe attack Young was fouled, Garthwaite took the freekick and Mitton was allowed time and space in the box,  luckily for RCA his header was weak and wide and easily picked up and cleared by Jury.

Another run by Larkin was spotted by Megran and he sent a slide rule pass to the centre forward who once again tried to pick out Callen, but Stephenson was able to get a head to the ball and clear the danger.

Aycliffe responded with a flowing attack of their own, Young and Boagey combining to get in a cross which Bythway slid away for a corner. The resulting corner into the box was met unchallenged by Mitton but the ball flew over the bar.

At the start of the second half RCA took the bull by the horns and went all out for an early goal and it was only some good defending by Mitton and Stephenson which kept them at bay.

In the 50th minute, despite being upended, Wood was able to thread a great ball into the path of Callen who then produced a terrific shot which Mitton did really well to block.

It was almost all one way traffic and it was no surprise when RCA took the lead, a precision pass from Preston found Hughes on the left, he played a wall pass with Armstrong before squaring the ball into the box where Megran, totally unmarked, was able to control the ball before sidefooting past the advancing Winter.

Aycliffe's only response to going behind was a long range effort from Archer which flew high and wide.

RCA would have gone 2-0 up but for an unexpected bobble as Callen went to shoot, having drifted across the box from the right, his final shot sailing narrowly wide of the far post.

The game continued to be played in the Aycliffe half and another trademark Larkin run opened up the home defence again, this time he picked out Megran ghosting in at the far post, unfortunately he could not steer the ball into the empty net and had to watch agonisingly as it went over the bar. RCA were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty in the build up to that effort when Hughes was deliberately fouled as he moved toward the ball.

As the game drifted toward its conclusion it got really scrappy and the only real chance of the final five minutes was a superb save by Carmichael from a thunderbolt of a strike by Banks which effectively kept RCA in the game.

This was a much improved all round performance by the team. Larkin and Callen are starting to get an understanding going while the back four of Jury, Brown, Preston and Bythway looked really solid and with Carmichael behind them it is developing into a formidable defence. In midfield both Wood and Megran were organised while Charlton and Armstrong provided the width. It was also nice to see both Hughes and Richardson come on after long lay-offs and both got involved straight away.

Next up is Jarrow Roofing at Meadow Park and a meeting with near neighbours. The meeting between the two teams earlier in the season was a decent encounter with Campbell scoring two for Roofing and look were he is now.

Saturday, 28 February 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA: Larkin,  Jarrow Roofing: Teasdale (3), Morien.

Jarrow Roofing were today's opponents and with both teams recording victories in mid-week a keenly fought contest was envisaged.

RCA made two changes to the side who performed so well on Tuesday night against Newton Aycliffe, Richardson was brought in to replace Preston who is away on a family holiday and Davis replaced Charlton who hadn't fully recovered from the injury sustained on Tuesday.

The game opened with RCA attacking down the slope but it was the visitors who launched a stunning counter attack in the second minute. An RCA freekick was headed clear and picked up by Pilatos who in turn found Chow on the right the Roofer's attacker cut into the box before sending in a low cross across the face of goal which Carmichael parried into the path of  Teasdale, who, at the second attempt, managed to get the ball over the line.

Both Teasdale and Chow were causing problem for the home team defence the two combined in the 20 minute to set up Morien who, with his back to goal managed to turn and shoot  but Carmichael was able to save low down.

It wasn't long however before Roofing extended their lead, in 25 minutes a long clearance from Marshall was was flicked on by Chow into the path of Teasdale who sprinted clear of the RCA defence before shooting past Carmichael.

Within a minute RCA were back in the game when the persistence of Larkin paid off when he chased down a loose back pass from Pilatos, got control of the ball before deftly clipping the ball past Hunter.

RCA could and possibly should have been level 3 minutes later when a cros into the box from Jury found Callen on the edge of the box and the RCA striker produced a stunning over head kick which slammed off the upright and was cleared by Marshall.

While Chow and Teasdale were causing problem for RCA at the other end Larkin and Callen were doing likewise to the Jarrow defence .

A through ball from Megran found Larkin on the left and his cross was met by Davis who fired in a low shot which went narrowly wide.

Minutes later and a Carson freekick was controlled by Chow on the edge of the box and the Roofing striker produced a sublime curling shot which went narrowly wide of the post. .

The second half started slowly with both teams looking to take command of a very conjested midfield, Roofing looked to be winning the battle and in doing so committed a number of fouls on Wood and Megran which went unpunished by the officials.

RCA started to lose their discipline and when Pilatos fed the ball to Chow inside the area Wood was guilty of a rash challenge which ended with the Roofing stiker falling inside the area and the referee awarding a penalty. Up stepped Teasdale to blast the ball into the bottom corner of the net past Carmichael for his hat-trick.

RCA tried in vain to recover from this set back but Jarrow were in no mood to let them get any sort of a foothold in the game,

Chances were few and far between in the second half, the best chance for RCA came after an excellent piece of play by Larkin who beat his marker before crossing into the box where Bogie headed the ball into the path of Megran who blasted a great shot goalwards only for Hunter to produce a magnificent save with his right leg.

As the game headed into injury time Jarrow completed a miserable day for RCA when a poor back pass to Carmichael saw Chow charge down the keepers clearance and Morien had the simple task of shooting into an empty net to make it 4-1.

RCA couldn't take a lot from this game, we gifted them 3 of the 4 goals. Defensively we were poor, we allowed Jarrow to dictate the game and we lost our discipline.

What was particularly annoying from a spectators view, was the fact that we never got our passing game going. When we play football we look a good team, when we play long ball, we give the ball away cheaply.

Next up on Tuesday is Morpeth.

Tuesday, 03 March 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA: None,      Morpeth Town: Fry, Chilton.

After a disappointing display on Saturday against Jarrow Roofing SRCA had an early opportunity to put things right on the pitch.

Morpeth Town were the opposition and they were looking for their fifth straight win, so not an easy task for the lads in red.

RCA were forced to make one change as Davis was working, so Charlton stepped in. During the warm up Callen pulled up with a recurrence of a groin problem and had to be replaced by Hughes.

The home team attacking up the slope and against a strong wind started really well and were unlucky in the fourth minute when Wood slipped the ball into space behind the Morpeth defence for Hughes to run onto, the RCA striker burst into the box but his intended pass to Larkin was intercepted by Jewels.

Morpeth were struggling to come to terms with RCA’s passing game although they were using their wide men to good effect and an early ball into the box from Taylor was met by Chilton but his header went straight into the arms of Carmichael. RCA’s next chance came when Armstrong and Larkin combined to set up Hughes but he shot wide of the target from a good position, a minute later and the RCA striker had the ball in the net but was adjudged to be offside.

Two minutes after this let off Morpeth showed why they have gone 4 games unbeaten when Henderson picked up a ball from Harrison and sent a 45 yard cross-field ball to Fry who whipped in a dangerous looking cross which was controlled on the edge of the box by Taggert and it was only a last ditch block from Brown which kept the score line level.

RCA were coming under a little pressure and if was Henderson again who found space on the right before sending in a lovely cross which Taggert managed to head forward toward Chilton, but Bythway got to the ball first to clear.

Morpeth switched their attack to the left where Novak was able to send in a quality cross which Chilton could only guide into the hands of Carmichael.

RCA were closing down quickly and winning a lot of possession in the midfield area, however the ball forward to the attackers were lacking that quality which produces goals.

In the 25th minute a strong appeal for a penalty from the RCA players was quite rightly turned down when Armstrong fell inside the area.

Immediately Morpeth went on the attack through Taggert who picked up a long clearance from Jewels but sent his shot straight at Carmichael. It was a measure of the way the game was being played that the first corner of the game wasn’t until the 30 minute when RCA conceded after some pressure by Morpeth, Fry took the corner, finding Graydon, for once unmarked on the corner of the area, he switched the ball to Taylor who drilled in a cross which Taggert met but could only head straight at Carmichael.

Then like the proverbial No: 11 bus along comes another corner this time won by a combination of Hughes and Larkin with the former firing in a shot which was blocked by Henderson, Megran took the corner and Brown met the ball with a header which he could not direct on target.

The first half ended with no further goalmouth incidents.

In the second half, with the advantage of the slope and the wind RCA supporters were quietly optimistic that they could get something from this game and in the second minute of the half they should have broken the deadlock when a lovely ball from Richardson split the Morpeth defence and Hughes had time to cross low into the six yard box where Armstrong, who only had to touch the ball for a goal, mis-judged the ball and it went wide for a goal kick to the relief of the Morpeth team.

In the build up to this attack Richardson suffered a worrying injury to his knee and had to receive lengthy medical treat from both physios before being carried off the pitch with suspected knee ligament damage.

In the 55th minute Bythway played the ball forward to Wood who clipped a pass into the path of Armstrong, the winger curled in a tantalising cross which eluded Harrison in the Morpeth goal and fell to Larkin whose shot was deflected for a corner.

At the other end RCA were guilty of committing a number of fouls and in the 63rd minute Harrison took a quick freekick to Chilton who smashed his shot well over the bar.

This should have been a wake-up call for the RCA defence.

However four minutes later Graydon was fouled on the edge of the box, he picked himself up, spotted Fry making a run into the box and curled the freekick into the path of the nippy winger who blasted the ball home from 10 yards out.

Morpeth shut up shop, making it difficult for RCA to create anything meaningful by way of attack and with twenty minutes remaining they secured the three points when Graydon again found Taggart inside the area and his low shot was saved by Carmichael, unfortunately Chilton was lurking inside the six yard area and pounced to prod the ball over the line.

RCA continued to push forward looking for some reward for all their effort and on another night against less resilient opposition they might have gotten something out of the game. In the final minute of ordinary time Wood, auguably RCA best player on the night swept past three defenders before cutting the ball back towards Hughes; he dummied the ball and it ran to Larkin who fired wildly over from 10 yards out.

Grandstand finish averted Morpeth saw out the injury time without much trouble.

This was a much better performance than Saturday and we were unlucky not to get something from the game. RCA manager Martin Swales, reflecting on the game commented “sometimes you just don’t get what you deserve out of football”. How true that comment is. We have played a lot worse than tonight and come away with points. Next up the long trip to Celtic Nation, another six-pointer they are saying, still I will settle for three points, but it is going to be another hard battle.

Colin Larkin, scorer of RCA’s opener in the first half of the match, battles for the ball.

Saturday, 7 March 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goal scorers: SRCA Hughes (2), Larkin, Bythway, Megran, Callen. CN: Read

Please click here for photos from the match.

Due to a major accident on the A66 the kick off of this important Ebac Northern League relegation battle was delayed 25 minutes. RCA players were given 10 minutes to warm up once they had arrived.

RCA’s management team once again made changes to the team with Weldon coming in at left back replacing the injured Richardson and Callen preferred up front to replace Hughes.

Celtic Nation started the game well attacking at pace down both wings and it was they who had the majority of the play in the opening five minutes.

In the fourth minute a good run by Roberts saw him get into the RCA penalty area before unleashing a low drive which Carmichael did well to save.

Slightly against the run of play RCA took the lead in the 8 minute when Bythway sent a hopeful ball forward to Callen, he controlled it before setting Jury away down the right, the RCA captain measured his cross to the near post where Larkin managed to flick a header over the outstretched arms of Casson.

The lead was to last only 5 minutes as Celtic Nation pushed forward again and when Renyard was fouled 25 yards out Boyd stepped up and struck a fierce drive past the RCA wall and although Carmichael produced a good save he could not hold onto the ball and Read was able to pounce on the loose ball and stab it home from two yards out.

RCA were finding it difficult to get their passing game going and Celtic Nation were taking full advantage as they swept forward a good move between Roberts and Tucker set up Renyard who powered in a low shot which went narrowly wide of the upright, then Read set up Tucker but the tall striker could only poke the ball forward and Carmichael collected.

In the 17th minute Roberts won a corner on the left, he took the corner which was headed clear by Bythway but fell to Cummersky who shot through a crowd of players but Carmichael, who must have seen the ball late, pulled off a terrific save.

RCA next real effort on goal came in the 20 minute when a ball over the top of the Celtic Nation defence by Brown fell to Callen, he cut the ball back into the six yard area towards Larkin but Jardine got there first slicing the ball onto the crossbar and over for a corner, Armstrong’s corner was headed wide by Bythway.

Eventually RCA started to get their passing game together and a good move between Wood and Megran saw the latter pick out Callen who laid the ball off for Wood whose shot was scrambled away for a corner.

The game was starting to swing RCA’s way with Celtic Nation reduced to counter attacking and long range efforts.

RCA should have retaken the lead in the 24 minute when a lovely floated pass from Wood split the Celtic Nation defence and fell between Armstrong and Larkin, Armstrong elected to try and lob the keeper but sent his shot wide of the post.

Back came Celtic Nation, forcing a corner on the right, this time taken short to Boyd who fired in a low shot wide of the target.

The first half ended in a flurry of activity, firstly Callen was put clean through by Megran but scuffed his shot wide of the post then a great move involving Larkin and Jury saw the RCA captain cross into the six yard area for Armstrong but Those managed to block the shot for a corner.

At the other end another direct run from Roberts caused panic in the RCA defence and when he crossed into the box Tucker stepped over the ball allowing it to run to Boyd but he fired wide of the target.

In the final effort of the half Larkin, whose pace was causing problems for the CN defence, crossed into the box for Armstrong but a great covering tackle by Bowman sent the ball away for a corner.

The second half started in explosive style for RCA. A Larkin run was spotted by Charlton who played an inch perfect pass to the striker, he looked up and sent in a great cross onto the head of Armstrong, but Casson was on hand to make the save.

Two minutes later RCA took the lead, Megran spotted Weldon overlapping on the left and fed the ball to him, the young full back sent in a beautifully weighted cross onto the head of Callen who powered a header beyond the reach of Casson and into the net.

RCA were rampant at this point and CN were in disarray, so it was no surprise when another defence splitting pass found Megran inside the area and the midfielder calmly slotted into the bottom corner of the net.

As the game progressed it was all RCA attacking and CN defending, shots were raining in from RCA players as they took command of the game and CN resorted to physical tactics which quite frankly didn’t work and earned their captain his marching orders after a number of Altercations with RCA players and the referee.

RCA put the game beyond doubt when another great Larkin run ended with his cross into the box for Hughes who finished with some aplomb past Casson.

It got even worse for CN when a free kick was awarded twenty yards out, up stepped Bythway to curl and dip a great free kick over the wall and into the bottom corner of the net past the despairing dive of Casson.

RCA were not finished scoring and in the 80 minute Larkin once again was the provider as he swooped onto a through ball from Wood drifted past the defence before squaring the ball into the path of Hughes who fired straight into the net.

Celtic Nations only effort in the second half came from a free kick which was fired through a crowd of players by Boyd but was well saved by Carmichael.

RCA controlled the final 5 minutes of the game against the ten men of Celtic Nation.

At half time all the talk was of the missed chances by both teams in the first half. At full time it was all about how well RCA had played in the second.

There were some outstanding performances in the second half of this game notably from Bythway, Larkin, Megran and Callen. But when everyone pulls in the same direction as a team we look very good.

We have to make this a stepping stone for the rest of the season, there are no easy games in this league you have to work for every point.

Next up Dunston UTS away on Tuesday.

Tuesday, 10 March 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: Dunston: OG, Burrell:  SRCA: Larkin, Armstrong

Games between these two teams in recent years have been fairly close fought contests although it is fair to say that Dunston have won a lot more than RCA.

Unfortunately the management team could not name the same team that won so convincingly at Celtic Nation on Saturday, Bythway was working, both Callen and Megran were injured and Weldon was rested, to replace these, in came Preston, Davis, Rowe and Hughes.  

RCA took advantage of the slight slope in the first half and were eager to go forward from the off, as early as the third minute good passing between Larkin and Hughes set up Charlton who burst into the area but his shot was blocked by Cattanach.

Almost immediately at the other end McAndrew had a shot saved by Carmichael, within a minute the same player was firing over the bar, from an offside position, after Wood had lost the ball on the edge of the area.

RCA started to get their passing game together and produced a number of chances a Hughes shot was saved by Connell and on 10 minutes Hughes was again in the thick of the action as he drove into the box before firing wide.

The pattern of the game was being established as the ball was switched from end to end, in the 15th minute a Burrell free kick was parried by Carmichael out, Ormston was quick to react but his cross cum shot went harmlessly across the face of goal.

Two minutes later Dunston took the lead in quite fortuitous circumstances. Wilson did well to keep the ball in near the bye-line before driving a cross into the box which eluded Carmichael and struck Brown in the face diverting it into the empty net.

RCA’s response was to take the game to Dunston in the 25th minute they were awarded a freekick when Hughes was fouled, Larkin took the freekick which Connell saved diving to his right, a minute later Larkin was fed in by Armstrong but shot wide, Brown whose own goal separated the teams picked up the ball in midfield and finished off a driving run with a low shot which Connell collected on the second attempt.

RCA were quickly back on the attack and this time it was Hughes supplying Larkin who shot over from a good position. It was all RCA as they piled forward looking for the equaliser, a great dribble and shot by Wood was spilled by Connell but he was able to recover before Larkin pounced.

As half time approached Rowe sent a great ball forward to Hughes who slipped the ball to Wood his measure cross into the box was met by Armstrong who powered in a header which unluckily struck Hughes and was cleared.

The RCA pressure continued after the break. In the 47th minute an Armstrong freekick was controlled by Hughes before he turned and shot but it was headed clear for a corner by Gilhespy.

A Hughes cross two minutes later was heading toward Armstrong but Connell intercepted. RCA were deservedly level in the 50th minute when Larkin raced onto a lovely through ball from Wood past a static Dunston defence before rounding the keeper to slot home via the post despite the despairing effort of Gilhespy to clear off the line.

They could have taken the lead within minutes when Larkin crossed but Rowe could only guide his shot wide of the upright.

Dunston who had been reduced to breakaways and long range efforts were awarded a penalty in the 58 minute when Brown was adjudged to have brought down Smith inside the area and the referee pointed to the spot. Burrell blasted the ball low into the bottom corner to restore the home team’s advantage.

The goal seemed to spur RCA forward and when they were awarded a freekick for an innocuous challenge on Hughes, Armstrong stepped up and took full advantage by curling the ball into the top corner with Connell rooted to the spot and so it was back to square one 2–2 with 61 minutes played.

Dunston picked up the pace and in the 67th minute Wilson headed on a ball from Weightman to Smith but he shot wide of the post.

Back came RCA, two minutes later awarded another free kick 35 yards out, Armstrong this time crossed to the far post where Rowe headed wide of the target.

The entertainment continued, Dunston almost took the lead in the 75th minute when a long clearance was picked up by Smith, his ball into the area was met by Kane who crossed back to Smith and his header was deflected wide for a corner.

A minute later and RCA’s nemesis Bulford drove in a low cross which found Wilson but he shot wide of the target. Bulford did get the ball in the net and much to the relief of the RCA players he was ruled offside.

In the 86th minute RCA had a great chance to win the game when Hughes played the ball across the Dunston goal to Bogie who, from five yards out, mis-hit his shot and it was easily collected by Connell, within a minute Kane got in a header from a Dunston corner which went right across the goal and past the far post.

RCA were still looking to grab a late winner and in the final minute of the game Hughes went past his marker but shot wide.

This was a good game to watch from a neutral point of view. RCA were well worth the draw and maybe should have won it. Both teams were 100% committed and this made for an entertaining match.

From RCA’s point of view there were loads of positives to take out of the game. A point against a good Dunston team. No player let themselves down. Great quality in our set plays and we created more chances throughout the ninety minutes than Dunston.

There were very promising displays from Rowe and Charlton who both looked sharp especially in the second half. While we are coming to expect big performances from Larkin, Jury and Preston we are now getting those performances from everyone.

RCA forward Stephen Bogie saw his dynamic display rewarded with two well taken second half goals.

Saturday, 14 March 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA: Bogie (2), Larkin, Armstrong.    Bedlington Terriers: Young

Please click here for photos from the match.

As RCA head into the business end of the season they are looking to secure enough points to leap frog Billingham Synthonia and with that in mind today's match against Bedlington Terriers took on extra significance a win today would bring us within one point of Synners with six games in hand.

There was a welcome return to the squad for two long term absentees, Tony Coe and Gary Shields, both have had their fair share of injury problems this season so it was nice to see them take their places on the bench.

The team had a familiar look to it with the only changes being Bythway in for Brown and Bogie in for Hughes.

RCA started the game kicking up the slope with the assistance of the wind. They were soon on the attack and only a foul on Bogie stopped the striker from setting up Larkin. Armstrong's freekick from 25 yards out sailed well over the bar.

Bedlington recorded their first effort on goal in the sixth minute when Little played the ball forward to Young who turned and shot straight at Carmichael.

As RCA pushed forward Bedlington's defenders resorted to dishing out a number of niggly little fouls. From one Armstrong placed a great cross onto the head of Bogie, but he could only manage to head the ball wide of the far post.

In the eighth minute Bedlington took the lead when Little won the ball in midfield before sending the ball forward and into the path of Young who picked his spot before slotting the ball past Carmichael.

RCA were stunned by this and Bedlington tried to take advantage. Five minutes after the goal J Nellis made a great run down the left before crossing into the box and it took a great block by Preston to deny Scott. Minutes later and Bythway was called upon to head clear a Bedlington free kick with both Young and Scott waiting for the slightest mistake.

RCA managed to weather the storm and started to get their passing game back on track Davis and Charlton were starting to get some joy on the right and when Davis got past the last defender his cross into the box was hastily cleared for a corner by Watson. Larkin took the corner quickly, curling the ball onto the head of Bogie; the ball was punched clear by Staples fell to Jury who crossed back in to Armstrong, but he fired wide from a good position.

How RCA didn't equalise two minutes later was down to a superb save by Staples, Davis overlapping run was seen by Charlton who played in his team mate, his cross was met by Armstrong who from two yards out tried to place the ball in the bottom corner but somehow Staples managed to get a hand to the ball to prevent a certain goal.

However in RCA's next attack Charlton was fouled in the penalty area as he burst past two defenders, got to the ball first but was caught by both the keeper and the covering defender. Larkin stepped up and placed his penalty kick into the bottom corner.

Two minutes later and another surging run by Charlton into the box was stopped with a brilliantly timed tackle by Little.

RCA had taken the game by the scruff of the neck and were attacking constantly, when they pass and move like this very few teams can live with them and it was only some good defending that kept the scores level.

On the half hour a cross from Charlton into the box was met by Bogie but he could only steer his header wide of the upright, then an Armstrong freekick found Preston on the edge of the box, the RCA defender's shot was blocked and fell to Larkin who played in Armstrong but he sent his shot over the bar.

As half time appoached RCA produced the best move of the game when Wood picked up a loose ball in the centre of midfield, slipped the ball to Charlton who passed the ball out to the right where Davis took the ball on before squaring back into the box where Wood sent a crashing volley against the upright and out for a goalkick.

RCA began the second half  as they finished the first with a fast flowing move down the left which saw Jury sweep the ball out to Armstrong, he switched play to Charlton who raced onto the ball but fired well over the bar.

Bedlington, in an attempt to stem the flow of RCA's forward play started to play the ball long, effectively cutting out the midfield, it almost paid off in the 50th minute when Morton sent a defensive clearance into the RCA half where it was picked up by McGorrigan who found himself in acres of space and time to get a shot on target, but Carmichael was able save fairly comfortably.

The game was beginning to get very competitive which led to a number of poor challenges. From a freekick taken by Armstrong, Bogie controlled the ball and laid it on for Charlton, but his shot was blocked by Morton and cleared up field.

RCA took the lead in the 65th minute when Charlton and Davis combined yet again down the right. The cross by Davis to the far post was met by Armstrong who managed to squeeze in a shot past Staples and into the net. Both Armstrong and Staples needed treatment after colliding with the post.

Bedlington responded possitively from this set back with Little and Morton driving them forward and it took a great tackle from Preston to stop J Nellis as he burst into the RCA box.

In the 75th minute Staples was brought into action again this time producing a magnificent save from Weldon after the RCA substitute was set up by Wood.

Two minutes later RCA extended their lead when Brown shifted the ball to Davis on the right. He played the ball forward to Bogie who chested the ball down before turning and shooting into the bottom corner of the net past the outstretched reach of Staples.

With 10 minutes remaining RCA put the game beyond doubt when Wood spotted another great run from Larkin. The RCA striker picked up the ball on the right, looked up and measure a perfect cross onto the head of Bogie who steered the ball home from six yards out.

RCA controlled the the final minutes of the game, passing the ball to great effect and leaving Bedlington with little chance to get anything from the game.

This was another very good team performance from RCA. Everyone in the squad played their part in achieving the required result in this important match.

Next up is a massive relegation match with Billingham Sythonia at Meadow Park, this game could be the defining match of the season for both clubs.

Tuesday, 17 March 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA: Bogie,  Synners: Hughes.

For only the second time this season RCA were able to announce an unchanged starting 11, however there were changes on the bench with the return of Hughes, Megran and Morris replacing Weldon, Shields and Coe.

Currently Billingham Synthonia are 20th and RCA 21st in the league and both teams were looking to gain maximum points from this encounter to try and easy their relegation worries.

RCA elected to kick up the slope in the first half and as expected the opening minutes of the game were fast and furious with both teams looking to attack at every opportunity.

As early as the fourth minute RCA had their first real chance of the half when Charlton burst into the box, dribbled past two defenders before stabbing the ball goalwards. The ball was well saved at the foot of the post by Burke.

From Burke’s goalkick the play switched to the other end and Synners almost took the lead when leading goalscorer Sweet moved onto a pass from Edwards, slipped the ball past the advancing Carmichael and watched agonisingly as it struck the far post and Davis was on hand to clear the ball off the line.

The play switched back to the other end where Charlton won a freekick in a promising position on the edge of the box. Armstrong swung the ball into area but Burke, as he was to do many times tonight, came out to collect fairly easily.

RCA were starting to look the better team as they moved the ball quickly and were creating some half chances. In the 13th minute, a corner, taken by Armstrong was met by Preston who fired in a low drive which was blocked by J Rowbotham.

In what was auguably the best move of the first half Jury intercepted a Synners' pass, played a quick one-two with Armstrong before moving forward to unleash a terrific low drive which Burke saved brilliantly. The ball rebounded towards Larkin but he could not get sufficient power in his header and the ball drifted out to Charlton who smashed a volley straight at J Rowbotham and the danger was averted.

Synners were being pushed back and when Carter was put under pressure inside his own penalty area he blasted the ball straight into the face of Bogie and away for a goal kick, it so easily could have rebounded into the net.

RCA continued with their passing game, looking for that all important opening goal. Bogie, who was causing some problems for the Synners defence, was brought down by D Rowbotham on the edge of the area, Armstrong again took the kick curling it toward goal, but J Rowbotham headed clear.

In the 20th minute Synners won a corner on the left. It was swung into the box where Alexander got up well to power a header down which Preston blocked with his thigh before clearing, the referee waving away appeals that it had struck the defenders hand.

It was Synners' turn to push forward and put pressure on the RCA defence, a good ball out of defence by Marron found Hughes on the right, he attacked at pace, dribbling into the area before shooting low but Bythway was able to deflect it wide of the target for a corner.

During a lull in the frenetic pace of the game RCA had a chance to open the scoring. Davis and Charlton combined on the right and the final cross into the box by Davis was met perfectly by Larkin but his header was expertly saved by Burke.

The game continued to flow and it was Synners who created the next chance. Edwards played the ball forward to Sweet who played the ball to Alexander he spun and shot in the same movement forcing a good save from Carmichael. Synners were starting to exploit the advantage of the slope and when Hughes curled in a cross from the right the ball went untouched across the face of the goal; any touch would almost certainly have meant a goal. Then a minute later Sweet collecting a pass from Edwards stabbed a shot towards the goal from a corner but Carmichael saved easily.

The crowd of 127 had hardly returned to their viewing positions when Synners opened the scoring. While RCA appealed for a foul on Charlton, Hughes picked up the loose ball and with acres of open space in front of him he let fly with a tremendous shot from 25 yards which screamed into the top corner of the net. As Synners players celebrated RCA were reduced to 10 men when Armstrong was dismissed by, Premiership Official, Mike McDonough for his, shall we say, over zealous reaction to the decision not to award a freekick to RCA and his poor choice of words towards the referee.

Synners tried to take advantage of the their extra man by switching play and making RCA work hard to get a hold of the ball, on the hour mark Hughes played a through ball into the path of Edwards who sent in a driven effort which Carmichael was pleased to palm away and Davis cleared the danger.

Two minutes later and Sweet almost doubled Synners lead when he cut inside from the left wing before unleashing a terrific effort which went narrowly wide of the upright.

RCA, slightly against the run of play, equalised when Wood played the ball into the Synners penalty area, Bogie collected the ball, dummied three Synners players before slamming the ball into the net at the near post with Burke unable to get a touch on it.

This instilled some belief into the RCA team and they started to pressure the Teessiders without really creating any clear cut chances.

In the 70th minute Sweet won a corner on the right when his persistence paid off and Jury was forced to concede, the kick was floated into the penalty area where D Rowbotham headed the ball down, Preston and Bythway between them were able to clear the ball.

At this point RCA looked happy to settle for a point, but were still pushing forward in an attempt to break the dead-lock, at times it was difficult to see who had the ten men as RCA’s work-rate was unbelievable.

Synners, who really didn’t want the draw, were also playing attacking football and in the 75th minute were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box Hughes stepped up and fired a shot over the wall but Carmichael managed to palm it to safety and once again Davis cleared up.

RCA were throwing caution to the wind now. Jury won a corner on the right, Brown took it and his cross was forced away for another corner, this one from the opposite side of the pitch was curled in by Wood and was defended by McNab at the expense of another corner which was headed over by Bogie.

Burke took the goal kick and in doing so slipped; the ball fell to Larkin 40 yards out on the right wing and he sent a speculative chip shot goal-wards, luckily for the Synners keeper the ball landed on the roof of the net.

As the game entered the final five minutes RCA could and should have won the game. Hughes looked to be caught by D Rowbotham inside the penalty area but the referee waved RCA’s appeals away. Then in the last minute of the game RCA won a freekick on the edge of the box Megran placed the ball and seeing Hughes running into space took the kick quickly, Hughes slotted the ball past Burke into the net, however Mr McDonough had blown for the kick to be retaken as the ball was moving. The retaken kick was deflected out for a corner.

Deep into injury time Synners almost dealt RCA a knock-out blow when a cross from Edwards on the right took a wicked deflection off an RCA defender, looped up in the air and looked to be heading for the top corner, but Carmichael made a magnificent one handed save to keep the match all square.

The result was probably better for us than for Synners, but it could have been oh so different if a) we had maintained discipline and kept 11 players on the pitch and b) the second, perfectly good, goal had stood.

We once again showed that when we pass the ball we are as good as any team in the league. If you look at these two sides tonight battling it out to stave off relegation you wonder why they are in the position they are, both teams have the players, the commitment and the attitude to be much higher up this league.

Next up an away day at Newcastle Benfield on Saturday.

Michael Charlton leads an attack in the first half of the match.

Saturday, 21 March 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goal scorers: SRCA none Benfield: Brayson, Taylor

Please click here for some match photos.

RCA were undefeated in their last four games going into this match against a much improved Newcastle Benfield team who have climbed steadily up the league since we defeated them at Meadow Park earlier in the season.

The management team made three changes to the team who earned a draw against fellow strugglers Billingham Synthonia on Tuesday, in came Brown, Megran and Callen to replace Rowe, Armstrong and Wood.

In the first minute of the game RCA were unlucky when a long ball forward caught the home team out and as the ball bobbled in the penalty area Bogie got his foot to the ball, but Grainger was able to get across to pluck the ball out of the air before it crossed the line.

After that initial burst the game settled down with both teams looking to play the ball along the bottom to feet.

In the eighth minute Benfield were awarded a free kick when Brayson was fouled. Scorgie took the kick firing through the wall but Carmichael saw the ball all the way and parried to his right. Baptiste following up fired wide of the target.

A minute later and some good passing move between Benfield’s Riley, Brayson and Convery saw the ball moved quickly forward into the path of Scorgie. His initial shot was blocked by Preston, the rebound shot was headed away by Bythway and the final shot from Brayson was saved by Carmichael.

RCA responded almost immediately, Brown clipped the ball forward to Bogie, who under pressure slid the ball into the path of Charlton who burst past the Benfield defence and into the box but shot wide of the target.

As in most of RCA games recently the ball was moved from end to end quickly and both defences were coming under pressure. A great block by Preston stopped another Brayson shot and then at the other end Bogie latched onto a flick from Callen, but also missed the goal.

The game was stopped for three minutes for an injury to RCA goalkeeper Carmichael who looked to hurt his shoulder stretching for the ball in the previous attack. He was declared fit to continue.

In an effort to keep the ball away from their keeper RCA tried to play possession football and to some effect. It wasn’t until the 25 minute that they created their next attempt on goal. Callen picked the ball up on the left, cut inside before squaring the ball to Megran who side footed into the path of Jury but the RCA captain shot wide of the upright.

RCA continued to push forward and on the half hour mark were awarded a free kick when Bogie was fouled. Megran took the kick which Tobin headed away, but the ball fell to Bogie who stabbed the ball toward goal forcing a great save from Grainger to deny the RCA striker.

The game switched to the other end where yet another free kick was conceded. Brayson lined it up but fired well over the bar from 25 yards out.

The game changed in the 37th minute when Jury was adjudged to have fouled Riley as the winger cut into the box and the referee pointed to the spot. On a day of controversial refereeing decisions at a higher level this was a soft penalty decision, up stepped Brayson to slam the ball home to make it 1 - 0.

RCA almost got back on level terms in the final minute of the half, a free kick on the edge of the box was taken by Bythway, the ball hit the wall and rebounded to the RCA defender who then lobbed the ball over the wall and Grainger but landed on the roof of the net.

The second half opened very quietly with neither team taking control and it wasn’t until the 65 minute that any efforts were recorded on goal and it was RCA’s Bogie who sent a 40 yard shot thundering toward the top corner of the net only for Grainger to get across and tip it round the post for a corner.

Davis and Charlton combined down the right to set up Bogie, but Tobin got to the ball first and cleared.

In the 70th minute Benfield made it 2 - 0 when a long ball into the area was met by Brayson; his low drive was superbly saved by Carmichael, but substitute Taylor was quickest to react and stabbed the ball home from close range.

RCA continued to try to get back into the game and when Bogie set up Callen it looked almost certain that they would reduce the arrears but Callen’s shot struck Turnbull and went inches wide of the post.

Benfield, with a 2 - 0 cushion sat back and soaked up the pressure exerted by RCA and counter attacked when they could.

The game drifted to its conclusion with few chances from either team in the final 15 minutes. RCA were reduced to long range efforts which were easily dealt with by Grainger in the Benfield goal.

This was always going to be a toughie for RCA and Benfield did not disappoint. They are a good, young fit team who play good football.

The game was a little bit stop start with a lot of free kicks given away by both teams.

All in all Benfield probably deserved to win on the day we would say that a soft penalty decision has undone us today. Next up Penrith away on Wednesday, 7:45pm kick off and another team who seem to have turned a corner since we beat them earlier in the season.

Wednesday, 25 March 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscoreres: Penrith: Coleman,   SRCA: Armstrong.

RCA were without both Manager (holiday) and Assistant Manager (work commitments) for tonight's crucial EBAC Northern League match away to Penrith. In their absence Ian Smith (Head coach), selected the team. Lee Bythway passed a late fitness test and took his place alongside Ross Preston at the heart of RCA's defence, James Armstrong returned to the team to replace Keiran Megran and Joe Hughes started the game in place of the injured Colin Larkin.

A draw in this match would see RCA move out of the bottom three for the first time in 2015.

The opening exchanges of this game were very even as both teams looked to test each other out, a long ball from Paul towards Coleman brought RCA’s keeper Carmichael into the action bravely coming out to smother ball at the feet of the Penrith striker.

Then a speculative ball forward by Jury sent Hughes off on a run but the ball bounced awkwardly and the chance of a shot on goal disappeared.

In the 13th minute Davis played the ball forward to Charlton who slipped past his marker before sending a cross which was put out for a corner by Smith, the resulting corner, taken by Armstrong, caused panic in the Penrith defence as the whipped in ball evaded everyone inside the six yard area and went tamely through for a goal kick.

RCA took the lead four minutes later when Davis was fouled 25 yards out. Armstrong lined up the kick and curled a magnificent shot into the top corner of the net giving Richardson in the Penrith goal no chance.

The pace of the game was fast and the ball was being switched from end to end quickly, neither team were allowed time to settle on the ball.

A well placed pass from Davis to Bogie saw RCA open up the Penrith defence again as Bogie squeezed the ball into the path of Hughes and it took a great covering tackle by Hope to deny the RCA frontman.

In the 28th minute Penrith were level, an RCA attack on the left broke down near the corner flag, Paul winning the ball played it to Bell who curled a 40 yard pass up the touchline and into the path of Coleman, the Penrith danger man surged into the box, moved the ball onto his right foot and powered in a stunning shot which flew past Carmichael and inside the far post.

Both teams continued to work hard to deny space and time on the ball and restricted their respective opponents to long range efforts which didn’t trouble either keeper.

As half time approached RCA were denied a goal by a brilliant one handed save from Richardson, Brown had won the ball in midfield and threaded a pass to Callen who unleased a terrific shot which was heading for the top corner until intercepted by the Penrith stopper.

The second half saw both teams start cautiously and the game became bogged down in a midfield battle, there was always the threat of Coleman doing something special for Penrith although he was well marshalled for the most part by Preston and Bythway, while Bogie and Callen where keeping the home defence busy from time to time.

As the game started to open up chances started to be created, the first of the second fell to Hughes who was given the ball by Armstrong, the forward ran into the box before attempting to shoot but the ball went wide of the target.

Penrith were a little shaken by this and started to send the ball forward with more purpose, mainly aiming for Coleman who was showing great strength to hold the ball up and in the 59th minute the striker managed to shrug off the challenge of Jury before firing straight at Carmichael.

Davis and Charlton were still getting some success down the right and on the hour mark Charlton, released by Davis found himself in space on the right his cross, meant for Bogie was cut out by Richardson who then sent a long ball forward to Coleman who controlled the ball before turning and firing in a low drive which went wide of the post.

Penrith were starting to exert some pressure on the RCA defence, a long throw in the 62 minute caused panic as the ball was headed on by Kelly to Coleman who found Elliott in a great position at the back post, but from inside the six yard area he could only stab the ball wide under pressure from Davis.

RCA responded with a half chance at the other end, Davis sent a diagonal ball toward Callen on the edge of the box, he chested the ball into the path of substitute Wood who sliced his shot wide of the target.

In the 68th minute a Penrith corner was punched clear by Carmichael, the ball fell to Kelly who slipped the ball inside to Jackson who fired in an rising effort which Carmichael saved quite comfortably.

The closer it got to the end of the game the more frantic both teams were becoming to try and conjure up a winning goal, Bogie, picking the ball up from Armstrong ran to the bye-line before crossing into the box but the ball was behind both Callen and Armstrong and Penrith cleared.

The game switched to the other end where Elliott played a great ball in to Coleman who played the ball out wide to Bell, he measured a floating ball back into the box toward Jackson but Preston managed to head clear to avert the danger.

As in the first half the game became a little scrappy as both teams started to tire, a shot from Charlton went wide and then Wood and Bogie almost combine to get the winner with the goalkeeper hopelessly out of position but Paul was able to clear up.

RCA went close in the final minutes of the game when a cross from Coe was met by Callen who managed to square the ball into the path of Jury but the RCA Captain had a rush of blood to the head and fired well over the bar.

This was the last real action of the game although the last minute was fast and furious with both teams looking to try and get a winner but not wanting to make the mistake that might gift the game to the opposition, stalemate ensued.

This was a massive point for the team and indeed does take us out of the bottom three.

Once again the whole squad showed their commitment to the cause and in a competitive match, they equalled if not bettered their opponents on the night. Also a massive thanks to Smudge and Larks for their efforts and input before during and after the game. (Pity the Secret shopper seems to have been absent tonight as it wouls have been straight 5's).

Next up is a trip to Marske (by the Sea) on Saturday where any sort of a result in our favour will be a big big bonus.

Saturday, 28 March 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA:  Hughes,  Marske: Brunskill (2), Owens.

RCA, without the services of Michael Charlton (family commitment), made a number of changes to the team who earned a draw at Penrith on Wednesday, in came Richardson, Wood and Larkin to replace, Charlton, Davis and Hughes.

High flying Marske United FC were looking to increase their chances of a top three finish and maintain the pressure on the teams at the top.

The one factor which destroyed any chance of good football today was the weather, with a gale force wind to contend with the players, at times, did well just to keep upright.

Marske took advantage of the wind in the first half and used it, in the early stages, to good effect putting the RCA defence under pressure by sending long balls forward into the heart of the penalty area.

The wind, if anything, was getting stronger as the half progressed and RCA were finding it difficult to get th ball out of their own half.

Marske had a few half chances in the opening 15 minutes, but with the ball running away from the strikers the shots went halmlessly wide of Carmichael's  goal.

Inevitably, Marske took the lead in the 19th minute when a freekick from O'Sullivan went straight over the top of everyone's head and landed in front of Owens who took controll of the ball before firing low past Carmichael.

Within minutes it was 2 - 0. A long throw-in from O'Sullivan was partially cleared by Preston, the reaction header by Owens was headed off the line by Bythway, but Brunskill on the edge of the six yeard area made no mistake with his header which rocketed into the top corner of the net.

With the game getting scrappier by the minute and the wind showing no signs of abating there was little in the way of goalmouth action and neither keeper was called on until the 40th minute when another long ball out of defence by Marske fell kindly for Garvie who struck a tremendous drive which Carmichael did well to turn round the post for a corner.

RCA were also trying to get some sort of passing game together. A slick move between Larkin and Wood set Callen away into the box, he beat one defender and in the process of turning to get a cross looked to be fouled, however the referee wave away the strong RCA protests and the ball was cleared.

In the final minute of the half it took some good defending to stop Marske taking a three goal lead. A corner to the back post was headed back towards into the six yard box by Johnston. Garvie was the first to react but his shot was blocked by Jury.

RCA started the second half on the attack and in the 47th minute were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box, Armstrong took the kick and Dean saved.

Minutes later RCA were awarded another free kick on the edge of the box. This time Bythway took the kick which hit the wall,  rebounded to Bythway who played the ball out wide Bogie who tried to side foot his shot home but Dean saved, this time the rebound fell to Wood but his effort on goal was blocked for a corner.

With RCA pressing forward looking to get something out of the game they were leaving space at the back, Brunskill almost exploited it in the 58th minute when he ran onto a long clearance from Johnston before sending in a shot which well over the bar.

Within a minute of this incident and Marske wrapped up all three points as they swept forward, the ball played out to the left where Kelly moved forward before sending in a tantalising cross which was met by Brunskill who slid the ball home from close range to make it 3-0.  

RCA kept plugging away, but with the wind dying down it looked fairly comfortable for Marske as the game progressed.

In the 84th minute RCA got a late consolation goal when Larkin slid the ball into Hughes who turned the defender before stabbing the ball past a bewildered Dean and into the far corner of the net.

Another goal might have caused a few hearts to flutter in the Marske dug out, but Dean was able to deal with everything that came his way in the final five minutes. 

RCA weren't helped by the windy condition today but in all honesty they were beaten by a team brimming with confidence and two in form strikers.

Had the penalty been awarded near the end of the first half then the game may have taken a different course, we will never know.

We play Maske again on Tuesday night when hopefully there will be less wind, but no promises. 

Tuesday, 31 March 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA:   Charlton (2), Hughes.     Marske: Kelly, Gott, Brunskill

Injuries sustained in Saturday’s defeat against tonight’s opponents Marske United FC meant that both Larkin and Bogie were unavailable for selection and were replaced with Hughes and Charlton.

Once again the players were met with challenging weather conditions as the Meadow Park ground was battered with rain, sleet and a very strong wind.

Unlike Saturday, RCA had the advantage of the wind and the slope in the first half but it was the visitors who had the first attack when Owens slipped the ball to Brunskill from a long thow by O’Sullivan, but the Marske striker fired wide.

From the goal kick, Carmichael launched RCA’s first attack, the long kick was controlled eventually by Callen who fired in a 25 yard shot which Dean held comfortably.

As with the meeting on Saturday, Marske utilised the long throw of O’Sullivan to good effect and in the seventh minute were unlucky not to capitalise on the indecisiveness of the RCA defence when he launched the ball into the box but it evaded everyone and went straight through for a goal kick.

RCA took the lead in the 12th minute when they were awarded a freekick for a foul on Woods. Bythway took the kick steering it over the wall, Dean produced a great save low down to his left but Charlton pounced onto the loose ball and from an acute angle squeezed the ball home via the far post.

Within a minute Carmichael was called upon to make a terrific diving save from a header by Brunskill. Then minutes later the Marske striker was deemed to have fouled Carmichael before slotting into an empty net and the goal was disallowed.

In the 24th minute Marske were awarded a freekick 35 yards out. O’Sullivan’s kick was defended by Preston and the long clearance was picked up by Hughes, he cut inside beating his marker before exquisitely curling a 20 yard shot into the top corner of the net out of the reach of Dean.

Bouyed by this goal RCA started to put even more pressure on the Marske defence and it took some magnificent saves from Dean to keep the score line down.

On the half hour Wood picked himself up, after being fouled yet again by Johnston, to take the resulting freekick and it took a superb save from Dean to tip the ball round the post for a corner.

A minute later and Johnston was booked for a crunching tackle on Wood. Bythway took this freekick and played the ball in to Callen who blasted in a shot which was tipped round the post for yet another corner.

With the pressure mounting it looked likely that RCA would increase their lead as Marske seemed unable to get the ball clear in the high wind.

A quickly taken throw in from Brown sent Hughes clear of the Marske defence but his well struck shot hit Dean on the shin and went behind for another corner.

Having weathered the storm, if not the windy conditions, Marske started to play some good football and in the 40th minute Gott played a lovely ball through to Owens but the Striker hit the ball hopelessly wide under pressure from Jury.

In the final minute of the half an off the ball incident between Jury and Wheatley resulted in them both being booked. The score-line was a complete reversal of the half time score on Saturday.

With the advantage of the wind in the second half Marske started strongly and within a minute Owens fired over the bar after some good work down the left by Wright.

Five minutes later and Gott picked up a loose ball in midfield before sending it forward to Owen who hit it first time on the volley but Carmichael was able to make the save.

A poorly timed tackle by Woods on Bott started another tussle in which both players were cautioned.

Marske made immediate substitutions replacing their two cautioned players while RCA replaced the injured Brown with Rowe.

Within a minute of these changes RCA went 3 – 0 up, a throw-in on the right was flicked forward by Megran into the path of Charlton who sprinted past the Marske defence before slotting the ball past the advancing Dean and into the bottom corner of the net.

More was to follow, in the 70th minute RCA were awarded a penalty when Hughes raced into the box and a Marske defender made a rash challenge on the striker. RCA’s usual penalty takers were not on the pitch and so it fell to Megran to step up to take this one, Dean produced a great save diving to his left to push the ball round the post for a corner.

Marske seemed to take heart from this and once again went on the attack, this time a shot from Owen was on target and looked to be easily saved by Carmichael under pressure from Kelly. As the keeper got to his feet the Assistant Referee signalled that the ball had crossed the line and awarded a goal. This instigated a stormy protest from the RCA players and Carmichael received a caution for dissent.

From the kick off RCA mounted a good attacking move with Rowe feeding the ball to Charlton who cut inside before shooting straight at Dean. The Marske keeper wasted no time in sending the ball forward toward Brunskill who flicked the ball on; inexplicably Bythway used his arm to stop the ball and a penalty was awarded to Marske. Gott made no mistake with the spot kick and with 15 minute to go it was 3 – 2 and game on again.

RCA from being comfortably in the lead were now on the back foot and having to defend in numbers, however Marske were not able to produce any meaningful attacks instead pumping balls forward which Preston and the rest of the RCA defence looked fairly comfortable with.

Disaster struck in the final minute of normal time when Butterworth picked up the ball on the right wing, cut inside and hit a shot which hit the inside of the post and rebounded into the path of Brunskill who hammered home from close range.

It could have gotten even worse a minute later when Marske were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box but the cross into the area was cleared by Richardson and the game ended all square.

RCA could not be faulted for their effort in this match, they were the better team for 70 minutes, but this is a hard league and teams will punish the slightest mistake. Tonight luck was on the side of Marske especially with the second goal.

RCA’s manager Martin Swales was philosophical after the match “Obviously I am gutted for the whole team, they really put a shift in tonight. Until Marske’s disputed goal we looked the better team. If we hadn’t conceded to second goal so quickly I think we would have gone on to win the match. Having said that I have to be honest and say I would have taken a point before the game started. This result puts more pressure on Synners and West Allotment, they need to get results in their final games now.”

Next up the crunch match against Billingham Synthonia FC on Saturday.

RCA winger Michael Charlton in determined competition for the ball with Synthonia's ex-RCA man Tom Marron.

Saturday, 4 April 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goals Scoreres: SRCA: Larkin, Callen, Davis.  Synners: Sweet.

Please click here for photos from the match.

RCA travelled down the A19 to Billingham Synthonia's Motif8 Stadium for this all important Ebac Northern League fixture. With the two teams occupying 19th and 20th positions it promised to be a nail-biting affair.

The manager made only one change to the team that played so magnificently on Tuesday against Marske United with fit again Colin Larkin replacing Joseph Hughes.

Two players were making the 100 appearances today, Ross Preston for RCA and Steven Huggins for Billingham Synthonia.

In beautiful conditions, a far cry from the last two matches, RCA made a good start, an early freekick on the edge of the box was lined up by Bythway but uncharacteristically he fired over the bar.

Two minutes into the game and a long ball forward from ex-RCA player McNab was flicked on by by another ex-RCA player Marron into the path of Newby but he blazed the ball wide of the target.

A great flowing move by RCA exposed Synners, Wood and Megran combined on the right before wood played a wonderful ball through to Callen but Burke saved well to deny the opening goal. 

CA took the lead three minutes later when they were awarded a free kick just inside the Billingham half, Bythway took the kick sending it low to Larkin who controlled it turned and fired in a tremendous drive which gave Burke no chance as it rocketed into the top corner of the net.

Synners responded with an equaliser in the 17th minute, a cross field run by Hughes saw him drift past three defenders before passing the ball into the penalty area to Edwards who was fouled by Wood and the referee pointed to the spot. Sweet stepped up to power home to record his 34th goal of the season.

RCA looked to regroup after this setback and the game got a little tied down in midfield, in the 25th minute another flowing move from RCA saw Charlton pick up the ball on the left, play the ball to Jury who side footed it to Megran who tried to set up Wood but some excellent defending by Rowbotham blocked the wingers progress.

In RCA's next attack Callen was fouled, Bythway launched the kick into the box where it was met by Abel who headed it out but only as far as Charlton who set the ball up for Larkin but once again Rowbiotham was able to get in a block and the ball was cleared.

On the half hour Synners almost took the lead, RCA were caught in possession from a throw in and the ball was moved quickly to the other end of the pitch where Hughes picked up the ball before crossing into the path of Marron but he fired wide of the post. The same combination almost produced a goal, Hughes took a right wing corner which went to the far side of the box where Marron was waiting, luckily for RCA Richardson was able to get his body in the way to deflect the shot for another corner. 

After these two scares RCA produced two chances of their own, Wood on the right wing sent in a cross which forced Burke to tip onto the bar and the ball was scrambled away for a corner. Megran took a short corner to Charlton who drove it low into the box where Callen reacted before the Synners defence to get a touch on the ball which steered it into the bottom corner under the body of Burke.

The second half started fairly quietly, RCA were forced to make a substitution with Joe Hughes replacing the injured Charlton.

Almost immediately Joe Hughes was in action as he picked up a ball from Jury, burst past two defenders before forcing a fine save from Burke.

The home team responded from the keepers throw out to Bettson, he found Sweet who laid the ball off to Newby who fired in a dipping shot which went just over the bar.

In the 62nd minute, RCA increased their lead when J Hughes again raced into the opposition penalty area after receiving a return pass from Callen, he looked up and sent the ball across the face of goal to Davis who blasted the ball into the net from close range.

RCA where back in control of the game and reduced the synners attack to long range efforts, a corner was headed away by Bythway and fell to Huggins who missed the target from 25 yards out.

Within minute that man J Hughes was in the thick of the action again receiving a pass from Callen he turned and dribbled his way into a shooting position but Burke was able to make a comfortable save. Then a through ball from Jury found the speedy striker but once again Burke made the save to deny J Hughes.

Synners only real chance of the second half came when a ball into the box from K Hughes was flicked on by Edwards to Sweet but the Synners star striker could only watch as Carmichael tipped the ball wide for a corner.

The game looked to have run its course as neither team produced any real chances until the final minutes of the game, a Megran corner was sent to the far post where Davis met it with a sweet volley which bounced to safety off Burke's legs and in the final minute of the game Sweet played in K Hughes but he shot just past the post.

Another good display by the lads; under pressure to produce the goods they did not disappoint. this result almsot certainly means first division survival. Mathematically Synners can still catch us but they will need to win both their games against Penrith and Morpeth.

We need to get 1 point from our remaining 6 matches which, given our performances of late, should not be to difficult.

Next up on Tuesday, Ashington AFC at Meadow Park. 7.30pm kick off.

Tuesday, 7 April 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers:  SRCA: None,  Ashington: Taylor (2), Stephenson, Williamson.

Injuries once again played a big part in the selection of the team to face Steve Harmiston's rejuvenated Ashington side. Wood and Larkin were both casualties of Saturday's match and were replaced by Hughes and Davis. Charlton passed a late fitness test on a calf injury.

Ashington started with the advantage of the slope in the first half and were soon on the attack. A ball from Downey found Johnson on the left and his driven cross was sliced clear for a corner by Brown. Ashington took the corner short and caused panic in the RCA defence but eventually the ball was cleared by Preston.

Ashington took the lead in the sixth minute after a foul on Johnson. Williamson took the freekick and whipped it into the six hard area where Taylor was on hand to deftly head past Carmichael.

RCA almost equalised immediately from the kick off, Megran sending the ball forward for Hughes who broke through two challenges before sliding the ball to Charlton who crossed to Callen, but Grant was able to make the save at the second attempt.

In the 10th minute Ashington were awarded a freekick in almost an identical position to the one that they scored from; again Williamson took the kick, this time Carmichael was able to punch clear but in the process was injured as Taylor and Bythway challenged for the same ball.

RCA looked to be weathering the storm to some extent and when Hughes was fouled on the edge of the box it gave them an opportunity to regroup. Bythway fired the ball into the wall and it was cleared, but only as far as Charlton who switched the play to the other side of the pitch where Jury picked up the ball before crossing into the box to Callen but he scuffed his shot and it fell into the open arms of Grant.

Back came Ashington, a long throw on the right was was headed down by Taykor into the path of  Loughborough who fired just past the post, the resulting goalkick was met by Harmiston who sent the ball forward down the left to Johnson who once again looked to have acres of space before crossing into the box where Taylor was unmarked at the far post to slot home to make it 2-0.

RCA tried to get back into the game and had a great chance in the 23rd minute. A Megran freekick found Davis free at the far post, he elected to pass inside to Callen who once again fired straight at Grant.

RCA's best chance of the half came on the half hour mark when Callen won the ball in the air, and Hughes pounced onto it, dribbled into the box before curling a shot toward the far post but Oliver was on hand to clear off the line.

In their best spell of the game RCA looked capable of getting back into the game, but when Hughes fired over when in a good position it seemed to re-ignite Ashington.

They poured forward in the final five minutes of the half, a long clearnce by Grant was flicked on by Taylor to Johnson who crossed to Stephenson but Preston was able to block the shot and clear.

The relief was short lived as Ashington made it 3 - 0 a minute later. Williamson picked up a cross field pass on the right wing before crossing into the box where Stephenson was on hand to blast home.

In the second half RCA struggled to get any advantage from the slope and although Davis almost broke down a the Ashington defence in the early exchanges the ball was forced away by Harmiston for a corner.

From the corner the ball was quickly sent forward to Williamson who chipped the ball over Carmichael and into the net to effectively kill the game off at 4-0.

Both teams made substitutions in an effort to freshen up the game, but it became a midfield  battle with few clear cut chances.

In the 75th minute RCA were awarded a freekick 30 yards out which was taken by Armstrong. Ashington elected not to form a wall and almost rued the decision as the RCA substitute hit a terrific shot which swerved viciously forcing a great save from Grant and the Ashingto defence cleared the ball.

In the final flurry of the half Bogie picked up the ball on the left, cut inside before thundering a shot against the near post, the ball came back to him and he inexplicably sent a pass into the centre of midfield where Loughborough picked it up and sent the ball forward to Johnson who looked certain to score, but substitute goalkeeper Morris was able to get a hand on the ball deflecting it wide of the far post.

It has to be said that Ashington have well and truly turned a corner, they are a different team to the one that we played only a few weeks ago, full of confidence going forward and solid at the back.

RCA on the other hand looked a little jaded and it is possible that the events of the weekend have caught up on them. Where we have shown a great competitive spirit and togetherness in recent games, that was missing tonight, and Ashington exploited our weaknesses to great effect.  

As another result went in our favour, i.e. Celtic Nation losing, we only need three points from out final five games to guarantee First Division survival.

It will not be an easy game on Saturday against an improving Crook Town team who have nothing to lose. There will also be injury worries over Carmichael, Callen, Wood, Larkin and Charlton,  five first team squad players.

Saturday, 11 April 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers:  SRCA: Hughes (2), Davis (2).  Crook: None.

RCA travelled to bottom team Crook Town for this crucial Northern League Division 1 relegation battle. Already relegated, Crook Town are in the process of a massive re-building exercise under the managership of Peter Mulcaster and ex-RCA defender Gary Anderson so would be looking to put up a good performance.

The RCA management had selection problems ahead of the match with regular first choice keeper Josh Carmichael declared unfit to play after sustaining a back, thigh and groin injury in the match against Ashington; his place was taken by Carl Morris. James Rowe came in for Kieran Megran and Colin Larkin returned from injury to replace Luke Richardson. The whole team was re-shuffled with Jury back in his familiar right back spot, Bythway moved to left back, and Brown switched into the centre of defence, Larkin would partner Hughes up front and Callen moved to a wider left position.

The game stared in bright sunshine, but a cold wind blowing across the pitch was causing problems for the players. RCA were quickly on the attack and grabbed an all important early lead to settle the nerves. A long punt up field from Morris was flicked on by Callen and Hughes shrugged off his marker before blasting the ball past Graham.

Crook didn't seem to have any answer to the pace of the RCA forwards and in their next attack Davis showed his marker a clean pair of heels before crossing in from the right into the path of Larkin, but the striker's clipped shot went into the side netting.

The home team were finding it difficult to move the ball into the visitors' half of the field, however they were almost gifted an opportunity when Brown miskicked a clearance and Morris had to tip the ball round the post for a corner.

In the 17th minute RCA almost doubled their lead when Rowe won the ball in midfiled and sent a beautiful ball forward to Hughes; he controlled the ball before laying it off for Larkin whose sidefooted shot beat Graham, but hit the post and was scrambled clear.

RCA where piling on the pressure and it was only a matter of time before they scored again. Rowe once again was the instigator, threading a pass out to Davis on the right, he beat his marker before crossing into the box where Hughes was on hand to slot home via the post giving Graham no chance.

Three minutes later and another forward pass from Rowe was picked up by Larkin who fired in a long range effort which Graham saved.

Crook's only threat seemed to come via Webster who looked to get the ball forward to Guthrie and Brown, but both forwards were well marked by the RCA defence.

The final 10 minutes of the half produced little in the way of goalmouth incident as RCA looked content with the 2 - 0 scoreline and Crook looked incapable of mustering a strong enough attack to worry the visitors.

The second half started much as the first half started, with RCA taking the game to Crook. An early freekick for RCA saw Bythway step up and fire the ball straight past the wall to Hughes who sidefooted the ball wide of the target when it looked easier to score.

RCA were almost left to rue this miss as Crook surged forward in their first attack of the second period. A crossfield ball from White found Brazaukas in space, but the Crook winger fired well over the bar.

The visitors went straight back up the other end from the goal kick. The ball was flicked on by Callen into the path of Hughes who deceived the Crook defence with some mesmorising quick feet before firing in a shot straight at Graham.

Within minutes the home team supporters must have thought that they had scored as Webster slipped the ball to Lough who cut inside before unleashing a powerful drive which looked to be heading into the bottom corner of the net until Morris, at full stretch, managed to get a hand to the ball and turn it round the post for a corner.

RCA countered this with a spell of possession, taking the sting out of Crook's attack and building up their own momentum.

In the 75th minute they went further ahead. When a cross into the box by Davis was headed away by Winter the ball fell to Coe whose shot was blocked and rebounded to Bythway who, from and acute angle, fired the ball across the face of goal, A Webster cleared the ball off the line, but Davis was on hand to blast the ball home from close range.

Crook tried to get something out of the game and in the 85th minute a freekick by Brown was headed inches wide of the upright by Winter.

RCA finished the scoring in the 88th minute, when Coe and Bythway combined to get the ball forward to Davis who, from the edge of the box, deftly chipped the ball over the home keeper and into the net.

The final results from other games filtered through and as both Billingham Synthonia and Celtic Nation lost it became apparent that RCA were set for another season in the first division.

This was not a classic game and the result was more important than the performance. When Martin and Gee took over the reins we could only pray that we would stay in the first division, to do it with four games still left to play is a testament to the management team and the players' resolve. There was always a belief that team spirit and endeavour would see the team through and so it proved.

We can now look forward to and plan for next season.

Tuesday, 14 April 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA: Davis, Callen.   Whitley Bay: Kempster.

RCA welcomed Whitley Bay to Meadow Park for their re-arranged fixture. With both teams safe for another season there was a chance for the respective managers to look at their team with a view to next season.

RCA management team made only one change from the team who played so well at Crook Town, Bythway being replaced by Richardson at left back. This meant that Morris deservedly retained the number one Jersey after his clean sheet performance at Crook.

The home team took advantage of the slope in the first half but it was the visitors who struck first, a fast paced counter attack in the fourth minute saw the ball moved from Laws to Robinson, he switched the ball wide to Bird who crossed into the box where Kempster was on hand to head home from inside the six yard area.

Four minutes later and a Richardson freekick was headed back across the goal by Davis and Reid, the Bay centre half, forced a great save from his own keeper, McCafferty who tipped the ball over the bar for a corner.

Whitley Bay were starting to threaten through Bird and Robinson and in the 10th minute almost doubled their lead when Bird slipped the ball forward into the path of Watling but the Bay forward's shot was parried away by Morris who picked up the ball at the second attempt.

RCA responded with a flurry of attacks down the slope, Davis picking up a long ball side footed it into the path of Larkin but Laws was able to block and clear. Within a minute RCA were back on the attack this time it was Callen who controlled a pass from Richardson, before setting up Hughes but that man Laws was in the road again. In the next attack Hughes set up Callen who fired in a low shot which McCafferty saved.

With wind starting to play its part in the game the match became a midfield battle which nobody seemed able to win and the ball was rarely in either teams penalty area.

For all their possession RCA could not find the final ball which would unlock the Bay defence.

On the half hour, with the pattern of play established, RCA attack Whitley Bay defend, a great passing move between Jury and Larkin paved the way for Hughes to have a pop at goal, but his shot was well saved by McCafferty.

RCA continued to press but the Bay defence held firm, a freekick on the edge of the box was curled narrowly over the bar by Larkin and then, minutes later a freekick from the opposite of the area was controlled by Callen who spun and shot but Mccafferty was equal to the effort.

Whitley Bay looked to be playing for the half time whistle and the chance to attack down the slope, while RCA continued to look for the equaliser before the break.

The half finished with a near miss, Larkin picked up a quickly taken corner and whipped in a cross which Davis missed by inches as he flung himself forward in a effort to connect.

RCA started the second half as they finished the first, attacking up the slope they created a good chance in the 47th minute Hughes sprinted with the ball into space on the left before checking back and finding Davis on the edge of the box but his shot was easily cleared.

Bay with the advantage of the slope moved forward with more purpose in the second period and when Robinson slipped the ball through to Kempster he hit a terrific shot which Morris did brilliantly to fingertip over the bar. From the resulting corner the ball was driven straight to Laws who hit a first time effort low towards goal but Morris was on hand again, this time saving with his feet, the ball flying wide for another corner.

RCA were awarded a corner of their own two minutes later and Davis took the kick, it was met by Preston who headed past McCafferty, but the ball was headed off the line by Day.

The game was flowing from end to end and it was Whitley Bay who had the next real attack, Robinson burst through two tackles in midfield before squaring to the ball to Bird who set the ball up for Watling but the Bay striker fired wide of the target.

Then came the moment that the home fans had been waiting for, Rowe played the ball to Charlton who ran at the Bay defence before slipping the ball forward into the path of Davis who, cool as you like, slotted the ball home from 12 yards out.

At this point in the game RCA were playing probably their best football of the season, passing and moving, creating space and with that came chances, a good move between Davis and Larkin saw the ball past across to Charlton but Laws was able to block the shot.

Then Larkin set up Callen with a ball over the top but he shot wide of the goal.

With game heading towards the final few minutes RCA conjoured up another great passing move. Rowe won the ball in midfield, Megran picked up the loose ball, sprayed a great pass out to Davis who took the ball forward to towards the bye line before passing it back to Armstrong who fired in a shot cum cross and Callen nipped in to stab the ball home from close range.

The Bay were not finished and they poured forward looking for the equaliser in the final minutes of the game and it took two brilliant headers off the line by Jury to keep the RCA lead in tact.

With the final kick of the game Callen was fed the ball inside the area by Larkin and although he beat the keeper the ball rebounded off the inside of the post and the referee blew for full time.

All in all an entertaining match with RCA deservedly winning against a decent Whitley Bay outfit.

This might send out a strong message to the teams at the top of the league who we still have to play, we have nothing to lose now and are playing with that freedom which comes with confidence.

Next up a hard game against Consett at home.

Joseph Hughes in first half action.

Saturday, 18 April 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA: Hughes, Davis, Bogie. Consett: OG., Walker, Slocombe, Moore, Gray, Mackay.

Please click here for some match photos.

Consett were the visitors to Meadow Park for this EBAC Northern League clash and after the excellent performance against Whitley Bay on Tuesday, expectations were high.

The management team made a number of changes to the team. Richardson was brought in for Brown, Carmichael returned from injury to replace Morris (and probably wished he hadn’t) and Megran was a late replacement for Charlton who pulled up in the pre match warm-up.

Neither team had a lot to play for other than pride, but it did not stop them from serving up an entertaining game for the neutral.

RCA took advantage of the slope in the first half and in almost their first attack took the lead. Jury sent a ball forward to Callen who then passed to Davis who rounded the Longstaff and slotted into the net.

Consett responded with some good interplay between Smith and Nicholls to set up Gray but he fired high over the bar.

The home team looked to have doubled their lead in the 11th minute when Megran raced into the box to receive a pass from Callen but the assistant referee’s flag was up for offside.

With Consett a constant threat on the flanks RCA were finding it difficult to push forward as they were leaving space at the back which the Consett forwards were able to exploit.

However in the 22nd minute, after a spell of Consett pressure, the ball was pumped forward by Preston, skimmed off Madden's head and fell into the path of Hughes who made no mistake from inside the penalty area.

Consett although stunned by this continued to push forward with little success; a freekick from Nicholls was easily cleared by Preston.

Then the miss of the half as Gray skipped past the RCA defence before crossing to Sullivan who was unmarked inside the six yard area but somehow managed to side foot his shot wide.

Back came RCA and when Hughes was fouled 35 yards out RCA substitute Armstrong took the kick curling it to the near post where Davis got his head to the ball but it hit Madden and fell straight into the arms of Longstaff.

The half ended with a long range effort from Gray going wide of the target.

The second half started well for the visitors when they took full advantage of a contentious decision to award a freekick on the edge of the box. The freekick was whipped into the box where Preston headed the ball against Bythway and it deflected into the net to make the score 2-1.

Consett with their tails up looked to capitalise on this stroke of good fortune and pushed forward. Gray, who had been making positive runs all of the first half continued in the second and when he played the ball forward to Craggs it looked like the equaliser was on its way but the Consett forward fired high over the bar.

RCA having held on so far in the second half almost increased their lead when Megran played a great ball into Bogie who clipped a lovely ball into the Davis but his volley was magnificently saved by Longstaff.

The relief was short lived as Consett came back looking for the equaliser, Gray again crossing from the right caused panic in the RCA penalty area until Preston took charge and cleared the ball up field.

Minutes later and a run by Brown on the right wing ended with him squaring the ball to Nicholls but his shot was deflected wide for a corner.

In the 62nd minute Consett equalised, again a little fortuitously, a corner from the right was taken short and the ball was fired into the area where Carmichael made a superb save but as the ball was cleared in the scramble that followed the ball struck Walker and rebounded into the net.

RCA tried to respond to this set back and Davis burst past two defenders before crossing to Armstrong but his header went inches over the bar.

Consett took the lead for the first time in the game with 65 minutes gone when a long ball out of defence was picked up by Sullivan who played the ball into Slocombe and he made no mistake from inside the area.

The visitors were well on top now and only a great save from Carmichael prevented them from extending their lead when Craggs volleyed a Sullivan cross goalwards.

However the relief was short lived as two minutes later Consett increased their lead, another Nicholls corner was headed clear but fell to Gray who turned and fired into the bottom corner of the net.

RCA were in disarray as Consett looked to pile forward at will and in this sort of form would be a match for any Northern League team.

Although RCA battled to get the ball it always seemed top fall to a Consett player and it was no surprise when, in the 85th minute, substitute Moore fired in their 5th.

This was followed by a brilliant piece of opportunism from Bogie, taking the kick off he notice the Consett keeper well off his line and decided to take a shot at goal, the gamble paid off as the ball looped over Longstaff’s outstretched hand and into the net to make it 5 – 3.

It was becoming hard to keep up with the game as both teams looked to get another goal before the final whistle and it was Consett who achieved this in the 92nd minute when a crossfild ball fell to Mackay and he volleyed the ball past Carmichael to make the final score RCA 3 Consett 6.

Not a day for defenders today, but what an entertaining game especially the second half if you were a Consett fan.

Injuries to key players caused major disruption to our plans today with Larkin limping off midway through the first half, Callen replaced at half time with an injury and Charlton pulling up before the kick off.

Hopefully we will have them back before Tuesday’s match against Shildon so the manager can select from a full squad.

RCA central defender Lee Bythway clears the ball in the second half of the match.

Tuesday, 21 April 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA:  Armstrong,  Shildon: Connor (2) OG. (2)

Please click here for some photos from the match.

Please click here for match photos by Amanda Scaife.

The selection problems continued for RCA ahead of this evening's important Northern League match, with work commitments and injuries giving the management team a bit of a headache. Carmichael was unavailable and Morris took his place between the sticks, Richardson was switched to right back and Armstrong came in on the left, Wood replaced the injured Davis and Charlton returned in place of the injured Larkin.

Prior to the match all the talk was about the decision of the League Management committee to take the Division One Trophy to Marske in the event that Marske won and Shildon lost. This added a bit of spice to the Shildon manager’s pre match talk to his players.

RCA’s biggest home crowd of the season, 220, greeted the players on a lovely, if slightly cold, spring evening.

The visitors took advantage of the slope in the first half but it was the hosts who created the first chance of the game Armstrong was played into space by Charlton and the young full back moved forward before hitting a shot from 25 yards out which flew over the bar.

Two minutes later and RCA were awarded a freekick 20 yards out, up stepped Armstrong to curl a shot inches over the bar. Shildon mounted their first real attack of the game in the sixth minute, Atkins picked up a loose ball on the right, sent the ball forward into the path of Grulich-Smith who sent drove a low shot past Morris, with the ball going towards goal Bythway tried to clear it but he only succeeded in striking the ball into his own goal.

RCA’s reaction was positive as they threw players forward looking for an equaliser, Jury fed the ball to Hughes inside the area and the diminutive striker earned a corner when his cross was blocked by Brackstone, Armstrong played it short to Charlton but his cross was blocked then cleared by Atkin.

Shildon increased their lead in the 15th minute when Emms played a long ball forward into the heart of the RCA’s defence where Morris and Bythway misjudged the ball and it fell to Connor who had the simple task of rolling the ball into an empty net.

Once again RCA responded positively attacking on the right flank through Charlton and Richardson, the latter sending a telling cross into the box where Callen met the ball well to power header towards goal but Graham produced a supurb one handed save to turn the ball round the post for a corner.

In the 27th minute, Shildon extended their lead in bizarre circumstances, a corner was swung toward the near post by Emms where Connor flicked a header on but Morris was able to get a hand to the ball to palm it over the bar for another corner. This time the ball was fired towards the back post where it rebounded off a defender before hitting the crossbar and Morris, under pressure, was unable to get enough on the ball and pushed it into his own goal.

Morris was called into action five minutes later when he produced a great one handed save from a terrific Greulich-Smith shot turning the ball behind for a corner.

At the other end a cross into the box from Callen fell invitingly to Wood on the edge of the box and he fired in a dipping shot which beat Graham but landed on the roof of the net.

Two good moves involving Charlton Hughes and Wood came to nothing as Shildon’s resolute defence repelled all that RCA could throw at them.

The second half kicked off with Shildon on the attack Emms crossing to Greulich-Smith who could not direct his header on target and the ball went harmlessly wide.

RCA came forward with purpose and the endeavours of Hughes and Charlton eventually won a corner. Armstrong swung the ball into the area where it was headed away by Jones, but fell to Callen who hit the ball on the volley forcing a supurb save from Graham.

In the 55th minute RCA had a good shout for a penalty when Charlton ran at the Shildon defence, skipped between two defenders before being blocked inside the area. The referee waved away appeals after appearing to initially raise the whistle to her lips.

The game was switching from end to end and it was Shildon’s turn to apply a bit of pressure, Emms on the left cut inside before unleashing a shot which Morris was able to turn round the post for a corner. Emms took the corner, curling it onto the head of Greulich-Smith who headed over the bar. Five minutes later and a connor cross feel to Emms inside the area but he fired over the bar when in a good position.

Emms was causing major problems to the RCA defence, and when he sent in yet another dangerous cross the ball fell to Greulich-Smith but from inside the six yard box the tall forwards header was blocked on the line by Bythway and scramble away.

Shildon killed off the game in their next attack when Greulich-Smith popped up on the left wing to send in a cross which eluded everyone until it reached Connor at the back post where he had the easiest of tasks to slot into an empty net. Probably the simplest two goals he has scored all season.

There was still 25 minutes of the match remaining so when Charlton raced through the centre of midfield with the ball, riding one tackle, before unleashing a tremendous drive from 25 yards which left Graham rooted to the spot before striking the bar and rebounding to safety, it gave RCA some hope.

The home side pushed forward in an effort to get something for their efforts, Hughes had a good shot saved by Graham after a good run and cross from Callen. Then Wood raced out wide before cutting the ball back for Callen but his effort was blocked by Jones.

In the 75th minute Armstrong won a corner on the left and curled it into the Shildon area but Atkin headed clear, the ball was picked up by Emms who raced from his own half before cutting in and sending a curling effort which was saved by Carl Morris.

RCA were still looking to get something from the game as it entered it final 10 minutes, they brought Smith on for Hughes and moved Preston up front and within a minute Callen and Preston combined for Charlton to shoot, the shot was deflected away for a corner. Megran took the corner which was headed behind for another corner, this time the corner was taken Charlton and was met at the near post by Armstrong whose glancing header beat Graham and gave RCA the goal their play deserved.

The home team throwing caution to the wind once again moved forward and were awarded a freekick after a foul on Wood, Bythway curled the freekick into the penalty area and any touch by an RCA player would certainly have made it 4-2 but Graham was able to come and collect fairly comfortably.

The game was almost over when Greulich-Smith sent in a low cross which Morris saved at the feet of Emms.

The parting shot of the game was a freekick taken by Callen which sailed over the bar.

RCA did not play badly tonight, they just met a Shildon team who are looking to win their remaining games, which would see them lift the first division title, and who were focused on getting the three points from tonights game.

Our “Own goal” tally for the season had now reached 11 which must be some sort of record. It does however show the commitment of the players in trying to defend from deep positions.

Next up the “FA Vase” finalists North Shields on Saturday.

Saturday, 25 April 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA: Larkin (3):   North Shields: None

Please click here for North Shields FC TV highlights of the match.

RCA welcomed FA Vase finalists North Shields to Meadow Park for the final game of the 2014 - 15 season and what a season it has been, two points after 10 games, a change of manager and 45 points from the remaining 32 games which bodes well for the future of this relatively young team.

For this match the management team brought back Carmichael in goal to replace Morris and Larkin returned after missing the last two matches through injury to replace RCA's leading goalscorer Hughes.

The match started brilliantly for RCA who showed their intent to compete for every ball from the off. They took the lead in the 3rd minute when a long ball from Davis looked to be overhit. Morton came to collect on the edge of the box but, under pressure from Larkin he fumbled the ball and Larkin was able to stab the ball into an empty net.

Within a minute it could have been 2-0 when Armstrong played a great ball into space and Callen latched onto the ball before cutting it back to Rowe who shot inches wide of the upright.

The "Robins" first real attack saw Lancaster pick up a loose ball on the half way line before setting off on an unopposed run until Preston intervened on the edge of the box, dispossesing the full back before he could get in a shot.

In the 12th minute, Davis burst forward before unleashing a terrific shot which struck Coppen in the face, the rebound came back to Davis who headed the ball into the path of Charlton, he cut inside the area before shooting wide of the far post.

Three minutes later and Morton made a mess of  clearing a simple back pass on the edge of the area, the ballwent straight to Charlton who chipped the ball over the keeper, but it hit the foot of the post and rebounded into the arms of Morton.

A minute later and Holmes played in Carr from the right touchline, he slipped the ball forward to Forster who curled a delightful looking shot just wide of the RCA goal.

North Shields were being well held by the persistence of RCA who were willing to chase down every ball, there were no lost causes out on the pitch and the frustration of the Shields' players was evident in the amount of freekicks they were giving away.

RCA extended their lead in the 26th minute when Jury won a header in the centre of midfield and Callen picked up the ball, drove forward to the edge of the box before slipping the ball to Wood inside the area he played the ball past Elliott but the Shields defender's rash challenge up-end the RCA player and a penalty was awarded. Larkin stepped up and cooly slotted the ball home sending the keeper the wrong way.

Although they were kicking up the slope it was RCA who were having the best chances of the game and it was only some brilliant defending by Shields' defence and in particular the captain Kevin Hughes that kept the scoreline down.

However, a rampant RCA went further ahead in the 34th minute when Armstrong prevented the ball from going out for a throw in before delivering a beautifully weighted cross into the opposition's penalty area where Larkin rose magnificently to head home past the despairing dive of Morton.

It could have been worse for the "Robins" just before half time when once again they were guilty of overplaying at the back and Callen was able to nip in before hitting a shot which was blocked by Hughes..

As expected Shields came out for the second half with all guns blazing and in the opening minute Morris raced clear of the RCA defence but his shot cum cross was half blocked by Preston and went right across the face of goal and out for a corner.  The resulting corner was met by Bainbridge but his header was blocked by Armstrong, the ball rebounded to Bainbridge who fired in a shot which Carmichael got a hand to, deflecting it onto the bar and Carr could only manage to prod the ball over the bar from inside the six yard area.

Having weathered the early storm from North Shields, RCA started to play some good passing football while North Shields resorted to a long ball game which really didn't suit them and RCA's defence was well capable of dealing with.

For long periods in the second half the game became scrappy as both teams were guilty of misplaced passes, Larkin almost made it 4-0 when ahe pounced on a slip by Forster, sprinted forward, stepped inside the last defender before shooting, but this time Morton produced a brilliant one handed save to deny the RCA striker.

In the 75th minute Larkin was once again in the thick of the action as he picked up a through ball from Wood before shooting low, Hughes blocked the shot and Morton was able to save at the feet of the advancing Rowe.

At the other end two minutes later and Richardson crossed into the box where Forster met the ball with a deft header which found its way to the far post where Holmes had ghosted in but he could only direst his shot high over the bar.

As the game entered the final five minutes Larkin produced another fine save from Morton, when he headed a cross from Charlton goalward and the Shields keeper saved at the second attempt.

In the final minute of the game Shields almost got a consolation goal when Holmes broke clear of the RCA defence before firing narrowly wide of the upright.

The final whistle blew to end a long hard season, but we ended on a massive high. The performance in the first half was outstanding with everyone contributing to a great game. Without over extending ourselves in the second half we still created the better chances.

Some would say that this was not a full strength North Shields team, I would say that you can only play the 11 men on the pitch. Certainly their manager wasn't very happy for most of the game.

Roll on next season, as we always say "the hard work starts now."