Sunderland Sunday League
Sunday 29 March 2009
On a perfect morning for football RCA Barnes took on promoted Roker for the first time. The visitors started like a house on fire, taking the leadafter only two minutes with a cracking volley from Chapman. They continued to play good controlled football, passing, moving and keeping the ball, but ultimately not really penetrating or creating chances. They were also playing a dangerous offside game and were undone when Willie Crew was released in the inside left channel; he went on to beat the keeper comfortably to draw RCA level after 25 minutes. The game was now more even, with half chances at both ends, but Roker should have regained the lead just before half time when a midfielder broke into the box unchallenged to meet a free kick on the volley, but saw his effort strike the cross bar and cleared.
H-T 1-1
The second half continued in much the same vein untill Andy Place dispossessed a Roker defender in his own half and released Marni Metcalfe who cooly slotted home after 60 minutes. This seamed to deflate Roker's spirits and they were completely undone ten minutes later when Gary Tyzack ran strongly onto a through ball and was clumsily brought down from behind for a penalty, which the ever reliable skipper Curtis put away with aplomb. 3-1 to RCA now and Roker were visibly rocking. RCA then had numerous opportunities to add to their score as they totally dominated the final 15 minutes. But they settled for a 3-1 victory in the end and now look forward to getting as many points on the board as they can to try to secure a top 4 or 5 finish and there is still a cup quarter final to come against Colonel Prior at Ryhope CW on Sunday 12 April - some local support would be very much appreciated!