26 September 2009
Under 18s Lady Eden Cup
The RCA squad was reduced to 16 players (due to injuries and player unavailability) for today’s tough cup tie away to Walker Central. As a result four players made their starting debuts, Luke Wilson in defence and three midfielders Jordan Chambers, Jordan Cook and Perri Agnew.
After the ball was given away cheaply in the opening minutes, a move by Walker up the left allowed the winger to break free and an excellent cross into the centre was converted by Karl Hawthorne. It was very much one way traffic as Walker players made the most of physical advantage to win midfield control and it was no surprise when they increased their lead after 20 minutes. Again a move down the left resulted in a cross in the box where midfielder Michael Richardson raced in and although scuffing his effort, the ball rose upwards and over goalkeeper Pickering into the top corner.
RCA settled down in the later part of the first half and got back into the game when a ball broke loose to Jonny Davis who calmly slotted past the despairing keeper to pull a goal back on 35 minutes. However settling for half time, RCA were caught with a suckerpunch when Richardson again broke from midfield and after receiving a return ball he calmly slotted over the advancing keeper 3-1 with an uphill task now for the visiting side.
Changes were made for the second half with RCA raising their game immediately. However with Walker’s first real chance midway through the second half Richardson found space in the box and hitting home the game looked all over.
RCA really went for it now in all out attack. The first goal pulled back by Luke Olabode from a corner was followed minutes later when Nathaniel Crinson raced into the box and hit low past the keeper.
Crinson then Andrews both had one on to one efforts which were well saved by the home keeper. A defensive error allowed Walker in again and a penalty was won in the 80th minute. A great strike was saved spectacularly by Pickering and this allowed for a frantic last 10 minutes. However Walker held firm and RCA could not make the breakthrough to get extra time.