Sunday, 25th October 2009
Sunderland Sunday Premier League
RCA The Barnes bounced back from last week's reverse in the FA Carlsberg Cup to record a comfortable league double over promoted Heppies by 3-1.
RCA kicked of playing down the slope with a strong breeze at their backs and soon created two good openings, one for recent signing John Turvey, who was unlucky to hit the post after a smart turn in the box and another for Andy Place, who played a fine one-two only to shoot wide of the far post. The match then settled down a bit and Heppies began to get some ball. moving it around reasonably effectively, without creating any openings, but when RCA midfielder Jonathan Davis was disspossessed 30 yards out by Heppies Stephen Jackson after 20 minsutes it proved costly as he advanced and struck a clinical left foot shot into the bottom right hand corner to give Heppies a somewhat fortunate lead.
Heppie dominated for the next 10 to 15 minutes but then a good move down the left flank saw Andy Gilbert cross to the near post allowing John Turvey to force the ball home from close range despite the efforts of Heppies keeper Carl Middlemiss, to draw RCA level. Then a tremendous run from his own half by RCA skipper Phil Hall saw him play a one-two and break into the box, round the keeper and then running out of space he was unable to finish what would have been an outstanding goal.
So the first half ended even at 1-1
The second half then became a mostly one sided affair as RCA took total control and with the feft hand side of their team, with Liam Dunn and Andy Gilbert outstanding, they created numerous good chances, but due to excellent keeping from Middlemiss and spurned chances by Turvey and Place the game still stood at 1-1 with ten minutes to go.
RCA, already having introduced subs Willie Crew, for Turvey and Mick McVay for Davis, surged forward again down the feft flank and another cross shot from Gilbert was tipped onto the bar by Middlemiss and fell invitingly for Andy Place, but as he was about to slot home he was unceremoniously brought down. A penalty was rightly awarded and was easily despatched by Mick Curtis to give RCA a deserved lead, which was extended two minutes before time when a quick free kick from the ever alert Callum Charlton released Willie Crew. With keeper Middlemiss advancing, he rolled the ball home from 30 yards to give the scoreline a more realistic look at 3-1, and keep the momentum going for this young RCA outfit.
Another tough game next week away to Silksworth Paragon at the Welfare Ground which is followed by a First Round Proper tie away to Ferryhill White Horse in the County Sunday Cup.