Saturday 14th November 2009
Durham County U18 Youth League
Meadow Park again had a good crowd in attendance for today’s match after the first team game at Whitehaven was cancelled. The U18s were keen to impress and the game did not disappoint with some quality football on offer.
Ayclliffe kicked off and made early possession count. Only 2 minutes on the clock when RCA defensive hesitancy allowed centre forward Josh Knox to move forward and when he got close to the 18 yard box he despatched a great drilled effort which went in off the post giving Graeme Pickering in goal no chance. Certainly a wake up call and clear indication that the visitors were not there just to make up the numbers. Quality football throughout the first half with both teams playing from the back, using midfield to create the chances. Carpet football as they say ! Alston , Olabode and Crinson all had chances for RCA whilst Knox and Robinson were lively upfront for Aycliffe. 0 – 1 half time.
RCA looked to make possession count second half and it was no surprise that the equaliser came early in the second half. Davis was fouled just inside the box and he stepped up for the penalty giving the keeper no chance on 55 minutes. Chances were created at both ends before a direct ball through the middle split the defence and Luke Olabode raced through with the keeper to beat only for a last chance tackle attempt upending him just inside the box. Davis again stepped up to the spot to send the keeper the wrong way and 2- 1 to RCA. Marc Robinson who came on as substitute for RCA for the last half hour was really testing Ayciffe and got a well deserved goal on 80 minutes when after initially winning a header he played a one two down the left, he raced into the box and hit a great drive across the keeper with his right foot. 3 – 1 the final score an excellent game and three points to push RCA up the table.