Thursday, 13 May 2010
Total Sport Challenge Trophy Final - played at Ryhope CW
RCA The Barnes completed a cup double when they overcame a strong challenge from Grangetown Florists by 2 - 0 on Thursday night.
RCA were forced into one change from Sunday's winning team, with Neil Moan unavailable due to a family bereavement, with Mick Curtis stepping up to take his place, whilst Florists welcomed back Lee Owens into their line up.
The first half started very slowly for RCA and for the most part they were on the back foot as Florists took the game by the scruff of the neck and pressurised the RCA defence, who held out, sometimes rather fortunately, with Owens, Benson and Hill going close. As the half went on RCA started to get their passing game back together, but they were pleased to get to half time at 0 - 0.
Obviously the management had some harsh words at half time, as RCA started the second half in a much more positive fashion and the game became much more evenly matched. The turning point came after 60 minutes, when a glorious crossfield ball from Jonathan Davis released Andy Place through the inside right channel and he drilled his low shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net to put RCA in front. Florists tried to respond, but RCA were now on their game and growing in confidence, but still had to be on their guard as Florists were never going to just roll over, and so it proved when after 70 minutes Lee Owens got behind the RCA back four 35 yards out with a clear run on goal, but his first touch was slightly heavy and allowed RCA keeper Atkinson to sprint out and block his subsequent effort and allow Curtis to complete the clearance. This save proved to be crucial, as 5 minutes later Andy Place found himself in much the same situation as when scoring his first when he was played in by the ever impressive Callum Charlton and the end result was exactly the same as he drilled home to give RCA a two goal lead, which they comfortably held on to through to the final whistle, to complete a memorable Cup double for the Club.
All in all a wonderfull achievement for a very young squad of players, who really have only played together this season and the future looks very good if progress is maintained and one or two quality additions can be added for next season.
Once again many thanks to all supporters who have followed us this season and I hope you have been impressed enough to continue to come along to our games next season. Can't wait!