Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 1 March 2008

Sunderland RCA got back to winning ways against Norton and Stockton Ancients on saturday, but it was a close run thing. An Andy Jennings close range header from a Scott Richards cross in the 84th minute was all that separated the sides. The game was always going to be tough, with a strong wind blowing down the bank, and RCA had to play into it in the first half.

Jon Newton came in for the suspended Lee Owens, with Gary Shields moving out wide to accommodate him, and Scott Richards returning from suspension in place of Dean Goodwin. As was to be the pattern of the game, RCA started brightly playing into the gale, with Jon newton having good chances in the seventh and ninth minutes to break the deadlock. Norton then used the wind to have a succession of corners, but Jon Minniss's handling was exemplary and we got through it.

After 19 minutes Newton had the ball in the net for RCA, but it was adjudged offside. RCA continued to have the best of the play, but Jon Minniss needed to save sharply as he pushed a shot round after 27 minutes. RCA got in a number of good crosses without reward, and the ame was still goalless at the break.

As with RCA, Norton found it easier to play into the wind after half time, and pushed quite hard, with Jon Minniss pulling off a tremendous save after 57 minutes to keep things level.

The home team began to push Norton back, winning a number of corners, and with Ash Davis and Andy Middleton brought into things, RCA pressed hard. it looked like it was going to be in vain until Scott Richards took a corner from the right, had the ball played back out to him, and dropped a cross on Jennings head for the big target man to break through from a yard out. Norton couldn't come back and RCA held out well for a vital three points.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Wednesday, 5 March 2008

A couple of changes were made to the RCA forward line that started on Saturday against Norton. Gary Shields was unavailable due to a family bereavement (all our thoughts are with you Gary) and Jonny Newton pulled out at the last moment through sickness. As Lee Owens was suspended, Neil Hixon was forced to shuffle the pack opting to bring Andy Middleton (wide right) into the starting line up for the first time in months and playing Ash Davis on the left.

RCA certainly had the better of early exchanges as both Davis and Middleton were enjoying space on the flanks culminating in good crosses in the 10th and 15th minutes, ending in headed efforts from Jennings and a shot by Richards. Brandon cleared their lines from three corners and were proven to be no shove over as they competed very well in all physical challenges. Although RCA were having most of the play, Brandon were looking to break at any opportunity playing some very neat football. After their best spell of play on 18 minutes the ball was exchanged quickly from defence to attack and Brandon left winger Ian Pritchard was unlucky when breaking into the RCA box, beating two defenders before pulling his shot wide across Minniss.

After a scrappy five-minute period a long ball was hit from the half way line from Henderson towards the penalty spot. Jennings ran forward to beat the offside trap and gleefully headed over the advancing keeper on 23 minutes. From the Brandon kick off RCA quickly looked to gain possession with a couple of strong challenges by Sammons who took a bad knock after winning a couple of fifty-fifties. On 25 minutes the ball was crossed out wide right to Middleton who pushed the ball past the left full back only to be pulled down. The ball was knocked in by Richards, the keeper punched out, then a defender headed out to Ash Davis who slammed the ball home to make it 2 – 0; it looked like game, set and match. RCA were stroking the ball about confidently and Brandon looked a little subdued. However just after half an hour Scott Richards pulled up with hamstring trouble and Paul Sammons was also struggling with a knock. Dean Goodwin replaced Scott on 32 minutes. Andy Middleton seemed to be involved in a lot of the nights proceedings and was proving too fast for the Brandon defence. (He was not rewarded for his efforts as he took a defender’s clearance right in the proverbials and will have to check today if his family allowance is still in tact! Certainly will be feeling blue this morning.

Brandon then enjoyed their best spell with some very good football, but struggled when getting into the RCA box. Against the run of play the ball was pushed out to left full back Sean Davies who from inside the Brandon half launched a long ball into the Brandon six yard box; the Brandon keeper seemed to lose the ball in flight and under pressure from Jennings pushed the ball into the net. One for the dubious goal review panel but for me should count as Davies’ first for RCA.

Robert Clarkson entered the fray as a replacement for Sammons on half time.

The second half petered out as Brandon reformed their defence and RCA whilst in control could not break them down.

The wind got up to make playing football more difficult, but Jennings was guilty of a couple of glaring misses and was holding his hands up to his service providers. In particular he will regret the opportunity on 60 minutes of beating two defenders, passing the keeper, but then hitting the shot at an empty target weakly allowing the keeper to recover. Not to be denied though: on 70 minutes some good play down the left resulted in the ball getting crossed to the back post to find Jennings, who fired home to his and the away supporters relief.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 8 March 2008

Again changes were made in the SRCA starting line up with Lee Owens returning from suspension and replacing Andy Middleton, whilst Jonny Newton retuned up front with Ash Davies replacing Adam McGuinness in left midfield. Anth Laidler started in central midfield for Paul Sammons who was unavailable.

In far from ideal weather conditions, SRCA kicked off facing a strong wind and in the early stages it was clear that playing football was going to be difficult on a hard, bumpy pitch. Like Brandon on Wednesday, Darlington RA were showing full commitment in the tackle as both midfields grappled for control. In the eighth and 11th minutes similar moves were played by the RCA midfield when passes were exchanged quickly, but as the final ball was threaded though for Jennings he was pulled up offside. The Darlington RA defence were holding a very high line, which was restricting the midfield area and frustrating RCA as we looked to breakdown the trap. In the 22nd minute a long ball was hit for Newton to chase on to and from 25 yards he hit a strong shot, but this cleared the RA bar by quite a few yards.

RA then put their first real threat together in the 25th minute and when the ball was put into the box, RCA defenders were guilty of leaving the ball for one another and a half chance was shutdown by a clearance from Wayne Henderson.

The game then came to life in the 26th minute, Laidler playing a short ball to Richards in the centre circle who then fed in Owens up the right wing. He sprinted past the full back before firing in a perfect cross to the penalty spot where Andy Jennings planted a firm header over the RA keeper. 1 – 0 and on our way.

Both teams then tightened up further with Darlington RA hitting hopeful balls which, if not running through to Minniss in the RCA goal, were running out for throw ins or goal kicks. A messy period of play resulted in the ref blowing a lot for free kicks and having to calm the players. Laidler for RCA was the first name taken when a yellow card was issued on 40 minutes. The game petered out until halftime with RCA clearly having the edge.

Darlington kicked off the second half and were immediately on the attack, but when a good cross was fired in the attacking number 10 fired over from close in – a warning that the game wasn’t over yet.

RCA quickly responded and had two corners in quick succession and Jennings was unlucky when heading over the bar. Henderson also headed wide during this period.

Andy Middleton came on for Newton on 60 minutes and his extra pace gave more momentum to RCA’s attacking force. On 65 minutes some excellent midfield play resulted in Ash Davies sprinting through with the advancing keeper to beat. As the keeper advance he opted for a chip when the ball could have been squared to Laidler to pop in. The keeper saved and a corner resulted.

After 68 minutes McGuinness came on for Ash Davies. RCA were dominating now and after 70 minutes were camped in the RA box. There were three consecutive corners after saves and clearances with Henderson’s header glancing the bar.

On 75 minutes, though, efforts were rewarded with Richards again firing in a great corner which was glanced home by Jennings: 2 – 0 and game set and match.

RCA were in control until the end with Jennings attempting to find his hat trick on 82 minutes with a spectacular 35 yard half volley effort which had the RA keeper running backwards to cover his goal. The effort was not that far way.

A good day was rounded off with the news coming quickly from our Southern correspondent Les Dodd: both Whickham and Thornaby had lost. The league table makes for interesting reading now.
Arngrove Northern League Division 2.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 15 March 2008

Although a big crowd turn out was expected at Meadow Park on Saturday for this crunch match, kick off approached with only steady numbers arriving through the turnstiles. All could feel the tension however, as it was one of those games that neither side wanted to lose.

SRCA winning the toss opted to kick up the slope with a slight wind facing them. Whickham, hoping to take the slight conditions advantage, were quick out of the stalls and in the early exchanges their centre forward Hay and left-winger Fairless were showing good strength and pace. Paul Stout, making his debut at right back for SRCA, was certainly involved quickly as a lot of the play was coming down the left and he had to make a couple of last ditch tackles. On seven minutes the first time effort from Whickham’s central midfielder King was extremely unlucky, when the ball played quickly to his feet was curled with his left foot towards goal, with the keeper beaten the ball just missed the post, hugging the outside of the net.

Tackles were fast, occasionally furious, as the referee was called into action in quick succession and the visiting supporters found voice. RCA were restricted to playing long balls to Owens on the right- wing, which resulted in the winning of consecutive corners, Jennings heading goalwards on 15 minutes, but the Whickham defence was not to be breached.

Whickham shouted claims for a penalty on 25 minutes, but the referee was having none of it after the linesman was in good viewpoint. After a messy period of play, with both defences on top, the referee stopped the game on the half hour to have words with the Whickham manager who was objecting to many decisions made by the officials, good and bad. Whickham forced consecutive corners again from the left, which appeared to be their main threat.

David Wells, making his debut on the left for RCA, was now involved a lot in our attacking play and after exchanging passes with Ash Davis he beat the offside trap, the keeper was rushing out quickly as he lobbed, but the covering defender made a goal-line clearance – the best chance of the match so far!

From 40 minutes onwards there was action in both goalmouths, good play between Richards and Jennings ended up with Newton getting the ball, but from 22 yards he fired into the keeper’s hands. Whickham broke on 44 minutes when a defensive mix up nearly allowed the Whickham centre forward Hay through. The game was certainly in full life now, but the referee blew for half time: 0-0 with Whickham shading overall forward play.

The second half started similarly to the first, with Whickham again looking to score the opener and on 49 minutes a dangerous cross was fired in from the right, which was cleared but resulted in a Ryhope defender colliding with Minnis in the RCA goal. Anxious glances all round – he was down for approximately five minutes – and no second keeper was on the bench. Fortunately he got up to restart. The play was stretched from end to end with half chances being created and corners at both ends.

Goal machine Andy Jennings rounds the Whickham keeper to open the scoring for
RCA

In the 65th minute came the key moment of the game when Whickham again from the left cut into the RCA penalty box, a weak shot was not dealt with resulting in the ball dropping on the six yard box and when it looked easier to score a last ditch tackle saved the day. The ball fell to left full back, Davis, who wasted no time in getting the ball to Owens who quickly got the ball through to Jennings; he burst through, side stepped the keeper and fired home gleefully with his left foot. 1 –0 and game on.

Livewire Lee Owens takes the other way around the keeper to score RCA's second
and to put us ahead again

Whickham responded quickly after moving the ball up the left and Fairless ran strongly into the box when Stout made a challenge from behind: a clear penalty. King fired home to level the scores.

Gary Shields, who had been brought on a substitute for Newton, was causing many problems for the visitors as the game swung RCA’s way. On 76 minutes Wells and Davis combined again with the ball fired through to Owens who, from the right, pushed the ball wide of the keeper then fired home to make it 2-1. The game was totally going our way now as Shields also got into the same position a few minutes later, but when he hit a good shot from the right, the ball was glanced onto the post by the keeper.

Marskman Gary Shields makes the game safe for RCA from the penalty spot

As Whickham gambled for the equaliser, RCA broke again down the right. After some swift passes the ball was fed to Jennings who beat the offside trap and when moving the ball to his left to hit home he was upended on 93 minutes. Gary Shields picked the ball up for the penalty and made no mistake. 3 – 1, game over and a massive three points for the Red and Whites.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Wednesday, 19 March 2008

Given that for midweek games team sheets have to be in at 6.45 for a 7.30pm kick offs, it was rush time for many at SRCA to get to Marske. Many of the committee, Neil and George, plus players were supporting Gentoo employees who had volunteered to carry out works at our home ground to improve Meadow Park ready for the Northern League inspection later this month.

Fortunately most arrived on time other than Scott Richards who could not get to the ground until 7:20 and was on as substitute. So from Saturday’s line up Anth Laidler replaced him in central midfield whilst Craig Shields returned for Minniss in goal (after a lengthy lay off). Veteran Gary Ventress who last played in goal for the club over three years ago was on the bench as reserve goalkeeper.

Sky TV were in the ground with cameras having previously interviewed League Management and staff about the new proposals to rid bad language from the Northern league. Lively indeed!

And rushing we were straight from kick off, ball pushed to Ash Davies at left back he played a 35 yard pass up the left to David Wells, he ran 10 yards on and fired a terrific ball to the back post. Lee Owens who had raced up the right was there and volleyed unstoppably, keeper getting a hand to, but no chance of saving. The fastest goal I have ever witnessed from SRCA and barely 20 seconds on the clock. 1-0 to us and what a start!

It seemed to unnerve Marske, the team with the best goals against record in the division. However both teams could find no pattern with the home side showing good movement and willing. After five minutes it was they who started gathering momentum and sending balls to the flanks quickly, which resulted in the winning of two early corners. The centre forward Thompson was proving to be a handful as he fired two headers in, one just a metre over the SRCA bar. All the possession was with Marske at this stage, but quite unbelievably on 10 minutes RCA got hold of a loose ball in the centre circle via Laidler who pushed it quickly forward to Jennings; he reverse passed in space to Newton on the right, who ran with the ball about 10 yards before drilling a low 25 yard screamer down to the keeper’s left and into the right corner of the net. Screams from the away crowd, Newton’s debut goal and overcome, he pulled his top off, swung it around his head…and was promptly booked. 2-0 and all our supporters were too excited too care.

The goal lifted Marske though who controlled the game again and for the next 15 minutes they dominated with some fantastic ground football with all round movement. Three corners won and SRCA were defending with true grit. Clearly becoming frustrated with the away defending the Marske centre forward Johnson spoilt his team’s good rhythm by making an off-the-ball challenge on our left full back Ash Davis. The referee approached his linesman and both agreed elbow was raised, debated for two minutes, then the ref raised yellow. Very surprising and the centre forward had been given a let off. SRCA lifted their game and realised that they would have to stand up for themselves. Pushing forward SRCA were improving, but only had one corner as reward for their efforts.

After 35 minutes Marske were making progress again and enjoying possession on both flanks and on 37 minutes, after good play on the left, the ball was hit against the RCA left post with a cracking effort from Thompson. RCA were unnerved and it was no surprise when Marske pulled a goal back on 39 minutes, but the goal was a real soft one to concede. Some good passes on the 18 yard area resulted in the ball been played to Skelton who appeared to take the wrong option in shooting when well marked, however the mishit shot appeared to deceive Craig Shields in goal, who was partially unsighted as the ball squeezed past to make it 2 – 1. Football was restricted until half time as both clubs tackled hard, but were not giving up any territorial advantage.

The second half commenced similar to the way the first ended and the first real chance fell to Jennings who hit an excellent shot from distance, but this cleared the home bar. A couple of corners were won by the away team, but both sides were refusing to give in as the referee commenced blowing for trivialities and the free kick awards going with the home team.

On 65 minutes Neil Hixon showed his hand and brought on Scott Richards and Gary Shields replacing Paul Sammons and Jon Newton. SRCA were lifted with both immediately gaining possession of the ball and exchanging excellent passes down the right side. RCA had three corners in quick succession and Richards was hitting excellent balls, which Marske were scrapping to defend. The improvement in play meant that Lee Owens was finally coming into play and he raced past the left full back with ease. One-way traffic now and RCA looked like a new force. Jennings was also receiving the product of this good play and on 76 minutes played in from the right he beat the full back, looked up at goal but pulled the ball sideways instead of shooting. A great opportunity wasted.

However the game was broken down again with SRCA winning good challenges, but the referee was giving needless free kicks, generally against RCA. Unbelievably Richards, who was now controlling the midfield, got pulled up when winning an excellent 50:50 and was booked. This took the wind out of the RCA sails as no team was now finding any headway. For the next 10 minutes the game was flat and it appeared that there would be only one winner. However in the last five minutes needless fouls were given away giving possession to the Marske team. The clock was ticking, but then in the fourth minute of injury time, Davis gave away a foul close to the bye line on the left. Marske raised the troops forward, then the long ball was hit to the back post, Shields was deceived by the flight and the ball was headed by central defender Taylor, who gleefully planted it over the advanced keeper. 2 –2: a real sucker punch! SRCA kicked off and immediately won a free kick 25 yards from goal. Richards chipped in, Jennings challenged keeper, ball in net – but the ref blows for a foul and then full time.

Football can be kind and cruel. Reminds us that we still have a long hard journey before the season ends.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 22 March 2008

Full photo set

After defender Wayne Henderson failed a fitness test, manager Neil Hixon was again forced into making changes for today’s match at Birtley Town. Paul Stout was switched from the right back roll that he has enjoyed in his first couple of SRCA appearances, to central defence. Anth Laidler who finished the game at Marske in central midfield was switched to right back with captain Scott Richards returning to his normal role in the middle.

Although kicking off in very decent playing conditions, it was not long before the skies darkened and the wind began swirling. The early game pattern was similar to many of our away games this season with strong challenges from both sides and the SRCA midfielders were immediately showing that they were up for the challenge. In fact after 10 minutes it was the result of consecutive good challenges by Sammons that resulted in possession being gained via Richards who fed Lee Owens in down the right. Linking with Jennings corners were forced, the second of which resulted in Jennings heading from distance into the hands of the Birtley keeper. SRCA were growing in confidence and beginning to control the game and half chances fell to Owens and Newton who both shot tamely at the keeper. However after 24 minutes SRCA were not to be denied with good work again down the right resulting in the ball being crossed by Owens to the back post, finding Newton who half volleyed home giving the keeper no chance. 1 – 0 and on the way!

Straight from kick off the skies darkened further and snow was the order of the day. Both sides seem to grit their teeth and the football on display was no longer for the purists. On the half hour, Birtley made their first clear opportunity when the ball was passed between midfielders, then a piercing ball was played through the centre to number seven, Barrie Smith. He raced to the edge of the 18-yard box and pushing the ball a touch too far met the advancing Shields in goal who saved well, pushing the ball sideways for it to be cleared by central defender Stout. Birtley then resorted to playing longer balls, which were dealt with well by centre half Wardle.

On 40 minutes a late tackle on Davis by the Birtley winger went unpunished and the RCA full back went into the book for arguing with the decision. Things were a little frantic up to half time and Manager Hixon was keen to get the players inside to settle.

For the second half Gary Shields took to the pitch as replacement for Newton who had turned his ankle. The away team appeared to have fresh impetus and on 49 minutes Davis found Wells on the left who, running forward, played a swift one two with Shields and found himself running onto goal from the corner of the 18 yard box. Options were available in the middle, but Wells looked at goal and struck an unstoppable shot across the keeper and in off the far post. 2 – 0 and SRCA looking well likely now!

Confidence all over the pitch and all the football from SRCA as both full backs looked to join in and attack the home side. Davis on the left won a corner, Laidler on the right had a mazy run playing one-twos and also winning a corner. Richards was firing the crosses in and the Birtley keeper saving well. On 64 minutes Richards hit a long free kick which nearly deceived the keeper when he had to retreat quickly to palm over the bar. Another goal was likely and this came after 68 minutes. A ball was intercepted from a rare Birtley breakaway by Sammons on the half way line who hit a tremendous ball out to the left where Wells again cut inside and ran on to chip the advancing goalkeeper. 3 – 0 and game over.

On 70 minutes Gary Anderson replaced Wardle at the back, who walked off holding his groin. SRCA were still looking to get forward, this time down the right with Shields putting Owens through who hit a strong shot straight at the keeper. Birtley were becoming frustrated in not getting out of their own half and this showed when the centre half Sherlock attempted a 40 yard effort which was never going to find the net. On 76 minutes Adam McGuiness replaced centre forward Jennings and the same player was quickly involved in the best move of the match when five different SRCA players exchanged passes and advanced culminating with the ball arriving to Owens in the box who shot low, but the keeper smothered.

Birtley who had not done that much in 80 minutes seemed to enjoy their best spell in the last 10 and raised great efforts to pull a goal back. Shields pulled off two outstanding saves in the latter stages and the SRCA rearguard stood strong in defending resulting corners.

The referee blew to end a match in which SRCA showed good strength in readiness for Tuesday’s crucial away game at Ryton.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Tuesday, 25 March 2008

Key changes were required by the SRCA Manager for this vital promotion match with both regular central defenders, Wayne Henderson and Paul Wardle, unavailable. Gary Anderson was brought into central defence for the first time under Neil Hixon’s leadership. Up front Gary Shields passed a very late fitness test and came in to replace Jon Newton who was sidelined through injury.

A crowd in excess of 100 was in attendance as SRCA kicked off and moved the ball around brightly, attacking down the right twice before winning a corner in the fourth minute. Gary Shields headed the Richards’ corner a yard wide at the front post. On the next RCA attack Shields appeared to be through and well onside only to be called back by the referee.

However the early good signs were extinguished quickly as Ryton looked to win possession at all opportunities and their midfield and forward movement began to cause problems in all areas for the SRCA team. Ryton won their first corner on eight minutes and a good header brought keeper Shields into action to push wide of the post. In fact three corners were won by the home team who were showing their intentions and SRCA were defending well. On 12 minutes the ball was cleared from the SRCA box to Laidler who quickly moved the ball to full back Davis who went on an eighty-yard sprint with the ball winning a free kick wide of Ryton’s penalty area.

Respite was short lived though as Ryton again pushed forward from the wasted free kick and in the 16th minute their captain, Forbes, played short one-twos before pushing the ball to forward Burrell, who turned quickly to hit a good shot from 18 yards which went in the corner past Shields: 1 – 0 to the home side.

The game tightened up for a while with the best opportunity coming SRCA’s way in the 25th minute with Lee Owens crossing well from the right by-line onto Jennings’ head which brought Shields into play, but on getting the ball above the keeper, it also sailed well over the Ryton cross bar. If anything this lifted the home team again who dominated with possession before a ball was knocked into the SRCA penalty box. The central defenders appeared to get a call from the keeper, but the indecision allowed Ryton number 10, McBride, to ghost in, spin and hit a terrific connection onto the underside of the crossbar and into the net: 2 – 0!

There was no time for SRCA discussions to take place as Ryton were upping the pace and the second goal appeared to galvanise them. Tackles were fast and furious and then a bullet was fired! Ryton midfielder Steven Shaw picked the ball up just inside the SRCA half, pushed forward and with few choices available, decided to strike the ball from clearly 35 yards. The ball ripped towards the target crashed against the underside of the crossbar and over the line. The celebrations summed up the quality of the strike and it was a real kick in the teeth for all involved with SRCA. 3 – 0 and half time needed quickly. Would there be any way back from this?

The second half could not be as bad as the first! Well Ryton set their stall out and were quickly getting men forward and into the away team’s penalty box, winning consecutive corners. Manager Hixon then replaced Laidler with another central defender, Purcifer, for his debut on 52 minutes. Ryton then won a free-kick very wide right, which was contentious to say the least.

The ball was then drilled in diagonally and low across the pitch to the front of the 18 yard box where the stooping centre forward Walton managed to glance firmly and this flew into the left top corner of the SRCA goal. 4 –0 and things were really hurting now. No time to bolt the doors though, as Ryton, knowing now that it was to be their night, bolted forward again winning a further corner. The corner was fired in and really poor marking allowed defender Parker to head into the net. 55 minutes gone and 5 – 0 down. It was going to be a very long night for SRCA.

On 60 minutes Gary Shields was booked for a late challenge that was no different to a number that had gone before. This brought a stiffer reaction from SRCA, who at last began to stand up for themselves and show more grit. Ryton appeared to be happy with what they were holding and sat back, which allowed SRCA to play. Middleton replaced Owens and McGuinness came on for Wells, as manager Hixon looked to salvage something from the game. A couple of corners were won and there was an unlucky header by Jennings as Ryton defended well. After winning a couple of free kicks, Richards drilled the ball in well, but the home keeper held out ably after glancing efforts.

The referee blew to end SRCA’s misery. It’s still in our hands, but a real tough run in. A top three spot is still achievable, but Ryton will no doubt be looking forward to their visit to Meadow Park in three weeks' time.

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 29 March 2008

SRCA welcomed the return of central defenders Paul Wardle and Wayne Henderson for today’s game, whilst Jon Minnis was selected in goal. Defender Paul Stout who was used as a central defender at Ryton in midweek returned to his normal right back role.

In the opening exchanges North Shields started the most brightly and were passing the ball through the midfield to both flanks very impressively. After five minutes SRCA keeper Minnis had to be at his best when the North Shields number 6 hit a great effort at him from 20 yards, which was pushed round for a corner. SRCA responded with Henderson clearing long to find Jennings who glanced a header into the path of Owens who beat the full back, but pushed the ball too close to the North Shields keeper. The game was very open as both sides looked to attack at every opportunity and the home team won corners in quick succession, which were cleared desperately by SRCA. However the first clear-cut chance came to Shields on 11 minutes, who after playing an excellent one-two with Jennings, found himself with the keeper to beat, but opted to side foot, which the keeper smothered comfortably.

On 16 minutes though, SRCA were not to be denied when right back Stout played a 30-yard ball to Jennings who flicked the ball to the right ring. Owens running on beat the left fullback and a cross cum shot was fired across goal, racing in at the back post was Shields who gleefully slotted home: 1 – 0 to SRCA. North Shields were not to be put off though and on 20 minutes were having success up the left, which ended up winning successive corners. On 24 minutes they got the reward for their endeavour, but it was a very soft goal to concede. SCRA after a period of good defending allowed Robertson in to head home with a simple header and no man marking. 1 – 1 and game back on.

North Shields had a good possession period of play with SRCA looking to counter attack. In the 33rd minute the tactics paid off when Owens fed the ball through to Jennings who with back to goal, flicked up, turned and hit a 25 yarder over the advanced keeper. 2 - 1 to SRCA. The home team were rattled now as three minutes later a five man SRCA move ended with the ball at the feet of Owens on the edge of the box who shaped to shoot with his left foot, but then fired a shot in with his right which glanced off Shields, past the keeper who got a hand on it but could only push into the net. 3 – 1 to SRCA.

Minutes later Stout who appeared to pull his hamstring had to be replaced by Laidler. The change did not affect SRCA who were dominating now. The best move of the game involving Wells, Davis, then Jennings who fed Shields down the left before crossing in quickly, found Sammons who raced into the box and fired home. 4 – 1 and game over!

At half time Craig Shields replaced Minnis, who had strained his groin, in goal. He was quickly in action having to save on 50 minutes from a good drive by Dean Lee as North Shields refused to throw in the towel. In fact like the opening stages of the first half Shields were putting impressive moves together with no end product. However SRCA killed the game totally in the 60th minute when impressive play by Jennings fed the ball out to Owens on the right, he played a one-two with Richards before hitting a great cross on to the head of Jennings which flew into the net. 5 – 1 and definitely on our way now.

Newton replaced Gary Shields after 62 minutes and he was involved quickly having two efforts on goal, which the keeper saved well. It was one-way traffic as Jennings, in search of his hat trick, was pushing forward and also testing the keeper. On 74 minutes the inevitable happened when Richards fed Jennings. He turned the last defender, ran on goal and drew the keeper who partially saved before his follow up. Third goal to him and the beaming grin said it all; top of the Division Two scoring charts as well.

Was it all over? Not quite as Jon Newton fired in for seventh heaven on 88 minutes. 7 – 1. Our highest score of the season. Rain streaking down, but smiles all over for the away support.

However there were further twists after 90 minutes when first Dean Lee fired in an excellent free kick over the wall and into the bottom corner. Immediately afterwards a North Shields attack won a corner and somehow this was also turned into the net by Hitfell. 7 – 3 and a real strange scoreline! The referee then blew the whistle. Phew!!

But up to 4th now in the league and all supporters of SRCA are not complaining. Real test ahead. Can we still get into that top 3 position?