Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 5 April 2008

RCA captain Scott Richards shields the ball in midfield

Conditions were cold and blustery as RCA prepared to start this vital game aganst a Team Northumbria side who had thumped Whickham the previous week, despite being destined to finish second bottom of the league this season.

Manager Neil Hixon made three changes to his starting line up, resting Paul Sammons and his troublesome ankle problem, by bringing Anth Laidler into the midfield slot, and replacing the injured Paul Stout with stalwart Gary Anderson, while Craig Shields returned in goal for Jon Minniss.

Ash Davis carries the ball foward for RCA!

Team Northumbria started brightly, and the first incident of note saw them denied what looked like a good penalty appeal in the third minute as their striker was tumbled off the ball. RCA replied with a good Lee Owens effort which was smartly saved and as the game settled Owens flashed a cross over without a RCA player being able to make contact. Andrew Jennings was troubling the Northumbria back four with his power in the air, but RCA were unable to profit from his good flicks. After 23 minutes however Jennings was responsible for one of the misses of the season as he rounded the keeper and then hit the bar from three yards out.

RCA's Anth Laidler battles for the ball

RCA were now well on top but struggling to make it count, with Gary Shields breaking clear of the defence and firing wide, while Team Northumbria always played enterprising football on the break. After 37 minutes David Wells just failed to connect with a ball across goal from Lee Owens, and that was followed by Team Northumbria's best spell to date, as they kept RCA under pressure for several minutes, culminating in a free kick from the right which caused chaos in the box and brought two smart stops from Craig Shields in the RCA goal in the resulting scramble. RCA had the last word of the half however, taking the lead as David Wells finished his own good run with an excellent finish from a tight angle. 1-0 at the break.

David Wells opens the scoring for RCA

The second period started slowly with little goalmouth action, but Team North pressing, and after 56 minutes Hixon replaced David Wells with Adam McGuinness. The game continued to be scrappy and the RCA fans were nervous at the slim lead, particularly so when Team North winger John Redhead ran well and shot narrowly wide. RCA roused themselves and should have extended their lead when Scott Richards followed in a free kick and struck the bar from six yards. Jon Newton replaced Gary Shields for the last 20, and a Scott Richards free kick produced a scramble as RCA finally mounted some pressure.

Andy Middleton mounts an attack on the Team Northumbria goal

Andy Middleton joined the fray replacing Lee Owens, and the game was finally secured as Andy Jennings ran menacingly into the box and, although he shot weakly, the hapless Team North defender could only help the ball over the line. 2-0 after 77 minutes.

The game was clearly over now, and Jennings put the icing on the cake, and strengthened his charge for the second division goalscorers crown, with a run across the edge of the box and a fine finish to make the scoreline 3-0 in the 84th minute. Not a pretty game in fairly miserable conditions, and Team Northumbria certainly made RCA work hard, but a win is what matters now and the points are on the board. Three to go!

Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup - Quarter-Final

Tuesday, 8 April 2008

A classic cup tie in Cumbria as RCA came back with two late goals to snatch a tremendous 4-3 victory.

Manager Neil Hixon rang the changes in light of the tough games coming up, with Andy Middleton coming in for a start wide right, Adam McGuiness wide left and Andy Jennings, Paul Sammons and Lee Owens starting on the bench, Gary Shields and Jon Newton brought pace and control up front and Steve Purcifer started the game at centre half for the cup tied Paul Wardle.

RCA began brightly on a cool clear night, but Penrith had the best of the early chances with a header and shot in the first five minutes before Anth Laidler, who grafted ferociously in midfield all night, shot over from a free kick, followed by a dangerous cross shot from Andy Middleton, and a good effort from Gaz Shields as RCA showed they meant business and settled to their work.

It was no surprise therefore when RCA took the lead in the 20th minute with a quality finish by Shields from a Scott Richards free kick. Penrith were stung into action and began to press, but keeper Craig Shields and his defenders will think they should have done better as the hosts turned the game upside down with two goals in three minutes, both back post headers which should have been dealt with in the 29th and 32nd minutes.

RCA were rattled by this, and Penrith dominated from then to the break with only a Scott Richards free kick, which flew over, coming back from RCA.

2-1 to Penrith at half time.

Hixon had obviously had words as RCA came out strong for the second half, and it was no surprise when the referee gave a 50th minute penalty for a blatant block on Jon Newton after a superb Ash Davis run from deep. Gaz Shields, who was excellent all night, was never going to miss, despite the antics of the Penrith coach, making a fool of himself behind the goal. Absolutely disgraceful.

2-2 and game on.

This was now a cracking cup tie with both sides wanting to win without the dreaded extra time or penalties. End to end stuff, and then a bizarre goal as Craig Shields was deceived by the softest of shots from a Penrith striker, and could only watch as it trundled into the net. 3-2 to Penrith on the hour, and looking bleak for RCA.

Neil Hixon had made a double change just before this bringing on Paul Sammons and Glen McCartney for the injured Scott Richards and Steve Purcifer, and now he went for broke, bringing Andy Jennings into the fray for Jon Newton and going with three up front, with Adam McGuinness joining Jennings and Shields. RCA were now the stronger but could not break through, despite surging runs from Ash Davis getting forward as well in support of the front men, who were now well on top of the home defenders.

The game was now frantic until, with 10 minutes to go, Andy Jennings showed what he is all about with a superb turn, run and shot from the edge of the box which gave the home keeper no chance, 3-3. RCA tails were up now and the winner came in the 88th minute, as Adam McGuiness challenged for a high ball punted forward, and as it broke into the box the keeper was wrong footed and Paul Sammons sprinted forward to gleefully run it into the net from three yards. The referee played five minutes of added time, and the ball was rarely out of the RCA penalty area during it, but the lads were resolute and held on for a famous win, and our first semi-final for many a year!

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Tuesday, 15 April 2008

SRCA supporters have waited a long time for nights like this. Actually in with a chance in the promotion frame, going into the last week of the season, it was important to arrive early at Filtrona Park for this one. At kick off there were over 300 supporters already in the ground, the atmosphere was cutting as the players took to the field. A game with that little bit extra with Shields having former RCA forwards, crowd favourite Jonny Wightman, who once scored seven goals in a league match for RCA, in their line up as well as Willie Crew on the bench.

Immediately from kick off on a very wet and heavy surface, strong challenges were made from the opposition central midfield players, Richards and Sammons for SRCA showing they were up for the task in hand. In the third minute Richards won the ball and moved it quickly to the left where Wells fired in quickly to Jennings who tested the keeper with a half chance. If the opening was anything to go by RCA were definitely up for this, but South Shields also showed their quality in the sixth minute when consecutive passes allowed space for full back Craig Russell (former Sunderland AFC star) who drilled an excellent ball from the left to the back post which skimmed over the onrushing forwards. Minutes later Wells for RCA found more space on the left and hit a decent effort at goal from 25 yards, but the home keeper was untroubled. South Shields responded in the 11th minute winning a corner which was well cleared by Wardle on the penalty spot. RCA were then enjoying a lot of room down the right , with Owens, Gary Shields and Stout linking well. The good passing resulted in Shields having a half volley effort on goal on 12 minutes..

Then a cracking move from the away team allowed room for Owens on the right; dummying the defender he cut inside and disguising a cross he then fired at the target with a left foot effort from 25 yards that the keeper was pleased to see move past his right post. Immediately after the same player was in again with a good cross that found Jenning’s head, but he could not make good contact towards the goal. On 18 minutes RCA with their second corner of the game again created half chances for Wells and Jennings, but again no end product.

On 26 minutes RCA conceded a free kick in a dangerous area 30 yards from goal. After possibly taking the wrong option in floating the ball towards the penalty spot, the ball was cleared back to the same South Shields midfielder who had a good effort from the same distance, but this cleared the bar by a couple of yards. Play was end to end now with one corner for either side, but on 35 minutes Wells intercepted on a Shields attack, raced through and again tested the keeper who held well. Davies for RCA also attacked down the left and his good run resulted in a further corner. Henderson had a header towards the home goal before Jennings and Wells again could not get good contact on. Half time: 0 – 0 an excellent game to watch, defences strong but a half definitely edged by SRCA.

The second half started as lively as the first with RCA winning a corner and Richards again testing the keeper. On 49 minutes however Jennings was booked on the half way line after a tackle with the central defender. For the next few minutes RCA were in disarray as a good midfield move from the home side ended up with the ball fed to centre forward Johnson who raced through with keeper to beat, hit a good effort that was very well saved by Minnis when pushed for a corner.

On 60 minutes Jon Newton replaced Gary Shields up front and immediately after Scot Richards was booked in a spell where the referee lost his way a little. A couple of decisions in favour of the home side caused upset and it was the home side who took the game forward. Indecision in the RCA defence, who up until this time had looked very solid, allowed South Shields in via Wightman and Johnson who were blocked with last ditch tackles.

Given that a drawn result was no good to RCA, manager Hixon brought McGuiness on for Wells on 68 minutes in search of the opening goal. The plan nearly worked with Newton benefiting from good work on the left and finding room on the right he had a clear sight of goal, but screwed his shot across the face of the goal. On 70 minutes disaster happened when a hopeful clearance deceived Wardle who had been solid all night, the ball fell to the dangerous Mark Johnson who cut into the box and fired past Innis in goal. 1 – 0 and a feeling of hurt for the RCA.

RCA had further chances with Newton and Jennings again having efforts at goal, but it was clear that this was not to be our night. All out attack nearly backfired as South Shields were coping well in defence and nearly caught RCA out again in the closing minutes.

The referee blew the whistle and promotion celebrations at the end for Shields supporters with a bitter pill to swallow for all involved with SRCA. Must lift ourselves again though as promotion is still in our hands with two games to go, together with a semi final tie against Shields to come at Meadow Park. Hopefully the crowd will be is as big, then a lively night is ahead of us. Book your ticket now!

But up to fourth now in the league and all supporters of SRCA are not complaining. Real test ahead … can we get into that top three position?

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Saturday, 19 April 2008

There was bitter disappointment for RCA today as all hopes of promotion went with a single goal defeat to rivals Ryton. To be fair the scoreline flattered RCA as Ryton were the better side throughout the game, as many RCA players failed to raise their game against determined opponents in good form.

Our bad run has come at just the wrong time, when we had no room to spare. Ryton started the game playing up the hill and with a good contingent of their supporters in the crowd. The early exchanges were fairly even, but Ryton soon began to get on top, and it was no surprise when they took the lead after 25 minutes, but with what was a very sloppy goal.

A bad clearance from keeper Minniss, who struggled badly with his distribution all game, was followed by loose passing in midfield and led to RCA giving the ball away in their own half as a Ryton player sprinted forward. He still looked second favourite to get to the ball but fatal hesitation from Jon Minniss in the RCA goal let Ryton's Liam McBryde in for a simple finish.

This stung RCA and we pressed a little, but Ryton always looked the stronger side, and the home team faced a mountain at the break, needing a win to stay alive.

The second half followed the pattern of the first with Ryton always the sharper side, and it looked like being a terminal blow when Sunderland RCA skipper Scott Richards was sent off in the 60th minute as a Ryton player made a meal of minimal contact.

Strangely the dismissal had the opposite effect as RCA came more into the game with ten men, possibly as Ryton realised how close they were to their promotion goal. Even so it looked too little too late when RCA were awarded a penalty in the 88th minute, but matters were settled when the usually deadly Gary Shields slid the spot kick wide.

On the final whistle the Ryton players and fans celebrated as RCA faced up to at least another year in the second flight.

Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup - Semi Final

Tuesday, 22 April 2008

Sunderland RCA faced South Shields for the second time in a week, looking for revenge for last Tuesday's narrow defeat which saw Shields confirm their promotion. Following our failure to try and do the same on Saturday with a poor show against Ryton, Neil shuffled his pack a little and brought in Jon Newton up front to partner Andy Jennings, with Gary Shields in a free role. Andy Middleton also started on the right, and Glen McCartney replaced the cuptied Paul Wardle.

The game started very evenly with Shields maybe settling the better, until after 10 minutes Andy Jennings just failed to connect with a floated cross from Jon Newton. Jennings then fired over from 18 yards, synchronistically after 18 minutes. A tough territorial battle ensued until RCA broke the deadlock as Andy Middleton, relishing his chance, deftly played in Jon Newton who calmly slotted home on 27 minutes. South Shields were rattled and were quickly on the attack, with Craig Shields bringing off a fine save from Michael Rodenby.

RCA went close as Newton again had the keeper in action, then in the 32nd minute Gary Shields jinked into the box and crossed for Jennings to power home a header. RCA began to play with freedom and made it three in 39 minutes as Jon Newton got his second with a close range header. 3-0 to RCA at the break.

The second half began like the first, lots of industry, but few chances, until in the 62nd minute, Jon Newton completed an excellent hat trick, placing the ball into the corner from 12 yards, afeter being set up by Ash Davis - game over.

The large away support were deflated and contented themselves with good humoured abuse of the officials, while the RCA faithful looked forward to the club's first cup final since 1981 in the Northern Alliance, happy days!

South Shields restored some pride with a goal from substitute Dean Patton close to the end, but it was RCA who were looking forward to a Bank Holiday Monday morning date with Esh Winning at Ryton. They won't forget old Ernie!

Arngrove Northern League Division 2

Crook Town 0 Sunderland RCA 2

Saturday, 26 April 2008

Sunderland RCA signed off the 2007/08 league season with a competent performance against Crook Town up at the historic Millfield ground. Jon Newton again partnered Andy Jennings up front, as Andy went head to head with Crook Town No 10, Darren Kokes for the Second Division goalscorer's crown. With both players on 24 goals for the season today's individual performance would decide the trophy. At the back Paul Wardle returned in place of the injured Paul Stout.

ANL DIvision 2 leading goal scorer Andy Jennings slots home RCA's opener after being played in by Jon Newton (left)

The game started with an early goal as Jon Newton unselfishly rolled the ball across the goal line in the second minute for Andy Jennings to take the lead in his personal battle, 1-0 to RCA. Crook looked lively and fought back from this early setback with plenty of work in midfield but few real opportunities came their way. One dangerous effort went past the post with Craig Shields watching, while at the other end Paul Sammons came close after a good move.

Ash Davis on one of his trademark attacks down the left

On the half hour Jon Newton had the ball in the net for RCA, but the liner pulled it back for a marginal offside. 1-0 to RCA at the break, and we would need to hold that lead to keep our fourth place finish in the league.

Andy Jennings challenges with the Crook keeper

For the second half Neil replaced Jon Newton and Paul Wardle with Adam McGuinness and Gary Anderson, being cautious with slight knocks in light of next week's cup final.

Jon Newton leads an RCA attack

Crook came out fighting, and a great block from Wayne Henderson was needed to avert an early equaliser. Around the hour David Wells came on for Gary Shields and a moment later Adam McGuiness was booked for a foul, although at this point most spectator interest was being taken by an irate Crook spectator launching a tirade of abuse against RCA captain Scott Richards, a personal matter it seems.

Adam McGuiness attacks down the left in the second half.

On 64 minutes Adam McGuiness went to the goal line and crossed for David Wells to go close, and as play went back and forth Jennings made the game safe with an excellent run and shot; 2-0 and his 26th goal of the season, in the 78th minute.

Andy Jennings breaks through the Crook defence.

The game finished with a flurry of efforts by both sides, but no addition to the scoreline. Fourth place for RCA, and the best season since our relegation from the top flight in 1988. Next season?