skilltraining Northern League

4 March 2009

A good atmosphere tonight with a decent crowd gathered in the main stand for this match against neighbours Jarrow Roofing. The game was spiced up in that quite a few of the players on show had played for both clubs in recent years, with Jarrow having Keith (Rasher) Graydon and Dean Goodwin in their starting eleven, both players involved with SRCA at the start of the season.

Jarrow won the toss and opted to defend the slope. Immediately from the RCA kick off it was clear that all in sundry were in for a very competitive night. The referee had whistle to mouth consistently and exchanged words with a Jarrow forward on three minutes after a late challenge on Glenn Moan just inside the RCA half. Strong challenges were swapped throughout the midfield before RCA had their first surge into the box, with Stewart playing Halliday in from the right and although in a position to shoot the player attempted to switch inside, the defender reading the move, making a good intercepting challenge. Soon after Stewart was in again down the right and this time he was more direct cutting into the box then drilling an excellent 20 yard drive across the keeper who parried out; the ball nearly fell to Jennings who following up, but was beaten to it when a hasty defensive clearance was made for a corner. Jarrow's feathers were ruffled now and they conceded three successive corners, one great cross finding Jennings who headed firmly goalwards but this ricocheted off the head of a defender with the keeper beaten. Jarrow dusted themselves down though and now winning more of the ball, showed their first attacking intent after 12 minutes, moving the ball well up the left through Graydon, finding Tate, but the ball was wasted with a speculative effort hit high over the bar. RCA responded winning the ball again in midfield through Moan. Halliday played the ball to Stewart and moving forward quickly he hit a great effort from 25 yards which cleared the bar by inches. Only minutes later Shields got played in down the right and in a good position with the keeper to beat he hit a shot which the keeper easily dealt with. More corners were then wasted by RCA with poor delivery.

Jarrow were generally playing counter attack football and moved the ball well when breaking away on the right with Goodwin breaking clear and his run winning the visitors their first corner on 25 minutes. However after moving more players into the RCA box Jarrow were nearly caught on the counter, when McGuiness received the headed clearance on the left playing a great ball down the line to left winger Joseph who raced clear but pulled his shot a couple of yards wide of the post. On 30 minutes Halliday was booked for RCA and moments later Jarrow's Graydon, in what seemed a more serious tackle, only received a reprimand from the referee. SRCA upped the tempo with Joseph on the right causing major problems, but there was little end product, his best cross being headed over the bar by Jennings. Jarrow however responded with their best chance on 40 minutes when a five man move was completed with a great goal bound effort well saved by Hoggeth in goal. Half-time arrived 0 - 0 and well appreciated by the crowd who applauded the fighting spirit of both teams.

The second half opened like the first as neither side were prepared to give up territory and again it was RCA who had the first attack ending up with a saved shot hit by Joseph and a further corner that was well defended. As the game was becoming even more physical in midfield Hixon made a change in bringing on Scott Richards for Shields on 55 minutes. He immediately made his presence felt and after winning successive challenges was unlucky in playing through an excellent through ball which travelled through to the keeper. The next ten minutes brought most of the action from the referee and the game lost momentum with needless fouls from both sides. After bookings for two Jarrow players, Scott Richards also received a caution on 70 mins. Moments later RCA hit a ball into the box which was handled, however penalty appeals were turned down with a free kick been awarded right on the 18 yard line. Scott Richards drilled this into the wall. On 74 minutes Davidson came on for Jennings and the extra pace immediately livened up the RCA attack and again a flurry of corners were won. The Jarrow keeper was floundering at times and grateful for his defenders assistance in scrambling balls clear. To make matters worse Jarrow were reduced to ten men on 80 minutes, when a defender received his second caution for another dangerous tackle.

The last ten minutes were as lively as the rest of the game with chances end-to-end. Jarrow nearly stole the lead on 82 minutes when the right winger ended a good move by racing into the box and a cross shot eluded the home keeper and glanced off the bar to be cleared. Then the best chance of the game came to RCA on 85 minutes when Stewart raced away up the right, hassled by the last defender, the linesman was flagging for a foul close to the penalty area, but Stewart was given the advantage by the referee and he managed to cross the ball into the area where Joseph racing in and an open goal available, hit the ball with ferocity over the bar. The home supporters, arms already in air, were gobsmacked. Jarrow then ran the clock down and the referee blew. A 0 - 0 game that was very entertaining, but a severe setback to SRCA's promotion hopes. We need Saurday's home game to arrive quickly to get back to winning ways.

skilltraining Northern League

7 March 2009

A very modest attendance today - live FA Cup football on the box and SAFC at home - meant the crowd only numbered about 50 at kick off, very disappointing given that RCA are still in with a promotion chance. Darlington lined up eagerly, having Paul Sammons in the centre of the park (with us last season and winner of our Player of the Season award). RCA captain Halliday won the toss and elected to defend both the slope and one of the strongest winds felt at Meadow Park this season.

Darlington RA kicked off and immediately showed their intentions getting the ball into the RCA box quickly and defenders Jones, Reay and Wardle had to make aerial challenges in getting the ball away and eventually into touch. The approach clearly unnerved the home defence and in the fourth minute the quickest breakthrough made by a visiting side this season came when a long throw was launched into the box by the left back, deceiving the central defenders, was then half cleared to the right side of the penalty spot where number six Michael Carter, with a lot of space, drilled just inside the right hand post. A fantastic start for RA who raced back to the half way line, whilst enquiries were made between the RCA players. No relenting though as RA quickly won the ball again hitting direct balls straight into the box and winning corners in quick succession one of which was headed firmly away by Reay. After ten minutes RCA began to get more of the ball, Stewart making good ground up the right after exchanging passes with Halliday and this resulted in their first effort which was hit wide. RA responded again though, this time the RA right full back hitting a decent long-range effort which was well saved by Hoggeth.

After 20 minutes RCA were winning a lot more possession in particular up the left where Joseph won a free kick outside the box near the by-line. The cross hit in actually beat the keeper, but was then scrambled clear. RA responded on 25 minutes hitting a long ball which again deceived the home defenders and the centre forward raced onto meeting the on rushing keeper, but lifted his effort over the bar. A real awakening and the SRCA management shouted their instructions, the home side lifting the tempo and winning their first corners of the game. RA were struggling to clear their lines now as it was all one way traffic and it was no surprise when the equaliser came on 30 minutes. After good passing between Moan, Halliday and Davison the ball eventually arrived to Richards just outside the box and he drilled an excellent 20 yard effort in off the bar, bouncing over the line, with Halliday following up still pushing in the net again just in case their was any confusion. 1 - 1 and much more like it from RCA.

Darlington RA were completely on the back foot now defending frantically on both wings. Then on 38 minutes the best move of the game again down the right when Stewart played one-twos with Halliday who turned and played the ball into the right side of the box to the feet of Joseph who turned quickly and impressively before curling the ball with his left foot into the top left hand corner. Great goal, 2-1 and RCA in ascendancy. RA were struggling now as the attacking play was unrelenting as RCA won successive free kicks and more corners. However their desperation turned to joy as half time approached, a long clearance found Sammons in midfield who passed the ball to the left finding number 11, Lyons who played a neat one-two and in a great move finished off with aplomb lifting the ball over Hoggeth. 2 -2, then the half time whistle blown - home supporters gob smacked, but it was time to catch your breath again.

Although the wind strength reduced when SRCA kicked off the second half, it was clearly going to be a tough time for RA and a corner was won immediately by RCA on 46 minutes, which was scrambled away. Joseph was asking many questions of the left full back who was left for dead before a great cross was hit into the box finding the onrushing Stewart who possibly should have done better, but headed over with the keeper to beat. For the next ten minutes the ball was kept in the Darlington half, but all moves broke down when reaching the penalty box. McGuinness was hitting good free kicks in, whilst corner after corner was won, Wardle heading over from the best chance.

However the breakthrough was inevitable and Halliday after linking with Stewart on the right, got what his efforts deserved on 75 minutes, breaking into the box and after sidestepping the defender, he hit an early effort which took the slightest of deflections, beating the keeper at his near post. RA responded by winning their first corner soon after, having to adjust their game plan now that they were a goal behind. More space was being found all over the pitch by RCA and Stewart in particular was causing many problems down the right creating further half chances for both Halliday and Davison. Jennings was then brought into the fray on 78 minutes as a substitute for midfielder Moan, as manager Hixon declared his intentions. It was generally one-way traffic from then on. Jennings had three great opportunities in the last ten minutes bringing out a good save from the keeper in a one-on-one situation. It was Davison who benefited most though when following up on one of Jennings efforts to turn the ball into an empty net. 4 - 2 and game over! Lee was brought on for Joseph as RCA controlled the game until the end. A first win in four games hopefully gets us back on track and surely more goals will come in the eagerly awaited cup match at home against Thornaby this Tuesday. Could this be the year when we make history and bring home a Northern League trophy for the first time in the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup?

Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup - Third Round

10 March 2009

Arriving at the business end of the season now, the management made a number of team changes for tonight's cup game in readiness for a hectic run in, which could see 15 games played in the remaining eight weeks. Wayne Henderson returned to defence, Anth Laidler in midfield, Andy Jennings back starting as centre forward alongside Liam Gill, promoted up from our U21 side to make his debut for SRCA in the Northern League. Manager Neil Hixon also called up forward Lee Andrews (top scorer for our Under 18 youth side) for the first time - he who won a place on the bench, a clear indication that the overall SRCA club development project is progressing upwards.

SRCA kicked off with the slope advantage, but it was Thornaby who were the more lively in the opening exchanges winning more possession and quickly aiming to attack up the flanks. The ball was moved quickly in each half but forwards at both ends were flagged offside which slowed down the game momentum. After ten minutes the home sides first main attack came with Moan playing in Gill who showed excellent touches down the left before turning into the box and finding Laidler; he crossed the ball first time and Jennings racing into volley from eight yards, sliced the ball well wide of the target. Thornaby upped their game and after a period of keeping the ball with some excellent play involving centre forward Fox and left winger Gell, the ball was played to the feet of central midfielder Mohamed Abdullah who from a good 25 yards hit a great curling effort which had keeper Hoggeth racing back to cover. He was relieved that it just cleared the bar. Joseph on the left flank for RCA was now getting into the game a lot more and on two occasions he got past his marker, both times crosses found the head of Jennings who first time was pulled up for a foul on the keeper, but the second bringing a great goal line clearance from the full back who cleared well to concede a corner. RCA were winning many free kicks at this stage of the game the best of which was hit direct from 30 yards by Lee which brought a good save from Pisani in the Thornaby goal.

Thornaby were proving more than capable and again took the match to RCA with number 10, Elstrom Die and Gell again causing many problems when linking with Fox and they were certainly working the home keeper, who had to come out twice in a few minutes to collect very good crosses, hit right on the spot. Jones at right back had to make a number of last-ditch challenges, whilst Wardle and Henderson were having their work cut out in central defence. However their attacking play enabled the home side to counter attack quickly and in the 35th minute, against the run of play RCA took the lead. After the ball was won in midfield it was hit quickly to the feet of Gill who intelligently hit a high ball quickly out to the right wing where in a race between Shields and the left back, it was the attacker who controlled the ball brilliantly enabling him to move into the box, racing on with only the keeper to beat he despatched the ball into the far corner. 1 - 0 to RCA and the cup-tie was really brought to life now as the supporters clapped their appreciation. The game really opened up with Thornaby again taking the game to the opposition, but their final ball was letting down great approach play. If the first goal was harsh on the visitors the second was a real sickner for them when Jennings was played in tight on the left touch line and racing from 40 yards he beat the full back and cut right into the penalty box before racing towards the byeline and with the angle against him he hit a great drive into the opposite corner of the net. 2 - 0 and RCA looking like semi finalists already as the referee blew for half time.

The second half was as entertaining as the first with Thornaby showing quickly that they were still going to go for the tie. In the early stages they pushed more players forward creating many half chances. However the best effort actually came from their right full back, captain Richie Farrell, who hit a cracking effort from distance, which Hoggeth saved well. The direct approach was certainly unsettling the RCA defence who whilst solid in the first half were now mistiming clearances and Thornaby were winning more free kicks and corners. RCA made their first substitution on 60 minutes with Lee Andrews making his debut coming on as a straight swap for Gill.

At the back RCA were still unsettled and on 65 minutes after a period of quiet the game really came to life when a long ball into the home box was headed upwards into the air at high distance. When the ball came down a further clearance was sliced goal wards. When the ball was pushed out again to the edge of the box, No 6. Abdullah hit a great first time volley from 20 yards into the bottom corner of the net. 2 - 1 and game back on.

After a further substitution for RCA on 70 minutes, McGuinness coming on for Joseph, the home side raised the game and again were gaining possession in the opposition half. Jennings and Andrews were working hard trying to get a further goal, but the Thornaby defence stood firm. On 80 minutes though a good move did find the breach and McGuinness played an excellent cross into the centre which Andrews just headed wide, only to be pulled back for a very tight offside. As the clock ran down Thornaby did win a couple of free kicks, one approximately 25 yards from goal, Fox racing in to hit a fierce shot, fortunately for RCA hitting the centre of the wall. The referee blew a few minutes later and after a good entertaining game, it was RCA through to a guaranteed home semi-final tie against Birtley or Brandon. The season is replicating last year when we made a late promotion push, ending up fourth and runners up in the same Cup. If we can go one better in league and cup this year it will be good times indeed!

skilltraining Northern League

14 March 2009

A strong, blustery wind blowing down the pitch greeted us at Crook on Saturday, and the alternative attraction of Sunderland v Wigan on the pirate satellite in the clubhouse sounded good to a few of the locals as we prepared to meet Crook in a vital NL game. Hicker made a few changes from the midweek match, with Adsy preferred at left back to Dava Lee, who was on the bench, and Delta and Andy Reay reunited in central defence. Gaz Shields started wide right with Steve Stewart wide left, and AJ and Sparky were up front. The game started with us having the advantage of the wind, but for fifteen or more minutes the home side were in the ascendancy knocking the ball about well, while we struggled to get a rhythm. But we started to gradually get a hold on the game and took the lead in the 18th minute as a free kick floated to the back post and Gaz Shields soared to bounce a hopeful header past a flat-footed keeper, 1-0 and a great start, though Hicker wanted to know if it had just hit him on the back of the head. The goal altered the game completely, as we were lifted and all of a sudden Crook looked flat.

The keeper made a good save from Sparky from an AJ head on, our back four looked untroubled by the Crook forwards, and Scott and Buddy were in charge in midfield. In 25 minutes a super Steve Stewart run and cross was laid back for Scott to strike the post with AJ following up to fire home, 2-0. Better was to follow in the 28th minute when AJ took a quick throw in, Buddy ran onto it perfectly, made the box and dropped the cross on Sparky's head, 3-0 and happy days! Crook got a bit upset at this point and started to try and rattle us, but to no avail. Stewy should have made it four when he ran into the box with only the keeper to beat, only for the keeper to make a good save, and we cruised into the interval, looking very, very comfortable.

No doubt Crook got a good talking to at half time, and to be fair they came out with the wind at their backs and put us under a lot of pressure for ten or fifteen minutes. Hicker took off Adsy to bring on Dava with his better defensive qualities, and did the same to bring Glenn Moan into the action in place of Shieldsy. But we picked up the pace, and Glenn in particular found himself doing at least as much attacking as defending. We made more chances, but the fourth goal didn't come until the 77th minute when Stewy was brought down as he charged into the box. Sparky stepped up and hammered home the penalty, 4-0. Crook were goosed now, their heads dropped, and we were in complete control. In the 83rd minute Buddy, having got his goalscoring fancy back last week, strolled into the box and finished like a veteran striker, and in the 87th minute Sparky finished the rout with a well taken goal for an excellent hat trick. 6-0 away from home at one of the most famous old clubs in the country, well done all round. A great performance, and this season isn't over yet!

skilltraining Northern League

17 March 2009

Surely a Meadow Park record tonight, a visiting supporter (dressed with the Guinness St Patrick's Day top hat) waiting for the turnstile to open at 6.00 PM tonight. He had travelled by public bus from Norton for tonight's eagerly awaited promotion crunch match and was unperturbed that the game kick off was going to be 7:45. Conditions were near perfect as kick off approached and an above average crowd looked on with expectation from the stand. Manager Neil Hixon had to make enforced changes from the Saturday squad that had won convincingly at Crook Town 6-0 (our best ever win at their Millfield home) with both centre backs unavailable. Wardle, failing a fitness test and being replaced by Henderson, whilst Moan took the shirt of Reay, who was also unavailable.

RCA won the toss and defended the slope and Norton were first out of the traps, quickly gaining ground in the RCA half. Winning an early free kick in a dangerous area on the right side of the penalty box, Moan headed away well before Norton were pulled up for an infringement. The visitors were very positive in the early stages moving the ball around swiftly and they nearly opened the scoring after ten minutes when some great interplay allowed number eight, Alan Cossavella, space and he cracked a terrific effort from 20 yards against the RCA cross bar. The home team, that had started slowly in comparison, were brought to life and getting the ball down, they started to get right winger Shields into the game and he created a couple of half chances, Stewart getting on the end of a cross field pass, but drilling an effort well wide of the target. For the next period RCA central midfielders Halliday and Richards were finding little room from their opposite markers.

The sides were tending to hit longer balls, avoiding the midfield area, but playing very intricate passing moves in the final third thus minimising any risk and reducing counter attack opportunities. Both teams were firing good long crosses into the box, McGuinness in particular for RCA finding Jennings and Davison who were well challenged when trying to head towards the target. Both sides won a couple of corners each before the game really came to life in the last five minutes of the half. Stewart hit a great corner that Jennings headed goalward, but was cleared for a further corner. Richards then hit a terrific corner from the opposite side that missed all in the six yard area. End-to-end though as Norton replied winning corners themselves and again they nearly broke the deadlock with crosses hit in identical spots, which Hoggeth in goal dealt with very well. However the best chance of the game fell right on half time when Halliday was played through the centre and he raced into the right side of the penalty box hitting a 20 yard effort diagonally which Briggs in goal for Norton, did well in pushing away for the final corner of the half.

0 - 0 though at half time and a decent game for all and sundry.

It was the home side who really pushed forward in the second half and in the 50th minute McGuinness played in a great 30 yard pass to the chest of Jennings, who flicked the ball over the defender and spun round leaving himself with the keeper to beat, but he hit his effort past the post and into the side netting from ten yards. Norton responded winning further corners which were again gathered well by Hoggeth who was looking very assured in goal. After the hour mark it was RCA who were looking the more likely and Stewart broke away twice before being brought down when breaching the visitors midfield. The referee Terry Phillips had kept good control of the game and had long conversations with the fouling culprits. Manager Hixon then made a decisive change when taking off Shields on the right flank moving Stewart to that area and bringing on Joseph down the left on 70 minutes.

Minutes later RCA showed greater desire and after an attack down the right the ball was switched to the left, where Joseph raced into the box beating the left back who brought the attacker down; an obvious penalty and the referee had no hesitation blowing the whistle. Davison stepped up and calmly slotted home. 1 - 0 to RCA and loud cheers from the home supporters! However Norton pushed on immediately and successive throw-ins were conceded after good challenges by Stewart and Jones near the half way line. A moment's lapse in concentration allowed the left winger to make ground and he hit a great cross to the far post where Joseph racing back, headed out but right at the spot where centre forward Michael Dunwell was waiting and he despatched a terrific volley straight into the bottom corner of the net. 1 - 1.

The last ten minutes were very open and RCA pushed on knowing a point would not really help the promotion challenge and Halliday, Richards and Jennings all had half chances. Norton responded again and the centre forward also had a great chance when put through, but that was wasted. With time running out McGuinness again launched a long cross into the box, Davison beat the keeper in the aerial challenge, but the ball went over the bar before the referee blew to conclude the game.

skilltraining Northern League

21 March 2009

Manager Neil Hixon faced selection problems for the second time in a week with three central defenders unavailable for today's match against Washington. Wardle and Reay, who missed the match against Norton, were out again and they were joined by Wayne Henderson who failed an early fitness test. Glenn Moan kept his place at the back and his brother Neil was drafted in to make his first start in a few months, alongside him. David Lee replaced Adam McGuinness at left back and Anth Laidler was brought into central midfield for Scott Richards. Manager Hixon again had no hesitation in looking to the Youth squads to boost numbers and Liam Gill from our Under 21 side was added to the squad again, whilst defender Marc Moon was called in for the first time from SRCA U18s

Washington won the toss and although defending the slope they quickly showed attacking intent and took the game to RCA. The approach appeared to surprise the home team who had to defend well in the early stages. In fact, ten minutes had passed before RCA made their first approach into the opposition box with Davison finding Shields on the right who hit an excellent cross to the back post from which Stewart got an effort on goal and won a corner. However the visitors were unruffled and again were running the ball to make progress, with former RCA winger Andy Middleton moving well, dribbling forward from the half way line only to see moves break down at the edge of the box. A couple of free kicks won in decent positions were generally wasted with poor delivery. After 25 minutes some very good midfield play allowed Halliday to play in Jennings who after beating the offside trap found the referee blowing for an infringement against a Washington player when he could have allowed the advantage.

Washington controlled the next period of play with their number 11 picking up the ball after a good move, but on breaking into the box he pulled his effort across the face of the goal. RCA upped the ante though and after their best period it was no surprise when the breakthrough was made and what an excellent goal it was. After a couple of passes were made in central midfield the ball was played to Davison in the centre circle and he hit a great through ball to the advancing Jennings who, moving towards goal, played a brilliant reverse sweeping pass to Stewart who had ran behind him. Stewart, disguising to hit with his left foot to get both defender and goalkeeper changing direction, moved the ball to his right side to hit a cracking 25 yarder which the keeper could do nothing with. 1 - 0! Much more like it now and before celebrations had quietened RCA were in again when Stewart moving down the left got near the corner flag, but on losing the ball, the defender then bounced it back to him allowing only a couple of yards of space and the winger took advantage, hitting a great early ball with his left foot into the six yard area where Jennings had raced to the front post glancing the finest of headers which hit the inside of the back post and nestled in the net. 2 - 0 and looking good! All the home side now with Jennings having the ball in the net again from a corner yet again the referee unbelievably disallowed for pushing by Stewart who if anything was being held by the defender and at least eight yards away from Jennings who was totally in the clear when rising high in the air, but this was disallowed. Two further chances came RCA's way and in a near replication of the first goal, Stewart crossed in and in the same spot Jennings headed the ball, but this time it went a foot wide of the back post. Shields got in down the right moments after, hitting a great cross in to Davison who headed just over the bar. Great chances gone begging, but definitely looking more like it from RCA.

Whilst it was backs to the wall for Washington in the last 15 minutes of the half they certainly shrugged it off quickly and started the second half at a very fast pace. All RCA defenders were brought into action and the Moan brothers were doing well in central defence with clearing headers on successive occasions. Washington central midfielder Jamie Elrington began to move the ball quickly forward receiving balls back to feet quickly from no 12 Ray Oshin. On a couple of occasions the same player broke into the box, but weak attempts were fired at goal. Although a couple of corners and free kicks were conceded by the home side Hoggeth in goal was very commanding and grabbing well in the air on all occasions. After another Washington attack was broken down after an interception by full back Jones, Halliday and Laidler linked to get the ball forward, but Shields and Davison could not break down a resolute Washington line. However for all their endeavour Washington began to run out of ideas and good play was not rewarded with a final good finish. SRCA brought on Michael Coghlan as a replacement for Davison on 80 minutes to bolster the midfield, Sean Joseph came on for Steven Stewart and Marc Moon was brought on to make his debut a few minutes later replacing Shields. The clock ran down with Hoggeth called into action in the 90th minute, collecting a decent long range effort. Final score: 2 - 0 and another 3 points collected. SRCA are certainly on course to beat last year's effort of gathering 70 points. While we are certainly promotion chance outsiders we are by no means out of the race yet!

skilltraining Northern League

24 March 2009

Supporters, players and committee gathered at 3.30pm on Tuesday showing enthusiasm for the historic midweek journey to Whitehaven. No spare capacity on the buses, so Will Frater keen RCA supporter and season ticket holder had good foresight in turning down the offer of a possible lift and making his own way on the train (maybe he knew something we did not. The early departure caused disruption to the manager's squad plans as a couple of players could not get out of work on time. A squad of 16 travelled, including Liam Gill from the U21 team with Marc Moon and Anthony Ashman from our U18s.

Neil Hixon had plenty of time to consider his options and without three main central defenders again, decided to hand the team sheet in showing four changes from Saturday's line up. Steve Jones was swapped to central defence, Gary Shields moving to right back from midfield and Glenn Moan moving to central midfield. Adam McGuiness reverted to left back with Sean Joseph in front of him on the left side. Whitehaven kicked off appearing to sense the squad changes and attacked at a ferocious pace. Winning possession immediately down the left the ball was crossed to where McGuinness cleared for a throw in, level with the edge of the box. The ball was quickly knocked back to the left wing to David Dustin where the attacker beat the offside trap, knocked the ball to the back post where Robert Fowler for Whitehaven raced in to easily slot home. SRCA one down after two minutes. Definitely unsettling and there was no relenting in the early stages. Losing possession again the home side were clearly up for it and moving the ball again quickly down the left they won a free kick, then consecutive throw ins. After some neat passing the ball arrived to the feet of David Dunstin and he pushed forward with plenty of defenders in front of him. Moving down the wing on an inside left position he beat the first defender before cutting inside. Showing real skill now he beat another defender moving into centre and when a pass looked the best option he hit a terrific 25 yarder, which flew in along the wet surface past Hoggeth's right hand giving him no chance. 2 - 0 down and barely six minutes on the clock. SRCA clearly in for a long night. The pattern of play did not change much in the first 20 minutes as RCA could not settle down and Whitehaven were not changing their game plan of hitting the ball from anywhere in their own half to the pacey wing forwards. However when the visitors did settle down it was much more like it.

Joseph on the left began beating his markers on every occasion, but was pulled down (not with malicious fouls but clumsy challenges). Stewart out wide started to play very well down the right. One direction now with RCA winning corners and free kicks consistently. Davison and Jennings were dominating in the air from crosses, Glenn Moan and Anth Laidler were winning second balls in midfield …surely a goal was on its way. When Joseph was pulled down again on the left, time for the referee to have words with the culprit. No. Whitehaven broke away down the left again full back Shields did commit a bad foul first one and booked. Good times indeed!

However no stopping our forward momentum. A goal had to come and it did. Winning a corner again the home defenders made three blocks before the ball landed at the feet of Davison who did well in keeping the ball down and fired through a massive cluster of players into the net. 1 - 2 and back in it at last. Full steam ahead and Whitehaven definitely backs to the wall. Wave after wave of attacks before the key moment of the game on 43 minutes. The ball played down the right to Stewart who beat his man before moving the ball to Davison in the box. Taking the ball down on his chest he turned onto his left foot hitting a decent effort that the keeper palmed out to the feet of Laidler who gleefully hit home. 2 - 2 and real celebrations! No, a linesman has seen an infringement and unbelievably it's offside. Whitehaven taking advantage of the chaos moved the ball quickly down the left which number 9 Craig Robson sprinted on to. Running close to the bye line and into the box he hit a tremendous shot into the bottom corner of the net. Great goal and louder celebrations than before. The referee blew for half-time and SRCA players and supporters were shell shocked. 3 - 1 down was very hard to take.

The second half kicked off with Hixon making a tactical change for RCA switching Jones back to right back, Glenn Moan back to central defence and Mick Coghlan coming into the centre of midfield. If RCA were lively in the latter part of the second half then they really upped the ante know and Whitehaven set their stall out to defend the lead. The good surface suited RCA's style and some slick passing and movement even had coach George Herd applauding from the sidelines. Both wingers were getting used, but unfortunately the forwards could not get close enough on goal to make the efforts count. But after the hour a fantastic swift move involving seven players, Jones moving the ball quickly to Stewart, switching inwards finding Moan, then Coghlan, Laidler involved before the ball was switched to the left where Joseph racing forward hit a fantastic cross into the box where Jennings racing in at the penalty spot position rifled a header into the roof of the net: Goal of the Month and possibly a contender for Goal of the Season. Even the Whitehaven supporters applauded. 3 - 2 to the home side and game on. Real one way traffic now and RCA piled bodies forward in search of the equaliser.

Whitehaven were on the ropes and defending numerous corners. However it was only a matter of time and after 75 minutes RCA drew level again ... No! A cross was fired into the box and Jennings spotting the keeper off his line headed firmly from distance, the keeper racing back grabbed the ball which looked well over the line, he spun to push the ball back onto the goal-line as he landed and at this point, RCA celebrated, the referee looked at his linesman …again…. No …Linesman unbelievably did not flag for the goal. The match reporter who was one yard from the linesman's position was shell shocked……and still is. However no feeling sorry for ourselves as the attacking play continued and got its just rewards minutes later. Another corner was won on the right and Joseph hit in a great curler to the back post where McGuinness got up well to head home. 3 - 3 and real celebrations now, better than all previous! Only one winner now surely? No! Whitehaven were re-ignited and they now threw men forward quickly. In one of their few attacks of the half they also won a corner on the right and when this was hit to the front post Karl McGrady met with a firm header that flew into the net. 4 - 3 to the home side…..and you can imagine the scene. Minutes left and RCA again chasing an equaliser were caught again on the break and the home side won another corner on the right. Hit in to the same area, this time it was met with a half volley by Kevin Law. 5 - 3. What can you say! For the neutral a great game. For RCA a real dent to our promotion hopes. Life's tough!

skilltraining Northern League

28 March 2009

A cold and windy day on top of the hill at Brandon, for what promised to be a real tough game against the current form team in the division.

After Tuesday night's defeat at Whitehaven, Hicker made a few changes with Andy Reay returning at centre half, Steve Jones reverting to right back, Mark McLeod returning from university and gaining a midfield spot in the continuing absence of Scott Richards, and Buddy coming back into the side as captain. Glenn Moan, Gaz Shields and Anth Laidler had to be content with a spot on the bench, alongside Micky Coghlan, and young striker Liam Gill.

We had the advantage of the strong wind in the first half, and it looked like we would need to make full use of it. We started brightly, pushing hard and pressing the young Brandon keeper, whose kicking was not able to handle the wind at all. Brandon looked sharp on the occasional break with leading scorer Dixon, Foley Shekoni and Billy Greulich Smith all looking dangerous for our hosts. The pressure told in the 18th minute however as Sean - Taz - Joseph scored direct from a free kick which the keeper could only parry into the roof of the net. The pattern of the half was set now, with Brandon hoping to hold out until it was their turn to enjoy the breeze and RCA pushing hard, having a succession of corners and hoping to build a good lead.

Brandon held until the 35th minute when Steve Stewart got his head to a corner which had bounced at least twice - Brandon were not happy with the defending, or the keeper - and made it 2-0 from a yard out. And three minutes later it was 3-0 as Sparky Davison drove a powerful shot off all parts of the woodwork as the keeper was left helpless. It should have been four a few minutes on, when AJ had yet another goal disallowed for a dubious off side, at least the tenth this season.

3-0 at HT.

Would it be enough? It certainly seemed so as the second half opened with RCA much better into the wind than Brandon had been, looking confident, holding the ball well and using both wingers to great effect to carry the ball forward. Andy should have increased the lead with a couple of good chances in the first five minutes of the half, created by good passing and crosses, before Shekoni showed Brandon could still trouble us as he netted only for it to be ruled out, rightly, for an earlier infringement. And on 64 minutes that was it, as AJ made amends for his earlier misses, cracking home a fierce shot after his header had come back off the post and Steve Stewart, who was excellent all day, put the resulting cross back into the danger zone.

After 74 minutes Brandon got a penalty which Hoggy could have saved with his cap as a poor effort barely reached his goal line, then in 81 minutes Sparky got his second, and probably the goal of the game, as he screamed home a super volley from 15 yards. A late Billy Greulich Smith goal - what a cracking name - gave Brandon a little consolation, but the 5-1 final scoreline was no more than we deserved for a super performance, particularly in the second half into the wind, when our control, passing and movement was a joy to watch. The season is still alive!