skilltraining Northern League

1 April 2009

Another funny old night on our travels in North Yorkshire, as RCA took their goal scoring in our last four away games to an astonishing 17; astonishing because we have won only two of those games! Hicker had to make a couple of changes again as the problems of mid-week cropped up. Glenn Moan came into right back for the missing Steve Jones, and Paul Wardle returned after injury to replace Andy Reay, also unavailable. Neil Moan and Adsy McGuiness made up the back four, with the rest of the team unchanged.

The game kicked off in perfect conditions and RCA were immediately all over Stokesley with both wingers seeing the ball early and chances being created from the off. So it came as something of a surprise when Stokesley won a free kick on half way in the eleventh minute, about as far forward as they had been in the game so far, knocked it into the box for an unmarked forward to head home. We appealed for offside but in vain, 1 - 0. We pushed forward again, won a couple of corners from which Andy headed over, then in the 14th minute they wandered down our end again and made it 2 - 0 from their second attack. They looked nearly as surprised as we were.

Was this going to be Whitehaven again? We were shocked and Stokesley were lifted, and had their best spell of the game with decent possession in midfield. But we re-asserted, pushed on and started to dominate again around the half hour. A series of chances and corners were created, Adsy had a great shot from distance saved, Andy, who looked very lively, fired just wide and just over, the keeper pushed a couple round for corners, which came to nothing, both wingers had the beating of their men all day, until in the 30th minute AJ forced another save, the corner came over and the big fella made no mistake with the header, 2 - 1 and game on. The next quarter was all us but we could not force the equaliser, 2 - 1 at the break, a travesty in terms of the balance of play and chances, but no good moaning, a lot still to do.

The second half started as the first had ended and it looked impossible for Stokesley to hold out for long. After 54 minutes the chance came as Stewy played AJ in. He took it wide as the keeper came out and slotted past for a cool strike and his second of the game, 2 - 2. At this point, completely on top and 35 minutes to play, RCA looked certain to take the points, until two minutes later, and with their first attack of the half, Stokesley regained the lead as their striker ran onto a long ball, took the central defenders on for pace, and lifted the ball past Hoggy as he came out. A very good finish, but the scoreline was unbelievable! 3 - 2 and the locals jubilant. Stokesley then set up camp on the edge of their box, although to be fair, the quick lad up front always looked to get onto any chance to run at us and lift the siege and was a good outlet for his team. He probably thought he was going to get a hat trick. We battered away, but the fluency had gone a little now, although the chances still came every couple of minutes. Andy hit the post when he looked certain to score, Taz blasted wide from a good opportunity, and Sparky likewise from a good cross to the near post, but Stokesley stayed calm and battled away. It got a bit fractious in midfield with even Buddy squaring up to people as they tried to niggle and slow it down at every opportunity.

Hicker introduced Micky Coghlan into midfield and sacrificed a winger by withdrawing Stewy. Not everyone on the RCA line agreed with this move, but the manager was proved right and me wrong again as Micky saved the point in the last minute with a brilliant goal, picking up in midfield, exchanging passes as he ran into the box, beating his man and pushing past the keeper, a finish of a player of the highest class, and a sign of what he could bring to the team if he seizes his opportunities. A fantastic goal to end the game, a six goal thriller, but points dropped against a side not as good as the Crook or Brandon teams we have murdered on our travels recently. It's a funny game! Still alive!

skilltraining Northern League

4 April 2009

A very dry hard pitch, mixed with a blustery wind meant that conditions were far from ideal at Meadow Park for today's must win game against Whickham. Having lost the toss RCA kicked off with wind and slope advantage, winning an immediate free kick on the half way line, centre half Wardle fired into the box and Jennings put the defence under early pressure winning a corner. Shields crossed in an excellent delivery, which found Henderson who was unlucky when heading just over the bar.

A very bright start by RCA continued with attacks down both flanks with Shields creating half chances for Jennings and Davison before Joseph on the left also found room coming in at the back post; he beat the full back but screwed his shot wide of the when a cross shot may have been the best option. Whickham were looking nervous in the early exchanges moving the ball long at all opportunities. However after 15 minutes they did get the ball down well through captain Cavanagh who played in his right-winger resulting in a first corner win which was well gathered by Hoggeth. RCA then began to increase the pace. Halliday and McLeod in central midfield, playing some good football, were finding the forwards quickly and after 25 minutes RCA won three successive corners. Shields was delivering well, but each time the central defenders made good headed clearances. After the third corner the ball was half cleared to the edge of the box and when launched back in, Davison rose well but headed over from eight yards.

The strong wind was making it difficult for the visitors to make any headway whilst RCA players found the ball running away from forwards, meaning the Whickham goalkeeper was being overworked in taking goal kicks, but not having to make any real saves. A scrappy period was livened when Jones intercepted one of Whickham's few attacks and when the ball was hit long from a wide position Halliday brought the ball down well and played in Joseph inside the penalty area who spun to fire in a good early shot which the keeper was relieved to see travel wide. There was frantic defending by the visitors in the final period before half-time, but RCA could not find a way through and when the referee blew to conclude the half the Whickham defenders shouted encouragement to one another for a defending job well executed, whilst RCA forwards looked on at what might have been. 0 - 0 at half time and RCA with it all to do.

The second half kicked off with Whickham pushing forward more but it was RCA who created the first attack when McGuinness won the ball on the left and switching it to midfield play was switched to the right where Shields ran free and, after getting behind the defence, he raced into the box but over hit his cross which cleared all and ran out of play.

RCA were upping the pace now and on 60 minutes a real chance was created when, after good midfield play between McLeod and Halliday, a through ball split the defence and Jennings beating the offside trap raced on. When pulling the trigger at the edge of the box he was fouled by a last ditch challenge. The referee immediately blew for the free kick then raced to his linesman for a long discussion. On return no card and a free kick only, right on the edge of the box.

Davison hit the resulting free kick with great venom past the wall, the keeper saved spectacularly and did well to keep out at all, but the ball rebounded to McLeod who following in poked home. 1 - 0 and the breakthrough at last.

The visitors were rattled now and minutes later things got a lot better for RCA when a great ball up the left found Joseph who raced past the covering right back and on breaking into the box drilled a terrific 20 yard cross shot past the keeper and just inside the far post. Real celebrations now by the home supporters with Whickham hit with a double whammy!

Whickham really pushed forward now with one long ball nearly deceiving Hoggeth and then their good play nearly resulted in a goal on 75 minutes. After a free kick was won 25 yards out Cavanagh hit a brilliant effort round the wall and Hoggeth was relieved when it hit the outside of the post. Coghlan was introduced by the RCA management as a replacement for Joseph on 80 minutes. The home side pushed forward now and Jennings was on the end of two successive crosses from the left diving to head one that was saved and one just wide. On 85 minutes this good attacking play ensured the game was sown up. After Shields won a free kick on the right McLeod hit a great cross into the box, which fell to the feet of Davison who fired home, to get the rewards that his efforts had fully deserved. 3 - 0 and game over. The referee blew a few minutes later to conclude a match that RCA easily deserved to win and another three points on the board. The promotion challenge is still not all over!

skilltraining Northern League

8 April 2009

This was another of those games which we needed to win, should have won, but didn't.

RCA came under a lot of pressure from a lively Norton in the first ten minutes of this match, but on our first attack we won a corner and scored from it. Sean Joseph swung it and Scott Richards was on hand to tap it in at the near post. That goal was a real tonic for we were then on top. Andy Jennings hit the post on thirty minutes and Mark Davison hit over from a good position. We went in 1 - 0 up at half time.

Four minutes after the beak Norton equalized. RCA cleared the ball from a corner, but the Marske number 10 hit a good shot from distance. RCA took the lead again when Andy Jennings headed in from a free kick. On 83 minutes Marske equalized again. A long ball was hit up field and unfortunately Delta missed his back header and the Marske centre forward ran through to lob the ball over the advancing keeper.

skilltraining Northern League

11 April 2009

Sunderland RCA took the field knowing that nothing less than victory could keep us in the hunt for a promotion place and that goals scored could be important. RCA keeper Gary Hoggeth was returning to his old club and Jarrow had two ex-RCA men in their side, Matty Hysen playing number nine up front and Dean Goodwin in central midfield.

Both sides made a lively start. On two minutes Gary Hoggeth released Sean - Taz - Joseph down the RCA left. Taz hit a very good ball to Andy Jennings, whose shot was blocked. The game was even-stevens with both sides attacking, although RCA were not pleased by the number of times they were giving the ball away. On 11 minutes Adam McGuinness, who has taken to the left back position very well, hit a great ball to Scott Richards who crossed to Andy Jennings, who hit a good shot.

On 17 minutes it looked as though the Roofers would take the lead. Gary Hoggeth came out of his area and lost the ball to Matty Hysen whose shot went over the cross bar for a let off for RCA.

On 30 minutes the RCA keeper was shouting for the ball again, but was always second favourite as he came out of the penalty area, this time bringing down a Jarrow player, who needed treatment, and getting a yellow card for his trouble. The free kick was hit hard and low and was gathered by Gary who hit a long ball down field which was quickly latched onto by Northern League Division 2 leading scorer Mark Davison who lashed it past the keeper to give RCA the lead - a bit of a sickner for the hosts.

Towards the end of the first half it was clear that Taz was struggling with an injury and Steven Stewart warmed up. After Andy Jennings was through on goal, but placed his shot across the keeper and wide of his post, he was called on to swap with Sean to cover the left hand side and see out the half.

In the second half Steven Stewart came on as a replacement for Sean Joseph. Immediately opening scorer Mark Davison was looking lively with a strong shot from the outside the area going past the post. On 50 minutes a good move down the right saw Gary Shields' cross cleared for a corner. Three minutes later Andy Jennings saw his header cleared off the line as he beat the keeper. Jarrow were attacking too and their pressure led to a long range shot clearing the crossbar. On 58 minutes there was another strong run from Mark Davison, who should perhaps have tried to play Andy Jennings in. Two minutes later AJ hit the bar with a header. It only took another two minutes for RCA to deservedly increase their lead, with the old Chester pairing doing the business: Gary Shields crossed from the right and Steven Stewart shot across the keeper. Three minutes later and Steven Stewart was in again placing his shot out of the Jarrow keeper's reach into the right corner.

On 65 minutes manager Neil Hixon took Gary Shields off and put Michael Coghlan on in central midfield with Mark McLeod moving to the right. On 72 minutes Glenn Moan came on for Paul Wardle, who had twisted his knee. (He should be OK for Tuesday.)

On 86 minutes Andy Jennings got his just rewards when running through and outpacing the Roofers' defence he hit the ball strongly past the keeper to make it 4 - 0 to RCA.

A job well done, but it was not long after people had gathered in the club house that the news came through that Horden had won 1 - 0 with a goal in the last minute. That's football!

skilltraining Northern League

14 April 2009

A miserable dark night night at Meadow Park as the incoming fog shrouded the ground in a Faustian gloom, only partly pierced by the flickering floodlights. RCA had Jon Minniss returning to the fold in place of the injured Gary Hoggeth in goal, and with Scott Richards and Steve Halliday as the preferred pairing in midfield.

The game started brightly with RCA playing up the slope, and chances were created almost immediately with Andy Jennings in the thick of the goal mouth action as he was to be all night. Our visit to Whitehaven a few weeks ago was an eight goal thriller and it had all the makings in the first ten tonight of being the same; Whitehaven were prepared to run down the bank whenever they could and looked quick up front, but with Gary Shields in particular looking sharp out wide the RCA strikeforce were seeing plenty of the ball in good positions. AJ had his usual one disallowed after 10 minutes for offside, knocked a great chance past the post with his head, turned superbly to fire straight at the keeper, Shieldsy missed a great chance at the back post when he delayed and Mark Davison was running well onto wide balls to look dangerous all night. Scott Richards had a couple of efforts and it was no surprise therefore when we finally took the lead after 35 minutes with a simple back post header from Andy Jennings from a raking free kick out wide left. The pattern continued the same, but no more goals followed and at the break it was 1- 0, with the slope to use in the second half, and surely more goals to come.

As often however, it was not that simple, as Whitehaven came out strong for the start of the second half and for 15 minutes were the better side, although without creating many real chances. RCA gradually got back on top, the game settled into a one of relentless pressure on the Cumbrian goal, and how it stayed 1- 0 is a mystery. Sparky hit the bar with a header, AJ fired across the face of the goal, not once but twice, Delta blasted a shot in from the edge of the box, chances came at about one minute intervals with all involved, the keeper made some good saves and rode his luck as well and the ball would not cross the line. This gave Whitehaven heart as the game went into the last ten and they had a couple of good breaks, although even so AJ could have had a hat trick in injury time as chances continued to be spurned with gay abandon. The whistle went on another win, the ref told a moaning Whitehaven player they were lucky it hadn't finished 8 - 0, and the chase goes on. Still alive!

skilltraining Northern League

18 April 2009

A tough game was in prospect at Meadow Park as the much-improved Team Northumbria came to visit Meadow Park.

Hoggy was still out so Jon Minniss continued in goal. Andy Reay came in to replace the injured Wayne Henderson, but otherwise it was the same team as we attempted to keep our good run going and our promotion hopes alive. It was a decent day and the game started brightly with both sides moving the ball quickly as RCA faced up the slope for the first period.

A colour clash meant RCA were playing in a quite revolting combination of kit with claret and blue tops, black shorts and red socks; it looked even worse than it sounds!

The Team North right winger was immediately lively and looking to take on Adsy at every opportunity, but the first decent chance fell to Buddy whose shot was saved by the keeper after good team work had put him in on the edge of the box. But after fifteen minutes it was Team North who took the lead when a long ball wide into the box was met by their striker, who hooked over Jon Minniss has he charged out. Maybe a little misjudgement from the keeper, but a well-taken goal. Jon didn't let it upset him and for the rest of the game his handling was impeccable. But RCA were rattled by the goal and got themselves agitated, whinging about decisions and allowing Team North to dictate the pace of play. After 21 minutes it could have got worse as the visitors hooked another good opportunity over the bar. RCA finally began to settle and Andy Jennings headed wide from a good cross, and a period of pressure lead to a handball shout in the box, which only the ref didn't see. But Team North had another good chance just on the break and still lead at the interval, 1-0.

Hicker had obviously had words because RCA meant business on the restart and within a minute were level as AJ turned and finished smartly. We continued on top and after 55 minutes it looked like the game had decisively turned our way as Mark Davison converted a clear penalty, 2 - 1 to RCA. A few minutes later Sparky should have put the game away when AJ created a great chance for him, but the keeper blocked. Team North, to their credit, battled away and always looked dangerous as the game swung from end to end. A quite beautiful move from RCA deserved a goal as half a dozen players were involved in a passing move down the right that ended with Gary Shields crossing from the goal line and the keeper saving from AJ. Andy also had a couple of decent half chances getting onto long balls and then after 70 minutes the game was levelled as an Andy Reay challenge in the box led to a TN penalty, which was crisply converted to make it 2 - 2.

Was this going to be the end of the road for the RCA promotion chase? No, because a couple of minutes later up pops Gary Shields to coolly finish a good move and we are back in front, 3 - 2. Hicker made a couple of subs as the game wound down, Team North looked like they had used their last efforts and the game was closed out, 3 - 2 and just, just, still alive!

Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup - Semi Final

21 April 2009

It was semi final time again at Meadow Park tonight for the second successive year, in the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup. A bit like public buses you wait 27 years for one then two come in quick succession. There was a good atmosphere beforehand, with a lively contingent of visiting Brandon supporters helping set the stage. In fact approaching kick off time there were over 130 in attendance; not massive by any means, but enough to give a proper feel of what non-league football is all about. There were team selection problems for the SRCA management, with midfielders Stewart and Halliday unavailable, together with central defender Reay. Neil Hixon though, as with other matches this season, had no hesitation in making benefit of the club's good youth policy by adding Liam Gill and Lee Andrews to the squad from the U21 and U18 set ups.

In winning the toss, RCA captain Wardle surprisingly elected to take the half with slope advantage but only marginal wind at the home sides backs. Clearly the intention was to get at the visitors early and RCA were quickly on the attack and within minutes Andy Jennings did have the ball in the net, but the referee pulled the forward up for reversing into a Brandon defender. However the momentum had started and Brandon defenders were being tested early. After Jennings was fouled a couple of yards outside the penalty area, Davison stepped up to hit a ferocious direct free kick at the target which Brandon keeper Robert Joyce palmed firmly and confidently away for a corner. RCA were being very direct in the early stages with free kicks and corners won and half chances headed wide by both central forwards. However after the first quarter Brandon started to show good momentum with right full back Liam Bramley winning possession and linking well with Matty Hornsby, then Paul Dixon to make headway into the RCA box. At times the visiting side's football was a joy to watch with many successive passes as the visitors aimed to control the midfield area. Whilst enjoying the bulk of possession however the final pass was not finding forwards and RCA broke away twice to make direct attacks on the Brandon goal. Richards and Shields both created half chances, which were scrambled clear for corners. From one of the corners centre half Wardle could have done better when rising in the box unmarked he met the ball well but headed at least a yard over the bar. McGuiness also got on the end of another but glanced the ball wide.

Brandon captain Heslop was doing a very good job in playing a defensive midfield role resulting again in controlled possession by the Brandon side, who were keeping to their game plan of swift movement and passing, with the full backs on both flanks pressing more. Good opportunities in attack were wasted when any advancing forwards did not meet crosses fired in. Jones and Henderson at the back for RCA had to work overtime with some excellent defending. However the visitors had to re-organise when wide player Ian Pritchard had to be replaced having twisted his knee. After the substitution Brandon had to re-organise and after the half hour RCA increased momentum and winning possession at will a lot of crosses were fired into the box. On 35 minutes the breakthrough came when a corner on the right was fired into the front post where Jennings challenged well and although getting the slightest of touches a Brandon defender turned the ball into the net. 1 - 0 and RCA on their way! Not a great goal but massive relief now for home supporters who cheered loudly. Much more like it now and SRCA were pressing at all opportunities. Only minutes to go before half time and Brandon were defending admirably, however when good play freed Jennings in the box he held the ball well, turned out to the left and after sidestepping one defender he went wide again, feigned to shoot, wrong footing all and sundry, including the crowd, he pulled the ball back for his strike partner Davison who put the ball into the empty net, one of his easiest chances of the season. 2 - 0 and very hard on Brandon right on half time.

It was time now for RCA to reshape in the interval with Wardle unable to continue after pulling his hamstring and Glenn Moan eagerly entering the fray. Brandon really attacked now and wave after wave of attacks were met with a resilient home guard. Possibly the key moment of the game came on 60 minutes when two good chances were made for their forwards Fothergill and Dixon and the stop of the match by Hoggeth in the RCA goal when he saved at point blank range, forcing the ball away from six yards. A totally different game could gave been on offer if a breakthrough could have been made, but Brandon would live to regret the wasted chances. On 70 minutes Jennings, who was having an exceptional game, caused problems up front and racing with the ball he moved towards goal and again beating defenders with great ball control, he got into the box and at the point of pulling the trigger a last ditch challenge brought the forward down. Immediately the referee blew the whistle for the penalty. Davison stepped up with confidence and fired into the corner. 3 - 0 and Brandon definitely with it all to do. Hixon made further changes replacing Joseph with Coghlan and then Shields with Laidler, as RCA attempted to close the game down. Brandon to their credit went right until the end and if any player deserved something from the game it was their right back, Bramley, who worked and overlapped until the end crossing in twice from wide right only to see one chance hit over the bar from close range and one deceiving all in the box.

The referee finally blew and celebrations from the both sets of supporters who applauded what was a very competitive match and a proper advert for Northern League football. Another season drawing to a close and it is most likely that the final league placing will be fourth for RCA - the same as last, but our equal best position in 20 years.

Also as losing finalists in this same competition last year can we go one better and finally win some Northern League silverware? The final is at Chester-le-Street Wednesday, 6 May, kick off 7:00 PM. Let's hope supporters get behind the team like tonight. It's very good times and some great football at Meadow Park. Let's all savour the moment! The match reporter most certainly is; it might be time for a new role - this job was made for me!

skilltraining Northern League

25 April 2009

It was the last throw of the dice today at Meadow Park, as RCA fought to keep their slim promotion hopes alive, against a Stokelsey team that dented them considerably when they held us to a 3 - 3 draw at their place a couple of weeks ago. It was a strong RCA team that took the field, with Mick Coghlan in midfield for the delayed Scott Richards.

RCA started like a house on fire down the bank and had three good chances in the first few minutes as Steve Jones pushed forward and joined the attack and had a shot pushed wide for a corner, from which the keeper made a point blank save from a Mark Davison volley and Andy Jennings headed over the bar. Things settled and Stokesley got a foothold in the game, playing the ball about nicely and causing a few problems.

The game became a bit scrappy as the half wore on, with Stokesley holding the ball well when they could and RCA looking dangerous when they got the ball forward. AJ headed over and was beaten by the keeper to a long ball, Taz curled one past the post, before Gary Shields, who looked very lively, dropped one onto Andy's head for him to give us the lead on 39 minutes. That looked like being the half time, but with a minute left of the half Stokelsey broke for Dale Mendhum to bring them level, 1 - 1 at HT.

Stokesley fancied their chances playing down the bank in the second half and started strongly, but RCA play better football up the bank than down it nowadays and had a couple of good chances themselves. Sparky put a header past the post and a shot into the side netting, but Stokesley had a great chance to take the lead which Hoggy saved. Then up popped Steve Jones, having one of his most adventurous games to side foot home from eight yards and put us back in front, 2 - 1 on 62 minutes. Stokesley huffed and puffed, Taz hit the bar, but the game looked over and so it proved as we wound down the clock to win the game as needed, only to find Horden had tonked Crook, and that was that for another year.

skilltraining Northern League

27 April 2009

With Horden securing their promotion and settling the race for the promotion places, manager Neil Hixon made changes of personnel and formation for this last league of the 2008/09 campaign against The Hoops on a damp evening at Birtley Sports Complex. Steven Stewart, Liam Gill and Mark Davidson were up front in a 4-3-3 formation, with Anth Laidler, Michael Coghlan and Scott Richards in the middle and Adam McGuinness, Wayne Henderson, Glenn Moan and Steve Jones at the back. Gary Hoggeth was the between the sticks.

Birtley kicked off but it was RCA who made the sharpest start as Scott Richards won the ball straight away. On four minutes Steven Stewart put a cross into Liam Gill but his header towards goal was from an offside position. Birtley too were looking sharp and when Adam McGuinness gave the ball away they made a good break, but the cross in was wasted. RCA replied with good work from Stewart on the left who put in a good cross for Mark Davidson to challenge, to his pain unfortunately. Two minutes later and Davidson put in good work again releasing a ball for Liam Gill to chase down the right. He held possession well, brining in Steve Jones whose first time cross was too close to the keeper.

On 13 minutes there was a great move from Birtley, using both sides of the pitch. It ended in a shot from the right which was pushed behind by Gary Hoggeth for a corner, from which a free header went past the post. This was a sign of Birtley's capability and intent and on 17 minutes the break through came when the tricky and pacey Birtley number 11 Kris Hughes broke through in the centre and ran through to shoot strongly. Keeper Hoggeth parried the shot but its pace took it over the keeper and it spun into the net.

From the kick off RCA were straight back in it with a corner, but the referee blew for a foul on the keeper. On 27 minutes more pressure from RCA ended with a Steve Jones cross, which Mark Davidson headed wide.

On 32 minutes the locals were far from happy when a late kick from Steven Stewart downed a Birtley player who needed treatment. The referee showed a yellow card.

On 44 minutes RCA got themselves back in the game when a good cross from full back Jones found Stewart at a narrow angle at the far post and he slotted neatly past the keeper to make it all square at half time.

RCA started the second half in determined mood. On 48 minutes another good ball from Michael Coghlan - a player who can consistently see and execute good passes and play one touch football - nearly had Steven Stewart in on goal, but a defender nipped in to deflect the ball for a corner. A minute later and Coghlan was repeating the play with a ball into the left corner for Stewart to cross.

On 55 minutes manager Hixon made a tactical switch, bringing off Glenn Moan, bringing Steve Halliday on, switching Anth Laidler to central defence and deploying a 4-4-1-1 with Gill moving to the right wing and Coghlan playing just behind Davidson at the front.

RCA continued with good possession and pressure, but it was not all the away side. On 65 minutes a very good cross from Birtley's first half scorer Kris Hughes led to a last ditch clearance from Steve Jones in the six yard box.

On 68 minutes Liam Gill came off, replaced by Andy Jennings, with Coghlan dropping back into a conventional 4-4-2. AJ's height came in to good use on 71 minutes when he headed on a long ball from Gary Hoggeth to Steven Stewart who shot across goal.

The match turned on the 75th minute. Scott Richards lost the ball in the middle and Birtley broke strongly down their right with the player moving into shoot on the urging of the Birtley bench. Keeper Hoggeth parried the powerful shot, but the ball broke to the middle of the 18-yard line and a Birtley player shot strongly into the net. After that RCA were a spent force. Ten minutes later and it looked certain that Birtley would make it three as they were through again, but shot weakly and wide.

This was a curate's egg of a performance from RCA and after Saturday's let down on the promotion campaign some flatness was to be expected. Fair play to Birtley though - they played well and deserved the points here. RCA will need to be sharper against Horden in the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup Final.