Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup Final

6 May 2009

It was the last game of the season tonight for Sunderland RCA, against Division 2 Champions Horden in the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup Final. History was to be made as both sides had never won a Northern League Cup so the record books were to be updated for one of the clubs. As kick off approached there was a very healthy attendance at Chester-le-Street and all looked on in anticipation when Horden won the toss, electing to defend the slope with a strong wind in their faces.

RCA were quickly on the attack with centre forward Jennings quickly making his presence felt. Two early corners were won after some good play by Joseph down the left and one of the crosses was met by Jennings which James Winter in goal partially saved and was grateful for his fullback to scramble away the rebound. The wind was clearly proving to be an advantage and Horden were defending strongly with Mark Nicholson and Matty Taylor at the back making headed clearances to prevent RCA forwards Davison and Shields breaking away. Horden then hit back with their first main attack when after a midfield battle for possession the ball fell to left back Ian Clark who played a long pass upfield which cut the RCA defence in two leaving an opening for forward Craig Hubbard to run onto. Although 30 yards from goal he quickly noticed the RCA keeper Minnis racing out to cover the danger, he hit the ball first time up high over the keeper's head and the ball bounced once straight into the net. 1 - 0 to Horden and the RCA supporters were shellshocked. This lifted the Horden side who looked to push forward again with centre forward Chris I'Anson causing problems in the air for RCA defenders Wardle and Reay. The referee was allowing a lot of physical challenges to go unpunished and this disrupted the pattern of play for the next period. RCA regained composure and after 25 minutes a great move down the left involving midfielder Richards, Joseph and left back McGuinness resulted in a great long cross to Jennings just in front of the penalty spot. The forward met it perfectly and bulleted a header that look destined for the bottom corner, only to be met by a terrific flying save from Winter in goal.

Halliday and Richards started to control the passing in the midfield area and RCA pushed more bodies forward in search of the equaliser. Again early balls were played into the box and Jennings again was denied on the half hour when the keeper saved well again with the rebound falling to RCA full back Jones who hit a decent effort, again saved. Buoyant now, RCA were looking to attack at every opportunity and were winning many free kicks. Richards was fouled 35 yards out and Davison stepped up to hit a good effort but this was well clear of the Horden bar. The final few minutes were fast and furious and corners were won at both ends and a goal could have been scored by either side but resilient goal-line clearances were made. The referee blew and the Horden lads had their tails up looking forward to having the wind at their backs in the second half whilst RCA players were scratching heads, not believing that they had registered a goal having controlled most of the game.

The second half kicked off and followed a similar pattern to the first but now it was Horden quickly moving the ball forward and RCA defenders now having to deal with an awkward wind. But just like the opposition in the first, RCA now made use of their first proper attack and although Horden defenders half dealt with the situation the bal l fell to McGuinness and from a good distance he hit a cross shot and although not catching it sweetly the slice deceived the keeper and the ball found the bottom right corner of the net. Just the lift RCA needed and loud cheers from supporters. 1 - 1 and game back on. The game closed up now with space being at a premium and it was Horden who nearly made a breakthrough when a shot from the halfway line had Minnis chasing back to goal and he done exceptionally well to get a touch on to the ball which also glanced off the top of the bar. Stewart who brought extra pace into the RCA midfield replaced Joseph and this lifted the team for a short period. In general though no clear chances were being created and the game look destined for extra time with supporters appearing to get further refreshments in readiness.

Out of nothing though with normal time up, the ball broke lose in central midfield and travelling through to McGuinness he appeared to get control but was dispossessed by I'Anson who raced clear and clipped the ball coolly over the advancing Minnis. 2 - 1 and no time left to recover for RCA. McGuinness who was possibly in the running for the MoM award was punished for his one mistake of the night. The referee blew, Horden the victors, well done to them for a league and cup double in their centenary year. Deja vu for RCA an exact repeat of last year's league finish of fourth and losing finalists. Well stiff upper lip needed, but the club is till moving forward and RCA will grow stronger together. After lean times in the last 20 years the club has had two fantastic seasons. Neil Hixon's men have gathered 70 then 71 points, so if we keep on progressing at that rate one day we will go up. Roll on next season the supporters can't wait!