5 December 2009

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

In a game of constant attacking in both halves it is amazing how this game finished 0 - 0. Both teams had great chances and squandered them. From a neutral's view point they saw the best of North Shields in the first half and the best from RCA in second half.

The Game opened brightly enough with Stewart going past Luccock before sending in a terrific cross which evaded everyone including Robinson in the Shields' goal.

North Shields were unlucky not to take the lead after six minutes when a good move down the right saw Livermore pull the ball back for Taylor, but he fired wide from 12 yards out.

A strong challenge by Richards earned him an early yellow card and from the resulting free kick Amos headed wide.

In the 15th minute RCA had their best chance of the half when Stewart crossed to the far post and Noble, with the goal at his mercy, mis-timed his header and it went straight to Robinson. North Shields increased the pressure and only a fine save by Hoggeth from Smith kept RCA in the game. In a rare excursion forward Paul Taylor chested the ball into the path of the advancing Halliday, but his shot was comfortably saved by Robinson.

Cartwright was starting to pull the strings in midfield and a quick one-two with Minto resulted in a powerful shot going high and wide. Minutes later and some good interplay between Hay, Amos and Glen Taylor saw the ball crossed to Cartwright who hit his shot narrowly wide.

In the 33rd minute the defender hoodoo hit RCA again when Andy Reay was carried off with what looks like knee ligament damage. North Shields continued to press and in the dying minutes of the half both Minto and Hay had good opportunities to score. RCA defended well, but could count themselves lucky to be still in this game.

What a transformation in the second half; whatever was said in the half time team talk worked miraculously.

From the kick off Davis picked up the ball and drove at the Shields defence before slipping the bal to Davison who shot narrowly wide. From the the re start Mcardle won the ball and passed to Halliday who found Noble free on the right he crossed for Davison who's shot was blocked by Cartwright.
Halliday was taking command of the midfield and his passing was causing problems for the overstretched defence of North Shileds who must have wondered if RCA had put out different eleven in this second period.

On the hour mark Halliday found Taylor on the edge of the box and he turned and fired wide.
A minute later and the same combination were responsible for the RCA's best effort so far when a snap shot from Taylor beat Robinson but went agonisingly wide of the far post.

It was one way traffic at this stage and Shields could not even muster a worthwhile attack.

Davison had an effort blocked by Lullock before Taylor in a good position decided to shoot when a better option might have been to cross for the unmarked Davison or Richards.

Jones and Noble combined to set McBryde up, but his effort flew wide and in the closing stages Davison beat everyone to the ball inside the box but fired his shot straight at Robinson who saved with his legs.

12 December 2009

skilltraining Northern League Division 2

Sunderland RCA travelled to Team Northumbria for this reversed fixture and came away with all three points despite a few scares in the second half. On paper this should have been a comfortable match but Team Northumbria obviously hadn't read the script.

RCA had two new signings on the bench today, Martin O'Riordan signed from Horden and Sean Davies from Crook.

The opening exchanges were fairly even with neither keeper really being tested. In the 10th minute Stewart sent in a lovely cross which Davison flicked onto Taylor, but his effort went wide. Team had a good chance when Philippe found space on the right and cut inside only to see shot flash wide of the post.

With Team Nortumbria operating with a five man midfield RCA reverted to a long ball game effectively missing out the midfield and it worked to some effect when Jones sent in a long ball and it was headed on by Davison for Stewart, but his effort on goal was well saved by Jennison. Within a minute he was called upon again to save superbly from a Davison shot. However from the resulting corner RCA took the lead when Richards fired in from 10 yards.

Team Northumbria responded and a high ball into the box was allowed to bounce over the defenders heads, but Redhead put the ball over the bar from inside the six yard area.

Noble and Stewart were starting to make good runs on either flank and caused problems for the full backs. A good cross in from Noble found Taylor who laid the ball on for Halliday, but he fired wide.

Late in the first half Cairns fired wide from the edge of the box and Philippe headed straight at Hoggeth.

The second half saw both teams attacking with RCA just shading the exchanges, but both defences were holding firm with Donogue and Wilkinson outstanding for Team Northumbria.

Neither defender could do anything about RCA's second, which was an exquisite solo effort from Stewart; having beaten the full back, he cut inside and from the left hand corner of the 18 yard box curled the ball into the far corner of the net.

Once again Team Northumbria responded with some good football, but their final shots were never on target with Hoggeth only having to make one save.

O'Riordan replaced Noble to bring even more pace to the match and within a minute of his arrival he crossed for Davison, but he headed straight at Jennison.

Redhead had a great chance at the other end when he beat the offside trap, but with only the keeper to beat he dragged his shot wide.

Both teams played their part in an entertaining match. It is difficult to understand why Team Northumbria are in such a lowly position in the league because their general play is very good.

A friendly has been arranged for Wednesday against Silksworth FC at RCA's Welfare Park Ground.