Sunday, 13 March 2011
Sunderland Sunday League Premier Division
RCA The Barnes returned to winning ways, after their abject display in losing 2 - 0 to Redhouse the previous week, with a much improved performance in overcoming their 'derby' rivals Grangetown Florists by three goals to one.
On a gluepot of a pitch (that was only passed fit to play on at the last minute) RCA had to re-jig their line up due to the absence of regular midfield quartet Jonny Davis, Callum Charlton (both away for the weekend), Richie Jordan and David Newby (both injured) with skipper Phil Hall slotted into the centre of midfield and Martin Metcalfe and returning from injury Lee McMahon filling in on the right and Ross Hughes doing the left. In defence Craig Peel and Lee Harrison took the full back roles (against their previous club) with Mick Curtis and Micj McVay filling the centre of defence in front of regular keeper Neal Atkinson. Up front were the normal pairing of Willie Crew and Andy Place.
The game kicked off in drizzly rain. Both sides found it initially difficult in the conditions and play was mainly confined to the centre of the pitch, while both sides tried to assert their dominance. The first goal was always going to be very important and after Florists' keeper had saved well from a close range Phil Hall effort after five mins Florists then tried to play their way out of trouble near the corner flag. Willie Crew robbed the defender and crossed to the unmarked Andy Place to slot home on 15 minutes to give RCA the lead. Florists responed as you would expect them to and applied sustained pressure, creating some half chances, but superb defensive blocking from Metcalfe, Hall and McVay prevented keeper Atkinson from having to make any significant saves, while at the other end Crew again found space to bring a good save out of Florists' keeper.
The second half started with Florists again on the attack trying to claw their way back into the game, but when they over committed after 55 minutes RCA broke down the left flank and Willie Crew again got behind their defence to cross to the unmarked Andy Place, with the same result as in the first half, the ball being despatched confidenly into the net to give RCA a 2-0 lead. Florists, however, came back strongly and had a number of half chances that they were unable to convert untill the 65th minute when, after concerted pressure, the ball broke to Gary Hill at the far post and he side stepped a challenge to drive left footed into the roof of the net to bring Florists right back into the game.
Both sides now had to dig in deep and RCA's back four had to be at their best, ably assisted by a hard working midfield. RCA replaced Hughes with Gary Tyzack after 70 minutes. Florists introduced another forward to try to save the game, but with Florists pushing forward the ball was played up to Willie Crew in space 40 yards from goal and he proceeded to beat the retreating defender and round the keeper to give RCA a 3 - 1 lead after 80 mins, which they then held on to comfortably to record a much needed victory and three points.
Both sets of players deserve great credit for producing an entertaining and surprisingly high quality match in such trying conditions, but special mention must go to RCA's Phil Hall, Martin Metcalfe, Mick McVay and especially the outstanding Willie Crew, who returned to form with a great display of centre forward play.
Another tough match next Sunday, 20 March away to Jolly Potters at South Hylton.