Sunderland RCA 4 Darlington RA 2

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?