Sunderland RCA 4 Witton Park 1

Under 18s League

21 February 2009

The SRCA youth side were desperately looking forward to playing football today, given that it was only the side's second competitive football match of 2009 and the first in four weeks. Although three members of the squad were on DFA county duty the management stuck with the policy of playing the scheduled fixture instead of postponing, unlike some other teams in the League appear to do when lads are called up for representative duty.

The squad is lucky in that when goalkeeper Ryan Graham has been selected for County duty, there are still two quality keepers available in Graeme Pickering and Billy Hedgley. The management made a bold decision in agreeing that both would each get a half in today's league fixture and it was Graeme who started between the sticks at kick off. It was also very pleasing to have Mark Robinson on the bench - back in the fold after playing first team matches with Bishop Auckland in the First Division of the Northern League - with us again in the week of his 17th birthday. Mark is chomping at the bit to play senior football so the temporary spell away from Meadow Park will have helped his football education. Who knows it might not be too far off the chance to play first team football with SRCA … in the first division!

In the opening exchanges both teams were intent on attack. Lee Andrew hitting RCA's best effort just wide with his left foot, from the edge of the 18 yard box. Chances were created at both ends, both keepers making terrific saves with RCA's Pickering racing out and saving a strong shot destined for the net. SRCA got the breakthrough though on 35 minutes when Luke Page, receiving the ball just inside the box, calmly slotted the ball out of the keeper's reach into the bottom corner of the net to give the home side a 1- 0 lead. The breakthrough lifted the whole team and was followed with a wave of home attacks, midfielder Chris Bailey rounding off a great move, but crashing a great effort against the bar. A very competitive game was being handled well by referee Gary Cole who kept the game going at fast pace.

At half time Billy Hedgley took over the goalie's berth and Mark Robinson came off the bench replacing Chris Bailey, who was injured, on the left side of midfield. The second half continued like the first with Witton Park going close via Dale Bennett. However the goal of the game came on 60 minutes with SRCA centre midfielder Mick Nicholson spotting the keeper off his line hit a tremendous 30 yard shot over his head. RCA increased the lead via Jordan Hardy on 65 minutes before Witton Park immediately pulled a goal back after excellent counter attacking play saw a move finished off by Ben Ord. Game on again with both sides still continuing to attack. Marc Moon playing at sweeper was outstanding at central defence for SRCA heading clear on all occasions when threats arrived.

However the final substitution appeared to reignite the team when Rhys Tench came on at left back replacing Hardy on 70 minutes. Liam Dunn was pushed up from his regular position at left back to left midfield and immediately linked up with the forwards to create a chance for himself which brought a great save from the keeper. However the same player having already showed his attacking intent was not to be beaten when he got in the box again and fired home to get his first ever goal for SRCA on 80 minutes. 4 - 1 and game over.

The win created a new club youth record of seven straight wins - in all competitions - and sets us up well for the eagerly awaited home County Cup quarter final tie against Gateshead Leam Rangers on 27 February. A real test ahead but our young lads at SRCA have sneaked up to second in the League and are proving to be a match for anyone on their day.

Team 1 Graeme Pickering, 2 Michael Jacob 3 Liam Dunn 4 Marc Moon 5 Anth Gamble 6 Mick Nicholson 7 Luke Page 8 Chris Bailey 9 Lee Andrews 10 Jordon Hardy 11 Damien Knight

Subs used Billy Hedgley 45, Mark Robinson 45, Rhys Tench 70. Unused: Matty Reynolds, Greg Bradley

Certainly gong to be management selection problems when the county lads return!

Finally, did you know that the youth side have used 26 different players in 14 games this season. After not scoring in their first two matches of the season the team went on to score 43 goals in their next 10 games. The really impressive bit is that 16 different players have scored in that run showing goals are spread out and football is not a team, but a squad game!