Sunday, 4 December 2011
Sunderland Sunday League Premier Division
Photograph: Adrian Wilkinson
RCA The Barnes bounced back from the disappointing performance last week (apologies for no report, I was not at the game) with a workmanlike victory over a committed and much improved Thorney Close Inn.
RCA started down the slope, with a slight wind advantage, and the opening exchanges were fairly even with both sides trying to adapt to the trying conditions. However after 20 minutes RCA took a deserved lead when Thorney keeper Regan spilled a regulation take and Willie Crew bundled the ball home from close range. RCA then started to dominate and Jamie Jackson shot just wide and also hit the bar with a fine effort.
After 30 minutes Andy Place collected a through ball from Lee Knight and finished in style despite the presence of two or three defenders to put RCA in control. But, just as in previous weeks, RCA got sloppy at the back and after failing to clear their lines allowed Andrew Arnold a simple tap in from six yards to give a ht score of 2 - 1 to RCA.
Thorney must have fancied their chances kicking down the slope and with the wind, but they were undone immediately when they gave the ball away from their kick off and Andy Place was released down the left wing to cross into the box and Willie Crew converted to put RCA further ahead after just 30 seconds of the second half.
RCA took control after this set back and increaded their lead when a Wille Crew cross/shot was deflected past the keeper for an own goal after 65 minutes.
Thorney, to their credit never gave up and got their reward after 82 minutes when Arnold headed home after good work from Hodgson, but RCA wrapped up a comfortable victory when Marni Metcalfe finished off a good move by sweeping home first time at the near post to give a final scoreline of 5 - 2 to RCA The Barnes. Full credit to Thorney though who never gave up and should pick up points soon if they continue with the same attitude.
It was a good solid performances all round the park for RCA, but special mention for Andy Place whose centre forward display was outstanding.