Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Northern League Division 1
After the Lord Mayor’s show seems to be a phrase that is constantly occurring with the performances of RCA and so it was for the first 45 minutes of this Northern League match. It seems that RCA and the Two Blues are destined to meet each other at least 5 times a season and the games are always tense affairs. Tonight’s match was no different.
Having progressed to the second round of the FA Vase at the expense of Bishops on Saturday RCA should have been favorites to win.
Both teams fielded changed teams from the ones that started on Saturday.
The initial period of play was very evenly contested with neither side seeming to get on top and both defences well on top.
Bishops took the lead in the 18th minute in controversial circumstances, Johnson looked to be fouled on the right touch line, the assistant waving his flag indicating the foul, the referee clearly blew his whistle only to then signal play on, the ball fell to Harwood, who fired the ball into the net with the RCA players offering no resistance..
The match officials conferred and to the surprise of most of the crowd, the referee awarded the goal.
The game dejenerated into a midfield battle as neither team seemed able to settle after this appalling refereeing decision.
RCA nearly snatched and equaliser when a long range effort from Halliday had Johnson scrambling after he dropped the ball and Southern nipped in, the keeper bravely dived at the RCA players feet and in so doing received a blow to the head.
Five minutes after the break and Bishops lost their second keeper to injury in eight days after Johnson and Barton collided and Johnson was unable to carry on.
Gareth Ayers came off the bench to take over between the sticks and was soon in action as he palmed Richards’ long range shot over the bar.
RCA should have at least come away with a draw as they bombarded the Bishops goal in the last 15 minutes but shots from Southern Barton and Guering-Lokonga were all well saved by the substitute goalkeeper who had an inspirational game.
Barton did get the ball in the net but this time the referee did call back play and award a free kick to RCA even though Southern seemed to ride the challenge to send the ball into the path of Barton.
Not a good night for the officials
After the match the referee apologised to the RCA management and players after the game, admitting his error in awarding the goal. Unfortunately he can not reverse the decisions he made tonight and it will be a long hard season for him.