Friendly
Wednesday, 4 October 2007
This quickly arranged friendly suited both clubs. For RCA it was the opportunity for manager Neil Hixon to get more of a look at his squad and to introduce the new left winger Ashley Davis, who has signed for RCA from Jarrow Roofing. The Bishops have a new management team and Brian Honour and Assistant Player Manager Steve Howey were equally keen to assess their team.
The Bishops started brightly, but as RCA settled in to the match new signing Ashley Davis was showing some good touches and threatening positions on the left in an RCA side that started with Anth Laidler taking a central midfield role, Gary Anderson on the right and Paul Moss and Gary D Anderson in central defence.
Matthew Raine continued his solid start with RCA at left back, but unfortunately was injured in the 35th minute and had to leave the field. The substitute's first action was to concede a penalty. Niki Lawson brought off a good save diving to his right to palm the shot away and the danger was eventually cleared.
In the second half Si Andrews came on for Dean Fox to partner new signing Lee Bell in attack. Midfielder Kevin Dixon also entered the fray alongside Karl Jarvis who was making his comeback after a lengthy shoulder injury.
The Bishops created a good chance in the 60th minute when a right wing cross was volleyed across goal and wide. It was RCA who made the breakthrough, though, courtesy of its new boys. Ashley Davis carried the ball forward and passed to live wire Lee Bell in the penalty area. Lee controlled the ball well and shot past the Bishop's keeper.
This was a good workout and will encourage the players for the next completive action - a clean sheet as well!