Tuesday, 6 January 2015
Durham Challenge Cup 2nd Round
Goalscorers: Spenny: Fisher (2), Capper. SRCA: None
Please click here for match photos by @DJNelsonPhotos - David Nelson.
RCA's team selection for tonight's re-scheduled Durham Challenge Cup, was somewhat hampered by the suspension of three players, another five were cup-tied and two were on holiday. The loss of home advantage due to the continuing drainage problems didn't help with team morale.
However there was a place in the team for Chris Armstrong who, along with Paul Weldon were making their RCA debuts in a 4-5-1 formation.
Spennymoor's team looked strong on paper with a mixture of first team, reserves and youth team players on display.
The home team took advantage of the slope in the first half and were soon on the attack a shot from Peacock flying over the bar after three minutes.
Both teams looked to keep the ball on the floor and pass to feet. Spennymoor looked the more accompished at this and they retained possession a lot better than RCA.
In the 10th minute a good move down the left saw Capper feed the ball to Stephenson who fired in a low shot which went narrowly wide.
Spennymoor took the lead in the 10th minute when a marauding attack down the left saw Mason play the ball to Capper, his run was stopped by Jury but the ball fell to Fisher who drifted across the box before dispatching the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
It got worse for RCA five minutes later when another left wing attack was stopped at the expense of a freekick on the edge of the penalty area, Capper stepped up and curled a beautiful shot into the top corner of the net with Carmichael rooted to the spot.
RCA tried to shrug this set back off as they looked to get back into the game. However, all there efforts came to nought as Moor's defence held them at bay.
On the half hour after a spell of possession football Spennymoor were awarded a corner, the kick was taken by Peacock who swung the ball to Clarke who shot from long range and Carmichael was able to save fairly easily.
As the half progressed RCA started to become more adventurous, a ball out of defence by Bythway was picked up by Hughes, he found Callen on the left, the RCA winger cut inside before shooting but his shot was blocked by Tait, the loose ball fell to James Armstrong who fired over the bar from 25 yards.
The second half saw RCA pushing forward, a change of tactics to a 4-4-2 formation meant the introduction of Wray up front to partner Hughes.
In the opening minute Chris Armstrong sent a long ball forward which was headed down by Wray into the path of Callen who fired over the bar.
The early second half pressure continued with Hughes having an effort wide and Jury hitting the side netting.
Spennymoor looked content to soak up the pressure and hit RCA on the counter attack and they were creating chances when they moved forward. Fisher and McReady were both on target with shots but RCA defence seemed able to cope.
At the other end it was a matter of a lot of pressure, but no real cutting edge up front.
In the 68th minute an uncharacteristic mistake by RCA captain Jury, whose mishit a back pass to Carmichael allowed Fisher to nip in, round the keeper and slot the ball into the net to make it 3-0.
Effectively this killed off the game and although RCA tried for a consolation goal the nearest they got was a late effort from Wray which forced a good save from Atkinson.
All in all this was a comfortable win for the home team, RCA, with so many missing showed a lot of character, endeavour and commitment but that was not enough against a well organised and disciplined side like Spennymoor.