Colin Larkin on the attack during the second half of the match.
Today we take on Guisborough Town at the Sunderland LGV Park for this crucial EBAC Northern League Division 1 fixture.
A must win game for RCA to avoid relegation while the “Priorymen” who hadn’t won any of their last six matches would be looking to do the double over us having won 2-1 earlier in the season.
A two week break since their draw with Pickering Town was not ideal preparation for this match, but Martin has been able to put together a very strong looking squad.
Prior to the match an award was made to Craig Hodgson who has played 150 games for the club and who was called out of retirement along with a number of other players to help the cause.
The teams lined up as follows:
Sunderland RCA: Wilkinson, Davis, Goundry, Hodgson, Swansbury, Trewick, Leonard, Larkin, Callen, Bruton, Turns: Subs: Pinder, Herdman, Ene, Younis, Lennox.
Guisborough Town: Cowey, Cann, Miller, Marron, Hood, O’Sullivan, Fielding, Green, McGee, Frazer, Blackford: Subs: Kiernan, Martin, Williams, Bell.
RCA started the game well kicking towards the Beechbrooke end of the pitch, a cross into the opposition’s box by Davis was met by Callen who flicked it on to Turns but his shot was hooked clear by O’Sullivan.
The “Priorymen’s” first attack almost produced a goal; a long ball into the box from Hood was flicked on by Frazer to McGee who’s first time shot was well saved by Wilkinson.
A freekick to RCA was sent forward by Wilkinson and Callen won the aerial battle with Marron and headed the ball down to Larkin who stabbed a low drive just wide of the post.
With the game flowing from end to end it was the visitors who created the next chance. A ball forward by Hood found Cann on the right wing and his whipped cross into the box was completely missed by everyone and drifted harmlessly out for a goalkick.
At the other end a Wilkinson goalkick was collected by Davis who sent the ball forward to Leonard, he raced into space but sent his shot high over the bar.
A minute later and a good spell of possession saw Trewick play the ball out to Turns, he played the ball in to Callen who played it to Bruton who set up Larkin for a shot which was well saved by Cowey.
A flowing move by the visitors was halted by Swansbury at the expense of a corner which was taken by Blackford, he drilled the ball toward the near post where O’Sullivan rose well but couldn’t guide his header on target.
Davis and Leonard combined to create RCA's best chance of the half, a quick break which saw Leonard get to the bye-line before cutting the ball back across goal, Cowey palmed the ball away but only as far as Callen who from six yards out and an open goal stabbed the ball wide.
Within minutes RCA were on the attack again Leonard proving a handful this time as he burst into the box he looked to be fouled but the referee waved away RCA’s appeals for a penalty.
The home side's next chance again fell to Leonard who was picked out by Trewick and the winger cut inside before unleashing a terrific shot which flew just wide of the upright with the keeper beaten.
Slightly against the run of play Guisborough took the lead in the 28th minute, a right wing cross was met by McGee who flicked it into the path of Miller, he took the ball forward a few paces before cutting the ball back to McGee who fired a low shot under the body of Wilkinson.
RCA almost got back into the game when Hodgson played the ball forward to Turns who dribbled his way to the edge of the box but his final shot, although on target, lacked power and was well held by Cowey.
The half ended with a shot from Bruton being easily picked up by Cowey.
The “Priorymen” started the second half well, a long ball over the RCA defence was picked up by McGee, who went down under the challenge of Goundry but once again the referee waved away penalty appeals and a goalkick was given.
The visitors were taking full advantage of the slope in the second half and after an RCA attack fizzled out they counterattacked at speed through Green who played the ball out to Frazer who crossed into the box but as in the first half there was no one able to connect with the ball.
A minute later a Frazer picked up the ball on the edge of the box and was allowed to turn and fire in a low shot which was brilliantly saved by Wilkinson.
RCA almost equalised in the in the 55th minute when a ball forward from Trewick found Larkin in space, he took the ball forward, rounded the keeper before clipping the ball toward goal but it struck the post and rebounded into the safe hands of Cowey.
On the hour mark and the visitors are awarded a corner on the left, Miller whipped in the cross which was met by Frazer who powered in a header which Wilkinson palmed over the bar.
An RCA freekick on the right was quickly taken by Davis to Callen who turned his marker before playing the ball to Ene but his shot was well saved by Cowey at the near post.
Guisborough counter attack quickly down the right through Cann, he played the ball in to Blackford who burst into the penalty area before squaring the ball to the unmarked Kiernan who tapped home from close range.
The hosts continued to press to try and get something out of the game but the visitors defended stoutly.
A corner on the right was taken by Leonard who curled the ball low and it struck the base of the post and rebounded to Miller who hooked it clear. (When your luck is out it is well and truly out).
Into the final five minutes and RCA continue to push forward, Ene made a good run down the left before playing the ball to Goundry, his cross found Trewick who played the ball into the path of Larkin but his shot was blocked by Marron.
In the first minute of injury time a lovely ball over the top by Davis was picked up by Leonard who was in space with only the keeper to beat but Cowey stayed on his feet and Leonard’s fierce drive hit him in the chest and the ball was cleared.
This defeat, coupled with other results in the league, means that RCA are relegated to the second division subject to ratification by the FA.
A difficult season has come to an end but at least the club will survive and the Committee is determined to fight on.
A sterling effort by all concerned in the final 13 games of the season to at least give us a chance of staying up and fighting to the last day of the season.
Massive thanks to Swaz and his team for their efforts and also the Reserves Management team John, Dom and Neil for stepping in at a critical time and keeping the club going.
To all the players who have stepped up and played their part for no monetary reward, who have played for the badge and put their bodies on the line for the club we will always be in your debt.
Thanks also to the ground staff, Dave, George and Graham whose work you don’t see except on match days when everyone comments on how much grass there is on the pitch.
Finally a thank you to the supporters who have dug deep to help the club in these difficult times it is much appreciated.
We look forward to the next challenge under a new management team and we hope to take you all on the ride with us.