3 October 2009
skilltrainingltd Northern League Div. II
SRCA maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a hard fought win at Jarrow in atrocious conditions. The high winds made it almost impossible to play football and at times the game degenerated into a lottery.
Roofing took advantage of the strong wind in the first half but struggled to command. RCA counter attacked to great effect and were unlucky on five minutes when a clearance from Anderson fell into the path of McBryde, but his header went narrowly wide.
It wasn't until the 15th minute that Jarrow had a shot on target, a crossfield pass from Milner found Nelson free on the left and his well placed shot was superbly saved by Hoggeth. Five minutes later a through ball from Stewart found Halliday but with only the keeper to beat he dragged his shot inches wide.
Jarrow were forced to make a substitution when Milner was injured in a collision with Richards and was taken to hospital for a precautionary check up.
In the 31st minute RCA took the lead when Stewart sent a lovely cross into the box and McBryde was on hand to steer it into the net.
The half ended in dramatic fashion when a penalty was awarded to Jarrow Roofing when Wardle pulled back Nelson. However, Hoggeth pulled off a spectacular save from Forster's spot kick.
Within two minutes of the restart RCA were 2 - 0 up when a free kick from Jones was flicked on by McBryde to Davies who made no mistake from 10 yards out. Back came Jarrow with a well worked move which saw Dixon cross for Nelson and he beat the keeper from 12 yards.
The miss of the season took place after 10 minutes when a Jarrow player was guilty of missing an empty net from two yards out.
A minute later and RCA were down to 10 men when Wardle was given a second yellow card for a foul on Nelson.
The rest of the game saw Jarrow pushing for the equaliser and RCA showing why they are undefeated in the league with a solid defensive display.
Davies was unlucky with a 25 yard lob which landed on the roof of the net and in the 88th minute Nelson was once again denied by Hoggeth in the RCA goal.
Overall it is fair to say the the weather won this game although given the condition both teams did try to play football.
