Monday 15th February 2010
Durham County Youth Cup Semi Final
Many Youth football followers were eagerly looking forward to tonight’s match between Nissan undefeated in the South League this season and RCA current County Cup holders. The league game was shaded by Nissan 1 – 0 in September in a cracking fast game and tonight’s encounter would have a lot to live up to.
The early minutes of the game were fast and furious as the battle commenced, no quarter given, as the players challenged strongly for possession. Referee Ash Cooper in the middle was aiming to keep the fast pace of the game flowing with the minimum of interference, but needed to have words with a couple of players to maintain control. As the game settled down RCA were retaining the ball well and passing swiftly in to feet. Early space was found by fullback Alex Bone and right midfielder Jordan Cook who released Ryan Mather into space, but he was unlucky in overreaching for his effort which was well covered by Niall Thubron in the Nissan goal. Nissan won the first corner of the game and showed height advantage in the box and RCA did well in closing down and clearing the danger.
On 20 minutes Nissan made the first breakthrough when from a corner the ball was knocked down to the feet of central defender Andy Brown who although allowed space, showed composure to turn and hit an effort on goal that took a deflection before nestling in the bottom corner. Harsh on RCA given the opening exchanges and even a tougher task ahead. However the visitors showed no despondency and confidently took the game back to the home side who were very organised in all areas and dealing well cutting out attacks. Lee Andrews and Mather were working tirelessly up front for RCA, but even when finding space could not fire in efforts that were going to trouble the home keeper. Half time 1 – 0.
The game was evenly matched for the next period, Tony Burnell and Dan Colling having half chances for Nissan, Lee Andrews hitting excellently for RCA when set up by Kieran Stokoe at the edge of the box which was pushed round the post by Thubron. RCA changed formation for the latter period, Luke Olabode getting pushed forward from central defence, whilst substitutes Nathaniel Crinson and Liam Cox were introduced to seek the elusive equaliser. After 80 minutes the rewards for good passing play by RCA were reaped. After successive passes left back Peter Deary found Crinson on the left and he raced forward beating his man before firing in a raking cross along the grass where Lee Andrews was the first to meet drilling in from 16 yards. The elation was there for all to see. 1 – 1 and game back on. RCA definitely looked the more likely and attacked immediately, however the game was stopped for a late tackle on RCA midfield captain Jonny Davis who had to be withdrawn to get treatment. RCA had to continue with 10 men until the referee blew the whistle for a game that was starting to follow a lively script.
Davis still received treatment in the dugout while the game kicked off and both teams had half chances again, Graeme Pickering in goal for RCA pulling out the best of the nights saves. However both central defences were looking strong, with Nissan centre half Danny Lay heading away good crosses, whilst Moon and Liam Dunn for RCA were equally as strong. The return of Davis to the pitch lifted the away side again, but all level still as the referee blew. Both sides were showing tiredness in the last quarter yet it was still too close to call. Penalties on the cards, until four minutes to go, good work down the left from Nissan saw crosses into the box where after successive headers centre forward Burnell headed high looping over Pickering and into the top corner. Screams of delight from the home side. Minutes to go and all thrown forward into the Nissan box and the twist again, when Bone for RCA was fouled in the box, referee blowing for the penalty immediately. Marc Moon stepped up and drilled home. Joy for RCA, before the final whistle. Penalties and great entertainment now - for the neutrals in the ground.
Nissan started the lottery and drilled the first of five great penalties. RCA unfortunately missed their first and that decided the night. Overall a game to bring the crowds back and although all young lads, a spectacle that any level of senior football would have been proud of.