Sunday, 19 August 2012 - 10:30am

Thursday, 30 August 2012

Sunday, 2 September

Total Sport Challenge Trophy, First Round

Sunday, 6 October 2012

Sunderland Sunday League Premier Division

RCA Grangetown Florists brought to an end Plains Farms 100% start to the season when they twice came from behind to claim a deserved point with a late equaliser.

Plains Farm took the lead, but recent signing Lewis Hutchinson equalised only for Plains Farm to take the lead again and lead 2-1 at half time. The second half saw Plains Farm further increase their lead to 3-1, but RCA Florists refused to go away and sub Matty Harrison reduced the deficit to 3-2.

In a storming finish RCA Florists got their just rewards when a Phil Hall header crashed against the bar and the rebound was put away by Martin Metcalfe to give a final score of 3-3.

Sunday, 13 October 2012

Durham County Sunday Cup - Third Preliminary Round

RCA Florists progressed smoothly into the First Round of the DFA Sunday Cup with a comfortable 5-0 victory over Shotley Cricketers from the Consett Sunday League. RCA Florists were on the front foot from the start and had a couple of good chances before Martin Metcalfe gave them the lead with a 10th minute penalty. This was followed by three further first half goals, at regular intervals from Chris Trewick, Martin Metcalfe again and Gary Hills to give RCA Florists a 4-0 half time lead. 

Martin Metcalfe had the chance to claim his hat trick immediately after the break, but Shotley's keeper saved well. RCA Florists continued to control the game and introduced subs Chapman, Harrison, Wharton, Curtis and Oliver for Hall, Hills, Metcalfe, Trewick and Kelly and Micky Wharton eventually converted one of numerous chances near the end to give a final score line of 5-0 to RCA Florists.

Sunday, 21 October 2012

Carlsberg FA Sunday Cup

RCA Grangetown Florists progressed to the Second Round of the Carlsberg FA Sunday Cup with a hard fought 2-1 victory over a very strong Northallerton Sportsmans outfit.

In perfect conditions RCA Florists, including 46 year old John 'Scon' Anderson in goal, were further disrupted after just two minutes when George McCaine was forced out of the game with an ankle injury and had to be replaced with David Rush, but despite this they took control of the game and deservedly took the lead after ten minutes  when Gaz Hill was put through and he dispatched a left foot finish into the bottom right hand corner. Sportsmans responded well and the contest became pretty even with both sides playing some neat passing football. Sportsmans then equalised after 25 minutes when Andrew Ramsbottom headed home a corner and it appeared that would be the half time score. But once again RCA Florists pushed forward and Gaz Hill again pounced when Sportsmans keeper Corps hesitated and he slid the ball home from 10 yards after 42 minutes  to give RCA Florists a half time of 2-1.

Sportsmans came out second half in determined mood and began to dominate possession with centre forward Anderson giving RCA Florists defenders plenty to think about with his good movement and aggression, and home keeper Anderson had to save smartly down to his right after good work produced an opening for Ramsbottom. RCA Florists rearguard was being well marshalled by Hall and McVay, ably assisted by Metcalfe and Kelly, but they could do little about a crisp finish from Anderson that crashed against the post and was scrambled clear. RCA Florists though began to get more control and should have increased their lead late on, but still managed to hold on comfortably in the end for a 2-1 victory and now await the Secind Round draw with great anticipation. Good game played in the right spirit.

Sunday, 11 November 2012

Total Sport Challenge Trophy

RCA Florists progressed to the next round of the Total Sport Challenge Trophy with a hard fought, but well deserved, 3-1 victory over a very well organised and spirited Sandills FC.

In perfect conditions the game started with both sides in confident mood and RCA Florists should have taken the lead after 5mins when Gaz Hill outmuscled a defender and from the edge of the box tried to lob the advancing keeper, only to put it straight into his hands. Sandhills however were playing their part and opened the scoring after 10mins when RCA Florists lost the ball cheaply in midfield and Scott Mallaburn was played in over the top and he calmly advanced, rounded the keeper and slotted home. RCA Florists responded positively with Martin Metcalfe producing good service from the right wing and it was from him that the ball was played across the six yard line to find George McCain unmarked at the far post whose first effort was blocked but he stroked home left footed to bring the scores level. The rest of the first half was fairly even with both sides playing some good football, but the score remained 1-1.

The second half saw RCA Florists playing up the slope and gradually they began to take control, with Chris Trewick and Richie Jordan dominating the midfield and creating numerous good chances, but Sandhills defended resolutely and Gaz Hill in paricular was thwarted three times with goal line clearances, before from yet another corner Chris Trewick turned the ball home at the near post to put RCA Florists 2-1 ahead after 65mins. Further chances came and went for Florists, but Sandhills kept at it and were unfortunate not to have a penalty awarded in their favour for hand ball, but RCA Florists finally took yet another chance when Richie Jordan stroked home confidently after a flowing left wing move to put RCA Florists 3-1 ahead after 80 minutes, a lead they comfortably held to the final whistle.

Good luck to Sandhills who will do very well this year, as they play some good stuff.

Sunday, 6 January 2013

Carlsberg FA Sunday Cup, Second Round

This much delayed tie finally took place and resulted in a well deserved victory for RCA Florists and a Third Round tie away against Nottingham T8's FC next Sunday, 13 January.

The match kicked off with RCA Florists kicking up the slope and they got off to a dream start when Martin Metcalfe was played in down the left channel and he advanced on towards the keeper and cooly slotted home to give RCA Florists a 1-0 lead after just three minutes. Eden Vale then had a spell on top with left winger Andy Fowler firing in two long range efforts which keeper Snowdon dealt with comfortably. RCA Florists then had two or three good opportunities, again down the left flank, but they were either overplayed or dealt with by Eden Vale's defence or keeper Lake.

The game developed into a dogged affair with both sides playing some decent stuff on a difficult surface, but RCA Florists gained a decisive advantage when they scored through a Phil Hall header from a corner in the 43rd minute to give a hal time score of 2-0 to RCA Florists.

The next goal was always going to be the defining one and Eden Vale came out in determined mood for the start of the second half, but it was RCA Florists who should have extended their lead when Chris Trewick headed over a great chance from six yards ofter 5o minutes. However, with the game becoming more even, it was RCA Florists who hit the decisive goal when Martin Metcalfe broke down the left to the by-line and squared to find Richy Jordan who side footed home from close range to make it 3-0 after 65 minutes.

RCA Florists then played out the remainder of the half comfortably, without taking any chances, to run out 3-0 winners.

Details of travel arrangements for anyone wishing to travel down to Nottingham to support the lads will be posted as soon as information is available, but thanks to the decent crowd who turned out on the day for this match to support us, it's appreciated.

Sunday, 13 January 2013

Carlsberg FA Sunday Cup - Third Round

RCA Grangetown Florists produced a superb performance against the previously unbeaten Nottingham T8's, despite being without five of the previous weeks starting eleven, to progress through to the Fourth Round of the national Carlsberg FA Sunday Cup by a 1-0 scoreline courtesy of Gareth Hill's 80th minute header.

Travelling was delayed for nearly an hour while the ground in Hucknall was inspected after an overnight snow flurry, but was declared playable at 8:45am and the coach left for a 1:00pm ko.

Conditions were far from perfect, with a thin covering of snow on the surface at kick off. RCA were missing defenders McVay and Lonsdale, keeper Snowball and midfielders Petch and Metcalfe and started with Harkes in goal, a back four of Rush, Ferguson, Hall, and Kelly with McCain, Jordan, Trewick and Gargett in midfield, Hill and Wharton up top. The subs bench was pretty bare with only Chapman as a regular squad member and two others, namely 'older' stalwarts Churchill and Burns.

T8's started very strongly with their front three causing problems for RCA Florists who were finding it difficult to adjust to the conditions and there were a number of good chances created, especially from numerous corners, but excellent defending and good fortune kept the score goalless and by the 30 minute mark RCA Florists were beginning to get a grip on the game with Trewick and Jordan both prominent. One or two half chances went begging and half time arrived without any score.

RCA Florists then came out in much more confident mood for the second half and really got to grips with the match and began to dominate possession and along with steady defending, especially from the outstanding David Rush at right back, started to make chances, but the all important first goal, which was always going to decide the tie, just would not come. Both Hill and Wharton had efforts blocked and with Ferguson winning headers at dead balls you felt it was just a matter of time. Eventually that proved to be correct when left back Kelly floated in a cross onto the head of Gaza Hill at the near post 12 yards out and his looping header found the top corner, in the 80th minute. RCA then spent the remainder of the match mostly in control of the ball to run out 1-0 winners of this very tough encounter. 

RCA Florists now travel to Brighouse FC in Yorkshire to take on HT Sports FC from Leeds in the last 16 next Sunday, 20 January.

Sunday, 24 February 2013

Joe Holborn Memorial Trophy

RCA Grangetown Florists progressed to a semi-final meeting with Paragon by virtue of this comfortable 4-1 victory over a spirited Steels outfitit in the Joe Holborn Memorial Trophy. With the pitch in remarkably good condition RCA Florists started kicking down the slope and were quickly into their stride, missing a couple of great openings when one on one with the keeper. But Steels net minder Craig Jeffries made the first of his numerous good stops to thwart RCA Florists efforts until the 20th minute when Martin Metcalfe broke through and scored off the left hand post post despite another half stop from Jeffries.

Steels though got back into the tie when RCA Florist full back Fletcher's mistake led to him conceding a penalty which Steven Wilson stroked home confidently. However RCA Florists upped their game and scored twice before half time through Scott Kelly and a Gareth Hill header to lead 3-1 at the break.

The second half saw RCA Florists waste numerous opportunities to increase the lead only to be held up by poor finishing and good keeping from Jeffries, but a fourth goal did arrive, courtesy of sub Brett Chapman to give a final score of 4-1 to RCA Florists.

Thursday, 28 February 2013

Sunderland Sunday League

RCA Grangetown Florists finally got back to league business with their first game since mid October with a very comfortable 2-0 victory over a spirited Ryhope CW.

RCA Florists got off to the perfect start when Gareth Hill was played into space on the right and drove home across the keeper after just five minutes, but then RCA Florists chose to waste numerous chances to increase the lead up to half time, despite dominating play. Indeed they nearly allowed Ryhope back into the game just on half time when keeper Snowball picked up a back pass and Benson hit the post with the subsequent free kick and the rebound was driven wide. So 1-0 to RCA Florists at half time.

The second half produced another dominant display from RCA Florists, but again woefull finishing and poor pass selection meant they had to wait till two minutes from time to make the game safe when David Rush curled a fine effort past the Ryhope keeper to give a final score of 2-0 to RCA Florists.

Sunday, 3 March 2013

Total Sport Challenge Trophy

RCA Grangetown Florists saw off the challenge from Myers to progress smoothly into the Semi-finals of the Total Sport Challenge Trophy with a 2-0 victory.

In near perfect conditions RCA Florists produced a commanding performance against a slightly understrength Myers, and but for an outstanding display from Myers keeper Ryan Graham would have had this match won well before the 88th minute second goal went in.

RCA Florists got off to the perfect start again when awarded a penalty for a push on Gareth Hill in the fifth min and Martin Metcalfe confidently stroked home to put them 1-0 up. The remainder of the first half produced further chances for RCA Florists, but Graham dealt with them all competently and as is always the case when just 1-0 up, Myers had a good chance late in the half but RCA Florists' keeper Harkess turned the shot round the post, to leave a ht score of 1-0 to RCA Florists.

The second half produced another string of outstanding saves from Graham to keep Myers in the tie and but for a near miraculous last ditch block from Mick McVay from three yards and another decent stop from Harkess, Myers could have snatched an undeserved equaliser. However Graham was eventually beaten in the 88th minute, when after another save resulted in a corner, the ball fell to Jason Gargett at the far side of the box and his left footed half volley flew through the crowded box into the net giving Graham no chance whatsoever of even attempting a save, to give a final score of 2-0 to RCA Florists.

They now look forward to a semi-final against first division high flyers Saltgrass FC.

Thursday, 7 March 2013

Sunderland Sunday League

RCA Grangetown Florists just edged this game 1-0 against Silksworth Paragon, with both sides understrength.

Paragon started the brighter with Hopps, Charlton and Howell causing problems with their direct running approach, but as the first half wore on RCA Florists began to come more into it, although the only real chance of the half fell to RCA Florists Martin Metcalfe and he sliced horribly wide, to leave a ht score of 0-0.

RCA Florists then had much the better of the second period, but the game had 0-0 written all over it, until a long diagonal free kick was allowed to bounce in their own area by Paragon and Brett Chapman reacted quickest to glance a delicate header over the advancing keeper Donnelly to give RCA Florists a 1-0 lead after 65 mins. RCA Florists had 2 or 3 half decent chances to increase their advantage but Paragon keeper Donnelly made good blocks and despite Paragon going till the end they were unable to produce any chances worthy of note and RCA Florists ran out 1-0 victors.

Not the best game but credit to both sets of players for turning out on a bitterly cold night and doing their best.

Thursday, 14 March 2013

Sunderland Sunday League

RCA Grangetown Florists and Herrington put on a tremendous display of end to end football in this league encounter and it was not untill the 90th min that the result was decided.

On a perfect night for football both slightly under strength sides put on a great spectacle for the neutral supporters and with Herrington kicking down the slope the first 25 minutes produced half chances at both ends, but in the 28th minute Herrington's livewire left winger Mike Brunning ran at the home defence and released a great ball through to Dean Smith who thundered an early left foot shot across home keeper Hood into the far corner to give Herrington the lead. However RCA Florists responded immediately when Trewick won the ball in Herrington's half and played in Martin Metcalfe who went on to slip the ball home under the away keeper to bring it back to 1-1. Herrington then produced a slick passing move which resulted in a tremendous save by home keeper Hood to keep the score at 1-1 up to half time.

The second half continued in the same vein and Herrington again took the lead through Smith when he won a foot race to a ball over the top and rolled in after 65 minutes. RCA Florists responded with sustained pressure, but Herrington would not buckle until RCA Florists sub Mick Wharton found some space and clipped home via the left hand post to bring the scores level at 2-2 with 10 minutes to go. It looked like that would be it, and a fair share of the spoils, but RCA Florists were awarded a definite penalty for a push and Martin Metcalfe drove it home to give RCA Florists a last minute winner.

A great game played in the right spirit.

Sunday, 17 March 2013

Joe Holborn Memorial Cup

RCA Grangetown Florists fought out a fierce battle against Silksworth Paragon in this semi-final of the Joe Holborn Memorial Cup to come out 3-1 winners and book their final spot in May.

Paragon, kicking down the slope, started much the brighter and had at least two great chances in the first five minutes to take the lead, but these were squandered and the game became a tense affair with both sides giving their all. However the deadlock was broken after 23 minutes when a keeper's clearance was returned into the path of RCA Florists' Adam McQuillan and he shot across the Paragon keeper into the bottom left corner to give RCA Florists the lead. More was to follow five minutes later when a free kick found Richy Jordan completely unmarked around the penalty spot and he duly dispatched the ball into the top right hand corner of the net, giving Donnely no chance, to leave RCA Florists 2-0 up after 30 minutes.

Paragon were then given a lifeline by an inexplicable, and subsequently proven, incorrect decision by the combined efforts of the inexperienced officials, who awarded a penalty and despite the protestations from RCA Florists Lee Harrison drove home from the spot to give a half time score of 2-1 to RCA Florists.

The second half again saw Paragon on top early on and they wasted a glorious chance for the equaliser when Steven Bogie sliced horribly wide of an open goal on the hour mark and the game then was effectively killed off by RCA Florists when a short corner was played back to Kelly who sent in a teasing cross to the far post and Phil Hall arrived to power an unstopable header into the net from six yards after 70 minutes.

Paragon never gave up the fight, but were unable to find a way through the resolute RCA Florists' defence and the match ran its course to give RCA Florists a final appearance some time in May.

A good game played in the correct spirit by two old adversaries who both gave there all, but there could only be one winner and on this occassion that turned out to be RCA Florists.

Sunday, 31 March 2013

Sunderland Sunday League Premier Division

RCA Grangetown Florists deservedly came out on top in this league encounter against a determined and committed Hylton Castle TWR, by 2-1.

Kicking up the slope, RCA Florists quickly got into their stride, producing a couple of decent openings which they were not quite able to capitalise on and they were punished when after 12 minute the first real threat from Hylton Castle came with a ball over the top into the outside left area which resulted in hesitancy from full back Clark and keeper Harkness which allowed Darren Snowball  to nip in and roll the ball home from 18 yards to give Hylton the lead.

RCA Florists continued to have the better of the play and McQuillan was unlucky when his chip from 40 yards, after a poor clearance from Hylton keeper Smith, just cleared the bar. However the same player restored parity after 25 minutes when he turned sharply in the box to drill home from 10 yards to bring about a half time score of 1-1.

The second half opened with a great opportunity for Hylton to go ahead again with a break down the right flank, but they failed to deliver the killer ball and the threat was averted. McQuillan then had two efforts superbly saved by Hylton keeper Smith, along with two other efforts just clearing the bar, before the same player set up Gaz Hill from 10 yards to drive home an unstoppable shot past the keeper to put RCA Florists 2-1 up after 70 minutes. Hylton never gave up and had one or two half decent opportunities, but it was RCA Florists who continued to create the better openings and Hill wasted a similar chance to his goal but sliced wide.

Led by the outstanding Phil Hall RCA Florists played out the last five minutes and secured another victory, by a 2-1 margin, and will have to do it all over again this coming Thursday against the same competative Hylton outfit. Games coming thick and fast now.
 

Thursday, 4 April 2013

Sunderland Sunday League

RCA Grangetown Florists completed a quickfire double over Hylton Castle TWR with a hard fought 4-2 victory, with the outcome in doubt untill a last minute clincher for RCA Florists.

With both sides missing key players, Hall, Metcalfe and Arkley missing for RCA Florists and Hylton having to play coach Lee Blacket in goal, the game kicked off in freezing and windy conditions with Hylton quickly into their stride. They found the opening goal within five minutes with a superb volleyed strike into the left hand corner from Adam Drysdale. RCA Florists responded almost immediately and equalised through Steve Clarke on 15 minutes. Hylton however came back strongly, aided by the strong breeze, and an even better cross shot from Darren Snowball across the keeper found the left corner again to put Hylton 2-1 up at half time.

RCA Florists needed a quick response to start the second half and began to dominate in midfield and it was no surprise when they quickly equalised after 55 minutes when Jason Gargett headed home a far post cross from Gaz Hill. This was followed within another five minutes with a goal from Adam McQuillan who latched on to the ball ten yards out and drove under Blackett to give RCA Florists the lead for the first time.

Both sides continued to go at each other, with some quality football being played, but the decisive strike came in the final minute when once again McQuillan drove home from ten yards to give RCA Florists a 4-2 win.

More games coming thick and fast now, but the next game on Sunday 7th sees RCA Florists taking on recently crowned County Cup winners Plains Farm in a top of the league clash that should definitely be worth watching.

Sunday, 7 April 2013

Sunderland Sunday League

Humbledon Plains Farm continued their relentless charge to the Premiership title with a 2-0 victory over their nearest rivals RCA Grangetown Florists.RCA Florists were weakened by the late withdrawal of centre half Hall through injury and the unavailability of his partner at the back McVay (stag do) and resorted to Arkley and Trewick at the back, while Plains Farm brought in Toomey and Ross into their starting eleven.

RCA Florists started the brighter and for 20 minutes were on top without testing keeper Atkinson, but it was Plains Farm who had the first real chance when Fairley cut back to Johnson 10 yards out and he lifted the chance over the bar. McBryde then wasted an even better opening when heading over from just three yards out after 30 minutes.

The deadlock was finally broken when a clumsy challenge on Fairley from stand in defender Trewick resulted in Fairley slotting home the resultant penalty after 44 minutes to give Plains Farm a half time lead of 1-0.

The second half was even-steven with both sides seeking the advantage, but Plains Farm took a decisive 2-0 lead after 70 minutes when, a suspiciously offside looking McBryde took a Ross pass in his stride and slid the ball under keeper Harkness. RCA Florists were then denied a way back into the match when Atkinson blocked Metcalfe's volley on 80 minutes and then RCA Florists hit the post minutes later.

RCA Florists were denied what looked like a stonewall penalty for handball in the closing seconds, which may have resulted in a well deserved consolation goal, but credit to Plains Farm who probably shaded it on chances created and look likely to be unstoppable as they head towards retaining their Premiership title.

Tuesday, 9 April 2013

Sunderland Sunday League

RCA Grangetown Florists got back into their stride with an, in the end, comfortable 4-1 victory over a hard working and determined Ryhope CW outfit.

RCA Grangetown had to once again adjust their team due to various factors and had to call up veteran utility player/keeper Steven 'Birdy' Hood to play in goal.

In near perfect conditions, but with a hard bobbly pitch neither side claimed any early dominence and it was not until the 25th minute that Hood had to save smartly from a close range header to keep the score at 0-0. Gradually though RCA Florists began to get a grip with Arkley in defence, Harrison in midfield and McQuillan up front beginning to stretch Ryhope's resistance and keeper Smith had to make two or three smart saves before Adam McQuillan pounced on a loose ball, after good work down the left and another save from Smith, to poke home at the near post after 40 minutes to put RCA Florists 1-0 up. They were not done though and further increased their lead in the 44th minute when a good passing move released Mick Wharton through the inside right channel and he cooly placed his shot across the keeper into the bottom left hand corner of the net to give RCA Florists a 2 - 0 half time lead.

Any thoughts Ryhope had of a fight back were quickly put to bed after 5 minutes of the second half when McQuillan took a chance from just outside the box after a half clearance and the ball took a slight deflection of a defender and wrong footed keeper Smith to put RCA Florist three up. RCA Florists then toook control and McQuillan completed his hat trick with a confident right foot finish after 60 minutes.

RCA Florists and Ryhope introduced subs around this juncture and the game died a bit, but Ryhope were determined to get something out of the game and they duly pounced on some slack play from RCA Florists to score through a cool finish from Lewis Storey, to give a final score of 4-1 to RCA Florists.

Good luck to Ryhope who have established themselves in the Premier League this season.

RCA Grangetown Florists 1 Myers 5

On Sunday RCA Florists started in the same vein and quickly went 2-0 down when the same two players put Myers on the way within 15 minutes of kick off. However RCA Florists' returning midfielder Richie Jordan decided enough was enough and produced an outstanding personal performance. He pulled a goal back before half time and then drove RCA Florists on in the second half. Gaz Hill equalised from close range, following up when Myers keeper Graham uncharacteristically spilled a Trewick shot and both sides went for the winner on the difficult windy, hard bouncy surface, dishing up some good football along the way.

However it was Jordan who would have the final say when after 85 minutes he produced an awkward cross that was deflected high in the air and fell into the far corner to put RCA Florists ahead 3-2 and they held on to secure the win.

Two good matches and three points apiece before heading off to the pub to see the Barcodes given a good drubbing. Happy days.

Sunday, 20 April 2012

Sunderland Sunday League: Premier Division

RCA Grangetown Florists did their goals difference a power of good when beating Grangetown WMC by an emphatic scoreline of 10-1.

RCA started kicking up the slope and took a third minute lead through Jason Gargett when he headed home from a Gary Hill cross. Further goals arrived from Martin Metcalfe and Gary Hills by the 30th minute, only for Grangetown WMC to pull one back with a Ben Stokoe penalty. However RCA Florists restored a three goal advantage with another Gargett goal on 44 minutes to give a ht score of 4-1.

The second half saw RCA Florists run riot, and but for some stout defending from the outstanding Graham Thornton and some clumsy finishing from RCA Florists, the scoreline could have been even worse. But nevertheless a further six goals duly arrived with another brace from Gargett bringing his total to four, two from sub Mick Wharton, and one each for George McCain and Scott Kelly.

Well done though to WMC who kept going right up to the final whistle.

Back to business on Thursday night with another midweeker, this time against relegation threatened Ashbrooke FC.

Thursday 25th April 2013

Sunderland Sunday League : Premier Division

RCA Grangetown Florists posted another three points onto their total with a 5-0 victory over a very committed Ashbrooke side.

In an even first half RCA Florists took the lead after 15 minutes when Chris Trewick was played in and hit a cross shot into the bottom left hand corner. It stayed this way until half time

RCA Florists effectively killed off the game within three minutes of the restart with two goals from George McCain, and these were followed by a further strike from Trewick before McCain completed his hat trick to give a final score of 5-0 to RCA Florists.

Sunday, 28 April 2013

Sunderland Sunday League : Premier Division

Sunderland RCA Grangetown Florists recorded a 6-0 victory over Redhouse WMC on a hard and bumpy surface, in very windy conditions.

Kicking down the slope and with the wind behind RCA Florists scored at regular intervals against the overworked Redhouse defence and scored six unanswered first half goals through Gary Hill two, Micky Wharton two and one each for George McCain and Richie Jordan.

The second half can best be described as 'turgid and 'dull as dishwater', with both sides struggling to come to terms with the conditions, and produced nothing of any note to report. So that left RCA Florists 6-0 winners at the final whistle.

Sunday 5th May 2013

Total Sport Challenge Trophy : Semi-final

RCA Grangetown Florists bounced back to winning ways after their midweek 1-0 reverse against Silksworth Paragon (not at game, so hence no report, sorry!) with an, in the end, comfortable win over a very good Saltgrass side in the semi-final of the Total Sport Challenge Trophy.

RCA Florists got off to the perfect start after two minutes when Richie Jordan volleyed home at the far post after a corner, but were unable to build on this, being unable to deal with a hard uneven surface and a difficult wind, not to mention more than capable opponents. Saltgrass were causing plenty of problems with a strong wind at their backs and duly equalised on 20 minutes when a long throw caused confussion and was deflected for an own goal off RCA Florist defender Hall. At this stage it was no more than Saltgrass deserved and that concluded the first half scoring, so 1-1 at the break.

With the wind advantage RCA Florists opened the second half strongly, but were still not able to get their game flowing and were fortunate to be awarded a dubious penalty after 65 minutes which Dean Arkley drove fiercely into the roof of the net. Thereafter, despite Saltgrass still giving their best, RCA Florists began to dominate and were rewarded when a Jason Gargett drive was handled in the box and Arkley this time stroked home into the bottom right hand corner to put RCA Florists 3-1 up after 75 minutes. Scott Kelly finished off the scoring after 85 minutes with a header after a flick on from Chris Trewick to put RCA Florists into the final, but great credit must go to the Saltgrass team who will be a force next year in the Premier when their promotion is finalised.

Tuesday 7th May 2013

Sunderland Sunday League : Premier Division

RCA Florists only had 11 players available (+ Kevin Burns at 37 and Keith Churchill at 40 as the only subs) and Farringdon had one or two also missing. However RCA Florists started kicking against a strong wind but got to grips with the conditions much quicker than Farringdon causing problems down the flanks.

After 15 minutes a McCain through ball was collected by Jason Gargett and when he side stepped keeper Donaldson the keeper tripped him resulting in a penalty and a very lucky Donaldson who was expecting the inevitable red card, but the referee decided to not even caution him. Dean Arkley duly dispatched the penalty into the bottom left hand corner and RCA Florists went 1-0 up.

Farringdon were trying to play balls over the top for their pacey forwards but Hall and Rush dealt with these or allowed the ball to go through to keeper Hood. Anything down the flanks did not bring any joy either with Kelly and Hutchinson in control. RCA Florists were dominating midfield through Arkley and Trewick with Metcalfe attacking down the right and it was Metcalfe who produced a ball across the face of the Farringdon goal that keeper Donaldson could not hold and Trewick poked home to put RCA Florists 2 up after 25 minutes. Metcalfe then brought out the first of many outstanding stops from MOM keeper Donaldson after 40 minutes, but once again a foray down the right produced a cross to the far post and there was Brett Chapman to head into the net to give a 3-0 scoreline to RCA Florists at half time.

Farringdon came out in determined mood at the start of the second half and dominated, without ever testin keeper Hood, but on the hour they produced an attack down the left  and when the ball was cut back the shot was parried and Martin Hope bundled home to give Farringdon hope, but then RCA Florists stepped up a gear and Donaldson had to make another four great saves, but could do nothing about Kelly's thunderbolt at the death. So 4-1 to Florists it finished.

Sunderland SundayLeague : Premier Division

Sunday 12th May 2013

RCA Grangetown Florists failed to get the point required to clinch Runners Up in the Premier, when with very much the same side that defeated Farringdon in midweek, they capitulated meekly against a committed Redhouse.

Not being at the game I can only report what I have been told, and it was not good. RCA Florists just did not come to the table and were poor all over the park and despite an equaliser from Richie Jordan went down to strikes from Phil Makel and Dale Huggins.

However due to Farringdon's 1-0 reverse against Champions Plains Farm, RCA Florists have now secured Runners Up in the Premier.

Hopefully the restructuring of the league next season will result in less midweek games, because upon checking RCA Florists played 50% of their league games in midweek, and they are not alone in this situation.

RCA Florists though have two more massive games to complete the season, these being the finals of the two League Cup competitions, both against Farringdon SC and two crackers they promise to be, as follows : Sunday 19th May Joe Holborn Memorial Cup at Meadow Park kick off 10.30am and Thursday 23rd May Total Sport Challenge Trophy again at Meadow Park kick off 7.00pm.

So why not get along and give your support to the lads.

Joe Holborn Memorial Cup : Final Tie

Sunday 19th May 2013

RCA Grangetown Florists won the Joe Holborn Memorial Cup, after a very close match against Farringdon SC, by 4-3 on penalties after the game finished 1-1 after extra time.

RCA Florists started kicking up the slope with Farringdon hoping to gain the advantage and the first 15 to 20 minutes were spent testing each other out with very few chances being created. The deadlock was however broken when a hopeful cross from the right was misjudged by Farringdon keeper Donaldson allowing Martin Metcalfe a simple header into the unguarded net to put RCA Florists into the lead after 25 minutes. Farringdon pressed for the equaliser and were rewarded with a dubious penalty award when a cross was just missed by RCA Florists defender Hall and the ball was headed back towards goal from virtually point blank range and struck his hand with him facing the other way. However this did not concern Farringdon and Pattison struck home to give a half time score of 1-1.

The second half started brightly for Farringdon and RCA Florists keeper Harkess had to be on his toes to make three good blocks from close range efforts. RCA Florists were then presented with a penalty of their own after a rash tackle on Jordan gave Arkley the spot kick chance, but he drove wide of the left hand post. Both sides tried to find a winner, but it was not forthcoming, even after another 30 minutes extra time, so penalties it was.

Farringdon were first up and Redman's poor effort was easily saved, and then RCA Florists scored their next four through Jordan, Clark, Petch and Rush, with Farringdon converting through Pattison, Mather and Place. This left Jordan Thompson needing to score to make RCA Florists win it with their last penalty, but his strongly hit shot to the bottom left corner was well saved by Harkess to give RCA Florists the Cup by 4-3 on penalties.

Credit to both sides for a sporting contest, which will resume again on Thursday night in the final of the Total Sport Challenge Trophy, again at Meadow Park, 7:00pm kick off.