Saturday, 2 November 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA: Wray, Shildon: Wood (2)

Please click here for match photos by Zoë Vicarage.

Please click here for match video highlights from Shildon TV.

Please click here for match video highlights from Sky Tyne and Wear.

RCA entertained second placed Shildon in today’s League fixture, Shildon would go back to the top of the league with a win. RCA were looking to carry on with the improvement that they have shown in their recent matches.

After the mid week cup exit at the hands of Darlington 1883 in extra time the management team made several changes to the team: in came Carmichael, Jury, Preston, Andrew Brown, Fryatt and Baynes, out went Spence, Aaron Brown, Clough, Stanger, Morris, and Hassan.

The game started slowly with both teams feeling their way into the game. In the eighth minute RCA were awarded their first corner of the game and Wilson swung the kick towards the near post where Wray met the ball with a powerful header which struck the underside of the bar and was cleared by Stephenson.

RCA continued to press forward and a slick ball from Jury to Brown opened up the Shildon defence the cross into the area from Brown was met by Barton but he could only steer the ball over the bar.

The hosts took the lead in the 19th minute when they were awarded corner after some good interplay between Fryatt, Baynes and Patton produced a save from Graham in the Shildon goal. Once again Wilson took the kick, this time picking out Wray at the far post and this time the tall central defender made no mistake heading into the net past the despairing dive of Graham.

Shildon were visibly shocked by this and reacted with a spell of pressure which resulted in a corner which was taken by Hudson, his cross was met by Wood but went well over the bar.

A quick break by Harwood saw him turn defence into attack with a beautiful cross field ball to Ruddy who cut inside before firing in a shot which was blocked by Preston, the ball fell to Hudson who shot straight at Carmichael.

The game was starting to literally get bogged down in midfield with little in the way of goalmouth action.

As the game entered the final minutes of the half Shildon almost equalized when Wray blocked a shot from Ruddy into the path of Hudson who blasted in a shot which Carmichael somehow managed to get a hand to and the ball was cleared up field.

In the final minute of the half a cross into the box by Jury was headed over the bar by Barton.

Shildon started the second half pressing forward looking for an early equalizer but RCA where defending effectively. In the 47 minute a freekick taken by Hudson hit the RCA wall and went wide of the upright. The resulting corner was headed over by Stephenson.

In the 55th minute a through ball from Stephenson to Hudson split the RCA defence the ex-RCA midfielder fired in a low shot which was blocked by Carmichael and Hudson, in trying to get to the rebound,  fouled Preston. Penalty appeals waved away.

A minute later and a quick breakaway Fryatt saw him skip past Buzzeo before crossing into the Shildon area, Stephenson’s headed clearance fell to Baynes who sent in a great shot which brought a brilliant save from Graham.

In the 60th minute after a save from Carmichael the ball fell to Wray who tangled with Wood. The referee awarded a freekick to RCA which incensed the visitor’s manager who after exchanging words with the referee was ordered from the dugout.

The Railwaymen equalised in the 68th minute when a thow in was picked up by Hodgson who slipped the ball to Craddock his cross was met by Hudson who played the ball into the path of Wood who squeezed the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

RCA should have retaken the lead when some clever interplay between Barton and Wilson sent Fryatt into the box but the youngster could only fire the ball over the bar.

Then a shot from Hodgson went narrowly wide before the quick thinking Turnbull slide a freekick into the path of Hudson on the edge of the six yard box, he only managed to stab the ball well wide of the upright with an open goal begging.

In the 83rd minute Stanger intercepted the ball in midfield and sent a long ball forward to Patton who beat his marker before setting up Barton. The RCA leading goalscorer mishit his shot from eight yards out and it was cleared off the line by Craddock. Then with time running out a slide rule pass from Stanger found Patton inside the area, he struck a perfect curling shot which was magnificently saved by Graham.

The killer goal came in the 90 minute RCA were unable to effectively clear their lines and the ball was crossed into the box where it evaded three players before being picked up by Wood who fire home from eight yards out.

This was a sickening blow for RCA who defended magnificently and who had clear chances to win this match. As for Shildon, they will be a force to be reckoned with when they have all their squad to choose from.

RCA should take heart from this performance and take the positives out of the game.

RCA forward Callum Patton attacks during the final minutes of the match.

Saturday, 9 November 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers:  Dunston: Goddard  SRCA: Fryatt.

Please click here for photos from the match.

Please click here for match photos from Neil Smith.

RCA made the short trip up the A1 to play an in form Dunston UTS team who had taken 16 points in their last six games and are currently lying in sixth place in the league.

After fitness tests on Preston (groin) and Wilson (knee) the management team named an unchanged starting 11 for the first time this season. Dunston's squad included two ex-RCA players in Gary Shaw and Nicky Kane.

In the opening minute of the game RCA were unfortunate not to take the lead when a through ball from Andrew Brown found Barton in acres of space and with only the goalkeeper to beat he hit the ball goalward, but it struck Connell's leg and was cleared by Cattanach.

The heavy pitch was causing a few problems in the early stages as players tried to get to grips with staying on their feet never mind playing football.

After 10 minutes a great run by McAndrew saw the UTS winger leave the RCA defence in his wake as he cut inside before unleasing a thunderbolt of a shot which Carmichael was pleased to parry away for a corner.

Within a minute Ormeston played in Teasdale who had his shot blocked by Wray. The ball rebounded to Goddard, but Carmichael was once again in the right place to turn the ball round the post.

Dunston took the lead in the 16th minute when Kane picked the ball up on the right wing, squared it to Teasdale who chipped the ball forward into the RCA area where Goddard struck a sweet volley which looped over the outstretched hand of Carmichael and into the top corner of the net.

RCA almost got an equaliser straight from the kick off as the ball was fed to Fryatt who dribbled past three defenders before sliding the ball to Barton who hit a first time shot which was blocked by Burrell.

McAndrew with his pace and tricky dribbling was causing all sorts of problems down the left and when, in the 20th minute, he crossed into the box Goddard must have thought he would score as he fired in a terrific shot which Carmichael somehow managed to claw away from the bottom corner and round the post for a corner. The corner was taken by Craggs and his cross was met at the near post by Teasdale who directed his header wide of the post. 

RCA survived these scares and came back strongly. Wilson crossed in a freekick which was met by Barton, but his header went wide of the upright, then a lovely run by Patton, drifting past three challenges, ended when he passed the ball into the path of Brown who fired over from 20 yards out.

On the half hour RCA persistence paid off when after a good run by Baynes the ball was switched to the opposite wing where Fryatt won a corner. Wilson sent in a teasing cross which was headed up in the air by Burrell. In the scramble that followed the ball was cleared to the edge of the box where Fryatt sidefooted the ball towards goal and although it took a deflection off Gary Shaw it was destined for the back of the net from the second it left his boot.

In the 38th minute McAndrew once again produced a moment of brilliance as he went clear of the RCA defence, but his cross was met by Preston who cleared the danger.

With minutes to go before half time a cross into the Dunston area looked to be heading for the safe hands of Connell. Barton had other ideas and challenged the keeper for the ball which spun into an empty net, unfortunately the goal was ruled out for a foul on the keeper.

The second half started as the first, with a ball into the box by Wilson being picked up by Barton who turned and shot but the ball was deflected away for a corner.

This had the effect of spurring Dunston on and they launched a succession of attacks at the RCA defence. A cross into the box by McAndrew was cleared by Wray and Craggs following up fired in a 30 yard drive which flew high and wide.

On the hour mark another McAndrew cross was headed away by Wray and fell to Ormston who hit a first time shot wide of the target.

RCA were looking to hit Dunston on the break and in the 62nd minute had the ball in the net following a quick break which saw the ball moved forward from Jury to Barton who controlled the ball before playing in Patton who slipped the ball under the body of Connell only to be ruled offside.

Three minutes later and Carmichael was forced into a brilliant save when Burrell connected with a far post corner powering in a header goalwards, Preston picked up the pieces clearing up field.

As the game entered the final 10 minutes Dunston were almost constantly on the attack with RCA forced to defend in numbers.

Goddard should have sealed the points in the 80th minute when, after a great move involving Kane and Steven Shaw, the Dunston striker found hinself free inside the area but he fire wide of the post.

In the 88th minute a shot from Craggs went just wide of the upright.

Then in a bizarre ending to the game, man of the match, Goddard was dismissed for contesting a throw in. Although he did slam the ball into the ground it was never in danger of hitting anyone and probably deserved no more than a Yellow unless he said something to the officials. 

RCA are starting to look like a strong unit from back to front. They have determination and resilience. All we neeed is for Patton and Barton to relax more in front of goal and watch the goals start to flow.

It is a testament to the team that we have gone from conceding 15 goals in four matches to conceding only seven in the last five matches and these against teams like Darlington (AET) Shildon (injury time) and today Dunston - all top teams.

The management team have got to take credit for putting together a competative team who look to be playing with a freedom to express themselves. 

Onward and upwards.

      

Aristote Guerin-Lokonga, returning to Meadow Park for the first time since his move to Consett, finds his options limited by RCA's Philip Horsman and Steven Baynes.

12 November 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA.  Patton (2), Barton, Fryatt.   Consett: Guerin-Lokonga.

Please click here for some (noisy) match photos.

RCA made one forced changed for the visit of Consett, Andrew Brown was unavailable through work commitments and Jack Stanger stepped in to replace him.

Consett included ex-RCA players Aristote Guerin-Lokonga and Andrew Cuthbertson in their squad. 

What a game the two teams conjured up with the play switching from end to end throughout the whole 90 minutes a cracking match which the statisticians will say favoured Consett (Shots 20 - 11, Corners 15 - 3) but in the end it is goals that settle matches and RCA proved clinical, if a little fortunate, in front of goal.

What an opening to the match two disallowed goals in the opening minute, from the kick off Wilson sent the ball forward to Barton who controlled the ball before chipping it over the Consett defence, he then ran onto his own pass before firing the ball home, unfortunately Patton was adjudged to be in an offside position. From the restart Consett moved the ball forward and a cross into the area from Bell was punched away by Carmichael , the ball fell to Sullivan who fired goalwards, Mackay flicked the ball into the net but was also adjudged to be offside.

After that opening anything could happen in the next 89 minutes. The game settled down with Consett, kicking down the slope, having a lot of possession but unable to produce anything from the final pass.

In the 10 minute Mackay found acres of space on the right edge of the box, took control of a pass from Piecha before turning and shooting wide of the post.

5 minutes later and it was the turn of Barton at the other end with an almost replica as the ball was pushed forward by Wilson, A deft flick by Baynes found Barton and RCA’s leading goascorer fired in a low shot just wide of the upright.

Consett continued to press forward and only a double save from Carmichael stopped then from taking the lead, a cross from Chris Bell found Mackay, his shot was blocked by Carmichael and Sullivan following up saw his shot superbly saved by the keeper.

RCA were restricted to quick counter attacks as Consett pushed forward.

In the 33 minute, the tide changed as RCA hit back in emphatic style, a ball out of defence by Preston was picked up by Barton who cut inside towards the gaol area, he then produced a beautyfully weighted pass into the path of Patton who finished with some style, recording his first goal for the club.

Within a minute RCA were back on the attack Stanger slipped the ball to Barton who moved it on to Fryatt he squared the ball to Patton who fired over the bar.

Consett sent men forward again and Ryan Bell picking out Mackay with a great ball but the Consett Striker fired straight at Carmichael who cleared the ball up field where it was met by Patton who flicked the ball through to Barton he controlled the ball and curled the ball past Norton, it hit the post and rebounded into the keepers arms.

RCA went 2-0 up in the 44 minute when they were awarded a freekick , Wilson curled the ball into the 6 yard area where Barton was on hand to steer the ball into the net from 4 yards out.

The second half was almost a mirror image of the first with Consett setting out to attack at every opportunity and RCA looking to defend in numbers and break quickly.

The first real effort if the half fell to Patton who blazed a volley over the bar from 10 yards out after some good work by Stanger.

The visitors responded through Lund who dribbled through three tackles before crossing to Mackay who fired his shot well over the bar.

Then a Mackay freekick was headed down by Piecha into the path of Sullivan but the Consett striker’s finish went woefully high over the bar.

Consett continued there relentless attacking and and when Chris Bell slotted the ball through to Mackay it was only a great goal line clearance by Preston which kept the scoreline at 2-0.

RCA were finding it difficult to string two passes together and on the hour mark had another lucky escape when Sullivan, who had obviously left his shooting boots at home, once again shot wide when in a good position.

As in the first half RCA weathered the storm and came back in double measure, a quick throw in by Stanger found Patton near the corner flag, the RCA striker dribbled past two defenders on the by-line before cutting the ball back exquisitely to Fryatt who sent a thunderbolt of a shot into the roof of the net.

RCA were back on the attack a minute later when Wilson slipped the ball through to Patton who force a great save out of Norton.

The visitors did get a gaol back in the 75 minute when a cross into the box Sullivan was not cleared by the defence and Guerin-Lokonga pounced on the loose ball to stab it out of the reach of Carmichael and into the net.

As Consett started to tire RCA pushed forward and were able to capitalise and an absolute howler by Norton, full back Brown played the ball to Norton inside his own 6 yards area, the keeper slipped as he tried to dummy Patton and gifted the RCA forward with his second goal of the night.

4-1 might have flattered RCA on the night but it is goals that win matches and RCA took their chances. How many times this season have we been on top and lost to a late strike?

It’s nice to see both strikers on target and feeding off each other. As the Internationa break has effected us our next fixture will be at home next Tuesday against Guisborough Town.

 

  

Tuesday, 19 November 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goal scorers: SRCA: None  Guisborough:  Johnson (2), Gell.

A familiar pattern is emerging with the team as once again only one change was made with Andrew Brown replacing the unavailable Jack Stanger.

The game itself was end to end with Guisborough having the lion's share of possession and RCA breaking effectively on the counter attack. Two late late strikes sealed it for the visitors in the 88th and 89th minutes, as RCA pushed forward looking for an equaliser, adding to their first half goal in the 13th minute.

The teams took to the field in almost sub zero temperatures, but it didn't take long for the hands of RCA keeper Carmichael to warm up as he was forced into a great save after Wood latched onto a cross from Risborough and hit a terrific first time shot.

RCA, with the advantage of the slope got into gear with a good run by Patton who crossed into the box towards Barton, but Carling was first to the ball clearing it over the bar. The resulting corner was cleared up field by Bishop and, when Horsman slipped in trying to clear the danger,  the ball was picked up by Johnson, the Guisborough striker set off on a 25 yard run and with only Carmichael to beat made no mistake in opening the scoring.

A good passing move saw Guisborough move the ball from defence into the final third where Wood, managed to slip the ball to Johnson inside the area, but his final effort was uncharacteristically off target.

As the game settled down RCA moves the ball to Fryatt on the right wing and he was looking to get the ball into the danger area at every opportunity.

On the half hour Fryatt sent and inch perfect pass to Patton inside the visitors penalty area. RCA's striker turned and squared the ball to Barton who fired wide.

RCA were being put under a lot of pressure and were responding with some strong challenges and the game became very scrappy as the match headed toward half time.

A blistering start to the second half saw Guisborough pour forward in an attempt to finish off the game, but the RCA defence withstood the onslaught.

In the 50th minute Roberts picked up the ball before sliding a pass to Johnson who tried to chip Carmichael, but the RCA keeper was equal to it and palmed the ball out where it was cleared by Jury.

Two minutes later and Roberts beat the offside trap but, with only the keeper to beat, fired well wide of the far post.

RCA replied with a great run from Fryatt which ended with the winger being upended. Wilson took the freekick to the near post where Baynes flick the ball into the path of Barton who fired over from 10 yards out.

For the first time in the game RCA were looking to move the ball forward with a degree of success. A charge up field by Baynes saw the winger play in Patton, but his shot was blocked by Bishop.

In the final 10 minutes the visitors were constantly being caught offside as RCA defenders played a high line. From a quick freekick taken by Carmichael the ball fell to Patton on the edge of the 18 yard line. He fired in a thunderbolt of a shot which went narrowly over the bar.

The response was instantaneous as Johnson, clearly offside, was allowed to continue, his shot struck the inside of the far post and rebounded kindly for him as he followed up and although Carmichael got a hand to the shot he could only parry it into the net. 2-0 up in the 88th minute.

Worse was to follow a minute later when Carmichael slipped when clearing the ball up field and it fell to Gell who struck a perfect lob over the scrambling Carmichael and into the top corner.

Credit must be given to a well organised Guisborough team who took full advantage of a below par performance from RCA. The first under the new management team. We will be looking for a favourable response on Saturday.

Note: Guisborough_Town_Red, the players response at the end of the game was an overreaction to a poor performance and certainly not the views of anyone else at RCA. Your support of Guisborough Town FC is to be commended and I trust that the next time I see you it is behind the home team goal supporting your team and doing what you like doing.

John Jury shows the determination found throughout the side in the second half come back.

Saturday, 23 November 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA:  Patton, Barton:  Benfield: Stephenson, Bowey.

Please click here for photos from the match.

With a number of players unavailable for various reasons the management team were forced into team changes for the visit to Newcastle Benfield for this EBAC Northern League match. The late withdrawal of Daniel Wray due to a family bereavement was unforseeable and meant a phone call to Wayne Henderson, who  confirmed his attendance immediately. Further calls to Hassan and Shields meant that we at least had a full bench.

Benfield started well and as early as the second minute full back Riley sent a long diagonal ball through the RCA defence and into the path of Brayson who controlled the ball brilliantly, but fired wide of the target.

However in the eighth minute a through ball from Luccock once again split the RCA defence and this time it fell to the feet of Stephenson and he made no mistake from 12 yards blasting the ball past Carmichael.

RCA looked to get on the front foot through Patton and Barton and the combination set up the visitors first chance of the half as a loose ball fell to Patton but he shot straight at Grainger.

Benfield started to dominate and when Clough completely missed a defensive header the ball fell to Stephenson who tried to square the ball to Brayson but Jury was alert to the danger and cleared up field.

Two minutes later and another defence splitting pass from Riley found Luccock in acres of space. The winger took the ball forward before firing in a shot which Carmichael managed to block. The ball fell to Horsman who, in clearing the ball up field, hit his own team mate Stanger full in the face. Although he continued for a few minutes, it was clear he was not fully fit and was replaced by Morris.

As the half hour approched RCA had their best spell of the first half. First, Patton's cross into the box was intercepted by Grainger with Barton bearing down on the goal. Then a minute later a quick throw in by Wilson was flicked on by Barton into the path of Fryatt who fired into the side netting, then, moments later, the little winger latched onto a loose ball from Carr but could only watch as his chipped shot fell onto the roof of the net.

Back came Benfield with a spell of sustained pressure which resulted in a string of freekicks being given away. In the 38th minute a  freekick on the edge of the box was taken by Bowey, Carmichael produced a great save at the foot of the post, the ball rebounded to Luccock who fired in a shot which the keeper saved from point blank range, unfortunately the ball looped up in the air and Bowey was the first to react heading home from close range.

RCA started strongly in the second period. Fryatt, in trying to go past his marker, was fouled and the resulting freekick from Wilson caused panic in the Benfield defence and only a block from Carr stopped Patton from scoring.

In the 53rd minute Morris intecepted a poor pass, crossed the ball into the area where Patton laid the ball off for Barton to thunder in a shot which went narrowly wide.

Two minutes later and RCA were back in the game. This time Brown broke down a Benfield attack before sliding the ball to Morris who produced a defence splitting pass to Patton. The RCA striker deftly chipped the advancing Grainger to make it 2-1.

The tide was starting to change in RCA favour and Benfield were restricted to the odd breakaway with Stephenson still looking dangerous.

Another great tackle from Brown won the ball in midfield and he again gave it to Morris who crossed into the area for Fryatt who's deft flick was picked up by Patton and the striker was denied his second goal by a good save from Grainger.

As RCA exerted more pressure it took some good defending to keep the score at 2-1 to the home team.

In the 65th minute a ball into the box by Wilson was won by Barton who headed teh ball into the path of Jury and he fired in a low shot across the face of goal but wide of the upright.

RCA didn't have to long to wait for the equaliser which had been threatening for the last 10 minutes. A long clearance up field was not defended by Carr and the ball landed at the feet of Barton. RCA's leading scorer made no mistake from 10 yards blasting the ball past Grainger.

Two minutes later and Benfield could have retaken the lead. A cross into the box was headed away by Preston and cleared out by Brown, but it fell invitingly to Slaughter who fired in a cracking 35 yard screamer which rebounded off the crossbar and away from danger.

In the final minutes of the game RCA nearly snatched victory when Patton fired in a shot which was saved by Grainger, the ball rebounded to Fryatt who tried to hammer the ball into the net, but it was blocked on the line by Turnbull.

The remainder of the game got a bit scrappy with no real chances for either side.

After a very poor first half RCA produced one of the best performancs of the season in the second half. The transformation was almost unbelievable as they took charge of the game and almost won it.

RCA forward Callum Patton holds off determined tackling in the second half of the match.

Saturday, 30 November 2013

EBAC Northern League Division 1

No Goals:

Please click here for photos from the match.

RCA welcomed Durham City to Meadow Park and after the excellent second half performance from the RCA players last week there was an air of anticipation around the ground.

Two changes to the starting line up saw Fryatt and Stanger replaced by Morris and Aaron Brown. Otherwise it was a familiar looking squad which is what the management team are looking for.

Unusually for this time of the year it was a mild afternoon, the setting sun casting a red hue over the cemetery gave the ground an eerie look which film directors of horror movies would have loved and no doubt the Ghostly Gadgie very much approved of. (Not sure if Tim captured any pics).

There was an explosive start to match when Jury mistimed a challenge in the opening seconds giving Durham their first opportunity to test the RCA defence, Hotchkiss took the kick, but fired straight into the arms of Carmichael who sent the ball forward to Morris, who played in Jury, with Durham struggling to get back Jury crossed in to the near post where Patton met the ball perfectly, but his clipped shot was superbly saved by Brass.

As the game settled down it became clear that it was going to be a competitive match as both sets of players cancelled each other out.

The next chance of the game fell to Durham when Hotchkiss picked up a pass from Harrison and sent the ball forward to Scott who fired wide of the far post from a very good position.

RCA responded a minute later when Barton won a header and the ball landed at the feet of Patton who turned quickly before firing in a low shot which Brass saved low to his left.

Although the game was very entertaining there were few real chances being created which was as much to do with some excellent defending as both teams were putting together some decent attacking moves.

On the half hour RCA were awarded a corner which was taken by Wilson to the far post where Aaron Brown headed the ball down into the path of Barton, but his shot was blocked and cleared by Stoker.

There were some very competitive battles taking place on the pitch and it was a testament to the players respect for each other that there were some full blooded tackles being made but they just got on with the game.

In the dying minutes of the first half Durham had their clearest chance when Scott was once again sent clear of the RCA defence by Hotchkiss but the striker fired well wide of the target.

The second half saw Durham take the game to RCA, in the opening minute of the half Harrison sent a great ball forward to Turnbull blasted in a great volley which went the wrong side of the post.

Two minutes later and RCA conceded a freekick 30 yards out and Hotchkiss picked out Scott and, although his header was well directed it was cleared off the line by Preston.

It took until the hour mark for RCA to record a meaningful attack but when it came it was a brilliantly worked move which saw Andrew Brown play the ball to Morris, he beat his marker slipped the ball to Patton who jinxed past two defenders before shooting but the ball clipped a defender's knee and went for a corner.

This was the cue for a little pressure from RCA and a succession of corners played short caused a few panicky moments in the Durham defence but they stood firm and responded with a well worked move of their own. Walker receiving the ball from Brass passed the ball on to Turnbull who, in space, clipped the ball forward to Scott, but the Durham striker obviously didn't have his shooting boots on as he lobbed the ball straight at Carmichael.

A minute later a RCA had a claim for a penalty turned down when a high ball forward by Horsman was headed on by Barton, Aaron Brown was first to react to the flick on and as he tried to chest the ball round Brass he appeared to be pulled back by the keeper and the chance was lost.

As in the first half the game was being played in the midfield with both defences able to cope with everything that was thrown at them. Few real chances were being created in the final third.

Durham had a corner headed wide by Galloway and Patton had a shot which went wide of the target.

In the final minute of the game Barton had a great chance to snatch victory for RCA as he poked the ball past Brass towards goal only to see a Durham defender come to the rescue to clear the ball for a corner.

This was another hard fought draw against a top ten team. As 0-0 games go it had a lot to entertain the crowd but both teams, on the day, lacked the clinical finishing that was required to win this match.

No let up in the fixtures as next up is Crook Town followed by Maske United away. Are there any easy games in this league?