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.