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.