RCA kicked off their run of friendly matches with a workout at North Shields, coming away with a 2 - 1 win, with goals from new boys Gav Parkin and Michael Hepplewhite. Please click here for photos from the match.
We were on the losing side against a lively Team Northumbria, who won 2 - 0 with a goal in each half. The match photos are here.
There was a further defeat away to Crook Town. RCA played plenty of football and created chances, but were two down to a well-organised and strong home side before an Australian trialist pulled a goal back for RCA with a quality strike from outside the area that sailed into the top left of the Crook net.
RCA rounded off their pre-season with a home match against Silksworth in the Bob Gurney Trophy, winning 4 - 0. The goals were scored by Jimmy Farrell, Tony Coe, with a brace, and Gav Parkin. RCA had lots of chances and all credit to the Silksworth keeper.
Manager Neil Hixon says:
"The pre-season has been a good work out, but we still need to gel as a team. Within a month we will have a settled side.
"I'm looking forward to Saturday, when we are away to Newcastle Benfield in the first league match of the season. We'll be missing David Duke, but I hope to have John Butler available for selection after his hamstring injury.
"There's good news on David Anderson, who has been given the go ahead to resume full training."
There have been more than a few changes in the squad over the summer. Check out the new pen pictures here.