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Click here for a slideshow of photos from the match.

Ryhope Colliery Welfare deservedly regained the Allan Thompson Memorial Cup last night in a well-supported match at Ryhope Recreation Park. For RCA it was a match too far, following on Saturday’s game against Stockton and particularly the previous night’s visit to Pennywell for the opening match at the new Quarry Hill facilities. No excuses, though: Ryhope CW merited their victory. They are certainly on a winning streak: before the match RCA captain Wayne Henderson presented Phil Hall with a salver to congratulate RCW on their magnificent 2010-11 season.

Mrs Maureen Thompson had asked that all proceeds from the match went in aid of George Johnson, the 18 month old son of ex-Ryhope CW player Neil Johnson, who unfortunately has a very rare illness which means he has spent all but three weeks of his life in hospital and needs constant care. I understand from RCA Chairman Owen Haley that a £300 cheque will be going to the Team George Charity Appeal.

It's subject to final confirmation from the FA, but both clubs have agreed to bring forward the FA Cup game between Sunderland RCA and Birtley Town from Saturday, 20 to Friday, 19 August 2011 with a 7:30pm kick off at Meadow Park.

Update: FA confirmation received today, Thursday, 4 August.

The Sunderland West End v Sunderland RCA FC friendly at Quarry View Pennywell next Tuesday, 2 August will now kick off at 7:00pm.

RCA's latest pre-season tour visit was Crook Town. A cloudy evening provided the backdrop for our third run out in the build up to the new season. As a contest, the match was effectively over after 15 minutes when Gavin Barton slotted home from an accurate left wing cross from Harrison Davies. Mark Davison had opened the scoring with a trademark header following good work on the right in RCA's first attack. Crook were often quick and lively, but truth be told, keeper Gary Hoggeth had an easy night.

In pre-season matches it is largely about giving players the opportunity to see how they are shaping up individually and as a team for selection for the opening matches of the campaign. I don't want to tempt fate by overstating things, but we are looking strong and manager Neil Hixon will have some real choices to make for our tough opening home fixture against Shildon followed by a trip to Consett.