Tuesday, 02 September 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: RCA; Price, Barton.  CN: Bowman, Crozier.

Having made his debut as a second half substitute on Saturday, Carl Morris retained the number 1 Jersey for this Northern League clash with Celtic Nation.

With Tony Coe unavailable, RCA reshuffled their team Lewis Wood moving over to the right wing, Horsman coming into the team at left back and McNab in a more familiar role on the left wing. New signing Garry Guyan was on the bench.

RCA started nervously and were immediately under pressure when a back pass was miskicked by Carl Morris at the expense of a corner. Salkeld swung the corner to the far post to Bowman who headed back across goal towards Crozier, but Preston managed to clear before the Celtic Nation striker could pounce.

Celtic Nation continued to press forward and did not allow RCA to settle into their passing game. It wasn’t until the 1tenth minute of the game that RCA had any sort of meaningful attack and it came from the right wing where Price picked up a good pass from Wray and crossed into the penalty area where Barton met the ball perfectly but Coward was able to get both hands to the ball.

The game flowed from end to end with neither team testing the opposition’s keeper until Barton latched onto a loose ball and watched his first time shot glance off the crossbar.

Then a minute later with RCA pressing in midfield Jury won the ball gave it to Lewis Wood who played the ball into the path of Kyle Morris who blasted in a shot which Coward turned onto the post. Celtic Nation defended the corner and hit RCA on the counter attack with Boyd forcing a corner off Horsman. The far post corner was headed back into the penalty area by James and in the goalmouth scramble that followed Boyd fired over the bar.

The home team started to get their passing game going with Lewis Wood and Price combining to good effect on the right, the latter sending in a great cross in the 35th minute, which Kyle Morris controlled before playing in McNab but his shot was cleared by Bowman.

In the 43rd minute RCA thought that they had taken the lead when a through ball by Gary Wood created mayhem in the Celtic defence. Barton looked to get to the ball in front of Coward and the ball fell to Price who fired home from eight yards out. However the referee had already blown for a foul on the keeper who required treatment.

RCA deservedly took the lead in the first minute of injury time. This time it was a cross from the left wing by McNab which found Price and his header could only be helped into the net by the fingertips of Coward.

The second half saw Celtic Nation press forward, but it was the home team who extended their lead in the 50th minute when Barton latched onto a corner at the near post, steering the ball into the goal and it was adjudged to have crossed the goal line by the linesman despite a late lunge and clearance by James.

Barton had a great chance to put the game out of reach in the 53rd minute when he flicked the ball past his marker and set off on a 30 yard run, inside the area and with Coward advancing he chose to try and place his shot but Coward made a supurb save.

The Carlisle side started to create problem for RCA on the wings in particular the run of Douglas on the left and in the 63rd minute he played a low driven ball to the far post where Bowman was on hand to slide home.

This gave the visitors the momentum and they surged forward looking for an equaliser, but the RCA defence held firm.

RCA were awarded a freekick in the 75th minute and Price curled in a low effort which Coward was equal to turning the ball away for a corner. The corner to the far post was picked up by McNab who curled in a shot which was cleared by Swift, but the ball fell to Guyan on the edge of the box and the RCA debutant fired in a shot which thundered off the inside of the post and out of the danger area.

The ball was quickly switched to the opposite end of the pitch, Douglas once again sending a lovely cross into the penalty area which wasn’t cleared by the RCA defence and with the goalmouth resembling a ping pong machine the ball was laid off to Crozier inside the area and he fired home the equaliser.

Both teams had half chances to snatch a late victory but it wasn’t to be.

RCA can only blame themselves for letting a two goal lead disappear.

Celtic Nation fought back and probably deserved a draw in the end.

Looking at the table and the teams we have played well against we should really not be worrying but two points from six games is not a good start to the season.

Another tough test on Saturday against high flying Darlington RA (unbeaten in five) in the FA Vase could this be the game that rekindle our season.

Saturday, 06 September 2014

FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round

Goalscorers:  Barton (2), Jury, Price, Guyan.

The FA Vase 1st preliminary round was a welcome distraction from the rigours of life at the wrong end of the first division. A run of poor results, despite some very encouraging performances, have left SRCA languishing at the bottom of the table.

In comparison our opposition Darlington RA are unbeaten in their last 5 matches and are lying in 5th position in the second division. They include two ex RCA players in Nathan and Jim Wilson the former captaining the side.

RCA made changes to the team that started on Tuesday against Celtic, with Carmichael preferred in goal, Wilson came in at centre back, Brown replaced captain Gary Wood who failed a late fitness test and Coe returned to the right wing with Lewis Dodds partnering Barton up front.

The match started with RCA retaining possession well, in th e4th minute a freekick was awarded when Woods was fouled, Price took the kick floating it towards Barton who flicked it on to Wood who headed wide from an acute angle.

In RCA's next attack McNab skipped past two defenders before cleverly finding Barton on the edge of the box, he squared the ball to Jury who crossed toward the far post but Richardson managed to tip the ball over the bar.

After these early shocks Darlington started to get a bit more possession but they were missing a controlled ball in the final third.

15 minutes into the game and RCA were looking comfortable although they were not producing any telling scoring chances and it was Darlington who had the next effort on goal when Nathan Wilson gave the ball to Jim Wilson he cut the ball back to Macleod who shot narrowly wide.

RCA took the lead in the 23 minute when Jury picked up the ball 40 yards from goal was allowed to move forward unchallenged before shooting toward goal, the ball seemed to bobble before passing Richardson and nestling in the bottom corner of the net.

Darlington almost equalised with 2 minutes when a through ball from Harrison found Jim Wilson in space on the left, Carmichael alert to the danger raced from his goal to narrow the angle and in doing so fouled the Darlington winger on the edge of the box. Nathan Wilson took the freekick but it was headed clear by Horsman.

RCA picked up the pace as the game approached the half hour mark and shots from Wood and McNab produced saves from Richardson.

Wood in particular was causing all sorts of problems and was constantly being fouled as he dribbled past players.

In the 35 minute a quickly taken freekick by price was slide forward by Brown to Barton who found a delightful cross to the far post where McNab forced a great save from Richardson with a point blank header.

It was all RCA as the game headed toward half time and a crossfield pass from Coe split the Darlington defence, fell to McNab who stabbed the ball inches wide of the upright.

In the 45 minute Darlington’s England cut in from the right before producing a stunning shot which Carmichael did well to hold. The RCA keeper then sent the ball forward to Mcnab who crossed to the far post where Coe controlled the ball before crossing to Barton who guided the ball home from close range, unfortunately, he was adjudged to be off-side.

The second half opened with a bang as Price found Barton in space, the striker clipped the ball forward to Wood who forced yet another brilliant one handed save.

As RCA poured forward it looked inevitable that they would score again and in the 52 minute Jury picked up a pass from Price, nipped past a static Darlington defender before crossing into the box where Barton was on hand to power home a terrific header.

RCA almost made it 3-0 two minutes later when Horsman and Coe combined on the right but coe’s effort went well over the bar.

A minute later and Barton fired over when in a good position. In the 67 minute RCA were awarded a penalty when a freekick by Price was blocked by the arm of a Darlinton defender, Price took the penalty and sent the keeper the wrong way.

Darlington thought they had been given a lifeline 3 minutes later a Nathan Wilson Freekick was parried by Carmichael and Sims following up fired into the roof of the net however the offside flag was up and the goal was disallowed.

Two minutes later and the game was over as a spectacle when substitute Guyan fired in a shot which was saved by Richardson but the ball fell to Barton who fired into the net from a narrow angle.

In the final minute of the game a lovely ball from Brown was played to Morris and he squared the ball to Guyan on the edge of the box and he produced a quality curling shot into the top corner of the net which left Richardson no chance.

This was a good display of controlled football from everyone in the team. We need to begin putting results together now. Next up Whitley Bay Tuesday.

Tuesday, 09 September 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA:  Hughes.   Whitley Bay: Watling, McDonald.

After the weekend success at Brinkburn Road in the FA Vase it was back to league action for RCA against a Whitley Bay team who are unbeaten at home this season.

RCA were forced to make changes with both McNab and Lewis Wood unavailable due to work committments. Captain, Gary Wood failed a late fitness test and was ruled out, but is hopeful for Saturday. Into the starting line up came Garry Guyan and Kyle Morris.

Both Teams stared hesitantly using long high balls to test each other out but both defences seemed well able to cope with this tactic.

In the first threatening move of the game Whitley Bay took the lead, McFarlane intercepted a pass and sent the ball forward to Bird who crossed the ball from out on the right and Peter Watling first time effort  flew past Carmichael into the bottom corner of the net.

RCA's only reply at this stage was a freekick taken by Price which was deflected wide by the wall, the resulting corner to the back post was cleared by Ryan and although the ball fell to Guyan he was unable to get in a shot and the ball was cleared up field. 

Whitley Bay were moving the ball around at pace and with purpose and on the quarter hour, Kempster raced into the 18 yard box and only a good challenge from Wilson stopped him. Although the Bay fans were appealing for a penalty the referee thought otherwise. 

Kempster was causing problems on the left and Bird was doing likewise on the right it was the former who created the next chance for Bay as he burst past RCA's static looking defenders before seeing his shot blocked by Preston the ball ran to Watling who fired in a low shot and this was cleared by Wilson.

It was all Whitley Bay at the moment as they poured forward in numbers and a cross from Kempster was sliced clear by Wilson, the resulting corner, saw Bird's shot parried round the post by Carmichael for another corner, this time Watling side foot wide.

Two minutes later and a throw in from McDonald was allowed to bounce in the golmouth before Bird, attempted an overhead kick which ws easily saved by Carmichael  

The next Whitley chance came when McFarlane played the ball through to Bird who slipped past RCA's defence again before shooting but Carmichael, who was having a great game, produced a scintillating save.

RCA, having withstood some ferocious pressure started to get into the game in the last 5 minutes and in the 42 minute almost equalised, a Price freekick was met at the near post by Barton but he could only glance his shot onto the post and away for a goalkick.

The second half saw no let up in the Whitley Bay pressure, McDonald picked up a loose ball 25 yards out but Jury was able to get foot to it to deflect it for a corner. The far post kick was met by Kempster whose shot was blocked by Wilson and the ball bounced about the goalmouth before being scrambled clear by Preston.

Within a minute the home team were on the attack again McFarlane was set away on the riight and his cross was met by Chow whose header was deflected wide for a corner. Kempster’s corner resulted in yet another goalmouth scramble which saw Carmichael block two shots before the danger was cleared.

As in the first half the Bay were asserting all the pressure with RCA reduced to long balls forward for Barton and Coe who were well marshelled by the home team defenders.

Chow played a neat through ball for Watling in the 57 minute which  saw the striker clear and with only the keeper to beat but Carmichael made a tremendous diving save and somehow managed to tip the ball round the post.

RCA had there first real chance of the second half on the hour mark, awarded a corner on the right, Price swung the ball in to the near post where Barton managed to clip the ball goalward producing a brilliant one handed save from Gladstone and Smith was able to clear under pressure.

RCA immediately brought on Hughes who was returning after a month out with an ankle injury and he made an immediate impact, hitting the Whitley Bay bar with a snap shot from 30 yards out which Gladstone could do nothing about.

Having nearly conceded their lead, Whitley hit back and after Watling saw another effort pushed wide, Leon Ryan’s header from a right wing corner was pushed over the bar.

Another good run by Hughes resulted in a corner and Price sent it deep to the far post where Morris elected to volley instead of head and the ball cleared the bar despite protests that it was deflected. 

Another surging run from McFarlane saw him yet again produce a save from Carmichael with a well struck low shot.

At the other end Hughes was causing problems with his pace and when he dribbled past two defenders to set up Barton it looked odds on that he would equalise but he chose to try and chip the keeper and his effort drifted wide of the post.

A few minutes later Hughes in another display af pace and dribbling fired narrowly over the bar.

Then came the controvertial moment in the game, in the build up to Whitley Bay's second goal Mr Keogh appeared to awarded a goal kick after a Whitley Bay shot flew over the bar. When the Bay fans complained he changed his mind, and not for the first time, pointed for a corner after seeing his assistant indicating a corner. This led to a furious response from the visiting players, some of whom seemed to feel he had been swayed, not for the first time, by the crowd and resulted in the booking of Brown.

The corner was taken and cleared for a throw in which was taken long into the box, Carmichael punched the ball clear but it fell perfectly for Chris McDonald who, seeing the keeper off his line crashed the ball into the net from 20 yards out.

Within 90 seconds Hughes had given RCA a lifeline, drifting in from the left he evaded two challenges before curling a supurb shot into the top corner of the net.

This  set up grandstand finish to the match and in the final minute of the game Hughes once again got in a shot while under pressure from three Bay defenders, firing into the side netting.

It was to little too late from RCA but encouraging signs in the final 25 minutes of the game especially the introduction of Hughes and new signing Lee Bythway.

Whilst this was an entertaining game for the neutral it was Whitley Bay who produced the better play over the 90 minutes. They carried the luck for the second goal and maybe should have had a penalty and on balance probably deserved the three points.

Time and again at the end of matches we are left to discuss refereeing decisions and unfortunately when you are at the wrong end of the table they seem to forever go against you.

Massive game played by Josh Carmichael or the score line could have been worse. Having said that we defended well and Hughes looked back to some sort of fitness and will be an asset so long as he can remain injury free.

Guisborough up next.

 

Saturday, 13 September 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA:  Wray ,  Guisborough Town: Hume (3), Marron.

The meeting between these two clubs just over a week ago produced a 1 - 1 draw and a similar result today would have been welcomed by the RCA faithful.

Team news was that Captain Gary Wood was unavailable due to family committments, new signing and ex Guisborough player Lee Bythway was working and Tony Coe was injured, into the team came Wray, Hughes and Lewis Wood.

As football games go the first 45 minutes was probably the worst I have witnessed in the last 5 years, after an initial opening burst by Guisborough in the first minute which saw Carmichael make a great double save first from Risborough's rasping shot and then from the rebound which McSweeney hit low struck the keepers outstretched foot and went over the bar. the resulting corner saw Mulligan's overhead kick sail over the bar.

In the 15 minute a surging run from Hughes saw his cross take a double deflection off two Town defenders before Liversedge somehow managed to claw the ball away to stop RCA taking the lead.

The rest of the half was a really scrappy affair, with a number of poor challenges being made by both teams the game had no flow to it and the referee's whistle seemed to follow every pass.

 A particularly unsavoury challenge from Gell on Wood saw a mass confrontation as the Town player tried to manhandle Wood to his feet. When calm was restored Barton and Gell were both caution by the the referee.

In the final minute of the half RCA were awarded a corner which Jury took, sending the ball to the back post where Wilson rose to head inches wide.

0-0 at half time.

Within 2 minutes of the restart Guisborough were reduced to 10 men when Gell made another poor challenge on Wood and received a second yellow.

RCA should have taken advantage of the man advantage but time and again they were stopped by a very solid Town defence.

in the 55 minute Martin received the ball on the right ran 40 yards down the right wing before crossing to teh edge of the box where Marron was unmarked and he stroked the ball past Carmichael.

RCA almost got a goal back when Hughes dribbled into the box before shooting and only a supurb diving save from Liversedge denied the RCA striker. thr resulting corner by Price was headed over the bar by Barton.

In the 67 minutes Barton received his second yellow card of the game after a collision with Marron.

With both teams down to 10 men the game, like the first have became very scappy.

In the 72 minute Guisborough doubled their lead when Risbrough broke forward at pace up the left wing, cut inside befoer squaring the ball to Hume who flicked it past Carmichael and into the net.

3 minutes later and it was all over bar the shouting when Carmichael came rushing out of his area collided with Wray, the ball spun into the path of Hume who turned and lobbed the ball into the net from 25 yards out.

RCA gave themselves a lifeline in the 78 minute when Wray headed home a freekick from Price his looping header giving Liversedge no chance.

Carmichael was in obvious discomfort and had to be substituted, the second time in the two meetings between the two teams

in the 85 minute  McWillams was tripped and Hume took responsibility for the kick blasting iyt straight down the middle to score his hat-trick and make the final score 4 - 1.

This was below par performance from RCA who looked to be holding their own in a scrappy game, then in a 15 minute period, lost concentration and conceded quick goals. Tactically we were second best with so many players on the left which gave their No 3, McWilliams, acre's of space and put Jury under pressure from three opposition players throughout the game.

Next game is against Birtley Town in the Durham Challenge cup.

Hat trick hit man Gavin Barton keeps possession in the second half of the match.

Durham Challenge Cup Preliminary Round

Goalscorers: SRCA: Barton (3),  Birtley: Gill, Waters.

Please click here for photos from the match.

Managerless RCA welcomed our friends from Birtley to Meadow Park for this Duham Challenge Cup preliminary round.

Ian Smith took charge of team selection and made sweeping changes to the team that played at Guisborough, Carl Morris, in for the Carmichael, Bythway in for Wray, Gary Wood in for Brown and  Matty Thompson making his debut replacing Wilson.

In a nervy start to the game RCA looked good in possession but were unable to find a good delivery in the final third.

Chances were few and far between and it wasn't until the tricky Hughes was brought down inside the penalty area on 26 minutes that RCA opened the scoring, Gavin Barton blasting the penalty into the net with Fish diving the wrong way.

On the half hour Hughes burst past two defenders on the right before looking up and delivering a perfect pass into the path of the onrushing Barton who stroked the ball into an empty net for 2-0.

RCA should have killed off the game in 40th minute when Jury crossed into the box and the ball fell to Thompson but the youngster snatched at the ball and it went halmlessly wide.

Early in the second period, Birtley were thrown a lifeline as Gill halved the deficit firing home from a left wing corner.

Two minutes later a cross from Jury to the far post was met by Barton who headed wide of the upright with an open goal begging.

However he did not have to wait long to complete his hat-trick, in the 75th minute a freekick by Price was clipped back into the danger area by Callen, Barton's first shot was blocked but the ball spun into the air and Barton following up headed home from close range.

At 3-1, RCA looked home and dry, and when, having used all three substitutes, Gill was carried off with a twisted ankle the writing was on the wall.

However as on Saturday, within five minutes of the opposition being reduced to ten men RCA conceded when Waters fired home after a mix-up in the RCA defence.

RCA withstood the late pressure of Birtley and ran the clock down to the final whistle.

A welcome win for RCA in yet another cup and against second division opposition. We still need to tighten up defensively and move the ball forward quicker, cut out the hollywood pass and look for the decisive pass in the final third.

Craig Price in midfield action.

Saturday, 20 September 2014

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscoreres: SRCA. Barton,  Jarrow Roofing: Campbell (2).

Please click here for match photos.

Newly appointed manager Martin Swales was in attendance at the game but it was Ian Smith who selected the team.

Carl Morris continued in goal for the injured Carmichael with Bythway back on the left side of defence to make way for Wray. The rest of the team was the same as for the Durham County Cup match on Tuesday.

RCA started smartly without testing Hunter in the the Jarrow goal. In the sixth minute Gary Wood slid a great ball into the path of Barton who moved it on to Hughes but the RCA striker's shot was deflected for a corner. Two corners followed with Jarrow's defence making sure that RCA attack did not make contact with the ball.

Disaster struck in the 14th minute when a corner to the far post was picked up by Wright, he slipped past Preston before going down under a challenge inside the area and the referee pointed to the spot. Campbell stepped up and converted the penalty. 

Bouyed by this success Roofing started to create more chances, a long ball out of defence by Barnes found Wroght on the left, he cut inside before curling a shot wide of the far post.

Barnes started the next Roofing move when he won the ball on the half way line, ran 20 yards unopposed before crossing into the box where Campbell was inches away from making it 2-0.

RCA picked themselves up and started to look to play the ball forward, a pass from Gary wood found McNab on the lrft and his cross into the box was palmed away by Hunter and cleared by Kirkup.

RCA equalised in the 26th minute, awarded a freekick on the left Price curled in a wicked ball which Barton managed to steer past Hunter.

Two minutes later and RCA were awarded another freekick this time Gary Wood took a quick freekick to Price who returned the ball to Wood and he moved the ball forward before firing in a low shot which went wide of the target.

Roofing's response again came from the combination of Barnes to Wright as they switched play from right to left with Wright once again guilty of wasting a good opportunity firing over the bar when clear of the RCA Defence.

In the 37th minute it took a double save by Morris to keep out Wright's thunderbolt of a shot and then he was on hand to pluck Campbell's follow up effort out of the air.

Roofing were gifted their second goal when a quickly taken freekick to  Gary Wood caused the midfielder to pass the ball backwards and it was intercepted by Gardiner who broke forward into the box before squaring the ball to Campbell who drilled the ball into net past the helpless Morris.

Roofing were now on top and RCA were making Fundemantal passing mistakes which allowed the home team to surge forward. Wright and Campbell both went close.

RCA looked to try and salvage something in the second period and the introduction of Callen gave more in the way of attacking options, on the hour mark a good ball into the box from Jury was headed towards goal by Barton but Hunter was able to tip the ball round the post for a corner. Bythway rose highest at the back post to head the resulting corner wide.

Two minutes later and Lewis Wood and Hughes combined but Hughes' deflected shot was brilliantly saved by Hunter who was initially going the wrong way but was able to correct his positioning and turn the ball away for a corner.

A srappy second half was void of any further major chances until the 75th minute when Barton was released by Lewis Wood and the RCA striker powered a shot on target but Hunter was equal to it and smothered the ball at the second attempt. 

RCA pressed forward in search of an equaliser but Jarrow,s stubborn defending denied any real goalscoring opportunities and it was the home team who almost increased their lead when Wright crossed the ball to Teasdale and he forced a great save from Morris.

RCA were let down by some poor passing today and they were punished in the worst possible way.

The new management team will need to address these small problems as a matter of urgency if RCA are to move away from the relegation zone. 

Joseph Hughes attacks down the left in the first half of the match.

Tuesday, 23 September 2014

Brook Mileson League Cup Preliminary Round.

Goalscorers: SRCA: Barton (2), L Wood, Bythway.

Please click here for photos from the match.

The first team selection for the new management team, an away League Cup match against Celtic Nation FC, who are probably not firing on all cylinders at present but are well capable on their day of performing against the best in the division, RCA also had traffic problems to contend with, an accident on the A19 meant four players were late for the team bus.

With Carmichael still injured Carl Morris retained the No 1 Jersey, the back four remained unchanged, Brown came into midfield to replace Price and their was no change up front.

Less than five minutes to warm up and out onto the pitch, not ideal preparation for the players but what was to follow was a revelation. The players are the same, but the desire, passion and hunger is there for all to see.

The game started badly for RCA who looked a little leg weary as the hosts poured forward from the off and as early as the sixth minute took the lead, a straight forward looking pass was clipped into space by Boyd and Armstrong, who looked yards offside, picked up the ball 20 yards out before slipping it past the advancing Morris and into the net.

With a goal advantage the home team looked to keep possession and RCA were pressing hard to stop them retaining the ball.

Celtic Nation were intent on stopping RCA when in possession committing a number of niggling fouls which went unpunished.

In the 18th minute RCA got their first real effort on goal when Bythway pick up a pass from Hughes before crossing into the box for Barton to head toward goal, but the ball was deflected for a corner. Gary Wood took the corner and sent it deep to the far post where it was partially cleared by Crozier. Preston picked up the loose ball and was immediately fouled. Gary Wood took the resulting freekick and Lewis Wood headed it over the bar.

The hosts having withstood this pressure came forward once more with Douglas and Skinner combining to set up Armstrong, his shot was blocked by Wray and the ball fell to Douglas inside the penalty, the diminutive winger’s shot was well saved by Morris.

With the game flowing now it was the turn of RCA to apply the pressure and Hughes almost capitalised on a defensive error when the ball rebounded to him from a clearance by Allan, the RCA striker chose to curl his shot round the advancing Casson but could only watch in horror as it went agonisingly wide of the far post.

The game then got bogged down in midfield with both teams guilty of committing fouls and the referee was happy to stop play at every opportunity.

As the game entered the last five minutes of the half it was clear that the home team were looking to retain possession and their passing was excellent until the final third. To be fair to RCA when they had the ball they were also passing it much better than in previous matches.

RCA started well in the second half, Hughes, who had caused problems with his pace in the first half, burst past two defenders, got to the by line and crossed into the penalty area where Brown controlled the ball before squaring it to Gary Brown, but the RCA captain snatched at the shot and it sailed wide.

Celtic Nation were finding it difficult to string two passes together at the start of the half and it was no surprise when RCA equalised in the 62nd minute. Bythway won the ball inside his own half, picked out McNab on the left wing, he took the ball forward a few paces, looked up and sent a perfectly weighted cross into the box where Barton rose highest to power a headed past the despairing dive of Casson.

Three minutes later and RCA took the lead as the home team lost control of the ball in midfield, Lewis Wood picking up a loose pass, fed the ball to Hughes who flicked it on the Brown he evaded two tackles before sending in a cross which was met by Bythway inside the penalty area and he blasted the ball home from 10 yards out.

RCA took full advantage of the disaaray in the home team’s defence as they pressed forward looking to kill the game off.

In the 70th minute RCA were awarded a freekick on the right wing, the kick was swung in towards the near post and Lewis Wood was on hand to glance a header into the net.

It was all RCA now and they were relentless in their pressure, Celtic Nation were finding it difficult to get the ball out of their own half and resorted to long ball tactics.

In the 88th minute a ball into the box from McNab was controlled by Barton, but as he tried to get in a shot he was fouled by Casson and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Barton converted the spot kick to make it 4-1.

After a shaky start RCA turned this one round convincingly. It was good to see the encouragement from the dug out even when a goal down. The players responded with a brilliant second half display.