Tuesday, 03 March 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA: None,      Morpeth Town: Fry, Chilton.

After a disappointing display on Saturday against Jarrow Roofing SRCA had an early opportunity to put things right on the pitch.

Morpeth Town were the opposition and they were looking for their fifth straight win, so not an easy task for the lads in red.

RCA were forced to make one change as Davis was working, so Charlton stepped in. During the warm up Callen pulled up with a recurrence of a groin problem and had to be replaced by Hughes.

The home team attacking up the slope and against a strong wind started really well and were unlucky in the fourth minute when Wood slipped the ball into space behind the Morpeth defence for Hughes to run onto, the RCA striker burst into the box but his intended pass to Larkin was intercepted by Jewels.

Morpeth were struggling to come to terms with RCA’s passing game although they were using their wide men to good effect and an early ball into the box from Taylor was met by Chilton but his header went straight into the arms of Carmichael. RCA’s next chance came when Armstrong and Larkin combined to set up Hughes but he shot wide of the target from a good position, a minute later and the RCA striker had the ball in the net but was adjudged to be offside.

Two minutes after this let off Morpeth showed why they have gone 4 games unbeaten when Henderson picked up a ball from Harrison and sent a 45 yard cross-field ball to Fry who whipped in a dangerous looking cross which was controlled on the edge of the box by Taggert and it was only a last ditch block from Brown which kept the score line level.

RCA were coming under a little pressure and if was Henderson again who found space on the right before sending in a lovely cross which Taggert managed to head forward toward Chilton, but Bythway got to the ball first to clear.

Morpeth switched their attack to the left where Novak was able to send in a quality cross which Chilton could only guide into the hands of Carmichael.

RCA were closing down quickly and winning a lot of possession in the midfield area, however the ball forward to the attackers were lacking that quality which produces goals.

In the 25th minute a strong appeal for a penalty from the RCA players was quite rightly turned down when Armstrong fell inside the area.

Immediately Morpeth went on the attack through Taggert who picked up a long clearance from Jewels but sent his shot straight at Carmichael. It was a measure of the way the game was being played that the first corner of the game wasn’t until the 30 minute when RCA conceded after some pressure by Morpeth, Fry took the corner, finding Graydon, for once unmarked on the corner of the area, he switched the ball to Taylor who drilled in a cross which Taggert met but could only head straight at Carmichael.

Then like the proverbial No: 11 bus along comes another corner this time won by a combination of Hughes and Larkin with the former firing in a shot which was blocked by Henderson, Megran took the corner and Brown met the ball with a header which he could not direct on target.

The first half ended with no further goalmouth incidents.

In the second half, with the advantage of the slope and the wind RCA supporters were quietly optimistic that they could get something from this game and in the second minute of the half they should have broken the deadlock when a lovely ball from Richardson split the Morpeth defence and Hughes had time to cross low into the six yard box where Armstrong, who only had to touch the ball for a goal, mis-judged the ball and it went wide for a goal kick to the relief of the Morpeth team.

In the build up to this attack Richardson suffered a worrying injury to his knee and had to receive lengthy medical treat from both physios before being carried off the pitch with suspected knee ligament damage.

In the 55th minute Bythway played the ball forward to Wood who clipped a pass into the path of Armstrong, the winger curled in a tantalising cross which eluded Harrison in the Morpeth goal and fell to Larkin whose shot was deflected for a corner.

At the other end RCA were guilty of committing a number of fouls and in the 63rd minute Harrison took a quick freekick to Chilton who smashed his shot well over the bar.

This should have been a wake-up call for the RCA defence.

However four minutes later Graydon was fouled on the edge of the box, he picked himself up, spotted Fry making a run into the box and curled the freekick into the path of the nippy winger who blasted the ball home from 10 yards out.

Morpeth shut up shop, making it difficult for RCA to create anything meaningful by way of attack and with twenty minutes remaining they secured the three points when Graydon again found Taggart inside the area and his low shot was saved by Carmichael, unfortunately Chilton was lurking inside the six yard area and pounced to prod the ball over the line.

RCA continued to push forward looking for some reward for all their effort and on another night against less resilient opposition they might have gotten something out of the game. In the final minute of ordinary time Wood, auguably RCA best player on the night swept past three defenders before cutting the ball back towards Hughes; he dummied the ball and it ran to Larkin who fired wildly over from 10 yards out.

Grandstand finish averted Morpeth saw out the injury time without much trouble.

This was a much better performance than Saturday and we were unlucky not to get something from the game. RCA manager Martin Swales, reflecting on the game commented “sometimes you just don’t get what you deserve out of football”. How true that comment is. We have played a lot worse than tonight and come away with points. Next up the long trip to Celtic Nation, another six-pointer they are saying, still I will settle for three points, but it is going to be another hard battle.

Colin Larkin, scorer of RCA’s opener in the first half of the match, battles for the ball.

Saturday, 7 March 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goal scorers: SRCA Hughes (2), Larkin, Bythway, Megran, Callen. CN: Read

Please click here for photos from the match.

Due to a major accident on the A66 the kick off of this important Ebac Northern League relegation battle was delayed 25 minutes. RCA players were given 10 minutes to warm up once they had arrived.

RCA’s management team once again made changes to the team with Weldon coming in at left back replacing the injured Richardson and Callen preferred up front to replace Hughes.

Celtic Nation started the game well attacking at pace down both wings and it was they who had the majority of the play in the opening five minutes.

In the fourth minute a good run by Roberts saw him get into the RCA penalty area before unleashing a low drive which Carmichael did well to save.

Slightly against the run of play RCA took the lead in the 8 minute when Bythway sent a hopeful ball forward to Callen, he controlled it before setting Jury away down the right, the RCA captain measured his cross to the near post where Larkin managed to flick a header over the outstretched arms of Casson.

The lead was to last only 5 minutes as Celtic Nation pushed forward again and when Renyard was fouled 25 yards out Boyd stepped up and struck a fierce drive past the RCA wall and although Carmichael produced a good save he could not hold onto the ball and Read was able to pounce on the loose ball and stab it home from two yards out.

RCA were finding it difficult to get their passing game going and Celtic Nation were taking full advantage as they swept forward a good move between Roberts and Tucker set up Renyard who powered in a low shot which went narrowly wide of the upright, then Read set up Tucker but the tall striker could only poke the ball forward and Carmichael collected.

In the 17th minute Roberts won a corner on the left, he took the corner which was headed clear by Bythway but fell to Cummersky who shot through a crowd of players but Carmichael, who must have seen the ball late, pulled off a terrific save.

RCA next real effort on goal came in the 20 minute when a ball over the top of the Celtic Nation defence by Brown fell to Callen, he cut the ball back into the six yard area towards Larkin but Jardine got there first slicing the ball onto the crossbar and over for a corner, Armstrong’s corner was headed wide by Bythway.

Eventually RCA started to get their passing game together and a good move between Wood and Megran saw the latter pick out Callen who laid the ball off for Wood whose shot was scrambled away for a corner.

The game was starting to swing RCA’s way with Celtic Nation reduced to counter attacking and long range efforts.

RCA should have retaken the lead in the 24 minute when a lovely floated pass from Wood split the Celtic Nation defence and fell between Armstrong and Larkin, Armstrong elected to try and lob the keeper but sent his shot wide of the post.

Back came Celtic Nation, forcing a corner on the right, this time taken short to Boyd who fired in a low shot wide of the target.

The first half ended in a flurry of activity, firstly Callen was put clean through by Megran but scuffed his shot wide of the post then a great move involving Larkin and Jury saw the RCA captain cross into the six yard area for Armstrong but Those managed to block the shot for a corner.

At the other end another direct run from Roberts caused panic in the RCA defence and when he crossed into the box Tucker stepped over the ball allowing it to run to Boyd but he fired wide of the target.

In the final effort of the half Larkin, whose pace was causing problems for the CN defence, crossed into the box for Armstrong but a great covering tackle by Bowman sent the ball away for a corner.

The second half started in explosive style for RCA. A Larkin run was spotted by Charlton who played an inch perfect pass to the striker, he looked up and sent in a great cross onto the head of Armstrong, but Casson was on hand to make the save.

Two minutes later RCA took the lead, Megran spotted Weldon overlapping on the left and fed the ball to him, the young full back sent in a beautifully weighted cross onto the head of Callen who powered a header beyond the reach of Casson and into the net.

RCA were rampant at this point and CN were in disarray, so it was no surprise when another defence splitting pass found Megran inside the area and the midfielder calmly slotted into the bottom corner of the net.

As the game progressed it was all RCA attacking and CN defending, shots were raining in from RCA players as they took command of the game and CN resorted to physical tactics which quite frankly didn’t work and earned their captain his marching orders after a number of Altercations with RCA players and the referee.

RCA put the game beyond doubt when another great Larkin run ended with his cross into the box for Hughes who finished with some aplomb past Casson.

It got even worse for CN when a free kick was awarded twenty yards out, up stepped Bythway to curl and dip a great free kick over the wall and into the bottom corner of the net past the despairing dive of Casson.

 

RCA were not finished scoring and in the 80 minute Larkin once again was the provider as he swooped onto a through ball from Wood drifted past the defence before squaring the ball into the path of Hughes who fired straight into the net.

Celtic Nations only effort in the second half came from a free kick which was fired through a crowd of players by Boyd but was well saved by Carmichael.

RCA controlled the final 5 minutes of the game against the ten men of Celtic Nation.

At half time all the talk was of the missed chances by both teams in the first half. At full time it was all about how well RCA had played in the second.

There were some outstanding performances in the second half of this game notably from Bythway, Larkin, Megran and Callen. But when everyone pulls in the same direction as a team we look very good.

We have to make this a stepping stone for the rest of the season, there are no easy games in this league you have to work for every point.

Next up Dunston UTS away on Tuesday.

Tuesday, 10 March 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: Dunston: OG, Burrell:  SRCA: Larkin, Armstrong

Games between these two teams in recent years have been fairly close fought contests although it is fair to say that Dunston have won a lot more than RCA.

Unfortunately the management team could not name the same team that won so convincingly at Celtic Nation on Saturday, Bythway was working, both Callen and Megran were injured and Weldon was rested, to replace these, in came Preston, Davis, Rowe and Hughes.  

RCA took advantage of the slight slope in the first half and were eager to go forward from the off, as early as the third minute good passing between Larkin and Hughes set up Charlton who burst into the area but his shot was blocked by Cattanach.

Almost immediately at the other end McAndrew had a shot saved by Carmichael, within a minute the same player was firing over the bar, from an offside position, after Wood had lost the ball on the edge of the area.

RCA started to get their passing game together and produced a number of chances a Hughes shot was saved by Connell and on 10 minutes Hughes was again in the thick of the action as he drove into the box before firing wide.

The pattern of the game was being established as the ball was switched from end to end, in the 15th minute a Burrell free kick was parried by Carmichael out, Ormston was quick to react but his cross cum shot went harmlessly across the face of goal.

Two minutes later Dunston took the lead in quite fortuitous circumstances. Wilson did well to keep the ball in near the bye-line before driving a cross into the box which eluded Carmichael and struck Brown in the face diverting it into the empty net.

RCA’s response was to take the game to Dunston in the 25th minute they were awarded a freekick when Hughes was fouled, Larkin took the freekick which Connell saved diving to his right, a minute later Larkin was fed in by Armstrong but shot wide, Brown whose own goal separated the teams picked up the ball in midfield and finished off a driving run with a low shot which Connell collected on the second attempt.

RCA were quickly back on the attack and this time it was Hughes supplying Larkin who shot over from a good position. It was all RCA as they piled forward looking for the equaliser, a great dribble and shot by Wood was spilled by Connell but he was able to recover before Larkin pounced.

As half time approached Rowe sent a great ball forward to Hughes who slipped the ball to Wood his measure cross into the box was met by Armstrong who powered in a header which unluckily struck Hughes and was cleared.

The RCA pressure continued after the break. In the 47th minute an Armstrong freekick was controlled by Hughes before he turned and shot but it was headed clear for a corner by Gilhespy.

A Hughes cross two minutes later was heading toward Armstrong but Connell intercepted. RCA were deservedly level in the 50th minute when Larkin raced onto a lovely through ball from Wood past a static Dunston defence before rounding the keeper to slot home via the post despite the despairing effort of Gilhespy to clear off the line.

They could have taken the lead within minutes when Larkin crossed but Rowe could only guide his shot wide of the upright.

Dunston who had been reduced to breakaways and long range efforts were awarded a penalty in the 58 minute when Brown was adjudged to have brought down Smith inside the area and the referee pointed to the spot. Burrell blasted the ball low into the bottom corner to restore the home team’s advantage.

The goal seemed to spur RCA forward and when they were awarded a freekick for an innocuous challenge on Hughes, Armstrong stepped up and took full advantage by curling the ball into the top corner with Connell rooted to the spot and so it was back to square one 2–2 with 61 minutes played.

Dunston picked up the pace and in the 67th minute Wilson headed on a ball from Weightman to Smith but he shot wide of the post.

Back came RCA, two minutes later awarded another free kick 35 yards out, Armstrong this time crossed to the far post where Rowe headed wide of the target.

The entertainment continued, Dunston almost took the lead in the 75th minute when a long clearance was picked up by Smith, his ball into the area was met by Kane who crossed back to Smith and his header was deflected wide for a corner.

A minute later and RCA’s nemesis Bulford drove in a low cross which found Wilson but he shot wide of the target. Bulford did get the ball in the net and much to the relief of the RCA players he was ruled offside.

In the 86th minute RCA had a great chance to win the game when Hughes played the ball across the Dunston goal to Bogie who, from five yards out, mis-hit his shot and it was easily collected by Connell, within a minute Kane got in a header from a Dunston corner which went right across the goal and past the far post.

RCA were still looking to grab a late winner and in the final minute of the game Hughes went past his marker but shot wide.

This was a good game to watch from a neutral point of view. RCA were well worth the draw and maybe should have won it. Both teams were 100% committed and this made for an entertaining match.

From RCA’s point of view there were loads of positives to take out of the game. A point against a good Dunston team. No player let themselves down. Great quality in our set plays and we created more chances throughout the ninety minutes than Dunston.

There were very promising displays from Rowe and Charlton who both looked sharp especially in the second half. While we are coming to expect big performances from Larkin, Jury and Preston we are now getting those performances from everyone.

RCA forward Stephen Bogie saw his dynamic display rewarded with two well taken second half goals.

Saturday, 14 March 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA: Bogie (2), Larkin, Armstrong.    Bedlington Terriers: Young

Please click here for photos from the match.

As RCA head into the business end of the season they are looking to secure enough points to leap frog Billingham Synthonia and with that in mind today's match against Bedlington Terriers took on extra significance a win today would bring us within one point of Synners with six games in hand.

There was a welcome return to the squad for two long term absentees, Tony Coe and Gary Shields, both have had their fair share of injury problems this season so it was nice to see them take their places on the bench.

The team had a familiar look to it with the only changes being Bythway in for Brown and Bogie in for Hughes.

RCA started the game kicking up the slope with the assistance of the wind. They were soon on the attack and only a foul on Bogie stopped the striker from setting up Larkin. Armstrong's freekick from 25 yards out sailed well over the bar.

Bedlington recorded their first effort on goal in the sixth minute when Little played the ball forward to Young who turned and shot straight at Carmichael.

As RCA pushed forward Bedlington's defenders resorted to dishing out a number of niggly little fouls. From one Armstrong placed a great cross onto the head of Bogie, but he could only manage to head the ball wide of the far post.

In the eighth minute Bedlington took the lead when Little won the ball in midfield before sending the ball forward and into the path of Young who picked his spot before slotting the ball past Carmichael.

RCA were stunned by this and Bedlington tried to take advantage. Five minutes after the goal J Nellis made a great run down the left before crossing into the box and it took a great block by Preston to deny Scott. Minutes later and Bythway was called upon to head clear a Bedlington free kick with both Young and Scott waiting for the slightest mistake.

RCA managed to weather the storm and started to get their passing game back on track Davis and Charlton were starting to get some joy on the right and when Davis got past the last defender his cross into the box was hastily cleared for a corner by Watson. Larkin took the corner quickly, curling the ball onto the head of Bogie; the ball was punched clear by Staples fell to Jury who crossed back in to Armstrong, but he fired wide from a good position.

How RCA didn't equalise two minutes later was down to a superb save by Staples, Davis overlapping run was seen by Charlton who played in his team mate, his cross was met by Armstrong who from two yards out tried to place the ball in the bottom corner but somehow Staples managed to get a hand to the ball to prevent a certain goal.

However in RCA's next attack Charlton was fouled in the penalty area as he burst past two defenders, got to the ball first but was caught by both the keeper and the covering defender. Larkin stepped up and placed his penalty kick into the bottom corner.

Two minutes later and another surging run by Charlton into the box was stopped with a brilliantly timed tackle by Little.

RCA had taken the game by the scruff of the neck and were attacking constantly, when they pass and move like this very few teams can live with them and it was only some good defending that kept the scores level.

On the half hour a cross from Charlton into the box was met by Bogie but he could only steer his header wide of the upright, then an Armstrong freekick found Preston on the edge of the box, the RCA defender's shot was blocked and fell to Larkin who played in Armstrong but he sent his shot over the bar.

As half time appoached RCA produced the best move of the game when Wood picked up a loose ball in the centre of midfield, slipped the ball to Charlton who passed the ball out to the right where Davis took the ball on before squaring back into the box where Wood sent a crashing volley against the upright and out for a goalkick.

RCA began the second half  as they finished the first with a fast flowing move down the left which saw Jury sweep the ball out to Armstrong, he switched play to Charlton who raced onto the ball but fired well over the bar.

Bedlington, in an attempt to stem the flow of RCA's forward play started to play the ball long, effectively cutting out the midfield, it almost paid off in the 50th minute when Morton sent a defensive clearance into the RCA half where it was picked up by McGorrigan who found himself in acres of space and time to get a shot on target, but Carmichael was able save fairly comfortably.

The game was beginning to get very competitive which led to a number of poor challenges. From a freekick taken by Armstrong, Bogie controlled the ball and laid it on for Charlton, but his shot was blocked by Morton and cleared up field.

RCA took the lead in the 65th minute when Charlton and Davis combined yet again down the right. The cross by Davis to the far post was met by Armstrong who managed to squeeze in a shot past Staples and into the net. Both Armstrong and Staples needed treatment after colliding with the post.

Bedlington responded possitively from this set back with Little and Morton driving them forward and it took a great tackle from Preston to stop J Nellis as he burst into the RCA box.

In the 75th minute Staples was brought into action again this time producing a magnificent save from Weldon after the RCA substitute was set up by Wood.

Two minutes later RCA extended their lead when Brown shifted the ball to Davis on the right. He played the ball forward to Bogie who chested the ball down before turning and shooting into the bottom corner of the net past the outstretched reach of Staples.

With 10 minutes remaining RCA put the game beyond doubt when Wood spotted another great run from Larkin. The RCA striker picked up the ball on the right, looked up and measure a perfect cross onto the head of Bogie who steered the ball home from six yards out.

RCA controlled the the final minutes of the game, passing the ball to great effect and leaving Bedlington with little chance to get anything from the game.

This was another very good team performance from RCA. Everyone in the squad played their part in achieving the required result in this important match.

Next up is a massive relegation match with Billingham Sythonia at Meadow Park, this game could be the defining match of the season for both clubs.

Tuesday, 17 March 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA: Bogie,  Synners: Hughes.

For only the second time this season RCA were able to announce an unchanged starting 11, however there were changes on the bench with the return of Hughes, Megran and Morris replacing Weldon, Shields and Coe.

Currently Billingham Synthonia are 20th and RCA 21st in the league and both teams were looking to gain maximum points from this encounter to try and easy their relegation worries.

RCA elected to kick up the slope in the first half and as expected the opening minutes of the game were fast and furious with both teams looking to attack at every opportunity.

As early as the fourth minute RCA had their first real chance of the half when Charlton burst into the box, dribbled past two defenders before stabbing the ball goalwards. The ball was well saved at the foot of the post by Burke.

From Burke’s goalkick the play switched to the other end and Synners almost took the lead when leading goalscorer Sweet moved onto a pass from Edwards, slipped the ball past the advancing Carmichael and watched agonisingly as it struck the far post and Davis was on hand to clear the ball off the line.

The play switched back to the other end where Charlton won a freekick in a promising position on the edge of the box. Armstrong swung the ball into area but Burke, as he was to do many times tonight, came out to collect fairly easily.

RCA were starting to look the better team as they moved the ball quickly and were creating some half chances. In the 13th minute, a corner, taken by Armstrong was met by Preston who fired in a low drive which was blocked by J Rowbotham.

In what was auguably the best move of the first half Jury intercepted a Synners' pass, played a quick one-two with Armstrong before moving forward to unleash a terrific low drive which Burke saved brilliantly. The ball rebounded towards Larkin but he could not get sufficient power in his header and the ball drifted out to Charlton who smashed a volley straight at J Rowbotham and the danger was averted.

Synners were being pushed back and when Carter was put under pressure inside his own penalty area he blasted the ball straight into the face of Bogie and away for a goal kick, it so easily could have rebounded into the net.

RCA continued with their passing game, looking for that all important opening goal. Bogie, who was causing some problems for the Synners defence, was brought down by D Rowbotham on the edge of the area, Armstrong again took the kick curling it toward goal, but J Rowbotham headed clear.

In the 20th minute Synners won a corner on the left. It was swung into the box where Alexander got up well to power a header down which Preston blocked with his thigh before clearing, the referee waving away appeals that it had struck the defenders hand.

It was Synners' turn to push forward and put pressure on the RCA defence, a good ball out of defence by Marron found Hughes on the right, he attacked at pace, dribbling into the area before shooting low but Bythway was able to deflect it wide of the target for a corner.

During a lull in the frenetic pace of the game RCA had a chance to open the scoring. Davis and Charlton combined on the right and the final cross into the box by Davis was met perfectly by Larkin but his header was expertly saved by Burke.

The game continued to flow and it was Synners who created the next chance. Edwards played the ball forward to Sweet who played the ball to Alexander he spun and shot in the same movement forcing a good save from Carmichael. Synners were starting to exploit the advantage of the slope and when Hughes curled in a cross from the right the ball went untouched across the face of the goal; any touch would almost certainly have meant a goal. Then a minute later Sweet collecting a pass from Edwards stabbed a shot towards the goal from a corner but Carmichael saved easily.

The crowd of 127 had hardly returned to their viewing positions when Synners opened the scoring. While RCA appealed for a foul on Charlton, Hughes picked up the loose ball and with acres of open space in front of him he let fly with a tremendous shot from 25 yards which screamed into the top corner of the net. As Synners players celebrated RCA were reduced to 10 men when Armstrong was dismissed by, Premiership Official, Mike McDonough for his, shall we say, over zealous reaction to the decision not to award a freekick to RCA and his poor choice of words towards the referee.

Synners tried to take advantage of the their extra man by switching play and making RCA work hard to get a hold of the ball, on the hour mark Hughes played a through ball into the path of Edwards who sent in a driven effort which Carmichael was pleased to palm away and Davis cleared the danger.

Two minutes later and Sweet almost doubled Synners lead when he cut inside from the left wing before unleashing a terrific effort which went narrowly wide of the upright.

RCA, slightly against the run of play, equalised when Wood played the ball into the Synners penalty area, Bogie collected the ball, dummied three Synners players before slamming the ball into the net at the near post with Burke unable to get a touch on it.

This instilled some belief into the RCA team and they started to pressure the Teessiders without really creating any clear cut chances.

In the 70th minute Sweet won a corner on the right when his persistence paid off and Jury was forced to concede, the kick was floated into the penalty area where D Rowbotham headed the ball down, Preston and Bythway between them were able to clear the ball.

At this point RCA looked happy to settle for a point, but were still pushing forward in an attempt to break the dead-lock, at times it was difficult to see who had the ten men as RCA’s work-rate was unbelievable.

Synners, who really didn’t want the draw, were also playing attacking football and in the 75th minute were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box Hughes stepped up and fired a shot over the wall but Carmichael managed to palm it to safety and once again Davis cleared up.

RCA were throwing caution to the wind now. Jury won a corner on the right, Brown took it and his cross was forced away for another corner, this one from the opposite side of the pitch was curled in by Wood and was defended by McNab at the expense of another corner which was headed over by Bogie.

Burke took the goal kick and in doing so slipped; the ball fell to Larkin 40 yards out on the right wing and he sent a speculative chip shot goal-wards, luckily for the Synners keeper the ball landed on the roof of the net.

As the game entered the final five minutes RCA could and should have won the game. Hughes looked to be caught by D Rowbotham inside the penalty area but the referee waved RCA’s appeals away. Then in the last minute of the game RCA won a freekick on the edge of the box Megran placed the ball and seeing Hughes running into space took the kick quickly, Hughes slotted the ball past Burke into the net, however Mr McDonough had blown for the kick to be retaken as the ball was moving. The retaken kick was deflected out for a corner.

Deep into injury time Synners almost dealt RCA a knock-out blow when a cross from Edwards on the right took a wicked deflection off an RCA defender, looped up in the air and looked to be heading for the top corner, but Carmichael made a magnificent one handed save to keep the match all square.

The result was probably better for us than for Synners, but it could have been oh so different if a) we had maintained discipline and kept 11 players on the pitch and b) the second, perfectly good, goal had stood.

We once again showed that when we pass the ball we are as good as any team in the league. If you look at these two sides tonight battling it out to stave off relegation you wonder why they are in the position they are, both teams have the players, the commitment and the attitude to be much higher up this league.

Next up an away day at Newcastle Benfield on Saturday.

Michael Charlton leads an attack in the first half of the match.

Saturday, 21 March 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goal scorers: SRCA none Benfield: Brayson, Taylor

Please click here for some match photos.

RCA were undefeated in their last four games going into this match against a much improved Newcastle Benfield team who have climbed steadily up the league since we defeated them at Meadow Park earlier in the season.

The management team made three changes to the team who earned a draw against fellow strugglers Billingham Synthonia on Tuesday, in came Brown, Megran and Callen to replace Rowe, Armstrong and Wood.

In the first minute of the game RCA were unlucky when a long ball forward caught the home team out and as the ball bobbled in the penalty area Bogie got his foot to the ball, but Grainger was able to get across to pluck the ball out of the air before it crossed the line.

After that initial burst the game settled down with both teams looking to play the ball along the bottom to feet.

In the eighth minute Benfield were awarded a free kick when Brayson was fouled. Scorgie took the kick firing through the wall but Carmichael saw the ball all the way and parried to his right. Baptiste following up fired wide of the target.

A minute later and some good passing move between Benfield’s Riley, Brayson and Convery saw the ball moved quickly forward into the path of Scorgie. His initial shot was blocked by Preston, the rebound shot was headed away by Bythway and the final shot from Brayson was saved by Carmichael.

RCA responded almost immediately, Brown clipped the ball forward to Bogie, who under pressure slid the ball into the path of Charlton who burst past the Benfield defence and into the box but shot wide of the target.

As in most of RCA games recently the ball was moved from end to end quickly and both defences were coming under pressure. A great block by Preston stopped another Brayson shot and then at the other end Bogie latched onto a flick from Callen, but also missed the goal.

The game was stopped for three minutes for an injury to RCA goalkeeper Carmichael who looked to hurt his shoulder stretching for the ball in the previous attack. He was declared fit to continue.

In an effort to keep the ball away from their keeper RCA tried to play possession football and to some effect. It wasn’t until the 25 minute that they created their next attempt on goal. Callen picked the ball up on the left, cut inside before squaring the ball to Megran who side footed into the path of Jury but the RCA captain shot wide of the upright.

RCA continued to push forward and on the half hour mark were awarded a free kick when Bogie was fouled. Megran took the kick which Tobin headed away, but the ball fell to Bogie who stabbed the ball toward goal forcing a great save from Grainger to deny the RCA striker.

The game switched to the other end where yet another free kick was conceded. Brayson lined it up but fired well over the bar from 25 yards out.

The game changed in the 37th minute when Jury was adjudged to have fouled Riley as the winger cut into the box and the referee pointed to the spot. On a day of controversial refereeing decisions at a higher level this was a soft penalty decision, up stepped Brayson to slam the ball home to make it 1 - 0.

RCA almost got back on level terms in the final minute of the half, a free kick on the edge of the box was taken by Bythway, the ball hit the wall and rebounded to the RCA defender who then lobbed the ball over the wall and Grainger but landed on the roof of the net.

The second half opened very quietly with neither team taking control and it wasn’t until the 65 minute that any efforts were recorded on goal and it was RCA’s Bogie who sent a 40 yard shot thundering toward the top corner of the net only for Grainger to get across and tip it round the post for a corner.

Davis and Charlton combined down the right to set up Bogie, but Tobin got to the ball first and cleared.

In the 70th minute Benfield made it 2 - 0 when a long ball into the area was met by Brayson; his low drive was superbly saved by Carmichael, but substitute Taylor was quickest to react and stabbed the ball home from close range.

RCA continued to try to get back into the game and when Bogie set up Callen it looked almost certain that they would reduce the arrears but Callen’s shot struck Turnbull and went inches wide of the post.

Benfield, with a 2 - 0 cushion sat back and soaked up the pressure exerted by RCA and counter attacked when they could.

The game drifted to its conclusion with few chances from either team in the final 15 minutes. RCA were reduced to long range efforts which were easily dealt with by Grainger in the Benfield goal.

This was always going to be a toughie for RCA and Benfield did not disappoint. They are a good, young fit team who play good football.

The game was a little bit stop start with a lot of free kicks given away by both teams.

All in all Benfield probably deserved to win on the day we would say that a soft penalty decision has undone us today. Next up Penrith away on Wednesday, 7:45pm kick off and another team who seem to have turned a corner since we beat them earlier in the season.

Wednesday, 25 March 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscoreres: Penrith: Coleman,   SRCA: Armstrong.

RCA were without both Manager (holiday) and Assistant Manager (work commitments) for tonight's crucial EBAC Northern League match away to Penrith. In their absence Ian Smith (Head coach), selected the team. Lee Bythway passed a late fitness test and took his place alongside Ross Preston at the heart of RCA's defence, James Armstrong returned to the team to replace Keiran Megran and Joe Hughes started the game in place of the injured Colin Larkin.

A draw in this match would see RCA move out of the bottom three for the first time in 2015.

The opening exchanges of this game were very even as both teams looked to test each other out, a long ball from Paul towards Coleman brought RCA’s keeper Carmichael into the action bravely coming out to smother ball at the feet of the Penrith striker.

Then a speculative ball forward by Jury sent Hughes off on a run but the ball bounced awkwardly and the chance of a shot on goal disappeared.

In the 13th minute Davis played the ball forward to Charlton who slipped past his marker before sending a cross which was put out for a corner by Smith, the resulting corner, taken by Armstrong, caused panic in the Penrith defence as the whipped in ball evaded everyone inside the six yard area and went tamely through for a goal kick.

RCA took the lead four minutes later when Davis was fouled 25 yards out. Armstrong lined up the kick and curled a magnificent shot into the top corner of the net giving Richardson in the Penrith goal no chance.

The pace of the game was fast and the ball was being switched from end to end quickly, neither team were allowed time to settle on the ball.

A well placed pass from Davis to Bogie saw RCA open up the Penrith defence again as Bogie squeezed the ball into the path of Hughes and it took a great covering tackle by Hope to deny the RCA frontman.

In the 28th minute Penrith were level, an RCA attack on the left broke down near the corner flag, Paul winning the ball played it to Bell who curled a 40 yard pass up the touchline and into the path of Coleman, the Penrith danger man surged into the box, moved the ball onto his right foot and powered in a stunning shot which flew past Carmichael and inside the far post.

Both teams continued to work hard to deny space and time on the ball and restricted their respective opponents to long range efforts which didn’t trouble either keeper.

As half time approached RCA were denied a goal by a brilliant one handed save from Richardson, Brown had won the ball in midfield and threaded a pass to Callen who unleased a terrific shot which was heading for the top corner until intercepted by the Penrith stopper.

The second half saw both teams start cautiously and the game became bogged down in a midfield battle, there was always the threat of Coleman doing something special for Penrith although he was well marshalled for the most part by Preston and Bythway, while Bogie and Callen where keeping the home defence busy from time to time.

As the game started to open up chances started to be created, the first of the second fell to Hughes who was given the ball by Armstrong, the forward ran into the box before attempting to shoot but the ball went wide of the target.

Penrith were a little shaken by this and started to send the ball forward with more purpose, mainly aiming for Coleman who was showing great strength to hold the ball up and in the 59th minute the striker managed to shrug off the challenge of Jury before firing straight at Carmichael.

Davis and Charlton were still getting some success down the right and on the hour mark Charlton, released by Davis found himself in space on the right his cross, meant for Bogie was cut out by Richardson who then sent a long ball forward to Coleman who controlled the ball before turning and firing in a low drive which went wide of the post.

Penrith were starting to exert some pressure on the RCA defence, a long throw in the 62 minute caused panic as the ball was headed on by Kelly to Coleman who found Elliott in a great position at the back post, but from inside the six yard area he could only stab the ball wide under pressure from Davis.

RCA responded with a half chance at the other end, Davis sent a diagonal ball toward Callen on the edge of the box, he chested the ball into the path of substitute Wood who sliced his shot wide of the target.

In the 68th minute a Penrith corner was punched clear by Carmichael, the ball fell to Kelly who slipped the ball inside to Jackson who fired in an rising effort which Carmichael saved quite comfortably.

The closer it got to the end of the game the more frantic both teams were becoming to try and conjure up a winning goal, Bogie, picking the ball up from Armstrong ran to the bye-line before crossing into the box but the ball was behind both Callen and Armstrong and Penrith cleared.

The game switched to the other end where Elliott played a great ball in to Coleman who played the ball out wide to Bell, he measured a floating ball back into the box toward Jackson but Preston managed to head clear to avert the danger.

As in the first half the game became a little scrappy as both teams started to tire, a shot from Charlton went wide and then Wood and Bogie almost combine to get the winner with the goalkeeper hopelessly out of position but Paul was able to clear up.

RCA went close in the final minutes of the game when a cross from Coe was met by Callen who managed to square the ball into the path of Jury but the RCA Captain had a rush of blood to the head and fired well over the bar.

This was the last real action of the game although the last minute was fast and furious with both teams looking to try and get a winner but not wanting to make the mistake that might gift the game to the opposition, stalemate ensued.

This was a massive point for the team and indeed does take us out of the bottom three.

Once again the whole squad showed their commitment to the cause and in a competitive match, they equalled if not bettered their opponents on the night. Also a massive thanks to Smudge and Larks for their efforts and input before during and after the game. (Pity the Secret shopper seems to have been absent tonight as it wouls have been straight 5's).

Next up is a trip to Marske (by the Sea) on Saturday where any sort of a result in our favour will be a big big bonus.

Saturday, 28 March 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA:  Hughes,  Marske: Brunskill (2), Owens.

RCA, without the services of Michael Charlton (family commitment), made a number of changes to the team who earned a draw at Penrith on Wednesday, in came Richardson, Wood and Larkin to replace, Charlton, Davis and Hughes.

High flying Marske United FC were looking to increase their chances of a top three finish and maintain the pressure on the teams at the top.

The one factor which destroyed any chance of good football today was the weather, with a gale force wind to contend with the players, at times, did well just to keep upright.

Marske took advantage of the wind in the first half and used it, in the early stages, to good effect putting the RCA defence under pressure by sending long balls forward into the heart of the penalty area.

The wind, if anything, was getting stronger as the half progressed and RCA were finding it difficult to get th ball out of their own half.

Marske had a few half chances in the opening 15 minutes, but with the ball running away from the strikers the shots went halmlessly wide of Carmichael's  goal.

Inevitably, Marske took the lead in the 19th minute when a freekick from O'Sullivan went straight over the top of everyone's head and landed in front of Owens who took controll of the ball before firing low past Carmichael.

Within minutes it was 2 - 0. A long throw-in from O'Sullivan was partially cleared by Preston, the reaction header by Owens was headed off the line by Bythway, but Brunskill on the edge of the six yeard area made no mistake with his header which rocketed into the top corner of the net.

With the game getting scrappier by the minute and the wind showing no signs of abating there was little in the way of goalmouth action and neither keeper was called on until the 40th minute when another long ball out of defence by Marske fell kindly for Garvie who struck a tremendous drive which Carmichael did well to turn round the post for a corner.

RCA were also trying to get some sort of passing game together. A slick move between Larkin and Wood set Callen away into the box, he beat one defender and in the process of turning to get a cross looked to be fouled, however the referee wave away the strong RCA protests and the ball was cleared.

In the final minute of the half it took some good defending to stop Marske taking a three goal lead. A corner to the back post was headed back towards into the six yard box by Johnston. Garvie was the first to react but his shot was blocked by Jury.

RCA started the second half on the attack and in the 47th minute were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box, Armstrong took the kick and Dean saved.

Minutes later RCA were awarded another free kick on the edge of the box. This time Bythway took the kick which hit the wall,  rebounded to Bythway who played the ball out wide Bogie who tried to side foot his shot home but Dean saved, this time the rebound fell to Wood but his effort on goal was blocked for a corner.

With RCA pressing forward looking to get something out of the game they were leaving space at the back, Brunskill almost exploited it in the 58th minute when he ran onto a long clearance from Johnston before sending in a shot which well over the bar.

Within a minute of this incident and Marske wrapped up all three points as they swept forward, the ball played out to the left where Kelly moved forward before sending in a tantalising cross which was met by Brunskill who slid the ball home from close range to make it 3-0.  

RCA kept plugging away, but with the wind dying down it looked fairly comfortable for Marske as the game progressed.

In the 84th minute RCA got a late consolation goal when Larkin slid the ball into Hughes who turned the defender before stabbing the ball past a bewildered Dean and into the far corner of the net.

Another goal might have caused a few hearts to flutter in the Marske dug out, but Dean was able to deal with everything that came his way in the final five minutes. 

RCA weren't helped by the windy condition today but in all honesty they were beaten by a team brimming with confidence and two in form strikers.

Had the penalty been awarded near the end of the first half then the game may have taken a different course, we will never know.

We play Maske again on Tuesday night when hopefully there will be less wind, but no promises. 

Tuesday, 31 March 2015

EBAC Northern League Division 1

Goalscorers: SRCA:   Charlton (2), Hughes.     Marske: Kelly, Gott, Brunskill

Injuries sustained in Saturday’s defeat against tonight’s opponents Marske United FC meant that both Larkin and Bogie were unavailable for selection and were replaced with Hughes and Charlton.

Once again the players were met with challenging weather conditions as the Meadow Park ground was battered with rain, sleet and a very strong wind.

Unlike Saturday, RCA had the advantage of the wind and the slope in the first half but it was the visitors who had the first attack when Owens slipped the ball to Brunskill from a long thow by O’Sullivan, but the Marske striker fired wide.

From the goal kick, Carmichael launched RCA’s first attack, the long kick was controlled eventually by Callen who fired in a 25 yard shot which Dean held comfortably.

As with the meeting on Saturday, Marske utilised the long throw of O’Sullivan to good effect and in the seventh minute were unlucky not to capitalise on the indecisiveness of the RCA defence when he launched the ball into the box but it evaded everyone and went straight through for a goal kick.

RCA took the lead in the 12th minute when they were awarded a freekick for a foul on Woods. Bythway took the kick steering it over the wall, Dean produced a great save low down to his left but Charlton pounced onto the loose ball and from an acute angle squeezed the ball home via the far post.

Within a minute Carmichael was called upon to make a terrific diving save from a header by Brunskill. Then minutes later the Marske striker was deemed to have fouled Carmichael before slotting into an empty net and the goal was disallowed.

In the 24th minute Marske were awarded a freekick 35 yards out. O’Sullivan’s kick was defended by Preston and the long clearance was picked up by Hughes, he cut inside beating his marker before exquisitely curling a 20 yard shot into the top corner of the net out of the reach of Dean.

Bouyed by this goal RCA started to put even more pressure on the Marske defence and it took some magnificent saves from Dean to keep the score line down.

On the half hour Wood picked himself up, after being fouled yet again by Johnston, to take the resulting freekick and it took a superb save from Dean to tip the ball round the post for a corner.

A minute later and Johnston was booked for a crunching tackle on Wood. Bythway took this freekick and played the ball in to Callen who blasted in a shot which was tipped round the post for yet another corner.

With the pressure mounting it looked likely that RCA would increase their lead as Marske seemed unable to get the ball clear in the high wind.

A quickly taken throw in from Brown sent Hughes clear of the Marske defence but his well struck shot hit Dean on the shin and went behind for another corner.

Having weathered the storm, if not the windy conditions, Marske started to play some good football and in the 40th minute Gott played a lovely ball through to Owens but the Striker hit the ball hopelessly wide under pressure from Jury.

In the final minute of the half an off the ball incident between Jury and Wheatley resulted in them both being booked. The score-line was a complete reversal of the half time score on Saturday.

With the advantage of the wind in the second half Marske started strongly and within a minute Owens fired over the bar after some good work down the left by Wright.

Five minutes later and Gott picked up a loose ball in midfield before sending it forward to Owen who hit it first time on the volley but Carmichael was able to make the save.

A poorly timed tackle by Woods on Bott started another tussle in which both players were cautioned.

Marske made immediate substitutions replacing their two cautioned players while RCA replaced the injured Brown with Rowe.

Within a minute of these changes RCA went 3 – 0 up, a throw-in on the right was flicked forward by Megran into the path of Charlton who sprinted past the Marske defence before slotting the ball past the advancing Dean and into the bottom corner of the net.

More was to follow, in the 70th minute RCA were awarded a penalty when Hughes raced into the box and a Marske defender made a rash challenge on the striker. RCA’s usual penalty takers were not on the pitch and so it fell to Megran to step up to take this one, Dean produced a great save diving to his left to push the ball round the post for a corner.

Marske seemed to take heart from this and once again went on the attack, this time a shot from Owen was on target and looked to be easily saved by Carmichael under pressure from Kelly. As the keeper got to his feet the Assistant Referee signalled that the ball had crossed the line and awarded a goal. This instigated a stormy protest from the RCA players and Carmichael received a caution for dissent.

From the kick off RCA mounted a good attacking move with Rowe feeding the ball to Charlton who cut inside before shooting straight at Dean. The Marske keeper wasted no time in sending the ball forward toward Brunskill who flicked the ball on; inexplicably Bythway used his arm to stop the ball and a penalty was awarded to Marske. Gott made no mistake with the spot kick and with 15 minute to go it was 3 – 2 and game on again.

RCA from being comfortably in the lead were now on the back foot and having to defend in numbers, however Marske were not able to produce any meaningful attacks instead pumping balls forward which Preston and the rest of the RCA defence looked fairly comfortable with.

Disaster struck in the final minute of normal time when Butterworth picked up the ball on the right wing, cut inside and hit a shot which hit the inside of the post and rebounded into the path of Brunskill who hammered home from close range.

It could have gotten even worse a minute later when Marske were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box but the cross into the area was cleared by Richardson and the game ended all square.

RCA could not be faulted for their effort in this match, they were the better team for 70 minutes, but this is a hard league and teams will punish the slightest mistake. Tonight luck was on the side of Marske especially with the second goal.

RCA’s manager Martin Swales was philosophical after the match “Obviously I am gutted for the whole team, they really put a shift in tonight. Until Marske’s disputed goal we looked the better team. If we hadn’t conceded to second goal so quickly I think we would have gone on to win the match. Having said that I have to be honest and say I would have taken a point before the game started. This result puts more pressure on Synners and West Allotment, they need to get results in their final games now.”

Next up the crunch match against Billingham Synthonia FC on Saturday.