2009-10


Back row, left to right: John Anderson, Physio, Dave Anderson, Steve Jones, Sean Davies, Gary Hoggeth, Scott Richards, Matty Noble, Mark Davison, Matty Hyson, Daryll Hall, Wayne Henderson
Front row, left to right: Liam McBryde, Gary Shields, Martin O'Riordan, Steven Stewart, Steve Halliday, Ash Davis, Darren Kokes, Glen McCartney, Assistant Manager, mascot.

The lads line up before the game against against Whitehaven on 27 March 2010.

The First Team


Mike Amos, skilltrainingltd Northern League Chairman, making a presentation to RCA captain Paul Wardle before the 8 -1 win at Hebburn, to mark our 1,000th game in the Northern League.

Results

External link to the final 2009-10 sNL Division 2 Table

Competition Date Home     Away
Pre-season friendly 14 July 2009 South Shields FC 1 2 Sunderland RCA FC
Pre-season friendly 23 July 2009 Dunston UTS FC 1 3 Sunderland RCA FC
Pre-season friendly 25 July 2009 Bedale Town FC 2 7 Sunderland RCA FC
Pre-season friendly 28 July 2009 Tow Law Town AFC 3 4 Sunderland RCA FC
Pre-season friendly 30 July 2009 Silksworth FC 0 3 Sunderland RCA FC
Pre-season friendly 1 August 2009 Sunderland RCA FC 10 0 Atherton Collieries FC
Northern League 2 8 August 2009 Sunderland RCA FC 5 2 Gillford Park FC
Northern League 2 12 August 2009 Sunderland RCA FC 5 0 Darlington RA FC
FA Cup 15 August 2009 Sunderland RCA FC 1 3 Ryton FC
Northern League 2 22 August 2009 Sunderland RCA FC 1 0 Marske United FC
Northern League 2 26 August 2009 Hebburn Town FC 1 8 Sunderland RCA FC
Northern League 2 29 August 2009 Birtley Town FC 0 3 Sunderland RCA FC
Northern League 2 31 August 2009 Seaham Red Star FC 1 2 Sunderland RCA FC
FA Vase 5 September 2009 Sunderland RCA FC 0 2 Armthorpe Welfare FC
Northern League 2 12 September 2009 Thornaby FC 1 5 Sunderland RCA FC
Northern League 2 16 September 2009 Sunderland RCA FC 0 0 Crook Town FC
Northern League 2 19 September 2009 Washington FC 1 2 Sunderland RCA FC
Northern League 2 26 September 2009 Sunderland RCA FC 3 0 Whickham FC
Northern League 2 3 October 2009 Jarrow Roofing BCA FC 1 2 Sunderland RCA FC
Northern League 2 10 October 2009 Guisborough Town FC 1 1 Sunderland RCA FC
Northern League 2 17 October 2009 Sunderland RCA FC 0 2 Newton Aycliffe FC
Durham County Challenge Cup 20 October 2009 Ryton FC 3 0 Sunderland RCA FC
Northern League 2 24 October 2009 Brandon United FC 1 4 Sunderland RCA FC
Northern League 2 31 October 2009 Stokesley Sports Club FC 1 0 Sunderland RCA FC
Northern League 2 7 November 2009 Sunderland RCA FC 3 3 Jarrow Roofing BCA FC
Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup 18 November 2009 Hebburn Town FC 2 3 Sunderland RCA FC
Northern League 2 21 November 2009 Sunderland RCA FC 2 0 Washington FC
League Cup 25 November 2009 Sunderland RCA FC 0 4 Shildon AFC
Northern League 2 28 November 2009 Northallerton Town FC 1 1 Sunderland RCA FC
Northern League 2 5 December 2009 North Shields FC 0 0 Sunderland RCA FC
Northern League 2 12 December 2009 Team Northumbria FC 0 2 Sunderland RCA FC
Northern League 2 23 January 2010 Sunderland RCA FC 8 0 Hebburn Town FC
Northern League 2 26 January 2010 Sunderland RCA FC 1 0 Seaham Red Star FC
Friendly 28 January 2010 Silksworth FC 1 5 Sunderland RCA FC
Northern League 2 6 February 2010 Sunderland RCA FC 1 0 Thornaby FC
Northern League 2 10 February 2010 Sunderland RCA FC 3 0 Birtley Town FC
Northern League 2 13 February 2010 Whickham FC 1 0 Sunderland RCA FC
Northern League 2 20 February 2010 Sunderland RCA FC 3 0 Guisborough Town FC
Northern League 2 3 March 2010 Marske United FC 0 0 Sunderland RCA FC
Northern League 2 6 March 2010 Sunderland RCA FC 1 0 Brandon United FC
Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup 10 March 2010 Sunderland RCA FC 0 4 North Shields FC
Northern League 2 13 March 2010 Sunderland RCA FC 3 2 Stokesley Sports Club FC
Northern League 2 20 March 2010 Whitehaven FC 2 2 Sunderland RCA FC
Northern League 2 27 March 2010 Sunderland RCA FC 0 0 Whitehaven FC
Northern League 2 3 April 2010 Darlington RA FC 1 4 Sunderland RCA FC
Northern League 2 7 April 2010 Crook Town FC 0 5 Sunderland RCA FC
Northern League 2 10 April 2010 Sunderland RCA FC 2 0 Northallerton Town FC
Northern League 2 14 April 2010 Newton Aycliffe FC 1 0 Sunderland RCA FC
Northern League 2 17 April 2010 Sunderland RCA FC 3 1 North Shields FC
Northern League 2 24 April 2010 Sunderland RCA FC 0 4 Team Northumbria FC
Northern League 2 1 May 2010 Gillford Park FC 1 0 Sunderland RCA FC

 

Reports

July

South Shields 1 Sunderland RCA 2

14 July 2010

Pre-season friendly

Click here for a slideshow of photos from the match

The team sheet showed pleasing continuity from last season, but also included a number of faces who are returning to the club, as well as new signings Harrison Davies and Rob McLean.

RCA created good movement and cohesion, in the first half in particular. This is promising for the new campaign. With more firendlies coming up there should be ample opportunity for players to improve and prove their fitness and to stake their claim for a starting place for the first competitive match: home to new boys Gillford Park on Saturday, 8 August.

The team sheet:

Starting 11
Gary Hoggeth, Steve Jones, Paul Wardle, Dave Anderson, Adam McGuinness, Steven Stewart, Michael Coghlan, Mark McLeod, Harrison Davies, Gary Sheilds, Paul Taylor

Came on during match
Chris Curtis, Lee Andrews, Adam Forrest, Rob McLean (GK), wayne Henderson, Andy Reay, Scott Richards, Chris Lumsden, Anth Laidler, Lee Smith

Dunston 1 Sunderland RCA 3

Sunderland RCA outshine Dunston in Pre-Season Match

Pre-season friendly

23 July 2009

Sunderland RCA travelled to Northern League Div I Dunston UTS for their second pre season friendly and came away with an emphatic 3 - 1 win. On a lovely summer evening the crowd were entertained by some good football by both teams but it was RCA who took the spoils.

Click here for a slideshow of photos from the match

A cagey opening spell by both teams suddenly burst into life when a screamer of a shot from Dunston full back Taylor was brilliantly saved by Hoggeth after 10 minutes. This spurred RCA into action and a jinxy run from Stewart ended in him crossing for Davison to beat Connell to make it 1-0. It could have been 2 -0 moments later when the same two players combined but this time Davison headed wide.
Dunston's only reply was a cross cum shot from Sheeran which was easily dealt with by Hoggeth.
RCA were easily the better team and defensively gave little away, even when temporarily down to ten men when trialist Noble was receiving treatment for a nose bleed.

Taylor shot wide after some good work by Halliday had set him up and Davison, who was causing major problems for the Dunston defence, was again unlucky shooting narrowly wide.

It was not unexpected when RCA increased their lead on the half hour with a slick passing movement started by McGuinness and ending with a low shot from Stewart which left the keeper stranded.
RCA had further chances to wrap the game up with Stewart firing wide, Davison having a 25 yard shot well saved by Connell and Taylor missing the target when clean through.

Dunston came back strong in the final minutes of the half and Preen wouild have scored but for a reaction save from Hoggett sending the ball round the post for a corner. The ball was then cleared off the line by Noble from a Sheeran header and RCA were able to clear.

The Managers of both teams made changes at half time to give everyone a chance but, unlike the Shields game when RCA fell away after the break, this time the momentum was maintained.
Dunston did start the better in the second half and it was only some stout defending by Wardle and Reay that denied Bulford on three seperate occassion in the first 5 minutes.

Having whethered the storm RCA reverted to the passing game that they had used to great effect in the first half and Stewart, now operating on the right wing, crossed for Davison but his flick on was well saved.

McLean was brought into action, having to punch clear from a corner with Collins threatening at the near post.

An injury to Coghlan meant a reshuffle in defence and this gave Dunston a slight lift and they got on top for the first time in the match. However, RCA managed to hang on until the 85th minute when during a goalmouth scamble Laws blasted the ball home. RCA's response was emphatic Stewart burst forward, beat two player before sending his shot narrowly wide.

Two minutes later a supurb crossfield ball from McGuinness found Stewart on the right wing, again he cut inside and this time found the bottom corner to finish the scoring.

A resounding victory and an all round excellent team performance which proves that there is strength in depth in the team.

Bedale 2 Sunderland RCA 7

25 July 2009

Pre season friendly

RCA Blast 7 past Bedale

The team travelled to Bedale FC in North Yorkshire for the 3rd of their pre season friendlies.

The game started in glorious sunshine with both teams playing open attacking football.

Taylor had RCA's first chance after 10 minutes when he was sent clean through by Coghlan but he fired narrowly wide.

Bedale's Parkinson was causing problems down the right and had an effort on goal which was easily saved by McLean.

Taylor squandered two further one on one chances sending the ball high and wide on both occassions. However the general play was promising and we were creating a lot of chances, especially from the left wing where Davies was getting a lot of the ball. Bedale persisted with their policy of counter attacking football and were a constant threat.

However it was against the run of play when they scored from freekick. Parry floated the ball into the box and Turner headed the ball into his own goal.

Within minutes RCA had two more chances firstly Davies crossed but nobody could get on the end of it and then Davison burst into the box and fired wide.

With 2 minutes remaining to half time Anderson was dispossessed on the edge of his own box and Parkinson cleverly chipped the ball over McLean's head into the net.

The second half opened with RCA attacking from the off and it was no surprise to see Taylor score after 47 minutes volleying in a headed pass from Davison.

Bedale defended well and denied RCA with some good tackling and blocks but it looked like it was only a matter of time before the equaliser came. On the hour mark, after a succession of corners, Davison rose unmarked at the back post and powered in a header past the helpless Heugh. This opened the floodgates and 2 minutes later Coghlan fired in a shot from 35yards which Heugh could only parry into the goal.

The manager introduced Wardle up front after 75 minutes and he tapped in from close range with his first touch of the match. Minutes later and Curtis had made it 5-2 within a minute Jones burst into the box and fired home to make it 6 and the final nail in the coffin was administed with 5 minutes remaining when Wardle scored his second.

Tow Law Town 3 Sunderland RCA 4

28 July 2009

Pre season friendly

Sunderland RCA continued their pre season build up with a good competitive friendly at Tow Law.

A good move in first minute saw Mark Davison give RCA the lead. Matty Moffet equalised for Tow Law on four minutes.

On 20 minutes a clever Mick Coghlan free kick saw Harrison Davies slide past the keeper.

HT 1 - 2

On 55 minutes RCA centre half Wayne Henderson headed home from a corner to make it 3 - 1 to RCA. And on 68 minutes Wayne got his second in identical fashion to make it 4 - 1 to RCA. But three minutes later Andrew Thompson scored with a top class free kick from 25 yards, which gave Gary Hoggeth no chance. 4 - 2. A deflected Moffet effort brought Tow Law back to 4 - 3 on 75 minutes and made it for a hectic last 15, but RCA held on well.

Silksworth FC 0 Sunderland RCA 3

30 July 2009

Pre Season Friendly

Sunderland RCA continued their impressive pre season with a workmanlike 3 - 0 win against Wearside league Silksworth FC. However, the real winner on the night was Cancer Research, the charity that the night was all about.

The match itself was very competative with Silksworth proving that they are not to far away from being a very good team. In the first 20 minutes, they matched RCA and had one effort which hit the crossbar.

In the 22 minute Taylor burst into the box and was fouled by the keeper. The penalty was sucessfully converted by Davison.

Silksworth responded with two good opportunities and were unlucky not to equalise when a long throw in from N Jones found Thopmpson inside the box but he fired wide.

RCA went two up when a long ball from Mcleod found Turner on the edge of the box and he deftly lobbed the advancing keeper.

ther second half was as competative as the first with both teams playing some good football but RCA proved that they were stronger and fitter than the Wearside league team and the final goal came through a piece of sheer brilliance. Coghlan picked the ball up in Midfield and threaded a ball through 5 defenders into the path of Davies who dummied the keeper before curling the ball into the net.

With 5 minutes remaining Coghlan showed another piece of skill which will be remembered for years to come by everyone who was there. he brought down a high kick from the keeper with his right foot, kept the ball up with alternative feet six times before despatching an inch perfect, 30 yard pass, to Davies on the left wing, the subsequent header from Davison went narrowly wide.

This match was a good work out for both teams and we wish Steve Smith and his team every success in the coming season.

August

Sunderland RCA FC 10 Atherton Collieries FC 0

1 August 2009

Pre Season Friendly

Mancunians get shock treatment

“From South Shields onwards we've been consistently good in our build up.”

- Neil Hixon

“The passing and movement in the first half were excellent and we've carried on.”

- George Herd

Sunderland RCA comprehensively outplayed and out fought a visibly shocked Atherton Collieries in their first home friendly in the pre-season build up to the 2009-10 campaign.

Mark – Sparky – Davison went nap, there were braces for Mickey Coghlan and Mark McLeod and Paul Taylor slotted home a penalty.

RCA kicked off down the slope and were instantly pressuring the Atherton defence. There was little waiting for the first breakthrough: a classy 25 yard strike from Mickey Coghlan in the centre of the park soared past the keeper.

RCA mustered more attacks. On 10 minutes a great cross from Gary Shields from RCA's right led to a corner, but the referee blew for a foul in the six yard box when the ball was played in. On 15 minutes a direct free kick from the corner of the box was curled over the cross bar. On 16 minutes a Harrison Davies cross from the left was met first time by Mark Davison, whose shot hit the near post. Moments later another cross from Gary Shields led to Sparky heading just wide. Five minutes later and it was Harrison Davies' turn to have a direct shot from 28 yards, which the keeper parried. There was no one from RCA on hand to follow up.

On 25 minutes RCA went two up following excellent work from Harrison Davies. Under pressure from two Atherton defenders he twisted, turned and crossed perfectly for Mark Davison to rifle home from 12 yards.

Two minutes later and RCA went three up. Through his usual combination of skill and determination Gary Shields won a 30:70 ball on the left, ran forward and fed Mark Davison who turned to avoid defenders and pick his spot.

On 35 minutes Sparky got his hat trick, holding the ball up, passing, getting it back again in the right channel to turn and shoot across the keeper into the far corner. Cue celebrations!

On 39 minutes RCA went five nil up, Paul Taylor converting a penalty after the referee judged that Scott Richards had been brought down unfairly in the area.

On 42 minutes Wayne Henderson went down after a knock to his knee and needed treatment. Minutes later through he had to come off and was replaced by Dave Anderson. (A few minutes into the second half, Dave was to go over on his ankle and had to come off. Neil, George and Glen will be wrapping Andy Reay and Paul Wardle in cotton wool.)

If spectators thought that was effectively the end of the first half they were wrong. On 44 minutes short interplay passing down the left ended with Michael Coghlan's second from six yards. Well into added time, a Gary Shields cross was met by hit man Mark Davison who headed home from 12 yards.

HT: Sunderland RCA 7 Atherton Collieries 0

For the second half, Rob McLean came on for Gary Hoggeth in goal and new signing Matthew Noble replaced Steve Jones at right back. Shortly into the half Adam McGuinness gave way for Dave Turner and Mark McLeod came on with Scott Richards moving into the back four for Dave Anderson following his ankle twist.

With wind and the slope and no doubt stung by their first half experience Atherton showed much more of their game, putting the RCA defence under some pressure, none of it telling though.

On 70 minutes, Mark Davison headed on a through ball. It looked unfortunate when the turning Paul Taylor slipped, but he still went on to win an RCA corner. The ball was played short to Gary Shields, whose cross shot was turned in by Mark McLeod at the far post.

Three minutes later and Mark Davison was back in on the scoring act. Clean through he looked to have taken the ball too far wide as he rounded the keeper, but he cut back in and knocked the ball home to make it 9 – 0 to the home side.

Atherton had not given up. On 74 minutes RCA keeper Rob McLean had to rush from his area and head clear to avoid being one-on-one with an Atherton forward. Two minutes later Mickey Coghlan nearly hit a deserved hat trick from a header following a Harrison Davies cross.

Mark McLeod wrapped up the scoring with his second and RCA's tenth, when following more RCA pressure, he ran in to score from a tight angle on the left.

SRCA team: Gary Hoggeth, Steve Jones, Adam McGuinness, Wayne Henderson, Paul Wardle, Scott Richards, Gary Shields, Michael Coghlan, Mark Davison, Paul Taylor, Harrison Davies, Dave Anderson, Dave Turner, Matthew Noble, Mark McLeod, Chris Curtis, Adam Forest.

Ryhope CW 2 Sunderland RCA 1

5 August 2009

Alan Thompson Memorial Cup

The 2009 Alan Thompson Memorial Cup match between Ryhope CW and Sunderland RCA ended with a deserved 2 - 0 win to the home side Ryhope Colliery Welfare.

The match raised £280 for charity.

There has been some criticism of the visitors for fielding a compostite team, consisting mostly of RCA's Under 18 team, but the scoreline and much more importantly the keen contest on the night are more than an answer to such grumbles. Both sides played out a whole hearted contest.

The two goals came in the 59th and 89th minutes, both from Anthony Ross, following good work on the left wing from Martin Swales. RCA fielded a side consisting mainly of their Under 18s and they put on a good, well organised show, in a competitive match, but it was a fair result.

CW captain and centre half, Phil Hall lifted the cup for the home side. Phil was one of many players on the night who have played for both Ryhope clubs.

Sunderland RCA FC 5 Gillford Park 2

8th August 2009

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2: Attendance 78

The opening day of the new season saw Sunderland RCA FC matched against skilltrainingltd Northern League newcomers Gillford Park FC. A silver salver was presented by RCA's captain Gary Shields, to the Gillford captain Mark Butler, to mark the occasion.

The game started in glorious sunshine with RCA taking advanatage of the slope and it was they who had the first opportunity after 7 minutes when a cross from Davies was tipped away for a corner. Stewart sent in the corner for Davison to powerfully head home.

Dickinson had a chance to level 2 mninutes later but his shot went well wide. RCA took control of the game in a scintillating period of play which saw Coghlan burst into the box and although his shot was blocked Davies was there to volley home from 10 yards out. Within a minute it was 3 - 0 when a crossfield ball from Davies found the unmarked Shields who cracked the ball home from 15 yards out.

The crowd were being well entertained with fast attacking football and it was no surprise when Gillford pulled a goal back in the 18 minute when a corner was swung into the box by Butler and the ball was stabbed home from close range by Ian Johnstone.

Davison restored the 3 goal difference after 24 minutes when Sheilds sent in an inch perfect cross for him to head home his second of the match.

Gillford to their credit continued to battle and were rewarded with a breakaway goal when Bead sent the ball clear of his defence to Dickinson who's crossfield pass found Addison free and he finished superbly past the advancing Hoggeth.

At half time Andy Reay replaced Paul Wardle who was struggling with a hamstring problem.

The second half could never match up to the pace of the first and although both teams had chances to score, notably, Skinner and Dickinson, for Gillford Park, in the opening 3 minutes of the second half and Davison, RCA, after 50 minutes it was Stewart who sealed the victory with a well taken shot from an immaculate through ball from Richards.

As the game progressed both teams started to cancel each other out and although both teams had half chances to score niether keeper was really tested until the last 5 minutes when Hoggeth had to punch clear a wicked curling cross from Addison and than a shot from Davison from 40 yards caught Williams off his line but went narrowly wide.

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Sunderland RCA FC 5 Darlington RA FC 0

12th August 2009

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2: Attendance: 62

RCA went top of the skillstrainingltd Northern League Second division after thouroughly outplaying their opponents Darlington RA FC.

There was only one change to the team which started on Saturday, with Matty Noble coming in for Steve Jones who is on holiday.

RCA took the early initiative and where in control from the start. Darlington set out their stall to defend and try to counter attack. How it took until the 15 minute for RCA to test the keeper is a testament to Darlington's defensive line up.

Davies had two efforts on goal, but both failed to test Raine in the Darlington goal.

In the 22 minute Davison rounded the keeper but fired into the side netting. It looked like RCA's shooting had deserted them and this was evident again when Stewart fired in a shot from 20 yards which went straight into Raine's hands.

The first goal when it eventually came in the 32 minute was a tremendous strike from Coghlan from 35 yards which took a deflection off Darlington midfielder Martin Smith.

Four minutes later they doubled their lead when a Shields shot was saved by Raine but the loose ball was headed home by Stewart. Within minutes the same player was guilty of the miss of the season when he blazed over the bar from 2 yards out.

It did not take long for him to redeem himself when he took a pass from Coghlan, beat two defenders with a blistering turn of pace before cutting the ball back into the path of Davison who guided the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

Darlington's only effort in a poor first half or them was in the 46 minute when McKie fired wide from 30 yards out.

The second half was only a minute old when Davies produced a piece of brilliance, receiving a 40 yard pass from Wardle on the left wing, he cut inside before delicately chipping the ball over Raine's head and into the net.

In the space of two minutes Raine was called upon to save from Davies and Coghlan but was unable to do anything when Davies crossed for substitute Taylor to ram home the fifth. Within a minute it could have been six, but Davison's powerful header rebounded off the post. This was to be his last action of the match as he made way for the debut of Liam McBryde who was playing only three weeks after knee surgery.

Darlington although well beaten did try to play some football and late in the game Jenkinson was unlucky with an effort, but the only save that Hoggeth had to make all game was in the 92 minute when he saved a 30 yard shot from Max Ripley.

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Sunderland RCA FC 1 Ryton FC 3

15 August 2009

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round: Attendance: 75

Sunderland RCA FC welcomed Ryton FC to Meadow Park for this Extra Preliminary FA Cup match.

RCA started the stronger and should have taken the lead as early as the 2 minute when a cross from Stewart found Davies in space at the back post, unfortunately, he volleyed high over the bar.

In the 13 minute RCA went in 1 - 0 up, courtesy of a howler from Ryton keeper Tony Davison, a cross from Davies was collected by Davison who then stumbled backwards into the net.

Ryton were visibly stunned by this and responded by starting to play some good football. Burrell was causing problems on the right and Barclay forced a good save from Hoggeth after 20 minutes.

Taylor had a great chance to make it 2 - 0 when he broke away from his marker and lobbed the ball over Davison’s head only to see his effort go agonisingly wide of the post. Within a minute of this RCA lost their captain Paul Wardle who suffered severe facial injuries after an unsavoury aerial challenge with Patton. This meant that RCA played for 8 minutes with 10 men and the impetus of the game swung to Ryton who utilised this spell to put pressure on the RCA defence. Halliday replaced Wardle and RCA got back into the game.

In the last minute of the first half Mark Davison almost scored when he made contact with a Stewart cross but could only guide it over the bar with the keeper beaten.

Ryton came out in the second half and started to dominate. Barclay was guilty of a miss after 50 minutes when he blasted wide from five yards.

In the 55 minute Ryton were awarded a penalty when Anderson pushed Patton inside the box and Marron converted. Ryton were in control and never took their foot of the pedal as they reduced RCA to breakaway attacks. A long range effort from Inness brought a good save from Hoggeth.

RCA held on until the 69 minute when Barclay volleyed home a cross from Burrell to make it 2 - 1 to the visitors.

RCA rallied for a spell as Ryton defended their lead and Halliday was unlucky to see a glancing header go wide. They then forced a succession of corners and only some superb defending by Preston kept the score at 2 - 1.

Man of the Match Dale Burrell finished off any hopes RCA had of a replay when he went on a solo run, beating two defenders before rounding the keeper to score from close range.

Ryton won this game with a disciplined second half performance and RCA will look back at the missed chances and a poor refereeing decision which changed the game.

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Sunderland RCA FC 1 Marske United FC 0

22 August 2009

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2: Attendance: 72

This match between two teams who are looking for promotion this season was always going to be a tense affair and so it turned out with a single goal enough to secure the points for Sunderland RCA.

Marske took the game to RCA From the off and could easily have been in the lead inside the first 10 minutes but for some resolute defending by Wardle and Reay at the heart of RCA's defensive line up.

Skelton was unlucky with a shot that went narrowly wide after 12 minutes as Marske continued to pile the pressure on. RCA could have gone 1 -0 up against the run of play when a cross from Shields found McGuinness unmarked at the far post but he headed straight at Ledgeway in the Marske goal.

In the 25 minute Gamble broke into the RCA box and only a well timed challenge from Wardle stopped him from scoring. Marske looked to be in control and it was only their final ball that was missing.

RCA started to halt the tide of pressure after half an hour and were unlucky as first Davison headed narrowly over the bar and then Davies was adjudged to be off side when put through by Coghlan.

In the 40th minute Blair had probably the best chance of the half for Marske but somehow managed to head over and two minutes later from a corner the same player headed over again. The half time score of 0-0 reflected how well both defences had coped.

The quiet first half was matched by an explosive second which saw referee Mr McMullen at the centre of a number of controversial decisions.

With 5 minutes of the second half gone Hoggett was called upon to save from Gamble and a minute later Bradley shot wide.

Once again RCA weathered the early pressure and came back at Marske. Davison saw a well placed header saved by Ledgeway. RCA were looking more composed now and looking to go forward with Shields and McBryde combining to set up Davison but his header went well wide. McGuinness almost broke the deadlock with an audacious shot from 35 yards out which only just went over the bar with the keeper beaten.

McBryde did break the deadlock in the 60 minute when he rose higher than everyone else to head home from six yards out.

From the kick off a clumsy challange by Richards had everyone off their seats and it is easy to say in hindsight that he should have been booked for the challenge but the referee chose only to speak to him. This backfired within minutes when a clash between Reay and Skelton resulted in punches being thrown and two red cards being issued. A further red card was issued when Swalwell was given a second yellow card for what appeared to be grabbing someone by the throat.

The game degenerated from that point on with the referee losing control and dishing out yellow cards like confetti.

Both RCA and Marske had penalty appeals turned down with the referee and assistants reluctant to make any sort of decision on the incidents. Within the last five minutes Halliday had a great chance to finish Marske off but fired wide.

Marske had plenty of chances to equalise late in the game but some good defending and poor finishing meant that RCA keep their unbeaten league run going.

As others see us

The bloggers from Around the Grounds were at this match. You can read their view here.

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Hebburn Town FC 1 Sunderland RCA FC 8

26 August 2009

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

Sunderland RCA FC celebrated their 1,000th Northern League game with an emphatic win over Hebburn Town FC. Before the match Sunderland RCA's captain for the night, Paul Wardle, was presented with a silver salver from League Chairman Mike Amos MBE for reaching the milestone of playing 1,000 Northern League games.

RCA started the game in a determined mood and maintained a high tempo to their game that could not be matched by Hebburn. They took the lead after four minutes when a cross from Richards was headed home by McBryde. RCA for all their supremacy could not capitalise on some poor Hebburn defending and it was the home side who almost equalised when Myers burst into the box and rolled the ball to Armstrong who blasted the ball wide from five yards out.

This was the wake up call that RCA needed and they extended their lead when Stewart beat two players on the right wing before crossing for McBryde to score his second. RCA were in total control of the game now and when Coghlan found Davies on the left with a great ball he had time to beat the full back before crossing an inch perfect return pass to Coghlan who steered the ball past Donaldson from 8 yards out. 2 minutes later and Richards won the ball in midfield, passed the ball to Coghlan who unleashed a shot from 30 yards which hit the post with the keeper beaten.

RCA were making their aerial supremacy count and it was no suprise when Davison made it 4-0 when he headed in a cross from Davies. The same player then headed over the bar after some good work by Richards. He made amends a minute later when he received the ball from Richards on the 18 yard line with his back to goal, turned and fired a shot into the bottom corner to make it 5-0.

Hebburn scored in the 44th minute when a rare lapse in the RCA defence allowed Myers in and he passed to Gordon who fired into the net.

Hebburn started the second half a lot better than the first and had two goal attempts in as many minutes with McMann firing wide and then over the bar from 10 yards out. However, the difference in the finishing was highlighted when Davison completed his hat trick, rising above everybody else, to power a header into the net. Not to be outdone, McBryde picked up a through ball from Richards, burst between two players before burying the ball in the Hebburn net for his hat trick. The night was complete when yet another cross from the right was headed home from close range by Davison for his fourth and RCA's 8th.

A thoroughly impressive team performance on a special night for the club.

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Birtley Town FC 0 Sunderland RCA FC 3

29 August 2009

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

Sunderland RCA kept up the 100% record in the second division with a hard fought victory over a spirited Birtley Town team.

Birtley Town without a number of key players started well and were unlucky not to score in the first 5 minutes when Brown had a shot deflected wide for a corner. Johnson then fired well wide when in a dangerous position.

RCA seemed to take an age to adjust to the pace of the opposition, but when they did a quick passing move between Coghlan and Richards resulted in a cross that brought a great save by Regan from a Davison header. Birtley counter attacked and only a great save from Hoggeth denied Terrell.

After 20 minutes Birtley were awarded a corner and when the ball came in the header by Armstrong hit Coghlan who was on the goal line and was cleared to Jones who found McBryde with an inch perfect ball and his finishing was clinical. RCA 1-0 up against the run of play.

Within a minute Davison had another header saved by Regan. RCA were starting to put some good moves together and were causing the Birtley defence problems with balls into the box. It was Birtley who almost equalised next when the ever dangerous Terrell fired in a shot which was turned round th epost by Hoggett.

Regan in the Birtley goal was called upon again after 30 minutes and saved with his feet from Davison. Stewart fired over the bar a minute later when in a good position. There was little Regan could do about the second goal when Davison rose high above the Birtley defence to powerfully head home a Coghlan freekick.

In the early part of the second half RCA took control of the midfield and started to play the sort of football we Know they are capable of. McBryde was unlucky with a shot that went wide and a Davison header flashed just over the bar. A surging run from Coghlan saw him almost score, but the final shot was straight at Regan.

It was however Birtley who came nearest to scoring when substitute Hughes went on a solo run, cutting in from the right wing he unleashed a terrific shot which struck the post before rebounding to safety. A minutes later and Brown shot tamely wide from a very promising position.

McLeod finally killed the game off when he headed in at the far post from a corner after 76 minutes.

Birtley responded with some good football, but RCA's defence, ably led by Wardle, coped with everything that was thrownn at them in the final 10 minutes.

The difference between the two teams today was the clinical finishing of RCA.

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Seaham Red Star FC 1 Sunderland RCA FC 2

31 August 2009

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

Sunderland RCA were looking to stretch their record start to the season with a sixth successive victory at local rivals Seaham Red Star FC. As local derbies go, this was not a classic, but it did produce a tension packed afternoon which saw both teams playing flowing attacking football.

Seaham Red Star, after their 2 -1 defeat last week, were looking for a return to winning ways and started this match playing some good attractive football. However it was RCA who had the first real chance of the game when Davison fired in a shot which was well saved by Thackeray.

Red Star were unlucky when Winspear broke down the right and his cross was met by Hugill but his shot was blocked by Wardle.

The game became bogged down in midfield and both defences seemed to be coping with any long balls into the box. There was also a strong gusty wind which spoiled some enterprising moves by both teams with the ball either running away from players or holding up in the wind.

RCA took the lead when Stewart was unceremoniously dragged to the ground by Linighan and Davison stepped up to blast the penalty home.

Hugill broke through in the 40th minute but fired his shot wide and Winspear and Hugil combined once again to trouble the RCA defence before Winspear fired straight at Hoggeth.

RCA almost went further ahead when a shot from McBryde was saved by Thackeray.

The second half saw RCA looking more composed and looking to pass the ball while Red Star continued to pressure the ball in an attempt to upset the play.

Red Star equalised when a long cross field ball from Winspear found Croft in acres of space and with Hoggeth out of position he crossed the ball for Hugill to ram home.

Minutes later and another cross from the same wing beat everyone and went out for a goal kick.

RCA came back into the game with Stewart now operating on the right and causing plenty of problems with a succession of crosses which were well dealt with by Laidler. Both McBryde and Davison had chances to score and only some brave goalkeeping stopped McBryde from scoring at the near post.

As the game entered the final minutes there was some frantic defending by Red Star as they repelled a succession of RCA attacks.

The deadlock was broken in the 92nd minute when a freekick was awarded 45 yards out, Jones crossed into the box and Davison rose above everyone to head home.

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September

Sunderland RCA FC 0 Armthorpe Welfare FC 2

05 September 2009

FA Vase First round Qualifying

Sunderland RCA welcomed Armthorpe Welfare from Doncaster to Welfare Park for this first round Preliminary FA Vase match. Both teams are top of their respective divisions, both teams are unbeaten in the league and have only lost one cup match. So this should be an interesting match.

Armthorpe took advantage of the wind and the slope and were on the offensive from the off forcing a corner when an overhead kick by Holden was well saved by Hoggeth. When the corner was swung into the near post Nelthorpe was first to react steering the ball into the net from two yards out. 1-0 down inside two minutes was not the sort of start that RCA wanted.

In the 10th minute Coghlan beat two players on the right wing before crossing for Davison who missed the target with a free header from eight yards.

Armthorpe immediately went down the other end and RCA conceded another corner; this time when it was swung into the near post and the ball was cleared but only as far as Nelthorpe who this time hooked the ball into the net.

RCA were shocked by this second goal, but continued to play some good football and it was only the final ball that was letting them down.

RCA were awarded a penalty after 35 minutes when an Armthorpe player was adjudged to have handled inside the box. Davison stepped up but his spot kick was well saved by Murray.

Hoggeth was called into action again as the second half came to a close when Davis fired in a shot from 35 yards,

The second half saw RCA piling on the pressure as wave after wave of attacks were repelled by a well organised Armthorpe defence.

Davison had a header which went wide then a long range effort from Coghlan flew over the bar. McBryde and Davison combined in a one-two which resulted in a shot from McLeod going wide.

Armthorpe seemed happy to absorb the pressure and try to counter.

Whatever RCA did Armthope seemed able to cope with and James Walker was outstanding. For all their second half supremacy RCA did not test Murray in the Armthorpe goal.

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Thornaby FC 1 Sunderland RCA FC 5

12 September 2009

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division II

Sunderland RCA maintained their inpressive start to the season with a seventh successive league win at Thornaby. However the "Ryes" didn't have it all their own way as Thornaby showed plenty of fighting spirit in the first half.

RCA opened the scoring with the first real attack of the game when a through ball from McLeod found Taylor on the edge of the box where he beat the defender before blasting the ball into the back of the net.

A minute later and Thornaby were almost level when a shot from Livingstone rattled the post before being cleared by McGuinness. Davison saw an effort go wide and Taylor was also off target with a shot. At the other end Thornaby were causing a few problems of their own with McLean called upon to make a save from Winspear.

The equaliser came in the 24th minute when the quick thinking of Tomlinson caught the RCA defenders sleeping. While they were still arguing about the validity of a freekick, Tomlinson stepped up and passed the ball to Gibson who squared it to Garside who fired home.

RCA reacted with some good football down the right and when Stewart was fouled on the edge of the box it was an ideal situation for them to exploit the Thornaby defence; unfortumnately the well taken free kick went narrowly wide. Thornaby then suffered a major setback when Abdullah, auguably their best defender, was carried off the pitch with a pulled hamstring.

RCA took control of the game in a scintillating 15 minute period at the start of the second half. Davison had two efforts on goal in the opening four minutes of the half and when Stewart cut inside he was brought down inside the box by Reed and a penalty was awarded.

Coghlan took the penalty and his well struck shot rebounded off the post. Jones reacted the quickest and fired the ball home from an acute angle.

Stewart was starting to get at the Thornaby defence on the right and Davies was causing problems down the left. It was only a matter of time before they increased their lead - this time Stewart played a neat one two with Davison inside the box before beating Pisawi with a powerful shot.

Thornaby were unable to cope with the pace of the game and started to tire while RCA were starting to play some really good football. Stewart was the provider for the fourth goal when he burst past two defenders before firing in a shot which was weel saved by Pisawi, but the ball rebounded to Stewart who squared the ball to substitute Davis who sidefooted home from close range.

Thornaby tried to make a fight of it but could not get past the RCA defence and were for the most part kept at bay by a well-drilled RCA defence. When they did get into good positions their final ball let them down or they found McLean in the RCA goal hard to beat.

In the 85th minute Davison rounded off a good second half performance when a received a pass from Noble, controlled the ball with his right foot and turned a hit a thunderbolt of a right foot shot into the top corner of the net.

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Sunderland RCA FC 0 Crook Town FC 0

16 September 2009

skilltrainingltd Northern League Div II

Sunderland RCA lost their 100% league record to a very good Crook Town team who more than matched them in a very competitive 0-0 draw at Meadow Park.

How often have you heard it said that 0-0 draws were predictable? Well when these two teams met they had scored 45 goals between them so a no score draw was probably the most unpredictable score line imaginable.

The game started with Crook forcing the pace and a shot from Kokes going wide. It didn’t take long for RCA to respond and it was Davison who produced a cracking shot which was well saved by Lanning.

In the 18th minute Crook looked to have taken the lead when a cross into the box was met by Olusoga who scrambled it home, but he was adjudged to be offside. Crook were piling on the pressure and gained two corners in quick succession; however they were well dealt with by RCA defence.

In the 37th minute RCA were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box and Coghlan passed the ball to Davies who crossed into the box only for Lanning to get to the ball just before the head of Davison.
Two minutes later and another Coghlan freekick went inches wide with the keeper beaten.

In the 42nd minute Taylor tried an audacious shot from 25 yards which rattled off the crossbar and was cleared by Hall.

The second half saw Crook well on top in the opening 10 minutes with Kokes going close with a snap shot and Hall heading against the crossbar. The two forwards were causing all sorts of problems and only some superb defending by Wardle and Anderson kept them at bay.

In the 70th minute a corner was awarded to Crook and when the ball was delivered into the box Hall powered a header downward into the bottom corner. Somehow Mclean got a hand to the ball and turned it over the bar. A great save to keep RCA in the game.

The introduction of Richards to the midfield added something to RCA as an attacking force and they came into the game a little more. Coghlan sent another freekick inches wide and when Davis crossed to the far post Taylor was on hand to volley the ball home only to be flagged for offside.

Both teams continued to attack and to try to win the game and as the match reached its conclusion a flare up between a number of players resulted in the dismissal of Davis.

RCA will probably not face a sterner test than this one and they came through with their unbeaten league form intact. Crook will be disappointed that they did not convert at least one of their chances.

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Washington FC 1 Sunderland RCA FC 2

19 September 2009

skilltraining Northern League Division II

Sunderland RCA continued their unbeaten League run against a hard working Washington team. Another three points keep them clear at the top of Division II.

RCA were once again caught napping in the opening minutes of the game when a through ball from Lydon found Emmerson unmarked inside the box and he made no mistake from 12 yards out.

Within four minutes they had equalised when Stewart's supurb cross evaded the Washington defence and found Davies at the far post and he cooly slotted home.

Washington were unlucky when Reays cross was volleyed over the bar by Emmerson and Watling had a shot which flew wide. A quick Coghlan freekick to Davies almost punished Washington as the cross found Richards but his shot was deflected for a corner. From the corner Richards headed over.

Within a minute a cross from Taylor found Davies at the far post, but this time he volleyed the ball wide of the target.

A bizzare incident near the end of the half when Watling challenged McLean in the RCA goal and the ball ran free, Watling picked himself up and stabbed the ball home. The Assistant Referee disallowed the goal presumably for a foul on the keeper.

An even sillier incident occurred after six minutes of the second half when the whole Washington back four appealed for offside against Taylor as he ran past them; the keeper raced off his line and was favourite to get to the ball, but Taylor challenged him and won the ball and from near the touchline curled the ball into an empty net.

RCA started to dominate in the next 20 minutes with constant pressure on the Washington goal, Davison had a header fly over the bar, Davies should have killed the game off with shot that flew wide. A minute later and a Davison header found Richards who crossed for Coghlan, but he shot over. Within minutes Davies won a header in the box and the ball fell to Davison who chested it down before hitting a shot which Starford saved brilliantly. From the corner Anderson had a great header well saved by Starford.

Washington having survived this onslaught came back at RCA and some good work by Lydon and Oliver in the centre of the park saw the latter make a supurb pass which found Emmerson free and his shot beat Mclean but was cleared off the line by Jones.

In the 85 minute Davison received a pass from Richards, turned and fired in a shot which beat Starford, but rebounded off the upright; the ball fell to McBryde 12 yards out but he fired over the bar.

This seemed to spur Washington on and they finished the game putting pressure on the RCA defence without really testing McLean.

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Sunderland RCA FC 3 Whickham FC 0

26th September 2009

skilltrainingltd Northern League Div II

RCA were forced to make three changes for the visit of Whickham for today's match. In came Club Captain Stephen Halliday for the injured Coghlan, Ashley Davis started in place of McGuinness who was on holiday and Liam Mcbryde took over at centre forward from the injured Taylor.

The game started in beautiful sunshine with RCA taking advantage of the slope in the first half and it was not long before they were on the attack with a crossfield ball from Halliday finding Davies on the left wing, his cross was met by Davison, but his header was saved by Cresswell.

In the 10th minute another good ball from midfield found McBryde on the right and his cross was headed over the bar by Davison.

RCA took the lead after 15 minutes when a surging run by Richards left the Whickham defence in disarray, his cross found McBryde at the far post and he headed goalwards, Stewart made sure nipping to head home from close range.

The Whickham response was immediate with Tait firing wide from 15 yards out and within a minute they put pressure on the RCA defence and a mistake was almost punished by Laws, but he fired straight at McLean.

RCA had the ball in the net when McBryde rose high above Andison and headed home only for the linesman to flag for an infringement.

Late in the half a lovely cross from Stewart found Davies inside the six yard box, but he could only guide the ball onto the bar and into the waiting arms of Cresswell and a minute later the same player shot across the face of goal. McBryde had another goal disallowed when he ghosted in at the back post to score from a well taken corner. The referee awarded a freekick for a foul on the keeper. However, on the hour mark McBryde got the goal that his efforts deserved when he latched onto a pass from Stewart and although Cresswell saved the first shot he followed up and slide the ball home.

Within a minute RCA were 3 - 0 up when Richards hit an unstoppable 25 yard screamer which the goalkeeper never saw.

Only some brilliant saves from Cresswell kept the score at 3 - 0, firstly a point blank save from Shields and then he saved with his feet from Stewart.

Chances were coming and being squandered by a rampant RCA and Whickham were struggling to keep up with the pace of the game.

To their credit they stuck at it and as the game entered the final five minutes they started to put pressure on the RCA defence. Swanston had probably the best chance when he went clear of the defence, but decided to shoot when there were two team mates in a better position in front of goal and his effort went wide.

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October

Jarrow Roofing BCA FC 1 Sunderland RCA FC 2

3 October 2009

skilltrainingltd Northern League Div. II

SRCA maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a hard fought win at Jarrow in atrocious conditions. The high winds made it almost impossible to play football and at times the game degenerated into a lottery.

Roofing took advantage of the strong wind in the first half but struggled to command. RCA counter attacked to great effect and were unlucky on five minutes when a clearance from Anderson fell into the path of McBryde, but his header went narrowly wide.

It wasn't until the 15th minute that Jarrow had a shot on target, a crossfield pass from Milner found Nelson free on the left and his well placed shot was superbly saved by Hoggeth. Five minutes later a through ball from Stewart found Halliday but with only the keeper to beat he dragged his shot inches wide.

Jarrow were forced to make a substitution when Milner was injured in a collision with Richards and was taken to hospital for a precautionary check up.

In the 31st minute RCA took the lead when Stewart sent a lovely cross into the box and McBryde was on hand to steer it into the net.

The half ended in dramatic fashion when a penalty was awarded to Jarrow Roofing when Wardle pulled back Nelson. However, Hoggeth pulled off a spectacular save from Forster's spot kick.

Within two minutes of the restart RCA were 2 - 0 up when a free kick from Jones was flicked on by McBryde to Davies who made no mistake from 10 yards out. Back came Jarrow with a well worked move which saw Dixon cross for Nelson and he beat the keeper from 12 yards.

The miss of the season took place after 10 minutes when a Jarrow player was guilty of missing an empty net from two yards out.

A minute later and RCA were down to 10 men when Wardle was given a second yellow card for a foul on Nelson.

The rest of the game saw Jarrow pushing for the equaliser and RCA showing why they are undefeated in the league with a solid defensive display.

Davies was unlucky with a 25 yard lob which landed on the roof of the net and in the 88th minute Nelson was once again denied by Hoggeth in the RCA goal.

Overall it is fair to say the the weather won this game although given the condition both teams did try to play football.

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Guisborough Town FC 1 Sunderland RCA FC 1

10 October 2009

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division II

Sunderland RCA played their "get out of jail free" card today to maintain their unbeaten run. However it took a 82nd minute goal from top scorer Mark Davison to clinch a hard fought draw against a very good Guisborough team.

Guisborough started the game strongly and forced RCA to defend for the opening 10 minutes without creating a meaningful shot on target.

RCA responded through a quick counter attack which saw Davies deliver a lovely cross into the box which McBryde couldn’t quite get to. A minute later and Davies brought a fantastic fingertip save from Rafferty when he fired in a shot from 25 yards.

Guisborough almost took the lead after 20 minutes when Henry whipped in a freekick and Butterworth headed over the bar from six yards out.

In the 30th minute RCA had a penalty appeal when Stewart was sent sprawling in the box, but the referee waved play on. Within a minute Stewart burst through again, but his shot was easily saved by Rafferty. Portas sent Onions clear in the 40th minute but the “Boro” striker shot well wide. At the other end Halliday, in space on the edge of the box, fired high and wide. In the final minute of the half RCA were forced to make a substitution when Anderson fell awkwardly and was unable to continue.

Two minutes into the second half and McBryde set Davies up with a deft flick, but the winger fired wide with just the keeper to beat.

Guisborough started to take control of the match and RCA were forced on the defensive again. The influential Portas was picking everything up in midfield and driving them forward at every opportunity. Onions up front had two golden opportunities to open the scoring; in the 65th minute he headed over the bar and two minutes later fired straight at Hoggeth. He redeemed himself in the 68th minute when he was sent clear of the RCA defence with a pass from Portas, this time he rounded the keeper and slotted home.

RCA brought on Coghlan for Davies and this had an immediate effect, a freekick from Richards was misheaded by Davison into the waiting arms of Rafferty, a minute later and McBryde slipped the ball through to Coghlan and his measured cross was headed home by Davies. RCA for the first time in the match were looking the better team and looked to capitalise on some defensive errors, however Rafferty pulled off a superb save from Halliday and when a cross from Coghlan was met by Davison he shot wide.

Guisborough rallied in the last five minutes and Hoggeth was forced to punch a dangerous curling shot away.

This was a well earned point against a very strong Guisborough team who will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.

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Sunderland RCA FC 0 Newton Aycliffe FC 2

17 October 2009

skilltrainingltd Northern League Div. II

Sunderland RCA's unbeaten run in the league came to sudden end when they were defeated 2 - 0 by Newton Aycliffe at home.

This was the first visit of Newton Aycliffe to Meadow Park and they became the first team to beat us in the League this season.

The game started with both teams looking to play attacking football and as early as the third minute a cross from Davies was headed narrowly over by Davison.

Hoggeth was forced into action when Broom fired in a shot from 25 yards, which he managed to tip over the bar.

With the midfields cancelling each other out both teams reverted to a more direct style and Renshaw was unlucky with a shot that went wide.

RCA started to get on top as the half hour mark approached and McBryde, Davies, Halliday and Stewart were all guilty of holding onto the ball too long when a simple pass or shot might have resulted in a goal. The Aycliffe defence held out and on a quick counter Renshaw crossed into the box and Gardner was on hand to steer the ball home from six yards.

After the break RCA put the Aycliffe goal under siege and it took a truly brilliant save from Richardson to deny a McBryde header. A minute later and a corner from Stewart was met by Wardle who thundered his header onto the cross bar.

Aycliffe reacted with a cross from Renshaw which found Gardner in space inside the box, but he fired wide.

In the 70th minute Coghlan burst into the box and shot, but once again Richardson in the Aycliffe goal was equal to it.

Within a minute Aycliffe were 2 - 0 up. Broom beat two defenders before rolling the ball into the path of Owen who made no mistake from 10 yards.

RCA tried hard to get something from the last 15 minutes, but were well held by a great defensive display with special mention going to Mitton and Close.

RCA were not at their best today, but Aycliffe to their credit made it difficult for us to play our usual game.

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Ryton FC 3 Sunderland RCA 0

20 October 2009

Durham Challenge Cup Competition

Sunderland RCA FC went out of the Durham Challenge Cup competition beaten 3-0 by Ryton FC. RCA’s manager Neil Hixon was forced through injury, suspensions and work commitments to make several changes to the team and he gave first team debuts to five youngsters, Graeme Pickering started in goal with Liam Dunn, and Jonathan Davis starting the match. He then brought on substitutes Ryan Mather and Peter Deary to end the match with 5 players under the age of 18.

The game started in in typical cup fashion with both teams pressing for an early advantage, but with both defences looking solid there were no chances until the 18th minute when a shot from Taylor was well saved by the keeper and when Taylor crossed the ball into the box from the rebound there were no RCA players to take advantage.

With the RCA youngsters showing great enthusiasm the Ryton team were unable to get the ball moving forward with any effect. Benjamin did have a shot which was easily saved by Pickering and Innes fired wide.

In the 32nd minute one stray pass led to the opening goal when Innes pounced on a loose defensive ball and fired goalward, the ball took a wicked deflection of a defender and sent Pickering the wrong way.

Stewart had a chance to level the score, but fired wide.

The second half saw RCA pressing for the equaliser and both Taylor and Stewart had chances but both fired wide.

Benjamin forced a save from Pickering before and Dunn made a great tackle on Innes to deny the striker a shot on goal.

A long ball out of defence caught Ryton napping and the quickness of Stewart had him clear of the defence, unfortunately at the vital moment he slipped and the chance was gone.

Benjamin scored the second Ryton goal when he received a long ball from Young and fired home.The same player put the game beyond doubt when he fired home from 25 yards.

This was a good opportunity to see the progress made by the youngsters of RCA and none of them let the team down.

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Brandon United FC 1 Sunderland RCA FC 4

24 October 2009

skilltrainingltd Northern League Div II

This game was billed as the clash of the league leaders against the current in form team. Brandon have made great strides in recent seasons and have looked a very decent team leading up to today's game. Everyone was looking to see how RCA would react to their first league defeat of the season.

My apologies for the less than informative first half report; unfortunately I didn't arrive until just before half time. I had to attend my granddaughter's 4th birthday party, which just proves that we do have a life outside of football.

The highlight of the first half was the goal scored by Taylor in the 15th minute. I was informed that we should have been 7 - 0 up by half time, but that information was given to me by an RCA supporter.

The second half started with RCA attacking up the slope and they immediately went close when a cross fromm Davies was headed wide by Davison. In the 52nd minute Davison scored to make it 2 - 0 when he controlled a long ball from McGuinness on his chest before slotting past Joyce in the Brandon goal.

Brandon got back to 2 - 1 in bizarre circumstances when an appeal for a penalty was initially turned down by the referee, but as the RCA defence cleared the ball he awarded a penalty. Fothergill converted the spot kick.

RCA piled on the pressure and were unlucky when Taylor broke into the box and looked odds on to score, but fired high and wide. Within a minutes he had another chance and again fired wide.

After a number of near misses RCA eventually got their third goal when a corner from Stewart to the far post was met by the unmarked Davison who volleyed home his 14th of the season.

The one way traffic continued and shots from Halliday, Sherwood and Stewart were all easily dealt with by Joyce.

RCA's goal did survive a mini onslaught when Dixon fired in a shot which was cleared off the line by Jones and the follow up was again cleared off the line by McGuinness.

RCA broke from this and substitute Davis was unlucky to see his shot go wide. Brandon looked to go forward after this slight break through, but were well and truly caught napping when a long ball out off defence from debutant McArdle was chased down by Davis and his delicate lob beat Joyce and nestled in the bottom corner of the net.

There were further chances for RCA to increase their lead, but they had to settle for a 4-1 win which keeps them six points clear at the top of Division Two.

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Stokesley FC 1 Sunderland RCA 0

31 October 2009

skilltrainingltd Northern League Div. II

Sunderland RCA lost out to a workmanlike Stokesley team with the only goal of the match coming from ex RCA player Andy Jennings.

How RCA did not get something out of this game is a mystery. For long period of the match they dominated but they could not produce the finishing required on the day.

Within five minutes of the start Stewart raced clear of the Stokesly defence and his cross was met at the far post by Davies who fired wide from two yards out. Three minutes later and Taylor was unlucky with a snap shot. A cross into the box by Davies was dropped by the keeper, but Taylor and Davison did not react quickly enough and the danger was cleared by Andrew O'Shea. At this point Stokesley had not had a meaningful attack.

After 15 minutes a cross field ball from McGuinness found Stewart in acres of space as he moved into the box, but fired his effort wide with only the keeper to beat.

An injury to Taylor seemed to dispupt the attacking options of RCA and Stokesley started to get more into the game. A shot from Jennings was well aved by Hoggeth and minutes later a long range effort by Yalcin went well wide. RCA were struggling to create any chances during this period and it was only a superb save from a Radigan freekick by Hoggeth that kept the score at 0-0.

The deadlock was broken when Jones was caught in possession on the byline by Stewart and his cross found Jennings unmarked and he tapped home from four yards out.

At the start of the second half Jennings almost made it 2 - 0 when he beat two players before firing low into the corner, but Hoggeth was well placed to save easily.

RCA changed up a gear and forced Stokesley back and only some last ditch defending kept them in the game. A shot from Davison went narrowly over the bar. Minutes later and a cross from Noble found Davison who fired the ball at the goal, but it was cleared of the line. RCA continued to bombard the Stokesley goal and reduced them to breakaway attacks during one of these attacks a splendid effort from Yalcin was turned over the bar by Hoggeth. RCA then hit the post and the follow up was fired wide.

Good defensive work from Stokesley denied any further real chances and the game ended 1-0 in favour of stokesley.

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November

Sunderland RCA FC 3 Jarrow Roofing BCA FC 3

7 November 2009

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

"Funny old game is football", 0-0 at half time and Jarrow could have been 3 - 1 up, with 15 minutes to go RCA are 3 - 1 up and look to be coasting and then Jarrow respond and the match ends 3 - 3. Take nothing away from both teams, if you were a neutral you would probably have enjoyed it. However this was a game that was thrown away by RCA and two valuable points dropped.

Sunderland RCA welcomed third placed Jarrow Roofing to Meadow Park in this top of the table clash.

Jarrow took advantage of the slope in the first half and were immediately on the attack with Nelson slipping a ball in to Houghton who fired wide.

RCA's first effort was a header by Taylor which went wide. The game was being played at a furious pace and both teams were looking to attack, however the defences of both teams were holding strong. A good run by Hepple found him clear of the RCA defence, but his shot flew over the bar. A minute later and Hughes jinxed into the box, but his cross shot went across the face of goal and narrowly wide.

RCA weathered the storm and came back at Jarrow a shot from Stewart was well saved by Frater two minutes later Taylor found himself free on the right, he cut inside but his effort went wide.

Hoggeth was called into action to save a Kevin Davison freekick and in the last minute of the half a Halliday cross was headed over the bar by Davison.

RCA started the second half on fire and looked to have caught Jarrow cold. A cross from Noble was headed home by Davison after 50 minutes and on 53 minutes a cross from Taylor caused a mix up in the box and Halliday was the quickest to react stabbing the ball into the net.

Jarrow fought back and were rewarded when Nelson found the net after some good work by Hughes.

RCA went 3 - 1 up when a shot from 20 yards out by Davison took a deflection and ended up in the net. Within two minutes the score was 3 - 2 when Jarrow were awarded a penalty and Kevin Davison converted, sending Hoggeth the wrong way. Immediately from the kick off RCA attacked and Mark Davison was unlucky not to deliver his hat trick, but his shot was saved by Frater.

In the 80th minute a cross from Hepplewhite was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Wardle.

The match ended 3 -3 but both Stewart and Noble will be added to RCA's long injury list.

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Hebburn Town 2 Sunderland RCA 3

Wednesday, 18 November 2009

Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup Round Two

As other Northern League Cup fixtures fell by the wayside this evening, due to waterlogged pitches, we were very pleased to be at Hebburn Sports Club tonight on a pitch that showed up very well on arrival. Several members of the RCA squad were more than happy that the game was going ahead. U18 Youth players - goalkeeper Graeme Pickering plus defenders Liam Dunn, Marc Moon with midfielders Jonny Davis and Ryan Mather all being called up for their second taste of first team action in a month. New signing, forward Peter Benson was also selected to make his debut for the team. Club Captain Scott Richards was also back in the squad for the first time in over a month.

Pickering, Dunn and Davis made it to the starting eleven and it was pleasing to see Wayne Henderson also in the line up having been out of competitive action since August. Centre midfielder Michael Coghlan also started for the first time in a few weeks, having fully recovered from injury.

The level of buoyancy from RCA was transferred straight into the game and after kicking off, the visitors immediately made progress into the Hebburn half. In the second minute Wayne Henderson played a ball through the centre that split the Hebburn defence wide open and the league’s current top scorer Mark Davison was on it quick wasting no time, hitting a great 25 yard effort that Kevin Duncan in goal, dived to his left glancing the ball onto the post. RCA’s first corner and when Steven Stewart hit the centre in, the ball was half cleared to the same player this time he beat the full back then pulled the ball across for Benson who calmly swept the ball home. A real lively start continued as minutes later Dunn from right full back played Benson in again, beating the offside trap he hit an early shot from distance that went a yard past the post. Hebburn responded for the first time after 10 minutes, midfielder Keith Oliver linking with forward Shaun Carroll who running onto goal was only thwarted by a great last ditch tackle from Paul Wardle. Coghlan in midfield for RCA was showing great energy and after several passes were exchanged in midfield, the same player received the ball out wide right. Well even David Beckham couldn’t have hit a cross field pass like it, 60 yards at least over the head of the left fullback where Stewart took down superbly before playing Davison in on the edge of the box and he slotted home with aplomb. 2 – 0 to RCA and celebrations all round. Hebburn were fighting hard to keep in contention and minutes later a further cross was delivered into Davison who rose well but headed over. The home side regrouped and some good play down the right from Karl McMann ended up with a fine delivery that Graeme Matthewson hit on the volley just wide of the post. However after 25 minutes RCA moved downfield and again Stewart was the antagonist, turning defenders both ways before hitting a raking cross which Davison got up and despatched his header into the net. 3 – 0 and Hebburn supporters must have been thinking lightning could happen twice, with memories of the RCA 8 – 1 rout in August flooding back.

The game really opened up now and the end to end play really entertained the supporters. After Hebburn again moved down the right a further cross was met by Willie Crew who headed wide. In a counter attack on 35 minutes, Hebburn moved down the left where the fullback and winger appear to get in each others way forcing the ball out of play. The official flagged for a home throw and whilst the RCA players stopped to appeal, the full back threw the ball over the defence and Carroll raced into the box and coolly slotted home. Chaos for a short period and a couple of bookings ensued which were not in line with the general flow of the game. The game could have been put out of sight by RCA when Coghlan done all the hard work playing a one two to beat the last line of defence but racing through he slotted over with only keeper to beat. Davison headed wide minutes later. As half time approached though it was Hebburn who nearly scored again when out of nothing number 9 Michael Armstrong reached a loose ball on the edge of the box and stretching, he toe poked the ball goalwards and it spun off the turf, changing slight direction and Pickering threw up an arm to deflect onto the post. The referee blew the whistle to end a half that had management scratching heads, but was more than entertaining for the neutral.

RCA returned to the field with youth player Marc Moon taking over at right back with Dunn moving to centre back replacing Henderson. Again the end to end play was the format. RCA winning early corners before the home side attacked down the right, full back McMann exchanging passes with Crew before moving into the box and hitting a great effort that Pickering in goal blocked well. Niall McCardle at left back cut out consecutive attacks minutes after. RCA lifted their game again and a great 6 man move ended up freeing Noble who raced onto goal but hit his effort well clear of the bar. Richards came onto replace Davis for RCA on the hour mark as both teams looked to control play. Oliver was booked for Hebburn and then Richards appeared to be harshly treated with a yellow which was in fact his first challenge of the match. Ryan Mather replaced Stewart to take the tally to five U18 players on the pitch as RCA looked to finish off the game. The next attack was by RCA down the left and a great cross to the back post found Mather who headed well but wide of the target.

The last 10 minutes saw a period as open as any other part of the game and whilst goals looked likely at either end it was Hebburn who netted again, a ball from wide right was hit into the box and Carroll raced in to flick the ball over the keeper for his second goal. 2 – 3 and the cup tie alive again. Richards was still driving forward and had three efforts on goal in the final minutes the best of which curling and smashing the bar with the keeper well beaten. Not to be outdone though the home side rallied for a final time and substitute Gary Dadd nearly took the tie to extra time racing in to hit a cracking 20 yard effort that also hit the angle.

A good cup tie was ended after 95 minutes and the result sees RCA take their place in the last 8 of a competition that they have been losing finalists in the last two seasons. Manager Neil Hixon admits the main priority is Promotion this year and resources will be aimed at keeping the team at the top of the league. Neutrals will be looking forward to more open cup ties such as this – the next one at home in the League Cup against First Division Shildon on Nov 25th ko 7.30 ko. Get your ticket quick – it will certainly be value for money!

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Sunderland RCA FC 2 Washington FC 0

21 November 2009

skilltrainingltd Northern League Div II

Whilst this was not classic by any stretch of the imagination it was another workmanlike performance and three points well earned. The two goal inside the first 20 minutes killed the game off and for all their endeavours Washington could not break down a resolute RCA Defence.

The game started in dramatic fashion when RCA took the lead after just 45 seconds, Paul Taylor, marking his first game back after injury, with a well taken goal when he pounced on a through ball from Davison before sliding the ball past the advancing Starford.

Washington could have been 2 - 0 down inside five minutes if Davison had been able to get on the end of a cross from Stewart as the ball sailed across the six yard box.

In the eighth minutes Lee Smith intercepted a pass inside the RCA half and unleashed a terrific strike from 25 yards out which hit the post.

RCA were starting to make inroads into the heart of the Washington defence and only some good defending by Lowden denied Halliday after some good work from Noble. A cross from Stewart was turned over the bar by Coghlan, but the same player made amends a minute later when a long clearance from Hoggeth was headed on by Davison to Taylor who threaded a pass to Coghlan who proceeded to chip the ball over Starford and into the net.

RCA were rampant at this stage of the game and Starford was called into action to parry a shot from Stewart.

Washington came more into the game in the final five minutes of the half, but Hoggeth in the RCA goal never had a shot to save.

Within three minutes of the restart Micky Coghlan limped off with a rib injury, which will probably keep him out of the mid week match against Shildon.

Smith had a decent chance to reduce the lead when he went on a mazy run beating three players before a great covering tackle from McGuinness stopped him getting in a shot. At the other end RCA were awarded a freekick and Stewart found Davison at the far post but his header was well saved by Starford.

RCA were dominating the midfield and looked likely to score on any number of occassions only for the final pass or shot to go awry. With 70 minutes gone a pass from McGuinness found Noble who turned the ball infield for Davison who hit a terrific shot which was brilliantly saved by the keeper. Minutes later Halliday burst into the box and looked odds on to score, but fired wide. Washington rallied and as RCA looked to tire they hit them on the break and both Hodgson and Donnelly had good opportunities but fired wide.

Their first shot on target in the second half came when Donnelly fired straight at Hoggeth in the 85th minute.

Special mention should go to the ground staff for presenting the best Meadow Park surface for many a year; it looks in extremely good nick.

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Sunderland RCA FC 0 Shildon AFC 4

25 November 2009

Brooks Mileson Memorial Cup

Sunderland RCA suffered their worst defeat of the season at home to Shildon in the Brooks Mileson Memorial Cup last night. A slick Shildon outfit killed off this tie in the first half with a scintillating display of football and some clinical finishing which left RCA with a mountain to climb in the second half. RCA probably shaded an entertaining second half but once again the finishing of Shildon's Andrew Johnson, who completed his hattrick, was the difference between the two teams.

Shildon looked comfortable from the start of this match with some slick fast passing which had RCA at sixes and sevens. The only surprise was that it took 12 minutes for them to register their first shot at goal when Lee Chapman fired in a shot which went narrowly wide. It only took another minute for them to take the lead when Johnson drove the ball into the bottom corner from 18 yards out. Within a minute they went 2 - 0 up when Johnson intercepted a defensive pass before finding Bell who hit another low shot into the same corner.

RCA were finding it difficult to create anything of note and there only shot on target was a header from Davison which looped into the arms of Finch. Stephen Halliday also had a half chance, but shot wide.

On 38 minutes Chris Bell, with a long ball from inside his own half set Andy Johnson free to run through and place the ball smoothly past Pickering to grab his second goal and make it 3 - 0 to Shildon.

In the second half RCA showed a lot more urgency and were unlucky not to pull one back when Shields crossed to the far post for Davison to power in a header which Finch did well to save at the second attempt.

RCA were, for the first time in the match, putting pressure on the back four of Shildon, but they were shaken in the 67 minute when Andy Johnson blasted home a right foot pile driver for Shildon's fourth goal and his hat-trick.

Both teams had further efforts on goal but none really trobled the respective goalkeepers until the 85th minute when Taylor was put through by Richards and the RCA sub sidefooted past Finch only to see the ball go narrowly wide of the far post.

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Northallerton Town FC 1 Sunderland RCA 1

28 November 2009

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

RCA fielded a strong team for today's visit to Northallerton and a tremendously exciting game ended all square 1 - 1.

The early exchanges were even with both teams trying to get the ball down and play football. After 10 minutes the home side's centre back Grant Hickman had to be stretchered off with a badly damaged knee after a clash with Scott Richards.

The first real chance of the game saw Mark Davison fail to get enough power onto a header in the 19th minute.

Northallerton had a couple of good opportunities, first Chillingworth was thwarted by good tackle by Wardle before Thompson pounced on a loose ball to fire wide.

A long period of passing by RCA ended with a good cross from Davis being headed wide by Paul Taylor on 24 minutes.

Northallerton responded with two corners in quick succesion and exerted real pressure on the RCA Defence before Davis broke away on a great run, rounded Kell, the keeper, but saw his shot cleared off the line by Dacombe. The loose ball was crossed back in by Richards and Shields gave RCA the lead with a smart header at the back post with 32 minutes gone.

Taylor had the ball in the net on 36 minutes but was pullled up for offside. In 44 minutes RCA had a close shave as from a Northallerton corner the ball was volleyed in by Butterworth, crashed off a post and was scrambled clear. The ref allowed eight extra minutes for stoppages, but RCA got through to half time with their 1 0 lead intact.

The second half started with RCA mistakes giving Northallerton dangerous possession but they were unable to make it count. On 50 minutes a good move lead to a RCA corner from which Davisons header was cleared off the line.

On 55 minutes Scott Richards drove a free kick just over the bar from wide right and a minute later Taylor was released but his shot lacked power and Kell saved easily.

The threatened equaliser arrived on the 57th minute when Holliday converted a Chillingworth cross from close range with a spectacular volley.

On 60 minutes Stewart replaced Shields wide right for RCA and made an immediate impact earning a freekick on the edge of the box when making a dangerous run.

The game was wide open now as Davison brought a good save from Kell before Northallerton had a goal ruled out for offside. Then in 71 minutes Stewart was brought down in the box, unfortunately Davison dragged the spot kick wide.

McBryde replaced Taylor for the last ten minutes as RCA pressed for the win and it looked like Davison had decided things but his towering header went agonisingly wide.

The last few minutes saw Northallerton clinging on desperately, but they saw it out for a well earned draw.

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December

North Shields FC 0 Sunderland RCA FC 0

5 December 2009

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

In a game of constant attacking in both halves it is amazing how this game finished 0 - 0. Both teams had great chances and squandered them. From a neutral's view point they saw the best of North Shields in the first half and the best from RCA in second half.

The Game opened brightly enough with Stewart going past Luccock before sending in a terrific cross which evaded everyone including Robinson in the Shields' goal.

North Shields were unlucky not to take the lead after six minutes when a good move down the right saw Livermore pull the ball back for Taylor, but he fired wide from 12 yards out.

A strong challenge by Richards earned him an early yellow card and from the resulting free kick Amos headed wide.

In the 15th minute RCA had their best chance of the half when Stewart crossed to the far post and Noble, with the goal at his mercy, mis-timed his header and it went straight to Robinson. North Shields increased the pressure and only a fine save by Hoggeth from Smith kept RCA in the game. In a rare excursion forward Paul Taylor chested the ball into the path of the advancing Halliday, but his shot was comfortably saved by Robinson.

Cartwright was starting to pull the strings in midfield and a quick one-two with Minto resulted in a powerful shot going high and wide. Minutes later and some good interplay between Hay, Amos and Glen Taylor saw the ball crossed to Cartwright who hit his shot narrowly wide.

In the 33rd minute the defender hoodoo hit RCA again when Andy Reay was carried off with what looks like knee ligament damage. North Shields continued to press and in the dying minutes of the half both Minto and Hay had good opportunities to score. RCA defended well, but could count themselves lucky to be still in this game.

What a transformation in the second half; whatever was said in the half time team talk worked miraculously.

From the kick off Davis picked up the ball and drove at the Shields defence before slipping the bal to Davison who shot narrowly wide. From the the re start Mcardle won the ball and passed to Halliday who found Noble free on the right he crossed for Davison who's shot was blocked by Cartwright.
Halliday was taking command of the midfield and his passing was causing problems for the overstretched defence of North Shileds who must have wondered if RCA had put out different eleven in this second period.

On the hour mark Halliday found Taylor on the edge of the box and he turned and fired wide.
A minute later and the same combination were responsible for the RCA's best effort so far when a snap shot from Taylor beat Robinson but went agonisingly wide of the far post.

It was one way traffic at this stage and Shields could not even muster a worthwhile attack.

Davison had an effort blocked by Lullock before Taylor in a good position decided to shoot when a better option might have been to cross for the unmarked Davison or Richards.

Jones and Noble combined to set McBryde up, but his effort flew wide and in the closing stages Davison beat everyone to the ball inside the box but fired his shot straight at Robinson who saved with his legs.

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Team Northumbria FC 0 Sunderland RCA FC 2

12 December 2009

skilltraining Northern League Division 2

Sunderland RCA travelled to Team Northumbria for this reversed fixture and came away with all three points despite a few scares in the second half. On paper this should have been a comfortable match but Team Northumbria obviously hadn't read the script.

RCA had two new signings on the bench today, Martin O'Riordan signed from Horden and Sean Davies from Crook.

The opening exchanges were fairly even with neither keeper really being tested. In the 10th minute Stewart sent in a lovely cross which Davison flicked onto Taylor, but his effort went wide. Team had a good chance when Philippe found space on the right and cut inside only to see shot flash wide of the post.

With Team Nortumbria operating with a five man midfield RCA reverted to a long ball game effectively missing out the midfield and it worked to some effect when Jones sent in a long ball and it was headed on by Davison for Stewart, but his effort on goal was well saved by Jennison. Within a minute he was called upon again to save superbly from a Davison shot. However from the resulting corner RCA took the lead when Richards fired in from 10 yards.

Team Northumbria responded and a high ball into the box was allowed to bounce over the defenders heads, but Redhead put the ball over the bar from inside the six yard area.

Noble and Stewart were starting to make good runs on either flank and caused problems for the full backs. A good cross in from Noble found Taylor who laid the ball on for Halliday, but he fired wide.

Late in the first half Cairns fired wide from the edge of the box and Philippe headed straight at Hoggeth.

The second half saw both teams attacking with RCA just shading the exchanges, but both defences were holding firm with Donogue and Wilkinson outstanding for Team Northumbria.

Neither defender could do anything about RCA's second, which was an exquisite solo effort from Stewart; having beaten the full back, he cut inside and from the left hand corner of the 18 yard box curled the ball into the far corner of the net.

Once again Team Northumbria responded with some good football, but their final shots were never on target with Hoggeth only having to make one save.

O'Riordan replaced Noble to bring even more pace to the match and within a minute of his arrival he crossed for Davison, but he headed straight at Jennison.

Redhead had a great chance at the other end when he beat the offside trap, but with only the keeper to beat he dragged his shot wide.

Both teams played their part in an entertaining match. It is difficult to understand why Team Northumbria are in such a lowly position in the league because their general play is very good.

A friendly has been arranged for Wednesday against Silksworth FC at RCA's Welfare Park Ground.

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January

Sunderland RCA FC 8 Hebburn Town FC 0

Saturday, 23 January 2010

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

RCA gave home débuts to no fewer than four new players: Christoph Ascherl, Darren Kokes, Sean Davies and Martin O'Riordan. Having had no games since 12 December it was no surprise that the two teams took a little while to get into their stride, but when RCA got into gear they romped away with all three points.

The opening exchanges of this match was fairly even with both teams taking time to get their passing game together. It was Hebburn who had the first shot on goal when Myers, fired in a low shot which flashed narrowly wide of the upright. Hebburn took heart from this and won two corners in quick succession, but they were well dealt with by Henderson and Wardle in the heart of the RCA Defence.

RCA took the lead with their first real shot at goal when Steven Stewart blasted in a shot, which took a wicked deflection, past Rogers.

RCA seemed to step up a gear and Kokes brought a fantastic save from Rogers and an O'Riordan cross was headed over the bar by Davison.

The game took a dramatic turn when the Referee awarded two penalties in the space of two minutes and dismissed Gray for violent conduct.

Stewart converted the first penalty to make it 2-0, but rattled the bar with the second and Kokes, who reacted the quickest, fired over the bar.

O'Riordan started to get more involved in the game and was putting in some good crosses and from one a glancing header from Davison was somehow headed of the line by Cowell.

Hebburn continued to look for openings going forward and Crew had a good chance when he was put into space by Brocklehurst, but Hoggeth saved well from a weak effort.

In the 28th minute Davison, who was having one of those games where he was doing everything right, but the end product was just off target or saved by the keeper, headed over a Stewart cross.

On the half hour mark RCA went 3-0 up when another cross from O'Riordan was met at the far post by Davison who, unselfishly, headed it back across goal for Ascherl to head home from close range. RCA were well on top now and Hebburn's cause was not helped by an injury to Greenwell.

In the 38th minute Kokes scored when he burst past two defenders before firing past the advancing Rogers.

Hebburn were forced to reorganise at the back when the injured Greenwell did not appear for the second half and was replaced by Nesbitt. It was a familiar pattern with Hebburn taking the early initiative with both Brocklehurst and Crew going close in the opening five minutes of the second half.
However it was not long before O'Riordan and Stewart started to weave their respective magic on the wings and Davison was unlucky once again to see a header brilliantly saved by Rogers and a minute later a fierce 25 yarder from the same player went narrowly over the bar.

In the 60th minute the Davison was replaced by McBryde and only a good save from Rogers denied him a goal with his first touch.

In the 63rd minute Kokes dispossessed Nesbitt before rounding the keeper to score his second of the match.

Taylor and Coghlan replaced Kokes and Ascherl who had both given a good account of themselves in their debut matches.

McBryde scored to make it 6-0, when he combined with Taylor for a tap in at the far post.

Hebburn should have score a minute later when Willie Crew was clear with only the keeper to beat, but Hoggeth made a superb save diving at the feet of Crew. Within a minute RCA were caught again on the break and only a covering tackle from Henderson stopped another shot from Crew.

Late in the game RCA wrapped the game up when Taylor volleyed home from eight yards out and then in the dying minuters of the match McBryde found the net for his second and RCA's eighth.

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Sunderland RCA FC 1 Seaham Red Star FC 0

26 January 2010

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

Sunderland RCA super sub Liam McBryde came on to score a late goal and deny Seaham Red Star a share of the spoils in the entertaining derby clash. Over 100 spectators witnessed an exciting match, which was a credit to the Northern League but more importantly a credit to both clubs.

Sunderland RCA were forced to make one change, bringing in Scott Richards to replace club captain Stephen Halliday in midfield. Seaham Red Star were looking to build upon their impressive draw against Guisborough Town at the weekend and started this match in impressive style putting pressure on the RCA players with their pace and endeavour.

In the third minute Winspear went past the RCA defence only to see his effort fly wide of the upright. RCA countered with Stewart crossing for Davison who headed straight at Barlow in the Seaham goal. Within a minute a cross from the other wing delivered by O’Riordan was brought down by Kokes who fed the ball to Davison to fire in a shot that went inches wide. It was a cracking opening five minutes and for those who thought it couldn’t be sustained think again. The game was end-to-end entertainment with both teams contributing to a pulsating match. When a pinpoint pass from Bettson found Hume free inside the box it looked odds on that Seaham would take the lead, but a great cover challenge from Wardle sent the ball for a corner and from the subsequent kick Jack headed over.

RCA started to play some good football without really penetrating the Seaham defence, but after 20 minutes a 35 yards snap shot from Henderson almost caught them out but it cannoned off the outside of the post for a goal kick. Kokes was causing all sorts of problems, with his pace and movement upsetting the Seaham defence. On 25 minutes Kokes laid the ball into the path of Richards who hit a tremendous curling shot which hit the post and again went for a goal kick. In another game RCA could have been 2 – 0 up, but the Seaham goal seemed to have a charmed life. Seaham responded with some good football between Hume and Winspear, with the latter striking a great shot which produced an equally great save from Hoggeth.

The second half saw Seaham pick up the momentum in the opening five minutes and Hoggeth had to be at his best making saves from first Winspear and then Armes.

RCA were awarded freekick on the edge of the box and a well rehearsed move saw Stewart fire wide from Richards kick. Within a minute O’Riordan broke on the left and fired in a shot which went narrowly wide. At the other end Armes broke past Henderson and fired in across which was met by Hume and only a goalline clearance by Davies prevented Seaham taking the lead.

McBryde replaced Davison on 70 minutes and within six minutes had broken the deadlock. A corner from O’Riordan looked to have been cleared only for it to hit Wardle and rebound to O’Riordan who sent in a low cross which was met at the front post by McBryde to steer past the helpless Barlow. This lifted RCA and they were unlucky not to double the lead when McBryde sent Kokes clear, but his shot went narrowly wide.

Seaham to their credit never gave up, but as the two teams tired it was RCA who looked the stronger and although both teams had good moves neither keeper was really called upon to make a save in the final five minutes of the match. Whilst Seaham probably did deserve a draw on the night, it was RCA who took the spoils and moved towards their goal of promotion. With other results on the night going our way it is now in our hands.

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February

Sunderland RCA FC 1 Thornaby 0

Saturday, 6 February 2010

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

Sunderland RCA were made to work hard today by a well organised and very spirited Thornaby side. A goal from man of the match Darren Kokes in the 44th minutes settled the match and gave RCA all three points.

A minutes silence for the late Mr Gordon Nicholson was impeccably observed prior to the match.

Thornaby took advantage of the slope in the first half and immediately showed their intention with some slick attacking moves which had the RCA defence rocking. Gibson was the first with a shot which went narrowly wide before Fox mishit a shot from 12 yards out which went yards wide. RCA weathered the early pressure and responded with a shot from Kokes, which the keeper was pleased to see go wide. This was end-to-end football with both teams looking to go forward at every opportunity. Whilst the quality was not always evident you could not question the commitment of both teams.

RCA should have taken the lead when a a great run from Ascherl ended with a lovely cross into the path of McBryde, but his effort, with only the keeper to beat, was well wide of the upright. Thornaby went down the other end and a cross from Moore found Gibson unmarked in the box, but his downward header from two yards out was cleared off the line by Henderson. A minute later and a run and shot from Fox, who could have put Crossen through on goal had he looked up, went well wide. Five minutes later and Kokes rattled the bar after some excellent work on the left by Mcbryde.

Only a great last gasp tackle from Pearson stopped a certain RCA goal when Kokes was sent clear by Ascherl. Within a minute Davis went on a surging 40 yard run which ended in him crossing for Davison who headed over. RCA were, at this point, starting to get on top of the game and Thornaby were forced to defend.

In the final minute of the half Ascherl again sent Kokes clear of the Thornaby defence and this time he made no mistake with a beautiful lob over the keeper.

The second half saw RCA pressuring the Thornaby defence for long periods. A cross from McBryde was headed goalward by Davison but was cleared off the line by Pearson. Kokes, who was showing his class, was a constant thorn in the side of a well organised Thornaby defence. He was unlucky with a shot that was deflected wide and from the resulting corner Ascherl’s shot went narrowly wide.

Thornaby responded with a quick counter attack and Gibson forced a corner which was headed over.

Pearson and Bishop for Thornaby were performing heroics in keeping the RCA attack at bay and were pleased to see a surging run by Kokes end with a shot which struck the post.

Thornaby had only their second real chance of the second half when substitute Abdullah played in Gibson and from inside the box; he blasted his shot across goal but wide of the post.

For all their domination in the second half RCA could not break down the Thornaby defence and the match ended 1-0.

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Sunderland RCA FC 3 Birtley Town FC 0

Wednesday, 10 February 2010

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

Sunderland RCA kept their title dreams alive with a wonderful second half display which netted a hat trick for leading scorer Mark Davison.

Bottom of the table Birtley Town started the game well kicking down the slope and soon had RCA in trouble with a well worked move between Moat and Peterson resulted in the latter firing wide.

In the fifth minute RCA were awarded a corner and the resulting kick saw Hall power a header over the bar.

Birtley came back and were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box after a strong challenge from Hall. Peterson's shot was deflected for a corner. From this corner RCA countered and a through ball from Ascherl found Kokes inside the box; he looked to have gone round Hunter, the Birtley keeper, but somehow as Kokes fired in his shot Hunter managed to grab the ball - a brilliant save keeping the score level.

RCA mounted a bit of pressure and within the space of two minutes had great opportunities to score. First, Davis skipped past two defenders but his cross was too good for everyone and then Jones burst into the box only to be denied by a late lunge from Scott.

Birtley had a penalty appeal turned down when Roseby was brought down on the edge of the box, but the referee only awarded a freekick which was poorly taken.

RCA finished the half strongly and Ascherl was unlucky with a snap shot from a Davis cross which went over the bar.

The second half saw RCA start with more purpose, Coghlan firing over as early as the third minute. RCA took the lead after 50 minutes when a cross from Davies found Davison free inside the box and he was able to lob Hunter from 12 yards out.

Within five minutes it was 2 - 0 when Davis went on a mazy run before passing to Kokes who crossed the ball into the path of Davison who guided it past Hunter for his second.

Both teams continued to attack and had chances to score but failed to make either keeper make a save until the 75th minute when a screamer from Nugent looked to be heading into the top corner, however Hoggeth somehow managed to get a hand on the ball and turn it over the bar for a corner. Birtley, sensing a goal piled forward, but RCA managed to scramble the ball clear.

McBryde was unlucky when a header from a Davis corner went narrowly over the bar.

In the 82nd minute a surging run by Ascherl was abruptly ended when he was fouled 25 yards from goal. Up stepped Davison to rifle the ball home for his hat trick to make it 3-0.

Within a minute it really should have been 4-0 when McBryde squared the ball to Taylor inside the six yard box and he somehow blasted the ball over the bar.

Don't be surprised to see Steve Bruce at our next match with six clean sheet in a row in the league and unbeaten since November, he might need some tips from Mr Hixon.

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Whickham FC 1 Sunderland RCA FC 0

Saturday, 13 February 2010

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

Sunderland RCA suffered only their third defeat of the season at the hands of a very hard working and organised Whickham team, but it could have been so different if they had been able to convert any of about five chances in the first 20 minutes.

Sunderland RCA started this game on fire putting Whickham under pressure from the off. A Stewart cross after four minutes found Kokes, but he steered his shot wide of the upright. A Davison shot which looked destined for the net was saved by Robinson at the expense of a corner and Stewart's corner kick was headed over by Hall.

Whickham counterattacked through Swanson, but Jones was equal to the task and set up another RCA attack, a superb pass found Ascherl just inside the box who in turn found Stewart who tried to cut the ball back into the path of Davison, but the ball was cleared. In making this pass Stewart was injured and had to be replaced.

This gave Whickham the chance to start again and as RCA's game became narrow they were able to cope easily with most of RCA's game play and towards the end of the half put RCA under pressure with a series of dead ball situations where Patterson went close with a low shot.

The second half was a very even affair with both teams attacking whenever possible.

In the 63rd minute RCA looked to have broken the deadlock when Davison rattled in a shot from 10 yards out after some good link up play. The goal was ruled out when the assistant referee ruled that Davis had handled the ball in the box when it was clearly the hand of Wilkinson the Whickham defender.

With 12 minutes remaining Whickham took the lead. Robson evaded two challanges before drilling the ball low into the bottom corner. RCA responded with two great efforts, Davison inside the box turned and fired in but Robinson was equal to the task. In the final minutes Robinson produced another top draw save from Davison turning the shot round the post.

Whickham held out for a well fought win although RCA can feel agrieved not to have at least come away with a point.

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Sunderland RCA FC 3 Guisborough Town FC 0

Saturday, 20 February 2010

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

Sunderland RCA recalled Paul Wardle, Scott Richards and Sean Davies into the first eleven and the effect was immediate with RCA almost back to their early season best. In the first 20 minutes they tore the heart out of Guisborough scoring three fantastic goals and the game was killed off.

An amazing start to this game saw RCA take the initiative as early as the second minute when a pass from McBryde found Ascherl free on the edge of the box and he delicately curled the ball into the top corner with Escritt rooted to the spot. Two minutes later and a shot from Kokes was turned away for a corner and and from McBryde's kick Hall powered in a header which rattled the bar.

Davison made the score 2-0 with a spectacular overhead kick which left Escritt helpless as it hit the net. RCA were rampant at this point and Guisborough were unable to cope with the constant pressure. A good run by Kokes beat two players before he passed to Ascherl who fired narrowly wide from 18 yards.

In the 15th minute RCA effectively sealed the win with a superb lobbed shot from Richards who received the ball 25 yards out before unleashing the dipping effort which gave Escritt no chance.

Guisborough did not give up and a lovely pass fron Portas found Onions in space, but Hoggeth closed him down and his shot drifted wide of the upright. RCA, though, were in command and were looking to increase their lead and only some excellent defending from Butterworth prevented McBryde from scoring. Towards the end of the first half Guisborough started to get to grips with the midfield, but they were not creating any chances as RCA restricted them to long range efforts.

In the last minute of the first half Guisborough were awarded a free kick, which was crossed into the box by Roberts but was easily dealt with by Hall.

The second half saw a much improved performance from Guisborough, with Portas and Onions posing a threat, but they were still unable to fashion a worthwhile effort on goal. At the other end Kokes was unlucky with and effort that was deflected wide for a corner and Hall once again headed the corner high over the bar.

Portas and Roberts combined for Guisborough and Roberts' shot had Hoggeth scrambling to make the save.

In the 70th minute it looked certain that RCA would increase their lead when a quick one-two between Jones and McBryde found Jones inside the six yard box, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Escritt.

Inside the last five minutes and Escritt was well beaten by a McBryde thunderbolt, but the ball rebounded off the post to safety.

In the final minute Harrison Davies, who had been extremely quiet all game, put in a telling cross but both onions and Roberts missed the ball.

RCA back to their best in the first 20 minutes and able to keep yet another clean sheet.

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March

Marske United FC 0 Sunderland RCA FC 0

Wednesday, 3 March 2010

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

Two of the top three met in a terrific end-to-end encounter which first swung in favour of the Marske United but then as the game progressed it was Sunderland RCA who came into the game and finished by far the stronger. The only disappointment for the fans was the fact that it ended goalless.

Steve Stewart came back into the side. The pitch was very sticky and the first half was very evenly contested, with few chances for either side.

Ash Davies went close for RCA and Ben Thompson was a constant threat for Marske, but it was 0-0 at the break.

The second half saw Marske start the stronger, but as the game went on RCA got on top and Darren Kokes went close from close range on a couple of occasions.

Ash Davies caused real trouble with his running on the left and Marske were the more relieved side to hear the final whistle as an entertaining game finished goalless.

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Sunderland RCA FC 1 Brandon United FC 0

Saturday, 6 March 2010

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

Sunderland RCA took all three points in a hard fought match against a very competitive, young Brandon United team who never stopped trying. In the end RCA proved too strong for Brandon who tired as the game entered the final 10 minutes and RCA took advantage to move five points clear at the top of the division.

Brandon were quickly into their passing game and a good spell of early possession ended with a shot from Bowman being well saved by Hoggeth.

The game then became scrappy with the ball being given away cheaply by both teams and the game got bogged down in a midfield battle. Brandon had a free kick 25 yards out, but Fothergill fired his shot straight at the RCA wall and the danger was cleared.

As the half progressed RCA started to penetrate the Brandon defence and after some good work by Richards, Ascherl was sent clear, but his attempt at lobbing the keeper went narrowly wide.

Within a minute Ascherl, who was playing in a more advanced role today, fired in a shot which was well saved by Myers.

Quick interplay between Jones and Ascherl should have been rewarded with a goal but the final shot from Jones flew over the bar.

RCA were almost caught in the final minute of the half when a crossfield ball found Bowman who tried a cheeky first time shot from fully 40 yards out which cleared the bar and landed on the roof of the net.

O'Riordan replaced Davis at half time and made an immediate impact, beating two players before crossing into the box for Stewart, but he fired over from five yards out.

Brandon broke out and a searching ball from Bramley found Verity free on the edge of the box and he fired in a low shot which scraped the foot of the upright.

The game was starting to open up now with RCA forcing their opponents to defend deep. A right wing corner was not cleared and Hall sent in a fierce shot which Myers was equal to.

The game changed dramatically with the introduction of Coghlan, with almost his first touch of the ball he hit the bar with the keeper well beaten. Five minutes later a pass from Ascherl found Coghlan on the right and his crossshot was magnificently saved by Myers at the expense of a corner. Coghlan took the corner and found Hall, unmarked, 12 yards out, and he thundered home his header.

As Brandon weakened RCA started to press for a second, but were denied by some good defensive work by Guy and Newby.

RCA were maybe feeling the effects of a hard match at Marske, but Brandon aquitted themselves well today.

Special mention must be made to RCA's defensive record this season: 14 clean sheets (8 in the last 9 games) must be a club record, if not a second division one.

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Sunderland RCA FC 0 North Shields 4

Wednesday, 10 March 2010

Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup

North Shields progressed to the semi final of the Ernest Armstrong Cup with this comprehensive win against a below par RCA team. The result was rarely in doubt after "Shields" opened the scoring within the opening two minutes.

A crossfield ball found Wright free and his cross to the far post evaded everybody except Akinbolu who bundled the ball home.

RCA responded with a shot from O'Riordan which was tipped over the bar by Robinson and a minute later the same player thought he had scored only for Farman to clear off the line keeper Robinson beaten.

More good chances then came for "The Robins" with Hay heading over and then he had a goal disallowed after a great move.

Ascherl was unlucky not to level the scores when he steered a Coghlan freekick inches wide and in the final minute of the half Davison fired staright at the keeper.

The second half didn't liven up until the 60th minute when Jones fired just wide. Then with 20 minutes remaining North shileds were awarded a freekick which Rassmussen blasted into the net aided by a goalkeeping error.

Robbie Livermore made it 3-0 when he dribbled into the box and knocked the ball past Hoggeth. Robinson finished the scoring with a deft header from an excellent Nellis cross.

RCA continued to put pressure on the North Shields defence but didn't really trouble the keeper.
Mention must be made concerning the great vocal turn out by the "Red Ultras"; North Shields' travelling fans were a credit to their team.

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Sunderland RCA FC 3 Stokesley SC FC 2

Saturday, 13 March 2010

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

RCA entertained Stokesley in a vital top of the table clash, and the big news before kick off was former RCA centre forward Andy Jennings pulling up in the warm up and having to drop to the bench.

Courtesy of the Sunday Sun reporter Steve Brown: Match report:

An “absolute cracker” one would be “daft to miss”, promised the programme. It was right, as Sunderland stoked their promotion flames while Stokesley demonstrated sufficient to suggest that despite defeat in Ryhope, hope floats. Some game too. Five goals, two sendings-off, a penalty. Heated disagreement between dug-out and crowd, two balls in the neighbouring cemetery and another in a small girl’s face. It had everything and, for victorious boss Neil Hixon, satisfaction at the death. “That’s a massive win for us, we needed it if we have any aspirations to win the league,” he said, his side leading Northern League Division Two by five points from Jarrow Roofing, but nine now ahead of yesterday’s visitors, fourth with games in hand.

“It was a good game between two good sides but I think we deserved to win and they’re three big points for us.” They never looked like claiming any at the outset, as in-form Stokesley – 14 league wins on the bounce before last week’s draw with Newton Aycliffe – ought to have romped into a three-goal lead courtesy of Turkish Under-21 international Lev Yalcin. “That’s three glorious chances he’s p****d away,” bemoaned Frustrated, of Stokesley.

Home keeper Gary Hoggeth kept Yalcin, and Paul Crager’s header, at bay before Richard Hope fired across the face of goal, and by then Sunderland had at least served some notice of their attendance at least, Mark Davison and Liam McBryde heading at Rob Dean. Then though RCA, imploded.

A difference of opinion between a spectator and RCA boss Hixon saw the former vacate Meadow Park and the latter exit the dug-out. Something and nothing, you sensed.

Yet moments later Hoggeth’s 32nd-minute throw struck the back of unwitting team-mate McBryde and fell kindly to Bryan Stewart, who sprang clear to score. Credit though to the hosts, for they re-gathered composure, and took control. Six minutes later Davison headed in McBryde’s arrowed cross, the goalscorer then volleyed wide and ex-Gateshead star Christoph Ascherl fired at Dean before Darren Kokes ought to have scored in added time. Though before then Stewart and McBryde might also have handed Stokesley the lead again, the second half belonged – largely – to Sunderland.

Three minutes after the restart McBryde hit the foot of the post, then after Stokesley’s Stuart Wise was dismissed for a second bookable offence, Davison saw headers tipped and fly over, Stephen Halliday shot wide, Martin O’Riordan volleyed over and, finally, on 73 minutes, all that pressure paid. O’Riordan sent Kokes down the left, his nifty turn left Crager for dead and set up Scott Richards for a simple finish.
Game over, surely. But from near nowhere Stokesley seized a lifeline.

Hope’s threaded through ball put Stewart clear, only for the winger to be impeded by Steven Jones, who was red-carded as Yalcin equalised from the penalty spot.

So a draw then. Seems fair, keeps things interesting.

Sunderland had other ideas though, and on 85 minutes Halliday’s careering run took him past two opponents before a slid pass allowed Davison – who had just curled a free-kick wide – to ram the winner past Dean.

“I’m very disappointed, we should have had it won after 25 minutes but missed a lot of chances,” said Stokesley manager Ted Watts.

“We did enough for a point but that’s our first loss in 19 games.

“You don’t want to lose against a promotion rival but we’ll bounce back, I’m confident of that.”

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Whitehaven FC 2 Sunderland RCA FC 2

Saturday, 20 March 2010

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

Sunderland RCA FC should have bagged all three points at Whitehaven and only two monumental errors by a better than average referee denied us. His first was in denying Davison his hat trick when he headed home. Reason given was a pull on the goalkeeper's jersey by an unknown player. The second was in the last minute of the game when Shields was fouled just outside the box, he gave a non existent advantage as Whitehaven had the ball and they scored from the long ball out of defence.

Sunderland RCA started this match fantastically well putting Whitehaven under pressure from the off. In the third minute a slick one-two between McBryde and Kokes set up Davison, but he fired wide.

RCA took the lead on 11 minutes when Hall took the ball past a Whitehaven defender before crossing for Davison to volley home from 10 yards out.

Whitehaven's first effort on goal came in the 15th minute, when a smart passing move resulted in a long range effort from Shaw which was easily saved by Hoggeth. Immediately RCA went up the other end and Kokes rounded the keeper before shooting only to see his effort blocked by Lewis. RCA were dominating the play and Whitehaven were guilty of giving the ball away in key areas. McBryde and O'Riordan were a constant threat on the wings and their balls into the box were causing major problems for a shaky Whitehaven defence.

Davison scored his second when he was the quickest to respond to a shot from O'Riordan which struck the underside of the bar and bounced for him to head home from close range,

In the 43 minute Hoggeth was called into action for the second time of the half when he saved from Shaw again.

The second half started much the same as the first with RCA attacking and Whitehaven reduced to counter attacking.

In the 50th minute O'Riordan was unlucky to see a shot from the edge of the box clear the bar by inches and a minute later a Davison freekick was well saved by Miller. Connolly then tested Hoggeth as he skipped past two defenders before firing straight at the keeper. Kokes had a glorious chance to make it 3 - 0 when he was sent clear by McBryde, but his shot was well saved by Miller.

The game turned in the 78th minute when the referee disallowed what looked like a perfectly good goal which would have given Davison his hat trick. Whitehaven took advantage of the situation and Connolly was allowed to much room to get in a shot which beat Hoggeth low dow and nestled in the bottom corner.

In the 83rd minute Davison once again headed goalwards only to see Miller, at full stretch, tip the ball onto the bar and away for a corner.

With the 90 minutes up the referee decided to give a non-existent advantage when Shields was up-ended and Miller fired the ball forward to Connolly who finished with some aplomb from 25 yards out.

RCA should have had this game wrapped up well before the 80th minute, but it just goes to show that missed chances will cost points at this stage of the season.

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Sunderland RCA FC 0 Whitehaven FC 0

Saturday, 27 March 2010

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

An early morning pitch inspection was required after the torrential rain of the last few days. Once it was decided to play then it was game on against two teams who only seven days earlier had fought out a 2 - 2 draw. The srong wind was always going to be a factor in this match, but neither team took full advantage of it.

RCA took advantage of the wind and the slope in the first half and were quickly on the attack, Hall sent a searching pass into the path of Kokes who shot over. The wind was causing problems to both teams with the ball running away from players and the difficult conditions underfoot were making it impossible to play attractive football.

A bit of good fortune stopped Whitehaven taking a bizarre lead when a cross from Robson went over Hoggeth's head, but hit the top of the crossbar.

In the 18th minute Jones latched onto a McBryde pass and fired in a 30 yarder that screamed past Fryer in the Whitehaven goal, but hit the crossbar and went out for a goalkick.

Danger man Robson went close again after 30 minutes, forcing a good save from Hoggeth and in the closing minutes of the first half O'Riordan crossed into the box and Davison headed narrowly wide when he looked odds on to score.

Whitehaven started the second half positively probably bouyed by the fact that they had not conceded in the first half.

In the 50th minute Donnald burst past the RCA defence, but with only the keeper to beat he sent his shot wide. The effect of this miss was to lift the game of RCA who poured forward and Davison was unlucky with a powerful header which flew over the bar. Then a shot from McBryde almost deceived Fryer when it hit a divot, but the keeper did well to readjust his position and make the save.

RCA piled on the pressure and a corner from McBryde was flicked on at the near post by Davison, but it was cleared off the line by Johnson.

Whitehaven almost scored against the run of play when Shaw received a good through ball from Holliday but fired well over the bar.

Then within the space of 30 seconds Davison had two great headers. The first went wide off a defender and from the resulting corner he headed downward and looked to have beaten the keeper but somehow he got a hand to if and it went over the bar for a corner.

In the last five minutes RCA almost self-destructed when a Hall backpass to Hoggeth was intercepted by Holliday, but Hoggeth was able to stay on his feet long enough to stop the Whitehaven captain getting in a cross and the danger was averted.

Marske moved to the top of the table and RCA drop to second for the first time since October.

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April

Darlington RA FC 1 Sunderland RCA FC 4

Saturday, 3 Aprill 2010

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

Sunderland RCA went back to the top of Division 2 with this win against lowly Darlington RA. However they did not have it all their own way. Darlington gave as good as they got in the first half and took a surprise lead and could have doubled it before RCA turned on the style.

A torrential hailstorm greeted the players at the start of the match and it soon became clear that the pitch would cut up badly. RCA were finding it difficult to adapt their passing style on a sticky pitch and it was RA who seemed to revel in the conditions early on with Donalson causing problems down the left and Abel holding the ball up front. Eventually RCA got it together and should have taken the lead when a Stewart cross was met at the far post by O' Riordan, but he somehow managed to steer the ball wide of the opposite post.

RA took the lead when O'Riordan was dispossed on the halfway line and the ball was quickly fed to Abel who made no mistake from 12 yards out. This was a wake up call for RCA and they pushed forward, but could not seem to do the simple things well and were getting caught with smart counter attacks from RA.

In the 25th minute Kokes went past two defenders and fired in a shot which Moody was equal to, the resulting corner was headed over by Hall.

RA almost doubled their lead when another defensive mistake saw Freary release Donaldson on the left and his cross was met by Abel who looked to fire home, but Hoggeth got down to turn it round the post for a corner.

RCA were level after 38 minutes when a through ball from Richards found O'Riordan and he cooly curled the ball into the top corner.

This was the start of some sustained pressure from RCA and both McBryde and Kokes were unlucky with efforts that went narrowly wide. When they did get shots on target, Moody was saving them with ease.

The sun tried to make an apppearance for the second half and RCA certainly did with a blistering assault on the RA goal. A through ball from Halliday found McBryde in space and his shot was inches over the bar. O'Riordan was having a field day on the left and on three occasions he went past the full back but could not get an effective cross in.

In the 52nd minute a clipped through ball by Halliday was handled inside the box and a penalty was awarded; O'Riordan stepped up and blasted the ball home.

Two minutes later and the same player was clear of the defence the simple pass to Kokes or McBryde was on but he went for glory and hit the side netting.

RCA were rampant now and RA could not get the ball out of their own half. The whole RA Back four were being pulled apart, but RCA were squandering chances and while it was still 2 - 1 RA were in with a shout. The longer the game went on the more RA turned the tide and came back into the game and Hoggeth had to be at his best to hold a fierce shot from Freary.

In the 80th minute Coghlan replaced Kokes and with his first touch made the score 3 -1 when he found space in the box to steer the ball past the helpless Moody. Two minutes later and he latched onto a through ball from Davies and fired home at the back post. Two goals in two minutes with two touches of the ball: an inspirational substitution, playing a central midfield schemer as a make-shift centre forward.

With the game over RCA played out the remainder of the match in comparative ease.

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Crook Town FC 0 Sunderland RCA FC 5

Wednesday, 7 April 2010

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

A first half hat-trick from Liam McBryde set RCA on the way to a comfortable away win against a struggling Crook Town team. The score could easily have been more but RCA were guilty of squandering a hat full of chances.

The Crook Town team that turned out tonight bore no resemblance to the one that played so well in the early part of the season, but to their credit they played some decent football without really troubling a solid RCA defence.

RCA took the lead when the Crook defence failed to clear a Stewart corner and McBryde was on hand to volley home from eight yards out. Stewart should have made it 2-0 within minutes but his weak shot was easily saved by Carr. Richards set up Kokes with a lovely though ball but the ex-Crook striker fired wide.

On 20 minutes Halliday was unlucky when he fired in a shot after a good header from Hall found him free, but his shot was cleared by Kime.
Kime and Wilson were performing heriocs at the heart of the Crook defence, but could only stand and watch as McBryde headed home a Noble freekick after 33 minutes. Five minutes later McBryde completed his hat trick when Kokes beat a defender before laying the ball off for the simplest of tap ins.

In the dying minutes of the half Taylor hammered in a shot from 35 yards which hit the post with the RCA defence looking on in disbelief. Within five minutes of the restart Stewart had fired a shot high over the bar and both Kokes and Richards had half chances.

In the 56th minute it was the Kokes, McBryde combination that struck again with McBryde bundling over a pass from Kokes. Crook responded and forced a corner which was taken by Laverick and only a goalline clearance from Davies prevented Wilson from scoring.

McBryde was replaced by Davison and with his first touch he found Stewart with a perfectly weighted pass and the winger bore down on goal before firing past Carr from 10 yards out.

Crooks only remaining contribution to the game was a 20 yard shot from Hanson which went narrowly wide and some good passing and movement without any real penetration.

The only downside to the night was the injury sustained by Henderson which looks like a hamstring problem which could mean the end of his season if confirmed.

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Sunderland RCA FC 2 Northallerton Town FC 0

Saturday, 10 April 2010

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

Sunderland RCA maintained their push for promotion with this hard fought win against a strong Northallerton Town team. The cause was not helped by the dismissal of Scott Richards after four minutes for violent conduct. However the remaining ten men dug deep and when Hoggeth saved a Northallerton penalty after ten minutes they rose to the occasion.

Sunderland RCA are becoming skilled at doing things the hard way, five minutes into the game they were down to ten men, when Richards was dismissed for violent conduct when he retaliated after a late tackle from Richard Thompson in front of the referee who had no option but to send him off.

Click here for a slideshow of photos from the match

Northallerton Town were passing the ball well and were making the extra man tell and on 13 minutes were awarded a penalty when Halliday was alledged to have fouled Allison inside the penalty area. Hoggeth made a superb save to deny Smurthwaite's well struck spot kick.

This seemed to lift RCA and they went on the offensive, a cross from Stewart was headed inches wide by Kokes and when a shot from McBryde came back off the keeper Kokes was there to stab home from close range.

The home side then took control and it was difficult to see who was playing with a man short. they were were passing the ball really well and when McBryde turned and shot it took a great save from Thompson to put it round the post. His relief was short lived as Stewart swung in the corner and Hall rose at the back post to power a header home.

RCA continued to put some good moves together and it took a smart save from Thompson just before half time to deny McBryde once again.
The early exchanges in the second half were won by Northallerton Town and only a great save from Hoggeth from Allison kept the scoreline at 2-0. Minutes later and Chillingworth fired high over the bar when he should have done better. At the other end Stewart fired well over the bar when in a decent position.

In the 55th minute Northallerton must have realised it wasn't going to be their day when a Bowman shot from 35 yards out struck the bar and then Butterworth fired a shot inches wide of the goal.

As RCA weakened Joe Fairish started to pull some strings in the centre of midfield and he was unlucky with a shot that went wide. With Winter and Smurthwaite playing well for Northallerton at the back RCA created little going forward but to their credit the 10 men worked hard to ensure that they kept a clean sheet.

Given the circumstances surrounding the first 15 minutes of this game RCA proved that they are force to be reckoned with and ran out deserved 2-0 winners in the end. However it must be said that our discipline could be the key factor in the final push for promotion. We need to keep 10 men on the park and stop the silly booking.

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Newton Aycliffe FC 1 Sunderland RCA FC 0

Wednesday, 14 April 2010

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

RCA failed to take their chances in an entertaining match against Newton Aycliffe and left empty handed despite having the lion's share of the match.

Newton Aycliffe scored just before half time and despite being reduced to 10 men, when Riatt was dismissed for a second bookable offence, held on for the win.

RCA started slowly and allowed Newton Aycliffe to get on top in the opening 10 minutes and only some desperate defending stopped Gardner from opening the scoring when he was sent clear by Raitt.

Hoggeth was called into action to stop a shot from Woodhouse just before a splendid ball from Jones found O'Riordan in the box, but instead of taking his time he lashed the ball well wide of the target. RCA started to get into the game more after this and Aycliffe were forced to defend deep and break quickly. A cross from Stewart found Davison unmarked but his header went straight to Richardson in the Aycliffe goal.

Within a minute RCA should have been 1 - 0 up when an exquisite ball into the box from Stewart found Taylor inside the six yard box with an open goal but he mis-hit the ball wide of the target. A succession of poor corners followed and set the tone for the rest of the night.

Taylor was guilty of another glaring miss as the game neared half time and the pendulum swung in Aycliffes direction on the stroke of half time when they were awarded a freekick on the edge of the area. After a delay while the referee spoke to Richards, Riatt fired the ball into the top corner giving Hoggeth no chance.

RCA started the second half by upping the pace of the game and almost equalised when Aycliffe failed to clear their lines and a shot from O'Riordan went narrowly over the bar.

A mistimed tackle saw the dismissal of Riatt for a second bookable offence and hearalded the start of an avalanche of chances for RCA. However the luck was obviously with Aycliffe as time after time their defenders cleared dangerous crosses into the box. Both Close and Stout were outstanding.

With time ticking away a cross from Stewart found Davis at the far post but he fired against the post.
Davison had the ball in the net with 5 minutes to go but was adjudged to have used his hand to control the ball.

Richardson was called upon to pull off the save of the game in the last minute hurling himself at a shot from McLeod and tipping it away for a corner.

RCA probably deserved something out of this game, but at the end of the day their finishing let them down.

Four points from three games: looks like it is going down to the wire unless Marske get beaten.

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Sunderland RCA FC 3 North Shields FC 1

Saturday, 17 April 2010

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

Sunderland RCA FC are promoted after winning today as Marske United FC were beaten by Seaham Red Star FC.

A great day in the history of Sunderland RCA and the second half performance by the players today was at times breathtaking. North Shields, to their credit, did not come to Meadow Park to defend and for periods in the game did well but in the end the result could have been 4 or 5 - 1.

The manager brought in experienced defender Matthew Hysen for his first start at Meadow Park to replace Daryll Hall.

The game started in dramatic fashion when, after 30 seconds, a bad bounce evaded Shields captain Smith and let in McBryde but his first time effort was easily saved by Robinson.

RCA were intent on attacking and a cross from O'Riordan found Kokes, but his effort was blocked by Elliott. A corner from Stewart was not cleared by the Shields defence and the ball fell to McBryde who stabbed the ball through a crowd of players, but straight at Robinson.

Within a minute Akinbolu thought he had opened the scoring when he brushed aside Jones to fire past Hoggeth, but the officials deemed that he had fouled Jones in the process.

The game was held up for five minutes when Livermore landed awkwardly and was unable to continue, he was taken to hospital to have his arm checked over. Substitute Harris almost made an instant impact when he fired narrowly wide with his first tough of the ball.

A long ball was headed out of defence by Smith, but was picked up on the half way line by Wardle who strode forward with the ball before unleashing a tremendous shot which dipped under the crossbar, giving Robinson no chance. 1-0 at half time and although RCA had not played that well they probably just deserved to be in front.

The start of the second half saw RCA make defensive changes a reshuffle in the back four meant that Jones went to his more customary right back slot and Ash Davis was introduced at left back.

RCA got into gear straight away with Stewart forcing a save from Robinson and soon after McBryde fired narrowly over after some good build up play between Stewart and Halliday. Shields came back into the game with Hay shooting narrowly wide from 20 yards out and then catastrophe as Wardle, the hero of the first half, handled inside the penalty area when the ball looked to be going for a goal kick. Hay stepped up and scored from the spot.

It was that man Hay again who almost doubled his tally when he beat the offside trap but fire well over the bar.

RCA were finding it difficult to live with Shields and in particular Hay in this 10 minute spell. Weather the storm they did and when Kokes fired home it looked all over, unfortunately the assistant disallowed the goal. The reprieve was short lived as within five minutes Kokes pounced on a misunderstanding between Robinson and Smith to steer the ball into an empty net. It was all RCA now as they went to kill the game off a shot from Halliday went narrowly wide and Davison's brilliant strike rebounded off the post.

In the 87th minute RCA went 3-1 up when McLeod stabbed the ball home after a goal mouth scramble. By then news had drifted through that near neighbours Seaham Red Star FC had beaten Marske United and the promotion celebrations were underway.

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Sunderland RCA FC 0 Team Northumbria FC 4

Saturday, 24 April 2010

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

Sunderland RCA were blitzed by a 20 minute hat trick at the start of the second half from substitute Mark McCutcheon who was then himself subsutituted (Job Done). RCA never looked likely to score after Davison's early header was saved by Jennison.

Second place in the table is still possible as Jarrow Roofing lost. However, congratulations go to Stokesley who secured the League Championship with a win against North Shields.

The game started slowly with neither team looking to move the ball forward although they did play some good football it was mainly in defence and midfield. The first chance came after 10 minutes when a cross from Davis found Davison unmarked inside the six yard box but his header struck the leg of Jennison and rebounded to safety. Marwood then set Fenwick up, but with only Hoggwth to beat he fired straight at the RCA Keeper.

The rest of the half saw a half chance fall to Davison who fired wide and McLeod shot high over the bar from 18 yards out.

Marwood had a speculative effort that needed to be palmed over the bar by Hoggeth.

Team Northumbria played the Ace when they brought on McCutcheon at half time.

After 50 minutes Carrick rattled the inside of the post with an excellent freekick and Jones was forced to clear the rebound off the line. Two minutes later and Carrick again was unlucky with a shot that went narrowly wide.

Within two minutes of Davis going off with an injury Team Northumbria took the lead, a cross from Marwood was met at the back psot by McCutcheon and he steered his header well wide of Hoggeth.

Five minutes later and it was 2 - 0 this time Donoghue skipped past Jones, before crossing for McCutcheon to slot home from five yards out.

RCA were all over the place, but were able to muster a semblance of an attack when Davison shot but Jennison was equal to it. Worse was to come for RCA when once again they could not stop a cross from the right, this time it was Petts who found McCutcheon and he headed home.

With the job done McCutcheon was substituted. RCA then conceded in the 88th minute when Cairns fired across a crowded area and his shot found the far corner. This was one that RCA will want to forget. They did not win one battle throughout the team.

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May

Gillford Park FC 1 Sunderland RCA FC 0

Saturday, 1 May 2010

skilltrainingltd Northern League Division 2

Sunderland RCA finished off their promotion winning campaign with a below par performance against the team who we played in the first game of the season.

The first 20 minutes of this encounter were very even with neither keeper being tested and the game bogged down in midfield. RCA then got on top and Stewart was unlucky when he cut inside his defender and unleashed a shot which went narrowly over the bar. Minutes later and McBryde set up Kokes, but his shot was saved by Little. On 30 minutes the Gillford keeper was called into action again when he tipped a Stewart free kick over the bar.

Having weathered the storm Gillford got back into the game and Johnstone fired over before Hoggeth was tested for the first time when a low shot from Riding was well saved.

RCA upped the tempo at the start of the second half and looked to be well on top in the opening ten minutes, but the combination of poor finishing and some good defending left them without a goal and in the 68th minute they were punished when a back pass from Hyson bounced awkwardly and Hoggeth was forced to head clear, however the ball went directly to Grainger who fired into an empty net from 25 yards out.

RCA were forced onto the back foot as Gillford took heart from the goal and Hoggeth brought off a world class save to deny Addison who was sent clear by johnstone. The game then fizzled out with little else of note and the celebrations began.

A special mention to the committee, players and supporters of Gillford Park FC for making our first visit to The Gillford Park Stadium a very enjoyable one obviously the result was not what we wanted, but everything else was excellent.

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Season statistics

Statistics up 1 May, away to Gillford Park in the Northern League. This was the last match of the season for the first team, so the statistics are now complete for 2009-10.

Individual team sheets are attached to the corresponding match reports.

Please refresh your browser (F5 or Ctrl-F5) after opening a report to make sure that you have the latest version.

Squad pen pictures

Pen pictures from the 2009-10 season. For the current first team pen pictures, please click here.

Gary Hoggeth

Previously with Jarrow Roofing, Gary is highly rated in Northern League circles, a top class keeper who plays with a smile on his face. A good shot stopper and excellent distribution, he has the ability to turn defence into attack.

Rob McLean

Goalkeeper signed from FA Vase winners Whitley Bay in the close season, Rob is a top class keeper who has proved in the pre season friendlies that he is a good shot stopper and will be competing with Gary for the No1 jersey.

Jon Minniss

Jon's back. A great presence in the RCA squad, big John gives confidence in between the sticks. He has great hands and commands his area.

Mark Davison

Mark is an excellent prospect at centre forward. He signed last year from Ryhope CW. He had pro experience as a youngster and is excellent in the air. Mark ended last year as leading goal scorer and is already attracting attention from higher clubs.

Steve Halliday

A midfield player signed from Seaham Red Star, Steve is another with Pro experience, has a good range of passing and a massive engine that means he covers every blade of grass.

Wayne Henderson

Wayne is in his 10th season with the club and but for a serious injury would have played a lot more games. A great lad, he can play anywhere across the back, in midfield or up top where. Wayne is a quality player who reads the game well and can be seen after every game lighting up almost before he is off the pitch.

Steve Jones

Steve signed from Ryton at the beginning of last season and is a firm favourite with the locals. He is a vastly experienced ex Pro who is reliable and confident is a number of positions.

Daryll Hall

Signed from Crook Town, Daryll is a commanding centre back, esecially in the air, and brings determination, strength and leadership in abundance to the RCA defence.

Matty Hyson

A well travelled centre half, who can also play up front, Matty has returned to RCA for the run in to the 2009/10 campaign. An asset for any team, Matty's strengths are obvious to all - especially the opposition.

Ash Davis

Re-signed after leaving for South Shields last season. Ash is back to add power and pace to the SRCA arsenal. Spent Pre-season with Whitby Town but was not seen as part of their plans for this season. Once fit will pose problems to opponents.

Sean Davies

Sean returns for his third spell at RCA, after plying his trade as a classy left back at West Auckland and Crook Town.

Mark McLeod

Mark is a quality young midfielder who was with Darlington. He is a great passer of the ball and is establishing himself in the first team squad.

Scott Richards

Scott is a very experienced Northern League midfielder, who combines skill, drive and determination. He had previously captained Bishop Auckland for several seasons and is in his second spell with Sunderland RCA.

Gary Shields

Gary is a Sunderland East End lad who has a wealth of Northern League experience, having spent over 10 years with Chester-le-Street FC. He scores his fair share of goals and is a great, committed team player. A bit of a joker off the field has been known to upset a few opponents with his banter.

Steven Stewart

Signed from Chester-le-Street last year, Steve can play on either wing and brings good, solid Northern League experience to the team. He has what all defenders hate, pace and creativity.

Martin O'Riordan

Left-sided midfielder joins RCA from Horden. Plenty of drive, skill and football intelligence were displayed on his debut at Team Northumbria.

Paul - Delta - Wardle

Returned to RCA from Chester-le-Street, Delta has been a key figure in the last two campaigns. He will be trying to make sure that it is third time lucky. Paul is strong at the back, reads the game well and is able to bring other players into the game.

David Anderson

Signed from Morpeth Town, Dave is a great addition to the defensive formation. He is a strong central defender who can also play a bit.

Micky Coghlan

Micky is a quality creative midfielder who has shown signs during the pre season that he has the potential to be RCA's match winner. If he can add consistency to his game he will be a world-beater. Great things are expected for this season and Micky won't disappoint.

Liam McBryde

Liam has joins us from Ryton where he scored his fair share of goals. Unfortunately Liam turned up for his first training session on crutches and has missed the pre season. He has however been involved in all matches and once fit will be another potential match winner in the RCA arsenal.

Matthew Noble

Matty is a right-sided player signed from Spennymoor Town in the close season. Is comfortable at either right back or right midfield and is a strong squad player who will be pushing for a first eleven place. Will no doubt give Hicker a headache on the selection front.

Paul Taylor

Paul has been here before. He is a prolific goal scorer at this level and has proved it time and time again. If he can regain his best form then there is no stopping him.

Darren Kokes

Centre forward, signed from Crook Town, Darren is quick and technically gifted with an eye for goal.

Management Team:

Neil Hixon (Manager)

Neil has been around the Northern League for more years than he cares to remember and has brought all of that experience to Sunderland RCA. The last two seasons have seen a distinct improvement in the fortunes of the club and Neil has been instrumental in that transformation. He sets high standards and is ably assisted by his backroom staff. He does not mention the "P" word but hopes that the team can start the season well and have learnt from the disappointment of the previous years.

Glen McCartney (Assistant Manager)

Glen was appointed Assistant Manager for the 2008/09 season. He is known for his dependability, passing and quick thinking. He won't admit this but his playing days are getting fewer, but his motivational skills and dedication are unquestionable, we are lucky to have him on the backroom staff.

George Herd (Head Coach)

Nothing can be written about George that has not already been said. As a coach he is second to none at this level, possibly at any level. He has the respect of everyone at the club and his enthusiasm is infectious. He is at an age when most people would be looking to put their feet up but not George he continues to coach at a high tempo and will not accept second best from anyone. A legend in his playing days at Sunderland he is now a Super Legend as a coach at Sunderland RCA FC.

Andrew Lumsden (Player / Coach)

Andrew comes to RCA after previously managing Washington on a temporary basis towards the end of last season. Like Hicker, he is vastly experienced in the Northern League and is looking to establish a role alongside George and Glen that will help to push RCA up the second division. Another motivational character who, like Glen, can also play a bit.

Northern League Division 2 Table

Pos Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Stokesley (C) 38 29 4 5 121 45 76 91
2 Sunderland RCA (P) 38 24 8 6 85 29 56 80
3 Jarrow Roofing (P) 38 25 5 8 107 60 47 80
4 Marske United 38 22 9 7 77 34 43 75
5 Guisborough Town 38 21 9 8 76 43 33 72
6 North Shields 38 17 12 9 66 52 14 63
7 Whitehaven 38 17 9 12 80 60 20 60
8 Northallerton Town 38 16 9 13 74 63 11 57
9 Newton Aycliffe 38 15 12 11 64 53 11 57
10 Whickham 38 17 7 14 51 51 0 55
11 Gillford Park 38 15 5 18 67 74 -7 50
12 Seaham Red Star 38 15 4 19 70 72 -2 49
13 Crook Town 38 12 9 17 63 90 -27 45
14 Team Northumbria 38 12 6 20 58 64 -6 42
15 Brandon United 38 12 6 20 64 92 -28 42
16 Hebburn Town 38 11 8 19 61 98 -37 41
17 Thornaby 38 8 10 20 52 80 -28 34
18 Washington 38 9 6 23 44 77 -33 33
19 Darlington Railway Athletic 38 4 8 26 46 115 -69 20
20 Birtley Town 38 4 4 30 41 115 -74 16

Sunderland RCA The Barnes

Back row left to right: Ray Hartley (Team Manager), Martin Mowbray, Ross Hughes, Philip Hall, Jonathan Winlow, Michael Curtis, Willie Crew, Robert Hooks, Neal Atkinson, Liam Dunn, Andrew Place, Kevin Carr, Ian Ferguson (Hon Sec), Gary Tyzack, Michael McVay, Glenn Moan (Assistant Team Manager).

Front row left to right: Sakli Hanifi, Paul Hartley, Jonathan Davis, Martin Metcalfe, Callum Charlton, Jake Moan.

Missing from photograph: Chris Errington, Mark McLeod, John Turvey, Neil Moan, David Newby and Michael Turnbull.

Results

Heppies FC resigned from the Sunderland Sunday League during the season. Sunderland RCA The Barnes played Heppies FC away on Sunday, 20 September 2009 winning 2 - 0 and at home on Sunday, 25 October 2009 winning 3 - 1. Both of these fixtures have been removed from our league record.

Competition Date Home     Away
Sunderland Sunday Premier League 23 August 2009 Redhouse CIU FC 2 4 Sunderland RCA The Barnes
Sunday League Cup 30 August 2009 Catholic Club FC 2 2 Sunderland RCA The Barnes
Sunderland Sunday Premier League 6 September 2009 Sunderland RCA The Barnes 2 3 Humbledon Plains Farm FC
Sunderland Sunday Premier League 27 September 2009 Sunderland RCA The Barnes 1 1 Grangetown Florists FC
Sunderland Sunday Premier League 4 October 2009 Sunderland RCA The Barnes 5 1 Catholic Club FC
Total Sport Challenge Trophy 11 October 2009 Jolly Potter FC 1 2 Sunderland RCA The Barnes
FA Sunday Cup 18 October 2009 Sunderland RCA The Barnes 0 4 Liverpool Lobster FC
Durham County Sunday Cup 15 November 2009 Ferryhill White Horse FC 2 6 Sunderland RCA The Barnes
Sunderland Sunday Premier League 22 November 2009 Hylton Castle Arms FC 2 5 Sunderland RCA The Barnes
Durham County Sunday Cup 29 November 2009 Sunderland RCA The Barnes 1 2 Middlestone Moor Masons Arms
Total Sport Challenge Trophy 6 December 2009 Hetton Town 2 7 Sunderland RCA The Barnes
Sunderland Sunday Premier League 13 December 2009 Sunderland RCA The Barnes 6 1 Golden Fleece FC
Sunderland Sunday Premier League 24 January 2010 Myers FC 3 5 Sunderland RCA The Barnes
Sunderland Sunday Premier League 7 February 2010 Sunderland RCA The Barnes 4 0 Silksworth Paragon FC
Joe Holborn Memorial Cup 14 February 2010 Sunderland RCA The Barnes 6 1 Heppies FC
Sunderland Sunday Premier League 7 March 2010 Silksworth Paragon FC 4 2 Sunderland RCA The Barnes
Sunderland Sunday Premier League 14 March 2010 Golden Fleece FC 0 3 Sunderland RCA The Barnes
Sunderland Sunday Premier League 18 March 2010 Sunderland RCA The Barnes 4 0 Hylton Castle Arms FC
Joe Holborn Memorial Cup 21 March 2010 Sunderland RCA The Barnes 5 3 Thorney Close Inn
Sunderland Sunday Premier League 28 March 2010 Humbledon Plains Farm FC 2 2 Sunderland RCA The Barnes
Total Sport Challenge Trophy 4 April 2010 The Landsdowne 0 8 Sunderland RCA The Barnes
Sunderland Sunday Premier League 8 April 2010 Roker FC 2 5 Sunderland RCA The Barnes
Total Sport Challenge Trophy 11 April 2010 Sunderland RCA The Barnes 4 1 Hendon Blue FC
Joe Holborn Memorial Cup 18 April 2010 Sunderland RCA The Barnes 2 1 Grangetown Florists FC
Sunderland Sunday Premier League 20 April 2010 Sunderland RCA The Barnes 2 0 Redhouse CIU FC
Sunderland Sunday Premier League 22 April 2010 Hastings Athletic FC 2 0 Sunderland RCA The Barnes
Sunderland Sunday Premier League 27 April 2010 Sunderland RCA The Barnes 0 1 Roker FC
Sunderland Sunday Premier League 29 April 2010 Catholic Club FC 2 4 Sunderland RCA The Barnes
Sunderland Sunday Premier League 2 May 2010 Sunderland RCA The Barnes 5 0 Myers FC
Sunderland Sunday Premier League 6 May 2010 Sunderland RCA The Barnes 2 1 Hastings Athletic FC
Joe Holborn Memorial Cup 9 May 2010 Humbledon Plains Farm FC 0 3 Sunderland RCA The Barnes
Total Sport Challenge Trophy 13 May 2010 Grangetown Florists FC 0 2 Sunderland RCA The Barnes
Sunderland Sunday Premier League 20 May 2010 Grangetown Florists FC 3 1 Sunderland RCA The Barnes

Reports

Redhouse CIU FC 2 RCA The Barnes FC 4

Sunday 23 August 2009

Solex Manufacturing Sunderland Sunday League - Premier Division

RCA The Barnes opened up the new season with a deserved 4-2 victory over the ever strong Redhouse CIU side.

RCA started the game with a slightly weakened team due to regular keeper Errington being missing because a rather delicate operation to his manhood region on Saturday - nuff said - being replaced by 17 year old Dan Douglas, who filled in admirably at the end of last season. Other enforced changes were mainly due to defensive injuries, holidays & suspensions.

RCA opened strongly, kicking up the slight slope at Downhill Complex and against a gusting wind, and got off to the perfect start when Willie Crew was released through the inside left channel. Goalkeeper Joe Thompson was adjudged to have brought him down, resulting in a penalty and a yellow card for Thompson. 17 year old Callum Charlton confidently stepped up and thumped an unstoppable penalty high into the roof of the net to put RCA 1-0 up after five minutes. RCA continued to play cofidently, building up measured passing moves from defence and keeping possession for long periods.

Slowly though, Redhouse started to get their game going and were awarded a penalty after 20 minutes when a clumsy challenge by Mick McVay saw the referee point to the spot. The kick was despatched by Jon Davies, despite keeper Douglas getting a hand to it. Redhouse then went ahead after 30 minutes when a scuffed shot through a crowd of players caught out Douglas and nestled in the corner of the net, to give a slightly lopsided scoreline of 2-1 to Redhouse at half time.

RCA came out determined to make amends in the second half and dominated proceedings from the off, creating a number of half chances and a clear cut one for Andy Place which brought a good save from keeper Thompson. Eventually though RCA did equalise when Willie Crew tried a one two and found the ball returning to him at a perfect height from a Redhouse defender. He dispatched a fine volleyed finish which flew into the net.

RCA were now pushing hard and with the central midfield trio of Charlton, McLeod and Metcalfe releasing wing backs Tyzack and Gilbert regularly, you felt it was only a matter of time, but it needed an excellent block by keeper Douglas, when Redhouse broke down the right hand side, to keep the scores level.

After 70 minutes Redhouse should have been reduced to 10 men when Gary Tyzack was released through the middle. He lobbed keeper Thompson who then continued a late challenge, similar to the German keeper's against France years ago in the World Cup, which left Tyzack in a heap five yards outside the box as the ball went narrowly wide. Thompson showed no remorse or concern for the injured player. All in the ground were amazed when the referee took no further action, when a straight red was the correct decision, and even a yellow would have been a sending off, as Thompson was already on a yellow.

This incensed RCA who then took even greater control and should have had another penalty when Lewis blatantly handled a goalboud effort from Crew, but RCA were not to be denied and Crew eventually gave them the lead after 80 minutes when he rounded the keeper and converted into the corner.

Victory was sealed on 87 minutes when Andy Place got on the scoresheet by slotting home a rebound from his own shot, that had been blocked by the keeper, to leave the final score at 4-2 to RCA.

Next up a home fixture on Thursday night at Meadow Park against Silksworth Golden Fleece, when RCA will try to make it ttwo out of two. It's a 6.30 K.O.

Heppies FC 0 Sunderland RCA The Barnes 2

Sunday, 20 September 2009

Sunderland Sunday League

RCA The Barnes eventually won 2-0 in their League encounter with Premiership new boys Heppies FC.

Heppies started the stronger against a somewhat disjointed RCA, who had selection problems with key positional players missing, and had two or three half chances in the first 15 minutes. RCA gradually got back into the game, but the first half petered out without too much excitement and finished at 0-0.

The second half was a completely different story with RCA dominating from the off, with two early chances spurned, but nevertheless RCA took the lead on 50 minutes when Andy Place finished from close in after good work down the right flank resulted in a pull back which Andy duly dispatched. The fitness of RCA began to tell and they created numerous chances, which were all wasted, and it began to look as if RCA would have to hang on to 1-0, with Heppies having the odd breakaway and corner which could quite easily have resulted in an equaliser. However, after yet another chance had gone begging, but resulted in a corner, RCA worked a short one, enabling Andy Gilbert to cross to the far post where Rob Hooks headed home from close range to give the final score a more respectable look.

A good win in the end, but the finishing will have to imporove if RCA are to have any chance of success this season.

It's a local 'derby' against Grangetown Florists next Sunday, 27 September at Meadow Park, so get yourselves along for what should be a cracking encounter.

Sunderland RCA The Barnes 1 Grangetown Florists 1

Sunday 27 September 2009

Sunderland Sunday League

RCA Barnes played host to local rivals and current league champions and were slightly unlucky not to come away with a convincing victory after dominating for long periods, but again failing to finish off a side with chances being squandered at regular intervals throughout the match.

Martin Metcalfe put RCA ahead midway through the first half, finishing off a good left flank move by side footing home from six yards. Further pressure continued throughout the remainder of the first half and in the second, but RCA failed to add to their lead and paid the price when, in the final minute, an awkwardly bouncing ball fell to Gareth Hill who put it away to give a slightly fortunate share of the spoils to the Florists.

All in all though a splendid advert for Sunday League football and played in right the spirit by both teams.

Sunderland RCA The Barnes 5 Catholic Club 1

Sunday 4 October 2009

Sunderland Sunday League

RCA Barnes finally overcame stubborn first half resistance from Catholic Club with a strong second half performance which ensured a 5-1 victory.

Catholic Club started brightly and were rewarded when they took the lead after five minutes. when a square RCA back line allowed Mark Green to go clear and round the home keeper to score easily. RCA pressed for the equaliser and Martin Metcalfe came good for them after 30 minutes when he drove home powerfully from 20 yards to restore parity. Both sides had half chances as the half finished, but it remained 1-1 at H-T.

The second half saw RCA playing up the slope against a slight breeeze, but this seemed to suit them better and they slowly began to dominate their opponents and after squandering some good openings they finally went in front on the hour mark when Paul Hartley drove home another unstoppable drive from a similar position to the equaliser. This was quickly followed by further strikes from Hartley, who first of all tapped home from close range, after good work by Willie Crew, and then he despatched a penalty to complete his hat trick.

RCA then brought on recent transfer signings John Turvey and Jonathan Davis for debuts and Davis it was who finished off the scoring slotting home impressively after being put through by Callum Charlton.

Jolly Potter FC 1 Sunderland RCA The Barnes 2

Sunday 11 October 2009

Total Sport Challenge Trophy: First Round

RCA The Barnes came through a tough encounter with First Division outfit Jolly Potter, winning by 2-1.

RCA management mixed up their first 11 giving recent signings John Turvey and Jonathan Davis starting places and after returning from injury Jake Moan was given a run out. This in no way reflected on the players who were left out, but with RCA having a much stronger squad it was an opportunity to give players a game and to see how they coped.

RCA started brightly and could have taken an early lead when Jake Moan found himself one-on-one with the Potter's keeper, but his effort was blocked by the keeper's legs. However it didn't take much longer for RCA to take the lead, as after 10 minutes John Turvey was put through the inside right channel and he finished cooly into the top right hand corner of the net.

Rather than settle RCA down this seemed to waken up the Potters and they began to push forward with greater effect; there physically stronger midfielders beginning to outmuscle RCA's young midfielders and after 30 minutes the pressure told when they were awarded a penalty for hand ball by RCA centre half Mick Curtis. But RCA keeper Neal Atkinson produced a splendid save diving to his left to keep out the spot kick and RCA saw out the remainder of the half to go in 1-0 ahead at half time.

RCA made two substitutions at half time with youngsters Jake Moan and Callum Charlton giving way to Kevin Carr who slotted into right back and Glenn Moan coming into central midfield to give a more solid look to this area. The game swung from end to end without too many chances being created but midway through the half an unnecessary hand ball from a corner gave RCA the chance to put the game to bed, but John Turvey's weak spot kick was easily saved.

After 75 minutes though a flowing interchange of quick passing down the left hand flank, between Andy Gilbert and Liam Dunn ended with an inch perfect cross which was headed home perfectly by John Turvey.

Credit to Potters though who kept going right to the end and were rewarded with a consolation goal in the 90th minute when a deflected shot snuck just inside the post, with the keeper wrong footed. RCA saw out the remaing added on time comfortably to end up 2-1 winners and progress to the next round.

All in all a very good game and good preparation for this coming Sunday's FA Carlsberg Sunday Cup first round tie against Liverpool Lobster FC, taking place at Meadow Park this Sunday (18th) with a 2.00pm kick off. A good crowd would be appreciated for what is expected to be a very tough match so why not get yourselves along & support the lads?

RCA The Barnes 0 Liverpool Lobster 4

Sunday 18 October 2009 FA Carlsberg Sunday Cup - First Round

RCA The Barnes exited this year's FA Carlsberg Sunday Cup at the hands of a very strong Liverpool Lobster FC, losing 4 - 0. RCA started brightly moving the ball effectively and getting into good positions with Hooks in midfield dictating play and wide men Davis and Metcalfe figuring prominently, but the good start was undone, when after 10 minutes Lobster's first first effective attack saw left winger Rimmer deliver the ball into the feet of centre forward Ennis who turned RCA's Hall and rifled an unstoppable left foot shot high into the roof of the net, giving keeper Atkinson no chance. 

Lobster, boosted by this confidence builder, started to come into the game now and it was end to end, with RCA playing good attractve footbal, but unable to penetrate in the final third of the pitch. After 30 minutes Lobsters midfielder Bailley picked up the ball just inside RCA's half, advanced unchallenged to within 35 yards of goal and unleashed a rocket which flew into the top left hand corner of Atkinson's net without him being able to move - a truly sensational strike, which gave the half time score 2-0 to Lobster and RCA a difficult second half to come back into the game.

The second half started with RCA needing to get back into the match quickly, but the opposite happened when after just three minutes a free kick was sent to the far post where Lobster's Alderson rose unchallenged to send a header back across goal into the far corner to put Lobster 3 - 0 up and cruising. RCA continued to try to play their way back into the match, but once again when they got to the final third their efforts came to nought and after 75 minutes Billey again picked the ball up in a similar position to the first half and once again hit a fizzer which this time rocketed into the bottom right hand corner of the net to put the result beyond doubt.

The final result was perhaps slightly harsh on the young RCA outfit, but all in all Lobster were just too powerfull and had more about them, partcularly up front, but it will stand RCA in good stead to be competing against teams of this calibre. Hopefully come next year we may get a kinder draw, whilst Lobster can look forward, I would think, to a good run in this year's competition.

I would like to thank all supporters who turned up for what was a healthy crowd and we hope you were at least impressed and entertained enough to return for further fixtures on Sunday mornings at Meadow Park.

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Sunderland RCA The Barnes 3 Heppies 1

Sunday, 25th October 2009

Sunderland Sunday Premier League

RCA The Barnes bounced back from last week's reverse in the FA Carlsberg Cup to record a comfortable league double over promoted Heppies by 3-1.

RCA kicked of playing down the slope with a strong breeze at their backs and soon created two good openings, one for recent signing John Turvey, who was unlucky to hit the post after a smart turn in the box and another for Andy Place, who played a fine one-two only to shoot wide of the far post. The match then settled down a bit and Heppies began to get some ball. moving it around reasonably effectively, without creating any openings, but when RCA midfielder Jonathan Davis was disspossessed 30 yards out by Heppies Stephen Jackson after 20 minsutes it proved costly as he advanced and struck a clinical left foot shot into the bottom right hand corner to give Heppies a somewhat fortunate lead.

Heppie dominated for the next 10 to 15 minutes but then a good move down the left flank saw Andy Gilbert cross to the near post allowing John Turvey to force the ball home from close range despite the efforts of Heppies keeper Carl Middlemiss, to draw RCA level. Then a tremendous run from his own half by RCA skipper Phil Hall saw him play a one-two and break into the box, round the keeper and then running out of space he was unable to finish what would have been an outstanding goal.

So the first half ended even at 1-1

The second half then became a mostly one sided affair as RCA took total control and with the feft hand side of their team, with Liam Dunn and Andy Gilbert outstanding, they created numerous good chances, but due to excellent keeping from Middlemiss and spurned chances by Turvey and Place the game still stood at 1-1 with ten minutes to go.

RCA, already having introduced subs Willie Crew, for Turvey and Mick McVay for Davis, surged forward again down the feft flank and another cross shot from Gilbert was tipped onto the bar by Middlemiss and fell invitingly for Andy Place, but as he was about to slot home he was unceremoniously brought down. A penalty was rightly awarded and was easily despatched by Mick Curtis to give RCA a deserved lead, which was extended two minutes before time when a quick free kick from the ever alert Callum Charlton released Willie Crew. With keeper Middlemiss advancing, he rolled the ball home from 30 yards to give the scoreline a more realistic look at 3-1, and keep the momentum going for this young RCA outfit.

Another tough game next week away to Silksworth Paragon at the Welfare Ground which is followed by a First Round Proper tie away to Ferryhill White Horse in the County Sunday Cup.

Ferryhill White Horse 2 Sunderland RCA The Barnes 6

Sunday, 15 November 2009

Durham FA Sunday County Cup, First Round Proper

RCA The Barnes won through to the second round with a comfortable 6-2 victory over a spirited Ferryhill White Horse team who gave their all for the full 90minutes, but were outgunned in the last 20 by a dominant RCA outfit.

Only able to field 13 fit players, RCA nevertheless started with a strong first 11 and after withstanding a strong opening five minutes from White Horse proceeded to play some great passing football, with the midfield quartet of Charlton, Hartley, Metcalfe and especially the outstanding Jonathan Davis keeping possession and creating numerous good openings, resulting in an opening goal for Martin Metcalfe, who latched on to through ball to hit a left foot shot wide of the keeper's left. Further chances came and went and RCA were made to pay when a needless free kick was given away for handball and White Horse took it quickly, getting a lucky deflection to leave keeper Atkinson stranded to give the half time score of 1-1 a decidedly unjust look.

RCA started the second half in similar vein to the first and continued to dominate. They retook the lead when Liam Dunn rose unchallenged to head home a corner in the 55th minute. However you got the feeling a two goal lead would finish off White Horse, but it was they who got the next goal on 65 minutes when RCA keeper Atkinson let a harmless cross-come-shot slip through his hands to allow the forward to head home from on the line.

The next ten minutes were pretty scrappy until a fine move down the right wing after 75 minutes saw Hartley release Charlton who took the ball to the goal line and pulled it back to Willie Crew who made no mistake from 10 yards out. This was quickly followed by another ball over the top into the inside left channel which saw Jonathan Davis get there just before the home keeper to round him and slot home for 4-2.

RCA were now completely in charge and could have scored further goals at any time, but settled for another two, both despatched by Andy Place: one a tap in after a goal line clearance and the other a clinical right foot finish after yet another fine through ball to give a final scoreline of 6-2.

All in all a fine team performance, with the back four of McVay, Curtis, Hall and Dunn again looking very solid giving the confidence for the midfield and forwards to dominate the opposition.

Hetton Town 2 RCA The Barnes 7

Sunday, 6 December 2009

Total Sport Challenge Trophy - 2nd Round

RCA The Barnes progressed to the quarter finals of the Total Sport Challenge Trophy with a comfortable 7-2 victory over a spirited second division Hetton Town. A first half hat trick from Willie Crew put RCA in the driving seat before slack play in the second half allowed Paul Diamond to pull a goal back for Hetton, but RCA responded immediately and scored further goals from Martin Metcalfe and an own goal to go 5-1 up.

Credit to Hetton though and they scored a second, again from Diamond, when RCA centre halves allowed a long ball to bounce with neither attacking the ball and Diamond pounced to score.

RCA upped the tempo again though and Andy Place and then debutant David Newby added further goals to give a final scoreline of 7-2.

RCA The Barnes 6 Golden Fleece 1

Sunday, 13 December 2009

Sunderland Sunday Premier League

RCA eventually ran out comfortable winners against a very young Golden Fleece outfit, who ran out of legs and ideas in the second half of this league encounter.

The first half was a pretty even affair with Fleece starting the brighter and having one or two good opportunities to score, which were dealt with by RCA keeper Atkinson, before RCA went in front, somewhat against the run of play, after 15 minutes when a driven free kick into the box was flicked on by Metcalfe for Andy Place to stroke home at the far post.

The remainder of the half was a dour affair with both sides unable to create much, apart from a great chance which fell to Martin Metcalfe, but Fleece's veteran keeper Neil Whiskins made an incedible block to leave the scoreline at half time 1-0 to RCA.

The second half saw RCA take total control and dominate proceedings for the full 45 minutes, adding goals from Callum Charlton and two from Martin Metcalfe before Fleece got some reward when from one their rare forays into the RCA half. Michael Patterson hit a screamer across the keeper, giving him no chance.

RCA responded immediately and Willie Crew scored a good individual goal before Martin Metcalfe completed a second half hat trick to leave a final score of 6-1 to RCA.

Special mention must go to Fleece's keeper Neil Whiskins for a series of top class saves in the second half, which saved his side from an even bigger defeat.

Myers FC 3 RCA The Barnes 5

Sunday, 24 January 2010

Sunderland Sunday League

RCA The Barnes finally got going again after the dreadful weather break and despite a disjointed performance came out 5 - 3 victors over a strong Myers outfit.

RCA started very badly, the long break showing, as the lack of games brought about a catalogue of errors and bad decision making resulting in Liam McBryde (from the RCA Northern League side) opening the scoring for Myers after just three minutes.

Myers continued to dominate and only fine goalkeeping from RCA's Neal Atkinson kept the score to 1-0. However the game changed on 25 minutes when Gary Tyzack went on a strong run from his own half down the right flank, before cutting infield and delivering a through ball in the centre forward channel for Willie Crew who advanced on the keeper, knocked the ball to his left and was clumsilly brought down, resulting in a penalty. Unfortunately for Myers the keeper was correctly shown the red card and sent off. After a delay while a sub keeper was brought on, Michael Curtis duly despatched the penalty to draw RCA level. RCA drew confidence from this and took the lead 10 minutes later when a quick free kick by full back Mick McVay released Willie Crew down the right wing and he delivered a fine ball across the six yard box for Andy Place to cooly stroke home, giving a half time score of 2-1 to RCA.

The second half started much the same as the first, with RCA struggling to get going again after the break, and ten men Myers showing great commitment and determination, which was rewarded with an equaliser after 55 minutes. Again this was probably the wake up call RCA needed and when Willie Crew chased a long ball into the left wing corner with the keeper coming out, Willie came out on top and from way out on the touchline sent a looping shot into the net to put RCA into the lead again. This was followed 10 minutes later by Willie charging down a clearance from the keeper, who really should have done better, and scoring his second of the half to put RCA 4-2 up and apparently in control. But no, RCA never do things easily and back came Myers with full back Kibble trying his luck from 30 yards out and the ball finding its way through to substitute Bell who calmly stroked past Atkinson to make it 4-3 to RCA with just 15 minutes to go.

Myers tails where up now, but just two minutes later Willie Crew collected a ball in the inside left position and rounded two defenders and shot home for his hat trick, and finally killed off Myers resistance, and in truth RCA should have added to their score, but wasted chances in the last five minutes to increase the final scoreline of 5-3 to RCA.

All in all, a half decent performance and more importantly three points, but as Assistant Manager Glenn Moan pointed out afterwards in the changing room, there were still areas that needed to be worked on if RCA are to kick on with a serious challenge for honours, and their credentials will be seriously challenged next Sunday, when they come up against Durham Sunday Cup Quarter Finalists, and strongly fancied for the league, Hasting Athletic at Herrington Burn YMCA, for what should be a cracking encounter.

Sunderland RCA The Barnes 4 Silksworth Paragon 0

Sunderland Sunday League

Sunday, 7 February 2010

RCA The Barnes eventually won their encounter with table topping Silksworth Paragon, coming out 4-0 victors after a very entertaining match at Meadow Park on Sunday, to go third in the league with games in hand.

Paragon opened strongly and attacked for the first 15 minutes with RCA keeper Neal Atkinson making a superb double save early on to keep RCA in the game. RCA then began to get their act together and the game swung from end to end with some great passing from both sides. The breakthrough, however, came when man of the match, 17 year old midfielder, Jonathan Davis played a superb cross field 40 yard pass over the Paragon right back's head for RCA wing back Martin Metcalfe to run onto, calmly chest down in his stride and go on to confidently slip the ball under the Paragon's keeper to give RCA the lead after 30 minutes.

The match progressed in the same vein, with both sides playing attractive football, but after 40 minutes RCA took a decisive 2 - 0 lead when, after good interplay down the right wing the ball was cut back into the box and eventually landed at the feet of young Callum Charlton who smashed home into the top left hand corner to put RCA two up. Shortly afterwards RCA centre forward Willie Crew had to be substituted by Michael Turnbull, and the half time score remained 2-0 to RCA. Although Paragon would probably feel that this was slightly flattering, RCA had taken their chances and Paragon had not. RCA made another substitution at the break with Assistant Manager Glenn Moan coming on for Gary Tyzack, who had put in a great shift down the right side of the five man midfield.

The second half saw Paragon come out, unsurprisingly, with all guns blazing and the back three of RCA, McVay, Hall and Dunn, had to be at their best along with keeper Atkinson to keep Paragon at bay. Then RCA produced a gem of a goal to effectively kill off any chance of a Paragon revival. The ball was played out of defence by Paul Hartley up to Andy Place in the centre forward position with his back to goal and 35 yards out. He then turned his marker and seeing Metcalfe making a diagonal run from wide left he deftly flicked the ball over the Paragon back line for Metcalfe to run onto and delightfully chip the keeper to put RCA 3 - 0 up.

RCA then dominated the remainder of the game, playing some excellent posession football, but the fourth goal came via route one, when keeper Atkinson launched a long ball upfield into the inside left channel and sub Michael Turnbull chased it down, challenged both the defender and keeper and came out with the ball, rolling it into the empty net to put RCA clear at 4 - 0. Gary Carr was then introduced, after a long period out of the game injured, for a 15 minute cameo replacing the hard running Andy Place as RCA closed the game out.

More goals could have followed but the clock ran down and it finished 4 - 0 to RCA.

It's a cup quarter final next Sunday against Heppies, at Meadow Park, 10:30 AM KO.

RCA The Barnes 6 Heppies 1

Sunday, 14 February 2010

Joe Holborn Memorial Cup - Second Round

RCA The Barnes comfortably progressed to a quarter final tie against Thorney Close in the Joe Holborn Memorial Cup by defeating Heppies by 6-1, despite going behind after just five minutes.

The game started brightly for both sides and after five minutes a long ball out of defence caught the RCA defenders napping allowing an attack down the right flank and an early ball across the six yard box for Heppies' Jackson to slot home comfortably. RCA responded almost immediately, when after 10 minutes good work down the right wing enabled David Newby to release Michael Turnbull who crossed perfectly to the far post were Martin Metcalfe had the simple task of heading home from point blank range to bring the scores level.

Heppies then had a good chance to go ahead through Jackson again, when RCA's Hall was dispossessed, but keeper Atkinson easily smothered his shot. Chances were being created by both sides, but gradually RCA began to take a grip on proceedings as Heppies' closing down became less intense and it was no surprise when they took the lead just before half time following a corner, when Paul Hartley stabbed home from close range, to give a ht score of 2 - 1 to RCA. At half time Paul Hartley was substituted, due to stomach cramps, by Gary Carr.

RCA came out strongly at the start of the second half and effectively killed off the tie with three goals in the first 15 minutes, with Metcalfe again, Andy Place and the impressive Michael Turnbull all scoring from close range as balls were pulled back from the by-line - tow from the right and one from the left. RCA then controlled the remainder of the half with possession football from front to back and also brought on John Turvey and Michael Curtis for run outs. It was Turvey who completed the scoring on 80 minutes, confidently volleying home following a well-worked short corner by Jonathan Davis and Callum Charlton, to give a final scoreline of 6 - 1 to RCA.

Another tough league match next week against the ever improving Myers, at Meadow Park, KO 10:30am.

Silksworth Paragon 4 RCA The Barnes 2

Sunday, 7 March 2010

Sunderland Sunday Premier League

RCA The Barnes went down to only their second league defeat of the season to a strong and determined Paragon team by four goals to two.

RCA's squad was stretched to the limits with no fewer than nine squad members unavailable due to a variety of reasons, but mainly affecting the offensive side as they had no centre forwards available and the main threat from midfield - Martin Metcalfe was suspended - missing.

The makeshift side were no match for the Paragon outfit and had it not been for a MOM performance from keeper Neal Atkinson it could have been much worse. Paragon started strongly and pressed from the start going ahead on 20 minutes when RCA failed to clear a corner. The ball was played across the six yard box to be slid home at the far post. Worst was to follow when, despite two consecutive saves from Atkinsonn, no RCA defenders reacted and the loose ball was lashed home for 2 - 0 to Paragon.

The killer goal was scored with the last action of the first half when Paragon's Smith was allowed to drive in from the wide left wing, was given far too much space and drove home at the near post giving the keeper no chance.

The second half saw a slightly better performance from RCA, but after two sending offs (one for each side) the game became fairly mundane. RCA's Jake Moan pulled one back on 65 minutes, but in truth Paragon should have put the game to bed on numerous occassions when one-on-one with keeper Atkinson, who was keeping them at bay single handed. Paragon did score a fourth after 85 minutes when yet again the RCA defence stood flat footed after another save from the keeper and Paragon slammed home. Paul Hartley then scrambled a 90th minute consolation for RCA, but all in all it was a very bad day at the office and despite the absentees the players on the day were not up to the job.

Still we will put that to bed and move on to next week when we are again back up at Silksworth Welfare for a league game against Golden Fleece.

Silksworth Golden Fleece 0 RCA The Barnes 3

Sunday, 14 March 2010

Sunderland Sunday League

RCA The Barnes got back to winning ways with a comfortable, if not that impressive, 3 - 0 victory against Golden Fleece.

Both sides were guilty of poor passing and generally aimless play during the opening exchanges with neither able to create any scoring opportunities. The game came to life briefly when, in the 25th minute the first bit of cohesive passing and interplay produced a chance for Martin Metcalfe whose shot was saved well by Fleece's keeper. Callum Charlton followed up to put the rebound home and give RCA the lead, which they held comfortably through to half time.

The second half was slightly better than the first with RCA dominating most of the possession and centre forward Andy Place being particularly effective with intelligent play bringing the midfield into better positions. And it was no surprise when he produced a break through the inside right channel and unselfishly squared the ball for Martin Metcalfe to stroke home from close range after 60 minutes. This was followed ten minutes later with another Callum Charlton strike from inside the box when the ball was not properly cleared by the Fleece defence.

The match then ran its course with very little further incident to leave RCA the victors by 3-0

RCA play a catch up league game this Thursday night against Hylton Castle Arms at Meadow Park with a 7:00pm KO and follow that up with a home tie in the Quarter Final of the Joe Holborn Memorial Trophy against Thorney Close Inn next Sunday, 21 March, 10:30am KO. Hope to see you there, as we all appreciate the support.

Sunderland RCA The Barnes 4 Hylton Castle Arms 0

Thursday, 18 March 2010

Sunderland Sunday Premier League

RCA The Barnes consolidated their position in the league with a hard fought victory over a spirited Hylton Castle Arms by 4-0 on Thursday night under the lights at Meadow Park.

RCA were without skipper Phil Hall & still struggling with no centre forward available, but covered these omissions with the inclusion of club skipper Mick Curtis at centre hallf alomgside assistant manager Glen Moan and Richy Hall coming in at centre forward. Jonathan Davis was given a rest from his recent exertions and was named as a substitute. The rest of the team was as expected with Andy Place continueing his excellent form up front.

Both sides started brightly in the blustery conditions and half chances were created at both ends, but RCA keeper Atkinson had to be at his best after 20 minutes to block an effort from close range after a mix up in the RCA defence. RCA then took the lead after 25 minutes when a one two between Mick McVay and Paul Hartley released the latter to deliver a perfect cross for Martin Metcalfe to glance a header home, and continue his super goalscoring record from midfield. Shortly afterwards McVay had to leave the game due to bad head injury and Jomathan Davis was introduced, earlier than expected, into midfield with Callum Charlton reverting to full back. The remainder of the first half was played out and the half time score remained 1 - 0 to RCA.

RCA, now kicking up the slope, slowly began to take a grip on the game without turning their possession into any worthwhile chances and it looked as if they would have to grind out a 1 - 0 victory in the incresingly difficult conditions, but all that changed after 75 minutes when Andy Place found room in the box and fired for goal, only to be denied by a hand ball on the line. Defender dismissed, Mick Curtis dispatched penalty with his usual aplomb, and now RCA could relax and take complete control.

Against the 10 men RCA moved the ball with increasing confidence and after 85 minutes Andy Place got the goal he deserved when he cleverly turned the defender and blasted into the roof of the net to put RCA 3 - 0 up. Andy then added a fourth after hesitation in the Hylton Castle defence to give a final scoreline of 4 - 0 to RCA.

Decent crowd in tonight, considering footy on telly, so thanks to them and we hope to see you all again on Sunday, for our quarter final against Thorney Close Inn at Meadow Park, 10:30 am KO.

RCA The Barnes 5 Thorney Close Inn 3

Sunday, 21 March 2010

Joe Holborn Memorial Trophy - Quarter Final

RCA The Barnes finally saw off a very strong challenge fron Division 1 side Thorney Close Inn by five goals to three on Sunday, but they needed an 89th minute equaliser and then further goals in extra time before booking a semi-final tie against Grangetown Florists or Silksworth Golden Fleece on Easter Sunday at Meadow Park.

RCA started on the front foot and got off to the perfect start, when after David Newby drove through from the right wing he squared across the six yard box for John Turvey to tuck home after just five minutes. RCA however failed to build on this start and became very sloppy with their passing, not helped by a tricky surface after rain and the junior match on Saturday. Thorney started to believe they could get something out of the match and they duly equalised after 25 minutes when Paul 'Hodgy' Hodgson took a through ball into the box and cooly finished past keeper Atkinson.

RCA upped their game after this set back and took the lead again with a Michael Curtis penalty after 40 minutes to take the game to half time.

The second half saw Thorney equalise after 50 minutes when a free kick was floated into the six yard box, Atkinson missed his attempted punch and Ricky Clayton fired home into the unguarded net. RCA then had long spells of possession, but wasted numerous openings by either choosing wrong options or not moving the ball quickly enough including a glaring miss by Andy Place after rounding the keeper, but hurrying his effort and hitting into the side netting.

Thorney made RCA pay for their sloppiness and took what looked like a winning lead after 85 minutes when Shaun Lumsden scored after poor defending from RCA. That looked to be that for RCA, but in the dying moments they were awarded a free kick half way in Thorney's half on the right hand side. When Johnny Davis floated the ball to the far post Andy Place's glancing header just crossed the line before the despairing attempt by keeper McGregor to claw it out came to nought as the referee awarded the goal, to give a full time score of 3 - 3 and take the match into extra time.

RCA to be fair took control in extra time and should have scored on numerous occassions, but had to settle for a Michael Curtis header and, from yet another fine free kick from Johnny Davis, a cool finish from sub Andy Gilbert to give a final scoreline of 5 - 3 to RCA.

So three tough games coming up: next Sunday away to Plains Farm in the league at Bede Centre 10:30am KO; Tuesday, 30 March against Landsdowne in a quarter final of the Total Sport Challenge Trophy, 7:00pm KO at Meadow Park and a semi-final against Grangetown Florists or Silksworth Golden Fleece on Easter Sunday, 4 April, in the Joe Holborn Memorial Trophy at Meadow Park 10:30am KO, at Meadow Park.

Humbledon Plains Farm FC 2 RCA The Barnes 2

Sunday, 28 March 2010

Sunderland Sunday League Premier Division

RCA were without captain Phil Hall and inspirational midfielder, young Jonathan Davis who has a trial at SAFC this week - good luck to him - for their top of the table clash with Humbledon Plains Farm at Bede Centre. Full back Mick McVay also missed out, still suffering from concussion received two weeks earlier. On the plus side Willie Crew returned to the side after six weeks out with broken ribs and a punctured lung.

RCA started with the howling gale at their backs and forced several good openings early on without ever testing the Plains Farm keeper, but after 15 minutes John Butler robbed Liam Dunn in midfield and went on to hit low and hard under keeper Atkinson to give Plains Farm the lead. Worse was to follow five minutes later when a long ball to the far right of the box was taken in his stride by the Plains Farm right winger and cooly slotted home to give Plains Farm a 2 - 0 lead against the gale and put RCA on the back foot.

Plains Farm were defending resolutely, inspired by Paul 'Delta' Wardle, but he could do nothing to prevent RCA pulling a goal back after 35 minutes when Willie Crew was played through and convincingly thumped home to give RCA a lifeline, going into the break only 2 - 1 down, but facing the ever increasing wind in the second half.

RCA were forced into a change for the second half when Liam Dunn was unable to continue. John Turvey was sent on with Willie Crew dropping back to play left side midfield and Martin Metcalfe going into left back. RCA knew they would have a difficult 45 minutes ahead of them, but to their credit they continued to try to play with the ball on the ground, and with both Mick Curtis and Neil Moan outstanding in central defence and youngster Jake Moan putting in a great shift in midfield, they were kept in the game. John Butler had a great chance to increase Plains Farm lead, but keeper Atkinson came up with a great stop and then RCA centre forward Andy Place found himself clear through the inside right channel after great work fron Jake Moan, only to see his shot go behind off the post.

However RCA were not to be denied and after 75 minutes John Turvey was put through in a similar position and this time he fired across the keeper to score and give RCA renewed confidence. Plains Farm responded and had another two great chances, one for John Butler and the other falling to Anthony Ross, but RCA keeper Atkinson was equal to both with outstanding reflexes to keep parity. John Turvey then had a great effort with an overhead kick which just cleared the crossbar and RCA held out to full time to secure a very creditable and hard fought 2 - 2 draw that leaves both them and Plains Farm locked together two points behind Silksworth Paragon with a game in hand at the top of the league and Hasting Athletic looming up behind with plenty of games in hand, but a tough schedule ahead given the ammount of games they will have to play midweek.

So, there's plenty of action coming up with cup quarter and semi finals and still plenty of league action in the race for the championship, which looks like it could go down to the wire.

The Landsdowne FC 0 RCA The Barnes 8

Sunday, 4 April 2010

Total Sport Challenge Trophy Third Round

RCA The Barnes booked a semi-final tie against Hendon Blue FC next Sunday, 11 April, at Meadow Park when they comfortably saw off League 2 side The Landsdowne by 8 goals to 0.

RCA got off to the perfect start against lower league opposition, who are always up for the fight against the top division sides, when they took a second minute lead through John Turvey, who slotted home calmly when released through the inside left channel. RCA continued to dominate and added goals at regular intervals up to half time with a further John Turvey strike and two from Martin Metcalfe, to give a half time score of 4 - 0.

The second half continued in the same vein and further goals came from Turvey, to complete his hat trick, a rare Glenn Moan shinned effort, a deserved goal for Andy Place and yet another confidently taken penalty from Michael Curtis, enabling the referee to bring the contest to an early conclusion with the score at 8 - 0 after 75 minutes.

As noted above, this gives RCA a home tie against the in-form Hendon Blue, from Division 2, but with only one league defeat and having already beaten Premier League Paragon in the last round, who will provide stiff opposition in the semi-final this coming Sunday at Meadow Park, 10:30 am KO.

The following Sunday sees RCA take on local rivals Grangetown Florists in another semi-final, the Joe Holborn Memorial Cup, at Meadow Park again with a 10:30 am KO.

Roker FC 2 Sunderland RCA The Barnes 5

Thursday, 8 April 2010

Sunderland Sunday League Premier Division

RCA The Barnes commenced their long and arduous end of season programme with a hard fought victory against a skillfull and fully committed Roker oufit, only putting the game to bed with two goals in the last five minutes to emerge as 5 - 2 victors.

On a bumpy pitch and with a gusting cross field wind conditions were not ideal, but both teams adapted quickly, attempting to play football were it should be played: on the deck. After early exchanges RCA took the lead after ten minutes when a ball into the box from the right wing was controlled by Andy Gilbert and he volleyed home superbly. RCA should probably have gone further ahead, but Roker stormed back when great interplay down the right flank and released David Sewell into the box where he confidently shot across the keeper to draw Roker level.

Both sides then enjoyed equal ammounts of possession. John Turvey should have put RCA back in front only to delay his shot and allow the defender to block. The game then went RCA's way with two goals in the final 5 minutes of the half, both identical with first Andy Place and then John Turvey released through the inside left channel to cooly slip the ball past the advancing keeper to enable RCA to go into the break 3 - 1 up, albeit rather fortunately.

The second half saw Roker strike back almost immediately when after RCA's failure to properly clear their lines Billy Harrison chanced his arm from 25 yards and the ball flew into the top right hand corner of the net before the keeper could move. Both teams then went for the kill, but neither could produce any clear cut chances, despite enterprising play from all concerned, until in the 84th minute John Turvey was put in on the wide left. He held off a couple of challenges to slip the ball under the keeper from a narrow angle to reinstate RCA's two goal advantage. This was increased to three in the final minute when substitute Jonathan Davis drove home a free kick from 20 yards to give a final score of 5 - 2 to RCA.

Two semi-finals now on the next two Sundays, so loads to play for in a hectic end to the season, which could produce numerous rewards for all three Sunderland RCA teams. Long may it continue.

RCA The Barnes 4 Hendon Blue 1

Sunday, 11 April 2010

Total Sport Challenge Trophy - Semi Final

RCA The Barnes earned themselves a Final, against local rivals Grangetown Florists, when they overcame the challenge of Hendon Blue by 4 - 1 on Sunday.

RCA were forced into a number of enforced changes due to Michael Curtis and Neil Moan being unavailable and John Turvey starting on the bench having picked up a slight groin strain midweek. This meant that joint manager Glenn Moan was forced into action in a back three alongside skipper Phil Hall and Liam Dunn, with the midfield five of Charlton, Jake Moan, McLeod, Davis and Metcalfe with Place and Tyzack up front. The match started in perfect conditions and bright sunshine with both sides eager to gain the advantage with several strong challenges being superbly handled by ex-football league official Gary Wallace ably assisted by linesmen Ballantine and McDowell.

After 15 minutes Hendon got the breakthrough when the impressive Jordan Thompson won the ball on the left inside the RCA half and advanced to the byline before cutting the ball back for Martin Hope to squeeze his shot under keeper Atkinson from ten yards out. This raised the tempo and Hendon gained strength, but they were pegged back after 25 minutes when good work down the right saw Jonathan Davis knock a dangerous bouncing ball to the far post where Andy Place did brilliantly to get a looping header on target; Hendon keeper Hart could only parry it out enabling Callum Charlton to stab home from two yards to bring the scores level. RCA then began to dominate with their short passing game and frequently got down the flanks and behind the Hendon defence. From one such move Gary Tyzack got clear on the left to bring a good save from Hart. Eventually the pressure paid off when a cross was partially cleared to the edge of the box and Jonathan Davis collected and struck a delicately placed left foot shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net after 35 minutes to give a ht score of 2 - 1 to RCA.

The second half saw Hendon again up their game and create a couple of opportunities without troublimg RCA keeper Atkinson. Then RCA struck what would prove to be the decisive goal when slick first-time passing through midfield released Andy Place in the inside right channel. He duly despatched a first time shot across the keeper to put daylight between the sides at 3 - 1 after the hour.

Hendon tried manfully to get back into the game, but by this time RCA were in dominant mood and after bringing on subs Mick McVay at right back and John Turvey up front they continued to create good scoring opportunities. The fourth goal duly arrived when John Turvey found himself one-on-one with the keeper, whom he rounded to slot home RCA's fourth and final goal after 80 minutes. Ross Hughes was introduced by RCA for the final minutes and the clock was run down to give a final score of 4 - 1 to RCA, putting them into the final.

Well done to Hendon Blue who were a credit to their division and also praise to referee Gary Wallace, who controlled the match in the manner you would wish some premiership referees would, i.e. sensibly and with common sense.

So that’s one final sorted - Thursday, 13 May at Ryhope CW versus Grangetown Florists - tasty that one - and another semi final coming up this Sunday at Meadow Park, 10:30am KO, against, would you believe it, Grangetown Florists for a place in the final of the Joe Holborn Memorial Cup against Humbledon and Plains Farm. All support greatly appreciated.

Hastings Athletic 2 RCA The Barnes 0

Thursday, 22 April 2010

Sunderland Sunday League

RCA The Barnes went down to a 2 - 0 defeat against Champions Elect Hastings Athletic and ended their hopes of winning the League. RCA were forced into changes with both Callum Charlton and Jake Moan playing in the Durham County Under 18 Youth Cup Final and John Turvey and leading goalscorer Martin Metcalfe still injured.

The first half was pretty evenly contested with Hastings having slightly the better of possession, but chances were at a premium with RCA keeper Atkinson dealing comfortably with long range efforts and RCA only having one real chance when Andy Gilbert found some space on the left to cut inside and shoot, but Hastlings keeper, Minnis, saved easily. So, 0 - 0 at half time, with RCA probably the happier.

The second half saw Hastings out of the blocks quickly and after 50 minutes they got the breakthrough when good work down the right saw the ball cut back towards the penalty spot where RCA's first team striker 'Sparky' Davison drilled home to put Hastings ahead.

RCA introduced Tyzack for Hartley, but this had little impact and after a corner was headed goalwards from close range after 65 minutes RCA keeper Atkinson could only parry and the unfortunate Liam Dunn, in attempting to clear, only succeeded in putting the ball into his own goal to give Hastings a comfortable 2 - 0 lead.

RCA tried to mix things up a little bit, sending centre half and skipper Phil Hall up front to give them a more physical approach with Willie Crew being withdrawn and Michael Curtis coming on in defence, but with the effects of playing so many games in such a short space of time fatigue began to take effect. The industrious, but tiring, Jonathan Davis was replaced, with 10 minutes left, by Glenn Moan, but Hastings saw out time to more or less cement their title. Fair play to them; they are probably the best team in the Division, and it was no disgrace to go down to such slick outfit.

Still another five league games to go and still plenty to play for with the runners up spot in the League still within our grasp and, of course, two Cup Finals in May, so not such a bad season considering the age of our squad and the fact that most of them had never played together until this season.

RCA The Barnes 2 Grangetown Florists 1

Sunday, 18 April 2010

Joe Holborn Memorial Cup Semi-Final

RCA The Barnes completed a great weekend for Sunderland RCA Football Club when they won through to their second cup final with an extra time 2 - 1 victory over local rivals Grangetown Florists, after the tremendous achievement of the Northern League team's promotion to the first division of the Northern League. Congratulations from all at the Sunday side.

In perfect playing conditions, RCA kicked off with the slope in their favour with a starting 11 of Atkinson, Dunn, Neil Moan and Hall in a back three, a midfield five of Newby, Davis, Hartley, Jake Moan and Charlton with Place and Turvey up top. Martin Metcalfe and Willie Crew, still struggling with injuries, were given subs spots.

The game took on the expected pattern of both sides showing plenty of confidence and moving the ball around on the deck. Chances were few and far between but openings were created by both sides without either managing to convert into clear cut openings. However after 25 minutes Grangetown broke down the right and released Anthony Holmes who drove into the box and shot or crossed - not sure which - and home keeper Atkinson deflected the ball into the net in trying to cut it out. Both sides continued to cancel each other out for the remainder of the half and Grangetown went into the interval 1 - 0 ahead.

RCA changed their formation to a back four with Charlton slotting in to right back and Dunn crossing to left back and got of to the perfect start in the second haslf, when after just two minutes they equalised when the ball was played into the box and broke on the edge of the six yard box. With both defence and keeper hesitating, Paul Hartley reacted quickest to poke home just inside the post to bring the scores level.

RCA then had a dominant spell of 10 to 15 minutes without adding to their score and then Grangetown applied presuure of their own, but neither side could produce any worthwhile openings and the second half was played out to leave a full time score of 1-1 and extra time to come.

RCA started extra time in positive fashion and again caught Grangetown napping after just two minutes when the ball was played into Andy Place deep in the Granetown box and with the defenders crying out in vain for offside, Place brought the ball down on his chest and volleyed home to put RCA ahead for the first time. Place then had another effort ruled out for offside when he followed up after Newby's shot had been saved by the keeper, but he was ruled offside. Grangetown then went pushing for the equaliser and Benson was very unlucky when he saw his snapshot from the edge of the box strike the outside of the right hand post and go for a goal kick. The game went into the second period of extra time with both sides trying either kill the game or bring it back level and with Grangetown pushing forward RCA had a couple of decent opportunities, but chose the wrong option on each occasion and then in the last minute Grangetown were awarded a corner which was partially cleared and a shot from Jackson was charged down by Neil Moan with the ball striking his arm as he raced out, but amid Grangetown's cries for a penalty the referee ruled ball-to-arm and almost immediately brought the match to its conclusion to give RCA a very hard fought 2 - 1 victory and put them through to a final tie against Humbledon and Plains Farm FC on Sunday, 9 May at Ryhope CW.

Great game, great competitors in Grangetown and good luck to them in their semi final tie against Hastings in the League Cup.

Lots of very difficult league games in the next two weeks which will stretch our squad to its limits, given that most of them have other midweek commitments with their Saturday sides, but we will battle on and see what it brings as we are still in with a great shout for League honours also.

Also good crowd in for the match, so if you enjoyed what you saw get along to our remaining games as youir support is very much appreciated.

RCA The Barnes 2 Redhouse CIU 0

Tuesday, 20 April 2010

Sunderland Sunday League

RCA The Barnes began their arduous run in towards the end of the season with a 2 - 0 win over Redhouse CIU to keep their Championship hopes alive.

RCA made a couple of positional changes to the side because of work commitments and injuries with Dan Smith coming into the left side of midfield and Gary Tyzack returning up front alongside Andy Place. Redhouse also fielded a very strong starting eleven incliding Stephen Lewis and ex-RCA youngster Mark Robinson.

RCA started the game kicking down the slope and the early exchanges were fairly even with both sides playing attractive possession football and keeping the game at a good pace. After 15 minutes however Redhouse were caught square on the half way line and a quick through ball released Gary Tyzack clear on goal and he duly advanced on keeper Shaun Robinson and slotted home to his right to give RCA the lead. Redhouse responded and RCA keeper Atkinson had to be at his best on two occassions, the first blocking with his feet and the second tipping a header onto the crossbar before Liam Dunn completed the clearance. RCA then had to replace Paul Hartley, due to injury, with Andy Gilbert coming on to play wide right. RCA also had another two good chances to increase their lead, both falling to Tyzack again. Both times he was released by through balls, but firstly put an effort just wide whilst under pressure from a defender and secondly bringing a good save from keeper Robinson, to give a half time score of 1 - 0 to RCA.

The second half saw Redhouse start to dominate and again RCA keeper Atkinson had to produce a finger tip save round the post to prevent Redhouse from equalising. RCA then replaced a tiring Tyzack with returning from injury Willie Crew on the hour mark and then produced a goal out of nothing when a long clearance up field from keeper Atkinson was challenged for by Andy Place. When he got the better of the defender he raced clear wide left and advanced into the penalty box and despatched a cool finish from an acute angle to give RCA some breathing space at 2 - 0 ahead and 20 minutes to go.

The last stages of the game were played out quite comfotably by RCA with Glenn Moan replacing Callum Charlton at right back for the last 10 minutes to give RCA a well deserved and hard fought 2 - 0 victory.

They come hard and fast now and nothing will be harder than RCA's next encounter, which is against current league leaders Hastings Athletic, who have only dropped three points in the league this season. That’s this Thursday, 22 April at Herrington Burn YMCA with a 6:30 pm KO. Should be a good game.

Sunderland RCA 0 Chester-le-Street 1

Wednesday, 28 April 2010

Durham County Youth League Cup

Two very young squads on show tonight, with Chester progressing to the League Cup Semi Final in a decent League Cup tie that could have gone either way, but was settled with a strike from Robert Briggs on 70 minutes.

Chester edged the first half, but could find no way past an inspired Graeme Pickering in the RCA goal. However the best effort of the half belonged to RCA’s Lee Andrews who hit a 25 yarder which was pushed round the post. The visitors were always dangerous on attack in the first half, but as the half ended RCA were looking more comfortable. Half Time 0-0.

The second half commenced with RCA gaining more possession but little room was being found by either side as defences and midfield dominated. After the hour though the game really came to life, Ryan Mather feeding Andrews who racing into the box cracked a great effort which rattled the bar. Forward partner James Alston then broke down the left and after beating the final defender at the byeline he squared the ball but Andrews hit at the keeper. Chester responded with a header from Paul Johnson that was tipped onto the bar by Pickering, before Luke Wilson also cracked an effort against the upright. It was looking like first goal would steal the show and that came from Chesters Briggs who finding space in the box hit a shot that found the bottom corner.

Another one of the RCA Youth’s “if only” nights, but the players should learn from this season’s experiences. Two league games left and RCA v Chester (home and away), both teams needing maximum points to get league runner's up spot.

RCA The Barnes 2 Hastings Athletic 1

Thursday, 6 May 2010

Sunderland Sunday Premier League

RCA The Barnes, after slipping up last Tuesday losing 1 - 0, against Roker, then defeating Catholic Club 4 - 2 on the Thursday and Myers by 5 - 0 on Sunday, faced a crunch game against Premier League Champions Hastings Athletic in their quest for the runners up spot in the league.

RCA were missing both centre forwards, Crew and Turvey, influential defender Neil Moan and the injured leading goal scorer Martin Metcalfe, whilst Hastings were also understrength with midfielder Adam McGuinness having to don the keeper's jersey in John Minniss's absence due to work.

RCA started strongly and built up momentum, without creating any worthwhile openings before Hastings got their game together and started to pass the ball impressively with RCA keeper Atkinson having to be alert to a couple of half chances. However it was RCA who then created three decent chances in the last 15 minutes of the half, when Andy Place first had a shot well saved and then headed straight at the keeper from eight yards when he really should have done better. Andy Gilbert then had a great chance just on half time when he hit a low cross against keeper McGuinness from close range, to leave a half time score of 0 - 0.

The second half continued in much the same vein with Hastings playing attractive football, but finding the RCA rearguard of McVay, Curtis, captain Hall and Dunn in impressive form. RCA then had another couple of half decent chances, but they failed to capitalise, and as is the way Hastings then took the lead with 15 minutes left, when following a right wing corner Hastings defender Toomey headed downwards from 10 yards and the ball somehow found its way through a crowd of legs and finished barely 12 inches over the line to give Hastings the lead.

RCA however were not disheartened and struck back almost immediately when Mick Curtis had a goal bound header blocked, following a corner, and the ball rebounded to skipper Phil Hall who blasted it into the roof of the net from six yards to draw RCA level.

RCA knew they had to try to get the winner and continued to press forward, but Hastings were always dangerous on the break, and from one such the ball was played through to Hastings forward Rochester whose shot was dispatched across to the keeper's left and looked a goal all day, but Atkinson had other ideas and brilliantly pushed it away and Hall completed the clearance. This proved pivotal, as, three minutes later and with just five minutes left on the clock, a free kick from wide on the right hand side was delivered by Jonathan Davis and Andy Place timed his run to perfection to head home from six yards out to put RCA 2 - 1 ahead.

Hastings though were not finished and a free kick from 20 yards produced a comfortable save from Atkinson and a final minute inswinging corner fizzed across the face of the RCA goal. The final whistle went after the subsequent goal kick to give RCA the victory they needed to leave runner up spot in their own hands.

Grangetown Florists can still challenge if they defeat Hastings and then defeat RCA in the final league game, but RCA do enjoy a seven goal advantage in goal difference.

Two cup finals to look forward to now, starting on Sunday, 9 May against Plains Farm in the Joe Holborn Memorial Cup with a 10:30 am kick off and then on Thursday, 13 May, against Grangetown Florists in the Total Sport Challenge Trophy with a 6:30 pm kick off. Both games take place at Ryhope CW, so why not get along and see what should be two cracking games.

RCA The Barnes 3 Humbledon Plains Farm 0 - AET

Sunday, 9 May 2010

Joe Holborn Memorial Cup Final - played at Ryhope CW

RCA The Barnes completed the first half of their Cup Final double header when they overcame Humbledon Plains Farm by 3 - 0 after extra time in the Joe Holborn Memorial Cup at Ryhope CW.

Both sides had a player missing with RCA still being without Martin Metcalfe and Plains Farm striker Anthony Ross failing a fitness test, but fellow striker John Butler returned from injury to compensate.

The game was always going to be a very tight affair and so it turned out with both defences on top in a close first half. RCA however had the first chances when Liam Dunn headed against the post from a corner after 20 minutes and five minutes later, from another corner, Neil Moan saw his header cleared off the line. Plains Farm then had a good end to the half with a number of corners and RCA keeper Atkinson had to be at his best to turn away a low drive towards his right hand corner from Anderson, but the half time score remained goalless.

The second half panned out pretty much similar, with possibly RCA just edging the possession and creating some excellent openings down both flanks, but the final ball into the danger area would just not fall for the forwards. Plains Farm however then created possibly the best chance when Atkinson once again had to go full length to his right to keep out another Anderson drive to keep the scores level and the half again finished level to bring extra time into play.

The first 15 minutes were pretty even apart from a glorious chance for Plains Farm's Jonathan Greening who found himself clear with only the keeper to beat, but with the ball bouncing he had to try to lob Atkinson and he again produced a top class save to deny him.

So into the last 15 minutes and this is where RCA began to dominate. With their younger legs beginning to show, they created numerous openings before a corner was swung in from the right and found Andy Place four yards out whose header hit the underside of the bar and in the ensuing scramble the ball was deflected over the line by a Plains Farm defender before it was hooked clear, but the assistant referee was on the spot to award the goal. 1 - 0 to RCA with only 10 minutes to go. RCA however were not content to sit back and continued to press, but Plains Farm nearly capitalised when Atkinson had to be alert to kick clear a through ball that caught out the RCA defence.

But RCA were not to stopped and after another surge down the right flank by Callum Charlton his cross found Andy Place at the far post and after his first effort was blocked by keeper Trotter he gleefully slid home the rebound to put RCA 2 - 0 ahead with only 5 minute s to play.

RCA then kept the best till last, when in the final minute substitute John Turvey received the ball just inside his own half on the right wing, and despite his team mates telling him to keep possession and run down the clock by taking the ball into the corner, he decided otherwise and went forward towards goal leaving defenders in his wake and finally seeing off Plains Farm captain Wardle and full back Linton he rifled an unstoppable shot acroos the keeper into the top left hand corner of the net to bring the match to a fitting climax.

Credit to both sides for an entertaining match played in the right spirit, but their had to be a winner and on balance the best team won on the day.

Another cracking match in prospect on Thursday night, 13 May, in the Total Sport Challenge Trophy, when RCA take on Grangetown Florists, again at Ryhope CW with a 6:30pm kick off. Hope to see another good crowd for what is always a good match up between these two local rivals.

RCA The Barnes 2 Grangetown Florists 0

Thursday, 13 May 2010

Total Sport Challenge Trophy Final - played at Ryhope CW

RCA The Barnes completed a cup double when they overcame a strong challenge from Grangetown Florists by 2 - 0 on Thursday night.

RCA were forced into one change from Sunday's winning team, with Neil Moan unavailable due to a family bereavement, with Mick Curtis stepping up to take his place, whilst Florists welcomed back Lee Owens into their line up.

The first half started very slowly for RCA and for the most part they were on the back foot as Florists took the game by the scruff of the neck and pressurised the RCA defence, who held out, sometimes rather fortunately, with Owens, Benson and Hill going close. As the half went on RCA started to get their passing game back together, but they were pleased to get to half time at 0 - 0.

Obviously the management had some harsh words at half time, as RCA started the second half in a much more positive fashion and the game became much more evenly matched. The turning point came after 60 minutes, when a glorious crossfield ball from Jonathan Davis released Andy Place through the inside right channel and he drilled his low shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net to put RCA in front. Florists tried to respond, but RCA were now on their game and growing in confidence, but still had to be on their guard as Florists were never going to just roll over, and so it proved when after 70 minutes Lee Owens got behind the RCA back four 35 yards out with a clear run on goal, but his first touch was slightly heavy and allowed RCA keeper Atkinson to sprint out and block his subsequent effort and allow Curtis to complete the clearance. This save proved to be crucial, as 5 minutes later Andy Place found himself in much the same situation as when scoring his first when he was played in by the ever impressive Callum Charlton and the end result was exactly the same as he drilled home to give RCA a two goal lead, which they comfortably held on to through to the final whistle, to complete a memorable Cup double for the Club.

All in all a wonderfull achievement for a very young squad of players, who really have only played together this season and the future looks very good if progress is maintained and one or two quality additions can be added for next season.

Once again many thanks to all supporters who have followed us this season and I hope you have been impressed enough to continue to come along to our games next season. Can't wait!

Under 18s


Back row, left to right: Owen Haley (Manager), Marc Moon, Jordan Cook, Chris Hartley, Liam Cox,
Nathaniel Crinson, Graeme Pickering, Liam Dunn, James Alston, Peter Deary, Mark Robinson, Joe Olabode (Manager)

Front row, left to right: Lewis Hatcher, Kieran Stokoe , Lee Andrews, Alex Bone, Jonny Davis, Ryan Mather

Results

Competition Date Home     Away
Durham FA Pre-season Tournament 1 August 2009 Sunderland Nissan FC 2 3 Sunderland RCA FC
Durham FA Pre-season Tournament 4 August 2009 Gateshead Redheugh FC 2 2 Sunderland RCA FC
Durham FA Pre-season Tournament 13 August 2009 Gateshead Leam Rangers 3 6 Sunderland RCA FC
Pre-season friendly - Under 18s 19 August 2009 Walker Central FC 1 1 Sunderland RCA FC
Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League 29 August 2009 Witton Park FC 1 11 Sunderland RCA FC
Pre-season friendly - Under 18s 2 September 2009 Wallsend Boys Club 2 4 Sunderland RCA FC
Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League 5 September 2009 Willington FC 1 4 Sunderland RCA FC
Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League 8 September 2009 Sunderland RCA FC 0 1 Sunderland Nissan FC
Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League 12 September 2009 Sunderland RCA FC 3 2 Lumley FC
FA Youth Cup 23 September 2009 Sunderland RCA FC 2 1 Gateshead FC
Under 18s Lady Eden Cup 26 September 2009 Walker Central FC 4 3 Sunderland RCA FC
Under 18s Challenge Match 30 September 2009 Sunderland RCA FC 4 4 Durham County Schools U18s
FA Youth Cup 7 October 2009 Dunston UTS FC 1 0 Sunderland RCA FC
Under 18s Eye Infirmary Cup 17 October 2009 Wallsend Boys Club 3 2 Sunderland RCA FC
Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League 24 October 2009 Sunderland RCA FC 0 0 Ryhope CW FC
Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League 14 November 2009 Sunderland RCA FC 3 1 Newton Aycliffe FC
Durham County Youth Cup 26 November 2009 Sunderland RCA FC 8 1 Newcastle East End
Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League 28 November 2009 Sunderland RCA FC 0 1 Herrington Grindon Rangers FC
Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League 5 December 2009 Ryhope CW FC 0 6 Sunderland RCA FC
Durham County Youth Cup 12 December 2009 Sunderland RCA FC 5 0 Willington FC
Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League 11 February 2010 Sunderland RCA FC 8 1 Blackhall FC
Durham County Youth Cup 15 February 2010 Sunderland Nissan FC 2 2 Sunderland RCA FC
Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League 20 February 2010 Newton Aycliffe FC 0 2 Sunderland RCA FC
Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League 13 March 2010 Sunderland Nissan FC 1 3 Sunderland RCA FC
Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League 20 March 2010 Sunderland RCA FC 6 0 Witton Park FC
Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League 27 March 2010 Blackhall FC 1 4 Sunderland RCA FC
Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League 10 April 2010 Herrington Grindon Rangers FC 4 1 Sunderland RCA FC
Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League 24 April 2010 Lumley FC 2 2 Sunderland RCA FC
Under 18s League Cup 28 April 2010 Sunderland RCA FC 0 1 Chester-le-Street FC
Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League 8 May 2010 Sunderland RCA FC 0 1 Chester-le-Street FC
Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League 15 May 2010 Chester-le-Street FC 4 2 Sunderland RCA FC

League Table

Durham County U18 Youth League
South Division
Team
P
W
D
L
Pts
Lumley
14
10
2
2
32
Chester-le-Street
14
10
1
3
31
Herrington Grindon
14
9
2
3
29
Sunderland RCA
14
7
2
5
23
Nissan
14
6
4
4
22
Newton Aycliffe
14
2
3
9
9
Witton Park
14
3
0
11
9
Ryhope CW
14
1
2
11
5

Reports

Sunderland RCA 6 Gateshead Leam Rangers 3

13 August 2009

Under 18s - Durham FA Shield Final - Pre-Season Tournament

The first silverware of the season was gathered last night as our Youth side picked up the DFA Shield at the Riverside (Chester-le-Street) with a convincing win over last year's winners Gateshead Leam Rangers.

RCA made the breakthrough on 15 minutes when a well worked move was finished off when midfielder Ryan Mather slotted home. Although Gateshead equalized on 20 minutes RCA generally controlled the game. Perry Agnew winning a penalty that was converted by Marc Moon on 25 minutes. The game was put beyond doubt in the next 10 minutes when after a great 5 man move a cross from Agnew on the right was converted by midfielder Kieran Stokoe. Centre forward James Alston also despatched a similar strong header into the roof of the net to make it 4 - 1 (Half Time).

In the second half personnel was rotated to make use of the full 19 man squad. Tony Martins making the most of his chance despatching a direct free kick home from 25 yards.

Ryan Mather capped a great performance scoring the goal of the match hitting a 30 yarder into the top corner of the net to make the score 6 - 1 on 75 minutes.

Gateshead staged a late rally scoring a penalty that had to be retaken after RCA keeper Pickering saved, but the linesman flagged for early movement. 6 - 2! Minutes later Coxon in midfield hit a goal nearly matching the quality of Mather's to make it 6 - 3. The referee then blew to end what was a very entertaining match. A good appetiser for the coming season which commences away to Witton Park on 29th August 09, 1:30 KO.

A few scouts were in attendance tonight and SAFC's Kevin Ball seemed to enjoy some of the football on offer, particularly the players showing 100% committment in the tackle!

Walker Central 1 Sunderland RCA 1

19 August 2009

Under 18s Pre-season friendly

On a warm evening in Newcastle's East End, RCA's Under 18s enjoyed a competitive work out against a good Walker Central side.

This was a keen contest with some very decent football on show. The teams were well-matched and both sides will have benefited from the match.

The score was 0 - 0 at half time.

James Alston hit the bar on 60 minutes before Lee Andrews made the breakthrough. The home side got a deserved equaliser when a great cross was headed home by the centre forward who had worked hard all night.

Witton Park 1 Sunderland RCA 11

Saturday, 29 August 2009

Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League

Both teams were up for the first match of the Season in the Durham County Youth League on Saturday.

Keen tackles in the opening exchanges with chances created at both ends. After Witton wasted their best chance it was RCA who made the breakthrough when Kieran Stokoe fired in a corner that was met with a left foot half volley by last season's top scorer Lee Andrews. Minutes later midfielder Liam Cox found Andrews again who fed his attacking partner James Alston who drilled home to make it 2-0 at half time.

Witton made tactical changes but RCA upped the ante and when the ball was crossed in from the left Andrews hit home again with his right foot. On 60 minutes the points were secured when midfielder Jonny Davies hit a great corner from the left which Andrews met with a header to match. 4-0 and the perfect hat trick, left foot, right foot and off his noggin! Could things get better? Well most definitely for Andrews who hit his 4th on 65 mins before his 5th on 68 mins when he was played in via Cox and Davies when he rounded the keeper to cooly slot home.

On 70 minutes three subs were introduced for RCA and amazingly the same three were involved in the next goal, Luke Olabode playing a great ball from the back to Perri Agnew wide on the right. He cut in finding Nathaniel Crinson who scored at his second attempt. 7 - 0.

Witton Park to their credit rallied and got a deserved goal when a midfielder on the right cut in to finally get one past Pickering who had been very assured in the RCA goal.

A further corner was fired in from the right by Davies which was hit home by Olabode on 80 minutes. Crinson was then played in to get his second before the goal of the game when Liam Cox received a great long pass from Marc Moon, controlled before chipping the keeper exquisitively with his left foot from 15 yards. However minutes later Andrews got in again to score his 6th goal and claim the match ball.

A great start to the season, a record win and hopefully the sign of good things to come !

Team G. Pickering, A. Gamble, M. Moon, L. Dunn, P. Deary L. Cox, R. Mather, J. Davies, K. Stokoe, L.Andrews, J. Alston
subs used N. Crinson, P. Agnew, L. Olabode

Wallsend 2 Sunderland RCA 4

2 September 2009

U18s Friendly

Plus DFA County update!

Although the season started last Saturday, the management agreed to one more friendly to look at the strong squad which has been reduced to 22 players.

Well the management knows it's going to be hard to keep 22 players happy, but given that five players have officially qualified for the initial county squad (plus a further three still getting looked at) the problem could be manageable. Opportunity and chances at RCA! Good luck to the five that have initially qualified: goalkeeper Graeme Pickering, defenders Liam Dunn, Marc Moon and Luke Olabode plus centre forward Lee Andrews. Two recently on trial at SAFC to boot!

Six changes were made for tonight's game and all seemed keen to make their mark. The game opened at swift pace as both teams looked to get forward. RCA were attempting to play their normal passing game, but Wallsend were quick to close down and the home side showed early that they were going to move the ball directly to very quick forwards.

RCA made the breakthrough though when Nathaniel Crinson converted on 20 minutes. However Wallsend equalised when a cross into the box hit off defenders and goalkeeper and ended up over the line. 1-1. Crinson increased the lead to 2-1 when he was again alive in the box and hit home from 10 yards.

All the squad were involved tonight and the additional experience of RCA began to show in the second half when more chances were created. James Alston hitting the post with a great 20 yard effort before Crinson completed his hat trick with the goal of the game on 60 minutes. Taking the ball down chest then touch, he drilled a great effort into the bottom right corner from well outside the box.

Fair play to Wallsend though they never relented and when they won a corner it was drilled in and poor marking allowed a free header that did to be fair go in like a bullet. RCA upped the ante and created more chances, one of which was converted by the very lively Andrews who again got rewards for hard chasing on defenders.

A decent game for the neutral and food for thought for the management. Hard test ahead away to Willington on Saturday

Willington 1 Sunderland RCA 4

5 September 2009

Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League

RCA took the lead after ten minutes when Kieran Stokoe sent in a corner that was headed home by Lee Andrews.

A very lively start by the visitors saw chances created twice for midfielder Ryan Mather who was unlucky with a shot from the edge of the box and header minutes later.

Willington responded with a through ball that split the RCA defence and number 10 John Dixon raced on to round the keeper and slot in the equaliser. Half Time 1-1.

The second half saw a faster tempo from RCA and the lead was restored when Mather split the defence finding James Alston who raced into the box and fired a cross shot that the defender could only help into the net.

Nathaniel Crinson was introduced into the fray and this had immediate effect when he raced down the left and after beating the last defender his cross shot was parried by the keeper and Lee Andews made no mistake with the follow up.

The move of the game was a joy to watch on 85 minutes when seven different RCA players touched the ball before Deary overlapping on the left played a first time ball to the feet of Andrews and he raced on to slot home for his hat trick.

A good away win and two wins out of two - the season is up and running.

Team G. Pickering, L.Dunn, L. Olabode, M. Moon, P. Deary, L. Cox, R. Mather, J. Davis, K. Stokoe, L. Andrews, J. Alston
subs used N. Crinson A. Martins, P. Agnew

Sunderland RCA 0 Sunderland Nissan 1

8 September 2009

Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League

A cracking Under 18 game in prospect and a decent crowd at Meadow Park for tonight's game.

RCA won the toss and defended the reasonable wind. Nissan were quick to press forward and won the first free kick in a crucial area 25 yards from goal. Jonathon Greener hit the direct free kick with great pace and Pickering in goal pulled off an excellent save which resulted in a corner.

Nissan shaded the opening with Tony Burnell showing good strength and pace in the early exchanges. RCA though were well in the game and on 20 minutes a good move down the left being ended with a decent effort from Kieran Stokoe which was well gathered by Niall Thubron in the Nissan goal. Minutes later Ryan Mather made a great run with the ball and after a one two with Andrews hit a great drive which was deflected wide. RCA won successive corners before Nissan showed their hand again and created half chances at the other end of the pitch. However against the run of play RCA nearly made the breakthrough when James Alston was put through, he attempted to round the goalkeeper who saved spectacularly at feet.

RCA coped well against the visitors who with height advantage were aiming to make the most from set piece play. However right on half time when the teams appeared to cancel each other out , a cross after throw in, resulted in Tony Burnell connecting 8 yards from goal
with a header that found the corner of the net. Nissan were jubilant in making the breakthrough however RCA left the field bouyant in that the conditions would be in their favour in the second half.

The second half was a good contest with neither side giving an inch. On the hour mark RCA nearly got the equaliser when Alston was played in through the middle but again the keeper did an excellent job in forcing wide before pulling off a good save. Lee Andrews for RCA also snatched at a good chance moments later.

Burnell and Collins up front for the visitors were very capable when receiving the ball and constantly proving a threat.

Substitutions were made by RCA who were searching for a breakthrough but Nissan defended excellently. Jonny Davis from RCA got in the box in the dying minutes and hit a good cross into the box where Luke Olabode got up well but saw his header clear the bar.

The referee blew the whistle to end a fine contest between two teams who will clearly be up at the right end of the table based on the standard of this match.

Teams RCA G. Pickering, L. Dunn, P. Deary, M.Moon, L. Olabode, L. Cox, J. Davis, R. Mather, L. Andrews, J.Alston, K. Stokoe
subs used N. Crinson, A. Bone

Nissan N. Thubron, D. Lay, J. Coyne, R. Gibson, A Donald, J. Moan, A. Brown, C. Charlton, J. Greener, T. Burnell, D. Collins
subs used J. Morrison, C. Barrow, G. Downes

Referee David Hanson

Sunderland RCA 3 Lumley 2

12 September 2009

Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League

The warmest Saturday so far this season and a decent crowd enjoying the sunshine at Meadow Park.

Lumley were clearly out not to enjoy the weather though and undefeated so far this season they played with intent from the off.

After attacks at each end it was Lumley who made the early breakthrough with centre forward Arran Wearmouth hitting an effort from distance that took a wicked deflection that wrong footed Graeme Pickering in goal nestling in the corner of the net.

RCA though began playing some good possession football and it was no surprise when the equaliser came. Three passes were interchanged before a cross was sent into the box where Luke Olabode challenged the ball arriving to Lee Andrews who dispatched with aplomb from 15 yards 1 -1 (his 10th goal of the season). Half Time 1-1.

If the start in the first half wasn't a good one for RCA , lessons were not learned and Lumley quickley attacked again this time Liam Wintrip combining with Wearmouth who fed the ball to Kieran Day who broke through the RCA defence and slotted home.

Chances were again end-to-end and whilst RCA were shading possession Lumley were proving strong defensively. However after substitutions were made for RCA , Nathaniel Crinson proved an immediate threat down the right and from his cross a deserved equaliser was forced home by midfielder Ryan Mather.

On the 85th minute though the goal of the match came with Moon and Dunn exchanging passes at the back, before linking with Davies in the middle. The ball went out to the left where Stokoe played a pass to Deary who hit a great first time ball to Andrews. After the subsequent cross the ball was received at the edge of the box by James Alston who hit a screamer into the bottom right corner. 3-2 to RCA.

Lumley threw bodies forward and had two half chances to equalise but these were hit high and wide.

A very good win that keeps RCA in touch with the early leaders in what looks like a very competitive league this season.

.

Sunderland RCA 2 Gateshead 1

23 September 2009

FA Youth Cup

In recent years Meadow Park has hosted FA Cup, FA Vase, FA Sunday Cup ties and now another new page in the history of Sunderland RCA was written tonight as the ground hosted its first ever FA Youth Cup tie.

Ideal conditions for a football match with a great crowd in attendance and both sides showed quickly what they were about with the ball passed along the ground at all times. Gateshead in particular were showing pace in all positions and the RCA defence had to hold strong in the early stages.

The best effort of the half came after 20 minutes with Joshua Holland for Gateshead hitting a great 25 yard strike which Graeme Pickering in goal covering but he was pleased to see it glance the outside of the post. RCA responded with a move through the centre which Nathaniel Crinson raced onto and moving into the box he hit a left foot effort across the keeper who palmed away. Half time 0 0.

At half time the RCA Management made changes with wide man Perri Agnew replacing Tony Martins from midfield and this seemed to inject the required pace into the home team. As a result the game continued in a similar vein as the first with both teams showing intention to attack.

On 65 minutes the vital breakthrough was made by RCA. Passes were exchanged in midfield between Ryan Mather and Jonny Davis before the ball was hit to the byeline for Agnew. He beat the right full back with ease and hit a great cross to the front post where Lee Andrews glanced a header across the goal finding Davis steaming in at the back post to gleefully knock home. Great cheers from the home supporters.

If the game was open before, things really took off now, Gateshead breaking again but the RCA back four of Alex Bone, Marc Moon, Luke Olabode and Peter Deary were holding the line well. Pickering in goal looking assured behind them. However Gateshead forwards Jonny Ward, Chris Hughes and Lewis Lynch were running hard and still looking very capable.

On 80 minutes though RCA moved the ball through the midfield again, from the left Kieron Stokoe moving the ball to the middle and again Mather and Davis swopped passes before Agnew received on the right, this time he played a first time ball splitting the defence and Nathaniel Crinson raced onto again. On entering the corner of the box he drilled an excellent 20 yarder which Sean Armstrong in goal pushed onto the bar, the rebound falling to Andrews who joyfully headed home then raced to celebrate with all his team . 2 0 and RCA looking good.

Gateshead showed no sign of quitting though and had success minutes later through one of their only route 1 efforts of the night.
Winning a free-kick on the half way line, Rob McGurrell hit a long ball into the RCA box which was glanced on finding Lynch who slotted home from 10 yards.

2-1 and minutes to go but RCA regained their composure and ran down the clock.

The first ever FA Youth Cup win and many happy supporters leaving Meadow Park after watching an excellent football match really for
the purists. Even the match officials in particular referee Paul Charnock praised the play and approach of the two teams.

Only a couple of rounds to go and the dream of playing a pro club.
Next round v Dunston UTS or Seaham Red Star (away) week commencing 5th October.

Walker Central 4 Sunderland RCA 3

26 September 2009

Under 18s Lady Eden Cup

The RCA squad was reduced to 16 players (due to injuries and player unavailability) for today’s tough cup tie away to Walker Central. As a result four players made their starting debuts, Luke Wilson in defence and three midfielders Jordan Chambers, Jordan Cook and Perri Agnew.

After the ball was given away cheaply in the opening minutes, a move by Walker up the left allowed the winger to break free and an excellent cross into the centre was converted by Karl Hawthorne. It was very much one way traffic as Walker players made the most of physical advantage to win midfield control and it was no surprise when they increased their lead after 20 minutes. Again a move down the left resulted in a cross in the box where midfielder Michael Richardson raced in and although scuffing his effort, the ball rose upwards and over goalkeeper Pickering into the top corner.

RCA settled down in the later part of the first half and got back into the game when a ball broke loose to Jonny Davis who calmly slotted past the despairing keeper to pull a goal back on 35 minutes. However settling for half time, RCA were caught with a suckerpunch when Richardson again broke from midfield and after receiving a return ball he calmly slotted over the advancing keeper 3-1 with an uphill task now for the visiting side.

Changes were made for the second half with RCA raising their game immediately. However with Walker’s first real chance midway through the second half Richardson found space in the box and hitting home the game looked all over.

RCA really went for it now in all out attack. The first goal pulled back by Luke Olabode from a corner was followed minutes later when Nathaniel Crinson raced into the box and hit low past the keeper.

Crinson then Andrews both had one on to one efforts which were well saved by the home keeper. A defensive error allowed Walker in again and a penalty was won in the 80th minute. A great strike was saved spectacularly by Pickering and this allowed for a frantic last 10 minutes. However Walker held firm and RCA could not make the breakthrough to get extra time.

Sunderland RCA 4 Durham County Schools 4

30 September 2009

Under 18s Challenge Match

The DFA County Youth Champions v Durham County Schools U18 squad was the mouth watering prospect on offer for free tonight at Meadow Park. Given that RCA had 5 members of the Durham County FA squad in their line up and the Schools select had 8 members on show a good game was anticipated and the supporters were not disappointed.

Durham Schools were quickly into their stride and an early cool finish by Matty Soulsby from 15 yards set the stage alight. RCA struggled in the first quarter and it was no surprise when Durham went two up when Rhys Jukes moved into the box and when the ball was not cleared by Luke Olabode it fell again to Jukes who slotted easily into the corner.

Pickering made a great save in goal which kept RCA in the game on 25 minutes before the tide began to turn. Perry Agnew created a great chance which Lee Andrews glanced against the post, before an identical move minutes later and a raker of a cross was headed home into the top corner of the net by Andrews . RCA 1 – County Schools 2. One way traffic now and Agnew was again getting joy down the right. Attacking the box he hit a great effort towards goal which the keeper could only glance onto the post and Andrews followed up quickly to despatch the ball into the net. 2 – 2.

RCA did not need half time but this did not affect their play on the restart.

Nathaniel Crinson twice getting in down the left but after beating the keeper on one occasion the ball was cleared by the last defender. Jonny Evans though was orchestrating play for the visitors and again Pickering had to be alert in the RCA goal as the play moved end to end.

The game really ignited again after the hour mark, RCA midfielder Jonny Davis firing in a great free kick that was headed home by his midfield partner Ryan Mather . Durham responded again though with Liam McNall levelling the scores with a great effort.

RCA were shading play at this stage and it was no surprise when they took the lead again with the goal of the game by Ryan Mather. After passes were exchanged just in front of the centre circle, on receiving the final pass Mather feigned to the left before hitting a 30 screamer with a bit of curl right into the top corner of the net.

The pace did not change and not settling for the goal advantage RCA won successive corners. The final corner when crossed in was cleared off the line before Crinson and Alston hit good efforts that were scrambled away. Durham quickly moved the ball upto the left wing where McNall showed incredible turn of pace beating the final defender before superbly slotting home. 4 – 4 and no time to catch breath. A quality game by any standards !

Dunston UTS 1 Sunderland RCA 0

7 October 2009

FA Youth Cup

Sunderland RCA exited the national FA Youth Cup competition tonight, despite an excellent performance away at Dunston UTS.

The bad news beforehand was that defender Marc Moon is to be out of action for at least two months injured on DFA County duty on Monday night and he joins midfielder Liam Cox who is also likely to be out for six weeks.

Dunston were very lively in the opening 10 minutes and a good move down the right ended up with a shot from the edge of the box by Ricky Fenwick which was well gathered by Graeme Pickering in the RCA goal. Further free kicks were won in dangerous positions by the home side who were looking to make the most of height advantage. However RCA were having possession advantage in many areas of the pitch. After creating half chances the lead was nearly taken when captain Jonny Davis crossed for his midfield partner Ryan Mather and his glancing header missed the post by inches with the keeper well beaten.

Minutes later great interplay by RCA down the left between Olabode and Deary put Kieran Stokoe free and cutting into the box he crossed with pace, Lee Andrews racing in to connect but again the ball missed the target. Dunston were very relieved to get to half-time 0 – 0 and dusted down in readiness for the second half. RCA left the field buoyant but bewildered in how a chance had not been converted.

RCA started the second half with confidence but again the home defence were proving a hard nut to crack. The home side though surprised many in the ground by taking the lead when winning their first corner of the second half, the ball was headed home by Lee Cranney, 1 – 0. If ever a lift was needed for Dunston this was it and although RCA upped the pace creating more half chances again, they were nearly caught with a second free kick opportunity that was headed against the bar. RCA made substitutions and the final period of the game was completely dominated, James Alston beating the defence twice and with keeper to beat pushed his efforts inches wide of the goal on both occasions. The attacks were relentless, Nathaniel Crinson getting in behind the defence on the right and crossing but no finishing touch for the equaliser. Deary hitting a effort from 18 yards past the post.

The equaliser had to come and when a great 4 man move ended up with Crinson finding Lee Andrews in the box the keeper was beaten and he hit into the target only to see the ball ricochet off the last defender and wide again. The referee blew the whistle and the Dunston players were jubilant, they rode their luck on the night and have been rewarded with a chance to make the First Round proper away to Congleton Town (Cheshire). Tough for the RCA lads, but good football experience gained.

Sunderland RCA 0 Ryhope CW 0

Saturday, 24 October 2009

Durham County U18 Youth League

Meadow Park had a good crowd in attendance for today’s local derby against neighbours Ryhope CW and the covered stand was well occupied as the game kicked off, just as the heavens opened.

RCW were very bright in the opening 10 minutes, moving the ball around well without having a final cutting edge. RCA began to gain authority and chances were created down the left flank by Nathaniel Crinson and the right by Perri Agnew, the best of which was headed wide by Luke Olabode who could not believe he missed the target. Daniel Douglas in the RCW goal was having a very busy time and he pulled off two exceptional saves from Ryan Mather and Perri Agnew. A very young RCW side refused to be bowled over and to their credit they were working very hard and also passing the ball along the ground which made good viewing for the audience. 0 – 0 at half time and the home supporters were scratching heads on how the breakthrough had not been made.

The second half continued in the same vein as the first, with RCA dominating possession but RCW standing firm with RCA old boy Anthony Gamble having a particularly strong game at the back. Daniel Douglas in goal though was stealing the show for the visitors and was enjoying the test with an exceptional display. RCW did have a few efforts from distance on the counter attack but Graeme Pickering in the other goal was also looking very assured. However as the game moved into the final period RCA brought 3 substitutes on to hopefully find a way through. Mark Robinson down the left got in twice firing great crosses into the box which Lee Andrews nearly turned home. From one of the many corners though, a great centre again found the head of Olabode who connected with great power but the direction was off target again. RCW ran the clock down and when the full time whistle went their loud celebrations said it all. Points dropped from the RCA viewpoint but still early days !

SOUTH DIVISION

Team
P
W
D
L
F
A
Pts
Nissan
6
5
1
0
28
6
16
Grindon
6
4
1
1
23
11
13
Lumley
6
4
1
1
20
12
13
Chester-le-Street
5
4
0
1
29
4
12
Sunderland RCA
5
3
1
1
18
5
10
Newton Aycliffe
8
2
2
4
11
26
8
Witton
6
2
0
4
13
26
6
Ryhope
7
1
2
4
4
24
5
Willington
6
1
0
5
10
24
3
Blackhall
5
0
0
5
6
24
0

Sunderland RCA 3 Newton Aycliffe 1

Saturday 14th November 2009

Durham County U18 Youth League

Meadow Park again had a good crowd in attendance for today’s match after the first team game at Whitehaven was cancelled. The U18s were keen to impress and the game did not disappoint with some quality football on offer.

Ayclliffe kicked off and made early possession count. Only 2 minutes on the clock when RCA defensive hesitancy allowed centre forward Josh Knox to move forward and when he got close to the 18 yard box he despatched a great drilled effort which went in off the post giving Graeme Pickering in goal no chance. Certainly a wake up call and clear indication that the visitors were not there just to make up the numbers. Quality football throughout the first half with both teams playing from the back, using midfield to create the chances. Carpet football as they say ! Alston , Olabode and Crinson all had chances for RCA whilst Knox and Robinson were lively upfront for Aycliffe. 0 – 1 half time.

RCA looked to make possession count second half and it was no surprise that the equaliser came early in the second half. Davis was fouled just inside the box and he stepped up for the penalty giving the keeper no chance on 55 minutes. Chances were created at both ends before a direct ball through the middle split the defence and Luke Olabode raced through with the keeper to beat only for a last chance tackle attempt upending him just inside the box. Davis again stepped up to the spot to send the keeper the wrong way and 2- 1 to RCA. Marc Robinson who came on as substitute for RCA for the last half hour was really testing Ayciffe and got a well deserved goal on 80 minutes when after initially winning a header he played a one two down the left, he raced into the box and hit a great drive across the keeper with his right foot. 3 – 1 the final score an excellent game and three points to push RCA up the table.

Lumley 2 Sunderland RCA 2

Saturday, 24 April 2010

Durham County Youth League

A squad of only 12 available today as three youth players were playing for the County U16 Boys clubs in Liverpool. Liam Dunn and Kieran Stokoe were also out injured. Not ideal preparation for RCA in a must-win game and worse news in the warm up as central defender Luke Olabode also pulled up with a groin problem, but an enforced decision was made for him to start the game.

RCA opened very strongly with forwards Lee Andrews and James Alston testing the keeper in the early exchanges. Lumley were showing direct intentions and moving the ball as quickly as possible to target man Aaron Wearmouth. The approach worked on 20 minutes when a ball was hit long down the left and the winger beat the full back to pull back a cross that Wearmouth connected with full forehead from just next to the penalty spot to direct into the bottom corner. RCA showed no despondency and took the game again to the home side, James Alston hitting a raking left foot drive that just cleared the post before Nathaniel Crinson coming even closer with an effort that just cleared the bar. Half time 1 - 0.

Lumley needing a point to secure the championship sat back and to be fair were defending well with the repetitive wave of attacks by the visitors. Possession counted for nothing though and disaster on the hour for RCA when a long throw cleared all heads and Pickering in goal pushed the ball onto the post, the rebound hit another RCA defender before ricocheting off Lumley forward Scott Wallace and into the net. RCA, chasing the win to keep the championship chance, alive threw everything into attack in the last 20 minutes and pulled the first goal back on 75 minutes when right full back Alex Bone raced into the box hitting across goal for James Alston to slot home. Racing back to kick off again it was all one-way traffic now and the deserved equaliser arrived when Sam Wigham (who had come on to replace defender Olabode as an extra forward) found space down the right again crossing in for Alston to again fire home. 2 – 2 and only minutes to play. All forward now with Lumley having everyone back, but the referee blew to end the title aspirations. Lumley celebrations said it all as they were pushed right until the end.

Great effort and application from all players at RCA and now we must lift heads in readiness for a big league cup tie at home against Chester-le-Street on Wednesday. If the team is going to claim the runner's up spot they also have the small matter of having to beat last year's champions Chester home and away in the last two league games (they also are chasing the runners up spot.) Hopefully player availability will improve in the next few days, but whatever happens, RCA youths have been cracking to watch this season!

Sunderland RCA 8 Newcastle East End 1

Thursday, 26 November 2009

County Youth Cup - Round One

A mouth watering prospect at Meadow Park tonight, the home side County Cup holders against the current North League leaders. RCA had selection problems with club captain Liam Dunn, Nathaniel Crinson and Chris Hartley all unavailable through part time work commitments. Better news though was that Liam Cox was back in the squad after 7 weeks out through injury.

East End kicked off and moved forward at fast pace and in the opening minutes had a penalty shout denied with the referee and linesman very close to the incident. Successive corners were won by the visitors who clearly showed their attacking intentions. RCA responded and after 10 minutes a great ball down the right cleared the left backs head and Lee Andrews was on it as quick as lightning, beating the defender by yards he then met the fast approaching keeper Grievison who blocked the first effort well, but the forward despatched the second effort into the roof of the net from the corner of the 18 yard box. East End responded creating the next attack and no 10. Dean Holmes showed skill and pace beating the RCA defence and driving from 20 yards against the post.

RCA increased the lead after 25 minutes when James Alston was played in he beat the last defender raced onto keeper who dived despairingly at the forwards feet only to be rounded and Alston slotted into the empty net. A great finish and 2 – 0 to the home side. One way traffic now with RCA really upping the ante and it was no surprise when Lee Andrews hit home again, a finish better than his first, drilling in from just inside the box to make the pressure count. Jonny Davis crashed a 30 yard free kick against the bar minutes later which would have sealed the game before half time but given the level of performance it looked in anyway that East End could only look to damage limitation.

The second half kicked off again and although East End looked for a way back, the tie was effectively sealed when a great midfield move involving at least five players starting with Ryan Mather in the centre ended up with a cross pulled back just outside the box and the same player hit it first time with the outside of his right foot like an arrow into the top corner. A goal good enough to win any football match. The lead was increased when Alston who had looked lively all night raced clear again and accelerating with pace into the box he met the keeper again who took the player down for a penalty. Man of the Match Andrews stepped up to take and slotted home for a well deserved hat trick. Jonny Davis also finished off a good move to get reward for his endeavours to make it six after 75 minutes.

A massive performance from RCA , Pickering in goal looking assured, the back four of Deary, Olabode, Moon and Bone were exceptional. Robinson down the left ran with pace all night whilst young Jordan Cook had dug in on the right side of midfield. Liam Cox came on for the last period with Lewis Hatcher and alongside Kieran Stokoe this boosted the team again with a cross from the right finding the feet of Stokoe and taking one touch he pulled the ball down to rifle home the 7th with style. East End lost their discipline in the later stages which resulted in several bookings to dampen their night completely but were well worth a goal and in particular Dean Holmes who finished with aplomb from a 25 yard effort. Not to be denied though it was RCA who finished off the game and Alston again proved the thorn getting in to beat the keeper again to get his second of the night.

The standard set by RCA tonight was something to behold and on this display a clear indication that we are not going to pass the County Cup back very easily ! Another big game against high flyers Grindon again at home in 24 hours ….hopefully we are all back with feet on the ground. Good nights to remember this is close to the top of peak memories.

Sunderland RCA 0 Herrington Grindon Rangers 1

28 November 2009

Durham County Lomax Training Services Under 18s League

A good match was anticipated today with RCA hosting current South League Leaders Herrington Grindon Rangers and the crowd was not disappointed with some quality football on display and top draw defending from both teams.

Rangers came closest in the early exchanges a corner headed against the bar when Cheal got up well when challenged on the penalty spot area with the ball scrambled away. RCA responded with an effort from Lee Andrews was well gathered by Peter Jameson in goal. James Alston for RCA had a half chance when he found room in the penalty area but he fired over on the half hour. The same player beat the offside trap minutes later racing through with the keeper to beat he hit the ball well but just wide of the post.

RCA won a free kick before half time which looked a little too far out from goal but captain Jonny Davis hit it sweetly and this crashed against the Rangers Bar with the keeper beaten. Chances were created at both ends but the defences for both sides were very controlled and this meant 0 – 0 at half time.

Second half followed a similar vein to the first with both sides hitting the woodwork again. However after the hour mark and against the general run of play Rangers won an innocuous free kick mid way in the RCA half. The ball was hit long into the box and Rangers with height advantage again won the header which glanced on to the bar then across goal where Alex Ryan found himself unmarked to prod home. 0 – 1 to Rangers.

RCA responded with real spirit but were thwarted time after time by some great defending. In the last quarter, substitutions were made with an extra forward thrown up in all out attack. After good work down the right between Liam Cox and Nathaniel Crinson the ball was fired into the box and Andrews met with a great volley, surely the equaliser but no just over the bar. From a late corner RCA won the aerial challenge and the ball was headed goalwards, keeper beaten but a defender appeared to clear again. Shouts for the goal were ignored by the referee who to be fair stated he could not give a goal from his angle. Goal-line technology - it still would have been a tough call !

The referee blew the whistle to end a very good football match and the cheers from the Rangers players said it all. A very big three points for the visitors who have a strong advantage at the top of the league. Pleasing football for all the neutrals and the future looks very good for Senior football in Sunderland based on the quality showed by both sides.

Ryhope CW 0 Sunderland RCA 6

Saturday 5th December 2009

Durham County Lomax Under 18 League

Well a moderate crowd in attendance today, understandable in that the CW first team were in a semi final cup game at Redcar, with the RCA first team in a vital promotion battle at North Shields.

The game opened up at a frantic pace with Lee Andrews bringing out a great save from Daniel Douglas in the opening exchanges. A very young home side were really getting tested and did well delaying the breakthrough which came after 20 minutes. Crinson fed Mather down the right and in a 50/50 race with former RCA defender Anth Gamble, it was the midfielder who stretched to pull the ball back across the goal where left sider Kieran Stokoe raced in to tap home. Minutes later a further cross from the right was crossed in which Andrews connected with a raking volley that was kept out by the keeper with shouts that the ball had crossed the line. The referee, former SAFC player Peter Stronach who was having an excellent game, was well up with play and well positioned to see that the ball had not crossed over.

However RCA were not to be denied and on 35 minutes a corner was drilled in with perfection from full back Peter Deary and RCA captain Jonny Davis rose like a salmon, the perfect header into the top corner of the net. 0 - 2 at halftime.

The second half was clearly going to be a long one for the CW lads, after the first attack of the second half saw more good work from Crinson down the right, the ball crossed in again and Stokoe again found space to knock the ball home. CW to their credit raised their level and centre backs Moon and Dunn had to be alive to break away moves. Decent efforts were hit from distance but Graeme Pickering in the RCA goal was looking assured and dealing competently with good hands.

Jordan Cook in the centre of midfield began exchanging passes with Davis and Mather and half chances were being created. Eventually though it was a longer pass from the centre circle that cleared the heads of the CW centre halves and Andrews sprinted clear to slot home to make it four on the hour mark. The game was over as a contest and it was no surprise when Stokoe again got in down the left; he beat the full back and with options of getting his hat trick he pulled the ball back for team mate Crinson who slotted home the fifth. More goals were likely and Luke Olabode nearly extended the lead twice getting in, but agonisingly pulling the ball inches past the post.

The closing minutes though brought the goal of the match. Several passes were exchanged from the back through midfield to the front,
where the ball found centre half Dunn who had continued his run. Dummying to go right on the edge of the 18 yard box, he took three defenders out of the game; pushing the ball onto his left he then despatched the ball with aplomb into the top right corner of the net
(capping off a MoM performance from the management point of view). 6 - 0 was very harsh on the CW lads as overall this was a good display from some very willing young players.

RCA Seniors at the top of the Northern League Div 2, RCW Seniors at the top of the Wearside League. Never happened in history lets hope it's the same at the end of the season. The future is good with the young tadpoles of the youth sides certainly finding their feet and more than a few will be swimming in the big pond soon, creating very big ripples, trust me.

Sunderland RCA 5 Willington 0

Saturday 12th December 2009

Durham County Youth Cup

RCA reached the last 4 of the County Cup today with a competent display against Willington.

The visitors opened very brightly and could have taken the lead in the early minutes when centre forward John Dixon fired wide when he possibly could have done better. Early corners were defended well by the RCA defence.

After 10 minutes though a breakthrough from the first real attack by the home side. A long ball into the area was sliced sideways by a central defender and the ball fell to Lee Andrews who seeing the keeper out of position he slotted home from the tightest of angles. The goal gave confidence to the home side who started their normal passing game and controlling possession. It was no surprise when the second goal came with Lee Andews now creator, splitting the defence with a through ball that midfielder Ryan Mather raced onto slotting the ball past the advancing Michael Stocks in goal. Willington responded with Dixon linking with his strike partner Aydon Bowers who hit a great effort from outside the box which took a deflection, the ball looked bound to beat Graeme Pickering in goal but he flung himself full length to push the ball round the post.

A sign that it was not going to be Willington's day and after the half hour came a further breakthrough with Kieran Stokoe splitting the defence in similar style to the second goal with Mather racing in again to slot home for his second.

Peter Deary at left back played in midfielder Kieran Stokoe who slotted the ball through the defenders legs before getting into the box, he passed the ball invitingly for Jonny Davis to shoot but he ducked his shoulder deceiving the two final defenders before squaring again for the overlapping Jordan Cook who raced in to slot home. Very loud cheers for a great goal and Cooky's first of the season. 4 - 0 and game over by half time.

The second half was fairly balanced with the visitors not giving up and Pickering had to again be alive with Bowers again testing him from just inside the box. However after the hour mark James Alston was played in down the right. Racing clear he moved into the box where with the goalie to beat he unselfishly squared the ball sideways for Andrews to sidefoot home to get his second.

A convincing win which sees RCA in the last 4 of the County Cup for the second year running.......with Nissan, Walker and Chester le Street .It will be a tough draw either way but we are looking forward to the Semi which will be in February.

Sunderland RCA 8 Blackhall 1

Thursday, 11 February 2010

Under 18 South League

Finally after two months enforced winter break, RCA youths played their first game in 2010 in a league game against Blackhall. Would this have an adverse affect on the team, clearly not when after a competitive first half, the passing quality of the home side eventually wore down the visitors, who worked hard but were well beaten in the end.

Lee Andrews opened the scoring after 20 minutes when full back Alex Bone played a great through ball which the forward raced onto, before sliding it past the keeper from the edge of the box. Blackhall responded with a great move up the left and a raking cross to the back post was headed over. RCA created good opportunities, winning a number of corners and free kicks but had to wait until the 45th minute before making a further breakthrough. Peter Deary at full back played a great ball down the line where Andrews received well, playing the ball into Luke Olabode whose effort was blocked by the last defender. The ball fell to the feet of Andrews who seeing the keeper out of position calmly slotted home, just inside the near post. 2 – 0.

After half time Blackhall to their credit raised the level and two cracking efforts were fired at goal, the best of which smashing the bar from 30 yards by midfielder Brad Highfield. The game though was over as a contest after the hour mark when Luke Olabode hit a similar left foot screamer from distance right into the top corner and the celebrations said it all ! Andrews completed his hat trick soon after with another cool finish to reward him for great all round effort (20 goals in 14 games this season – and his 5th hat trick !)

At this point substitutions were made and 16 year goalkeeper Hayden Scott was brought on to gain some experience of the Youth league, making his debut, replacing Graeme Pickering who had looked assured all night in goal.

Minutes later good passing play down the right by young Jordan Cook ended up with Ryan Mather ghosting in to slot home to make it five. Olabode who had caused problems for the visitors all night was also not to be outdone and he coolly slotted successive chances home to secure his first ever hat trick for the club. It is still undecided who will claim the match ball ! Finally the home scoring was rounded off by midfield captain Jonny Davis who had a massively impressive game again, making RCA tick with his quick passing game. In injury time Blackhall got a deserved consolation when Kris Hope found space in the box and he glanced the ball just inside the post.

All in all another great win in a game that was much needed from RCA point of view. A real big one next up when we have the County Cup Semi Final on Monday night at Niissan. The current South leaders are unbeaten in the league whilst RCA will be trying hard not to give up the Cup that we currently hold. Kick off is 7.0 pm and Nissan are giving us the Red Carpet treatment with sandwiches and refreshments after the game. Could be a real good night with some good young footballers on show, so get yourself along………..free admission, if you buy me a drink !

Sunderland Nissan 2 Sunderland RCA 2 AET Penalties Nissan 5 RCA 3

Monday 15th February 2010

Durham County Youth Cup Semi Final

Many Youth football followers were eagerly looking forward to tonight’s match between Nissan undefeated in the South League this season and RCA current County Cup holders. The league game was shaded by Nissan 1 – 0 in September in a cracking fast game and tonight’s encounter would have a lot to live up to.

The early minutes of the game were fast and furious as the battle commenced, no quarter given, as the players challenged strongly for possession. Referee Ash Cooper in the middle was aiming to keep the fast pace of the game flowing with the minimum of interference, but needed to have words with a couple of players to maintain control. As the game settled down RCA were retaining the ball well and passing swiftly in to feet. Early space was found by fullback Alex Bone and right midfielder Jordan Cook who released Ryan Mather into space, but he was unlucky in overreaching for his effort which was well covered by Niall Thubron in the Nissan goal. Nissan won the first corner of the game and showed height advantage in the box and RCA did well in closing down and clearing the danger.

On 20 minutes Nissan made the first breakthrough when from a corner the ball was knocked down to the feet of central defender Andy Brown who although allowed space, showed composure to turn and hit an effort on goal that took a deflection before nestling in the bottom corner. Harsh on RCA given the opening exchanges and even a tougher task ahead. However the visitors showed no despondency and confidently took the game back to the home side who were very organised in all areas and dealing well cutting out attacks. Lee Andrews and Mather were working tirelessly up front for RCA, but even when finding space could not fire in efforts that were going to trouble the home keeper. Half time 1 – 0.

The game was evenly matched for the next period, Tony Burnell and Dan Colling having half chances for Nissan, Lee Andrews hitting excellently for RCA when set up by Kieran Stokoe at the edge of the box which was pushed round the post by Thubron. RCA changed formation for the latter period, Luke Olabode getting pushed forward from central defence, whilst substitutes Nathaniel Crinson and Liam Cox were introduced to seek the elusive equaliser. After 80 minutes the rewards for good passing play by RCA were reaped. After successive passes left back Peter Deary found Crinson on the left and he raced forward beating his man before firing in a raking cross along the grass where Lee Andrews was the first to meet drilling in from 16 yards. The elation was there for all to see. 1 – 1 and game back on. RCA definitely looked the more likely and attacked immediately, however the game was stopped for a late tackle on RCA midfield captain Jonny Davis who had to be withdrawn to get treatment. RCA had to continue with 10 men until the referee blew the whistle for a game that was starting to follow a lively script.

Davis still received treatment in the dugout while the game kicked off and both teams had half chances again, Graeme Pickering in goal for RCA pulling out the best of the nights saves. However both central defences were looking strong, with Nissan centre half Danny Lay heading away good crosses, whilst Moon and Liam Dunn for RCA were equally as strong. The return of Davis to the pitch lifted the away side again, but all level still as the referee blew. Both sides were showing tiredness in the last quarter yet it was still too close to call. Penalties on the cards, until four minutes to go, good work down the left from Nissan saw crosses into the box where after successive headers centre forward Burnell headed high looping over Pickering and into the top corner. Screams of delight from the home side. Minutes to go and all thrown forward into the Nissan box and the twist again, when Bone for RCA was fouled in the box, referee blowing for the penalty immediately. Marc Moon stepped up and drilled home. Joy for RCA, before the final whistle. Penalties and great entertainment now - for the neutrals in the ground.

Nissan started the lottery and drilled the first of five great penalties. RCA unfortunately missed their first and that decided the night. Overall a game to bring the crowds back and although all young lads, a spectacle that any level of senior football would have been proud of.

Newton Aycliffe 0 Sunderland RCA 2

Saturday, 20 February 2010

Durham County Youth League

After early pitch inspections, the game got the go ahead, albeit on an adjacent football pitch that was smaller than where the original would have been played. This turned out to be a very tight game that was only settled in the later stages.

In the first half play was very condensed and both sides were closing down well allowing little room. Aycliffe nearly took the lead after 25 minutes when a central midfielder played a one-two and on receiving the final pass found space to crack an excellent effort that smashed against the bar. RCA responded with efforts from Lee Andrews, then Luke Olabode who, racing in at the back post, headed on target and the keeper pushed over for a corner. The home side were dangerous at set pieces and RCA also had to defend well against a specialist long thrower. There was little between the sides and the half time score was 0 - 0.

The second half was much more like it from RCA who upped the ante winning many corners and free kicks. However the home side were defending strongly and in particular the two central defenders were proving very capable. After the hour three sustitutes were introduced for RCA,
Jamie Alston, Mark Robinson and Kieran Stokoe thrown in, for an all out attack formation. The changes had effect with Robinson winning successive corners down the left. Liam Cox fired a corner in on 80 minutes and Ryan Mather at the back post headed sweetly giving the keeper no chance. 1 - 0 and real relief for RCA. Minutes later a further free kick was won outside the box. Stokoe approached with the dummy option to shoot, but Cox crossed the ball into space at the back of the wall when Mather raced in again to slide the ball past the keeper. 2 - 0 and game over! Another welcome three points that keeps RCA in touch with the leaders. Only seven games left and any team from five can win the division, which is the most open it has been in many years.

Nissan 1 Sunderland RCA 3

Saturday, 13 March 2010

Under 18s League

This was a must win game for both youth teams if a championship challenge was to be made with current league leaders Lumley.

RCA squad has recently been depleted due to players deciding to spread their wings and move into senior football. A squad of fourteen was further reduced prior to kick off when Nathaniel Crinson pulled up with a hamstring problem. The good news was that James Alston had completely recovered from an ankle problem that had persisted in recent weeks.

Like the three previous tight encounters this season, the game opened with pace and was lively contested in the midfield area. RCA settled down into their passing game, but it was Nissan who created the first opportunity on goal, Jonathon Greening finding space down the left and racing onto goal he cracked a great left foot effort that cleared the bar by inches. However RCA got a deserved opener, when Jordan Cook wide right drilled a great cross pass into the feet of Lee Andrews who flicked on to his strike partner Alston, who accelerated immpresively before despatching the ball past the advancing keeper. RCA upped the ante and it was no surprise that a second came, but not until the 40th minute when Andrews again got the ball to feet and pushing again to Alston who this time raced on rounding the keeper before slotting into the open goal with style. Right on half time Nissan dragged themselves back into the game when a corner was only half cleared by RCA to a loose forward who cleverly back heeled though a crowded area into the net. Nissan 1 RCA 2.

RCA again raised the level and were generally controlling possession, but finding no headway against an organised defence. However on the hour mark Mark Robinson was introduced to the game down the left and his pace caused problems immediately. Racing down the left he moved in on the keeper who closed the angle, forcing the forward wide and whilst the shot connection was with great pace, the ball cleared the bar. The same player nearly scored again when good work down the right saw a cross fed in, but whilst Robinson connected the ball was cleared off the goal-line with the keeper beaten.

The visitors were not to be denied though, and on 75 minutes got a deserved third goal. Good possession from back to midfield created a half chance that was cleared by the defence wide right. When the ball arrived to Jordan Cook (who had proved a crossing threat all day) he drilled it back first time across goal which was met by Andrews who shot at goal. The ball was parried by the keeper out to James Alston again who made no mistake from 10 yards as he gleefully smashed home. An excellent hat trick by a young forward in his first year of youth football.

Nissan pushed again, but RCA were showing composure and resilience and there was no way back for the home side. An excellent three points which keeps title hopes alive going into the last six matches. It might be a big ask to win all those games, but the team will be aiming to get into the top three. which will be some achievement given the good quality at the top of the South League.

Sunderland RCA 6 Witton Park 0

Saturday, 20 March 2010

Durham County Youth League

Sunderland RCA moved to second place in the league with a resounding win at home today. The result was never in doubt after early break through goals with the only concern being the heavy rain which poured heavily right on kick off time.

The home side were quick out of the traps and after five minutes Nathaniel Crinson made great progress down the right beating the full back he sent in a cross shot which keeper Joe Gillis palmed upwards and when the ball bounced on the 6 yard line, Kieran Stokoe raced in to nod home. The visitors were defending frantically and it was no surprise when the second came after 10 minutes, a ball was half cleared to defender Peter Deary who hit a great effort from 30 yards which the keeper could only push upwards and into the net. Dezze’s first of the season.

Witton Park settled down now and began to play good football in the central midfield area through Jamie Beecham and Ryan Carter, however RCA who have the best defensive record in the Youth Leagues were proving strong again and dealt with threats very comfortably. The game was all over as a contest before half time with James Alston drilling a great effort into the top corner from the edge of the box on 35 minutes after being played in by Lee Andrews. On 40 minutes Witton Park conceded a free kick which was delivered to the back post by Deary onto the head of Liam Dunn who made no mistake from 5 yards. Half time 4 – 0.

The visitors defended resiliently in the second half and were much more organised in their approach with a game plan to reduce damage limitation. RCA introduced substitutes Lewis Hatcher and 16 year old Sam Wigham for his debut on the hour mark. Wigham nearly made a dream start breaking down the right he played a one two and on beating the final defender he hit across the keeper who dove well to save on the goal-line. Consecutive corners were won by RCA and when the second one fell to James Alston on the corner of the 6 yard box he rocketed the ball back across the goal and just inside the post. 5 – 0.

Many chances were created in the latter stages and Alston rounded off a man of the match performance with a great finish when played clear he raced on to slot past the keeper for his second hat-trick in a week. RCA keep themselves in touching distance with league leaders Lumley and with 5 games left hope to push the challenge all the way.

Blackhall CW 1 Sunderland RCA 4

Saturday 27th March 2010

Durham County Youth League

The RCA squad was severely depleted today with the withdrawal through injury of the team’s two main forwards Lee Andrews and James Alston. After losing players to Senior football in recent weeks the management team decided to increase numbers and four new players have been brought in to boost a possible title push. 16 year old defender Luke Richardson made his debut at the back with 15 year old Rhys Weir also making a debut start up front. Two other 16 year olds made the bench in forwards James Stephenson and Jordan Dagg.

Both teams opened up intent on attack and long rang efforts were hit at both ends which keepers dealt with well, in particular Matty Baron in goal for the home side denying the visitors a breakthrough. Blackhall in the early stages were belying their low position in the league and made the breakthrough after quarter of an hour, good play in the midfield area saw the ball delivered to the feet of centre forward Chris Hope who 30 yards from goal turned swiftly and pushing the ball forward he then hit an unstoppable screamer right into the top corner. RCA increased the tempo and started to ask the question but could not breach resilient defending. Baron was inspired in goal saving goal bound efforts from Luke Olabode and Ryan Mather. The deserved breakthrough came though after half an hour with good work down the right resulted in a cross to the back post where efforts were blocked on the line, before the ball fell to Kieran Stokoe who drilled in from an acute angle.

RCA had two further chances the first made for himself by Jordan Cook who on receiving the ball with the left full back to beat he flicked into the air then volleyed from 25 yards smacking a great effort against the post. Minutes later Peter Deary and Stokoe worked well down the left and a great delivery was pulled back from the byeline the ball sent across goal finding Rhys Weir who raced in to slot home but could not make full contact and the ball was scrambled clear. Half Time 1 – 1 but more like it in the later stages from RCA.

A draw at this stage of the season would be of little use to RCA and the team set out with clear attacking intent. Several corners and freekicks were won and Blackhall were struggling to make any headway into the RCA half. Baron in goal was having a very impressive game pushing efforts around posts but after forcing a corner away again the ball fell to RCA’s Mather who despatched home to the relief of all concerned. One way traffic after that and Olabode who had previously been denied by great saves finally drilled one that the keeper had no chance with. James Stephenson was introduced after the hour mark and he nearly made an immediate impact beating the offside trap he raced clear but clipped his effort against the bar. Moments later he had the ball in the net but was pulled up for offside. The good play by RCA got further rewards when Rhys Weir was played in and when the keeper advanced he lifted upwards and although the keeper got fingers to the ball, he could not deny the forward a deserved goal on his debut. 4 – 1 to RCA and another 3 points in the bag.

6 straight league wins, with four games to go. A team that had a top 3 finish written off by many in October, now one of 4 that can actually can win the title.

Herrington Grindon Rangers 4 Sunderland RCA 1

Saturday, 10 April 2010

Durham County Youth League

A squad of 16 was named today including four youth players only 16 year olds for RCA in Sam Wigham, James Anderson, Luke Richardson and Rhys Weir. However three of the players did not make kick off due to the earlier Under 16 County Boys Club match that they were playing in going to extra time!

In a very tight encounter it was RCA who made the breakthrough after half hour when good work down the middle by Ryan Mather gave him space to split the defence with a great ball to Lee Andrews who hit a great effort home from the edge of the box. Minutes later RCA hit the bar again but it was the Rangers who finished the half the strongest. A free kick from the right was hit to the back post and when headed against the bar, central defender Danny Egan followed up to head bravely home as the ball bounced along the line. Right on half time a further ball hit long from the Herrington full back cleared the RCA defence and left sider Holden raced onto and lobbed the advancing Pickering in goal. Half Time 2 – 1.

RCA opened brightly in the second half and won an early direct free kick on the edge of the box. Kieran Stokoe hit a peach over the wall beating the rooted keeper, but the ball struck the foot of the post. The team were generally cancelling each other out now, but on the hour disaster for RCA when a back pass from distance rolled into the box, Pickering raced out to clear but the ball hit a divot (Paul Robinson style!) to clear his foot and gathered pace to clear the goal line. Little time to recover for the visitors as minutes later a penalty was conceded which appeared very harsh but Egan stepped up unperturbed to slot home. Final score 4 – 1 which was ideal for the watching Lumley contingent who are now assured of a minimum play off for the league title. RCA need to play Chester twice and a draw in either of these games eliminates both teams and Lumley would secure the title, with possibly Herrington sneaking in to get the runners up spot. Interesting run in indeed.

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