Sunderland RCA 1 Chester le Street 1

Under 18s County Youth League

Saturday 14 March 2009

Well before today, only four league games left to play for SRCA youths and to stand any chance of winning the league the opposition, Chester-le-Street, had to be beaten. A very big ask, given that the visitors had not dropped a single point to date during 2008/09. However SRCA were buoyant on the back of eight straight wins and were definitely looking forward to the test.

With a decent crowd in attendance, SRCA won the toss and elected to defend the conditions with a very strong March wind in their faces. Chester-le-Street were quickly on the attack and the two central attackers, 9 and 10, were very lively; RCA central defenders Moon and Ashman had to make good challenges to control the early threat. Chester won the first corners, but they were well dealt with as RCA stood resolute. However it was difficult for the home attack to make any headway until the 20th minute when Andrews (who had made his first team debut during the week) hit a decent effort, which was a yard wide of the target. Minutes later though there was a goal on the counter when the central Chester midfielder played a through ball into the box and number 10, Joe Hughes, whilst looking in an offside position, flicked the ball over keeper Graham who had raced out, making it 1 - 0 to the visitors.

The midfield area was packed now with RCA reverting to five across the park to slow down the Chester momentum who were looking to get a second as the wind was proving to be a massive advantage. However they were restricted to long range efforts including a couple of direct free kicks well dealt with by Graham. However up front Robinson and Andrews were causing problems with their pace and RCA won corners as half time approached. Chester coped well with the threat having aerial advantage in many positions but were still relieved when the whistle blew, as RCA were unlucky not to register a goal.

RCA players remained on the pitch at half time eagerly awaiting the restart and Chester players, when leaving the changing rooms, knew they were in a real match. The home supporters were not to be disappointed as RCA quickly went for it, winning corners immediately. Then in the 50th minute a real surge on goal when Page, Jordan and Hardy, had half chances before the ball was cleared high to the edge of the box where supporting midfielder Bailey attacked the ball. Heading it perfectly from 18 yards and with the keeper beaten it crashed against the bar. Chester were doing all the defending now, particularly with Ashman's long throws which were causing major problems and winning RCA consecutive corners. The last was well crossed in by Robinson, but Ashman headed wide when finding space in the box. The pressure eventually paid off in the 75th minute when another corner was won on the right and when it was crossed in it was only half cleared to the edge of the box. Page hit it first time and Ashman redirected the shot into the bottom corner of the net. Real celebrations now as RCA drew level 1 - 1.

The game was fast and frantic now as the home side pushed forward at all times, needing a winner to keep possible title chances alive. However no breakthrough came and it was heart-in-mouths in the last minute when Chester-le Street in their best chance of the second half raced through, three on to one, only to waste the opportunity when the centre forward shot from distance instead of playing his attacking partner in. The full time whistle was blown and title aspirations look very unlikely now in that SRCA must win their last three matches whilst hoping Chester lose three of their last five - very unlikely indeed because they are an exceptional side. The record run of eight successive wins has been halted but as least our young lads are unbeaten since October. Definitely good times as this time last year we were bottom of the league. Three cups left to go for with two semi-finals coming up very soon. If the lads can keep the effort and commitment up together with a bit of luck who knows we might reach a final. Still a great season whatever happens and we are still the only team to have beaten North League leaders, Walker Central, and the first to take a point off the South League champions elect!