Pre-season friendly
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Jolly Potter FC, from the Wearside Combination League Premier Division were last night's guests at Meadow Park. The hosts were mean and the visitors generous as the difference in status was clear across the park and throughout the match. That said, the Jolly Potters were a great set of lads who got on with their football in a good competitive spirit with no moaning. All credit to them and best wishes for the season. There was a particularly good performance from ex-RCA Under -18, Lloyd Conlin, playing number seven in midfield.
Gary Shields opened the scoring on three minutes - it should have been earlier - and made it two on 10 minutes by converting a cross from the left. On 26 minutes Gary completed his hat trick, heading in from a left wing cross, which had followed a nice set of midfield passes. Four minutes into the second half and he scored his fourth, receiving the ball in the six-yard box, taking a few showboat steps and passing the ball into the net from virtually the goal line. By this time RCA were five - nil up, the Jolly Potter having conceded an own goal on nine minutes from a right-wing Andy Middleton cross.
Manager Neil Hixon used the match to give many players a run out. This was Paul Sammons first full start of the pre-season, playing alongside Keith Graydon in central midfield, alongside Andy Middleton and Adam McGuiness out wide. It was good to see Paul come through the match feeling good. Glenn Moan at right back always looked cool, classy and in control. Ash Davis was back from his holidays and showed off his pace and power before cramp set in. Sean Davies played well at centre half.
On seventy five minutes new signing Anth Holmes made it six - nil and three minutes later up popped Dean Goodwin to volley home powerfully to make it seven up. After injury, this was Dean's first run out and it was good to see his powerful midfield drive on show again at Meadow Park.