Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup - Semi Final
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
Sunderland RCA faced South Shields for the second time in a week, looking for revenge for last Tuesday's narrow defeat which saw Shields confirm their promotion. Following our failure to try and do the same on Saturday with a poor show against Ryton, Neil shuffled his pack a little and brought in Jon Newton up front to partner Andy Jennings, with Gary Shields in a free role. Andy Middleton also started on the right, and Glen McCartney replaced the cuptied Paul Wardle.
The game started very evenly with Shields maybe settling the better, until after 10 minutes Andy Jennings just failed to connect with a floated cross from Jon Newton. Jennings then fired over from 18 yards, synchronistically after 18 minutes. A tough territorial battle ensued until RCA broke the deadlock as Andy Middleton, relishing his chance, deftly played in Jon Newton who calmly slotted home on 27 minutes. South Shields were rattled and were quickly on the attack, with Craig Shields bringing off a fine save from Michael Rodenby.
RCA went close as Newton again had the keeper in action, then in the 32nd minute Gary Shields jinked into the box and crossed for Jennings to power home a header. RCA began to play with freedom and made it three in 39 minutes as Jon Newton got his second with a close range header. 3-0 to RCA at the break.
The second half began like the first, lots of industry, but few chances, until in the 62nd minute, Jon Newton completed an excellent hat trick, placing the ball into the corner from 12 yards, afeter being set up by Ash Davis - game over.
The large away support were deflated and contented themselves with good humoured abuse of the officials, while the RCA faithful looked forward to the club's first cup final since 1981 in the Northern Alliance, happy days!
South Shields restored some pride with a goal from substitute Dean Patton close to the end, but it was RCA who were looking forward to a Bank Holiday Monday morning date with Esh Winning at Ryton. They won't forget old Ernie!