Today Sunderland RCA’s first team entertain Birtley Town at the Sunderland LGV Park (Saturday 3rd Feb, 3pm) in an Ebac League Division One clash that completes a tough quartet of matches against teams challenging for the promotion and play-off places. Birtley have been the surprise package in the division this season following their promotion from Division 2 via the play-offs last year. They currently occupy the final play-off spot, but with games in hand over all of their promotion rivals that could propel them to an even better position.
Our visit to Birtley earlier this season was completely out of character from the weather we have been enduring this campaign, as we played them on a blistering hot day at the start of the Rugby World Cup in September. It seems crazy to say it after what has happened since, but it was one of the warmest conditions I have ever seen a match played in in this country. Our start to the match was as hot as the weather, with Jason Chanayire and Alex Fil posing multiple problems for the hosts down the right hand side. Unfortunately an early injury to Cameron McHarg forced a reshuffle and we were never able to maintain our threat thereafter. As has been the case all season, Lady Luck deserted us and what should have been a clear free-kick for RCA at one end of the field instead turned into a penalty at the other as the hosts broke. As has sadly been the case at times this season, we then imploded and Birtley went on to enjoy a comfortable win.
Dom Jones and his management team will be hoping that Chanayire can cause similar problems against his old club today if he passes a late fitness test, while Philip Mills is another player that will be lining up against his former club if selected. With back to back midweek and Saturday games from now until the end of the season, it is a busy time for our excellent new physio Prince Moyo and he will be assessing the walking wounded today before Jones is able to settle on his team selection this afternoon.
Defty’s Diner will of course be open before and after the game for hot food, snacks and drinks and if for any reason you are unable to make it down today you can of course follow the game on our social media.
Sunderland RCA Football Club 