Northallerton Town 2 Sunderland RCA 0
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
Sunderland RCA made the long trip down to Northallerton Town for the final game of the 2023/24 season.
The visitors were looking to replicate a similar performance to that which gained them a well deserved point on Tuesday night against North Shields, whilst Northallerton would’ve been hoping to end on a high following a strong performance last weekend.
The teams lined up as follows:
Northallerton Town: Norton, Bickerton, Thompson, Scott, Luck, Drummond, MacDonald ©, Tchabo Tchounga, Conway, Jackson, Spenceley.
Subs: Haase, Banks, Tunstall.
Sunderland RCA: Coulson, Langley, McHarg ©, Maw, Turns, Lennox, Garrett, Ogidan, McEwan, Purvis, Dumba.
Subs: Currie, Evans, Arnell, Johnson.
The first 15 minutes were rather cagey with neither team grabbing a grip on the game. Northallerton controlled the majority of the ball, but were unable to mount any real attacks while RCA relied on quick counter attacks. Just before the 20 minute mark, the hosts were denied an opener thanks to the linesman’s offside flag.
It took just two more minutes for Northallerton to get ahead. A quick, long throw from Joe Thompson fed Josh MacDonald and the captain finished perfectly beyond Andy Coulson. RCA were showing the effects of 3 games in 6 days looking a bit leggy especially after Tuesday’s game and despite not really having a sustained period of the ball, Kev Turns’ side did look the more dynamic in the final third with just a bit of quality missing from the final ball.
Despite a few set piece opportunities, the half ended 1-0 to the hosts. The second period was more of the same. Dan Maw, Reece McEwan and Kev Garrett had various efforts on goal but none were able to really test the Northallerton keeper.
With 15 minutes to go, the referee gave a very soft penalty to the hosts. Alfie Conway stepped up and despite diving the right way and getting a hand to the ball Coulson was unable to prevent the ball hitting the back of the net.
The last 15 ebbed out with not much to shout about for either side. Sunderland RCA just struggled for energy to end a busy week.
The season ends with relegation to Division 2 confirmed. However, the future undoubtedly holds more positive things for the club as we begin to rebuild towards next season.
Message from the Secretary Rob Jones: Although relegated, I think that in the final four games of the season we have more than held our own despite being unable to field the same team twice. The commitment of every player who pulled on the RCA shirt in the last week has been outstanding. “A special mention goes out to the Management Team of Kevin Turns, Paul Wilkinson, Prince Moyo and Tom Hansford who have worked non-stop for the last three weeks to ensure that we got a team on the pitch The club owes you massively” , I would also like to thank Cameron Abernethy for sponsoring the match balls for our final two games of the season, for his assistance on match days and for keeping me sane for the last 3 weeks despite everything that was going on in his personal life. We move forward to next season with a spring in our step and hope in our hearts.
Sunderland RCA 1 North Shields 1
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
Sunderland RCA hosted North Shields in their final home game of the season on Tuesday night.
RCA were looking to bounce positively back from a disappointing defeat against Seaham Red Star, whilst North Shields would’ve been expecting to end the season with a win following a good run of form.
The teams lined up as follows:
Sunderland RCA: Coulson, Langley, McHarg ©, Perestrelo-Teixeira, Turns, Lennox, Garrett, Ward, Ogidan, Purvis, Dumba.
Subs: Arnell, Jackson, Currie.
North Shields: Dobson, Fletcher, Anderson, Kwak, Donnelly, Sloan, McCamley, Downey, Harmison, Mason, Pritchard.
Subs: Swales, Nicholson, Cherry, McGowan.
The game started with the visitors evidently trying to get on the front foot and pin RCA back early on. In the 8th minute they found a breakthrough down the right and a ball across the face of goal was turned in by Lee Mason. RCA reacted well though and began to control the game, limiting North Shields to no clear cut chances for the rest of the half.
A corner in the 22nd minute saw Keven Garrett float a pinpoint ball in for Usman Ogidan who directed his header superbly into the far corner to level. The rest of the first half ebbed out with neither team really cutting through the other, but RCA looked solid in their shape and difficult to break down.
The second half was more of the same. A half chance for North Shields fell to Mason early on, but Andy Coulson matched his effort and despite posing a threat, Will McCamley down the right was unable to get the better of Kiegan Turns who snuffed out a real danger on several occasions.
A sin bin in the 82nd minute for North Shields substitute Alex Nicholson meant he missed a large majority of the time left and despite trying to float several balls into the box in injury time, none stuck for the visitors and RCA were able to threaten several times utilising Usman Ogidan’s strength down the left and Alberto Dumba’s pace down the right.
A good point for the lads who all deserve the result for their efforts.
Next up is the final game of the season on Thursday 2nd May away to Northallerton Town. Kick off is 7.30pm.
Sunderland RCA 1 Seaham Red Star 6
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
Sunderland RCA hosted local rivals Seaham Red Star on Saturday in the penultimate home game of the season.
With last week’s loss to Tow Law, RCA knew anything other than a win would put a mathematical end to their Northern League Division 1 tenure.
The teams lined up as follows:
Sunderland RCA: Coulson, Evans, Day, McHarg ©, Paul, Maw, King, Garrett, Purvis, Lennox, Johnson.
Subs: Nash, Jackson, Turns.
Seaham Red Star: Jennison, Patterson, Bowes, Hennis, Nelson, Crew, Lawson, Robinson, Burnicle, Robinson, Hailes.
Subs: Chisholm, Rounsfell, Rutherford, Taylor, Colquhoun.
Before this local derby a minute’s silence was held to remember Ex-RCA Chairman and Secretary Owen Haley and Sunderland AFC Legend Charlie Hurley who have recently passed away.
The match started with RCA on the back foot and the visitors, Red Star taking control. They immediately threatened through Max Nelson, and two minutes in his effort was cleared on the line. A smart save from Andy Coulson led to a corner in the 12th and a long throw after that saw a ball delivered to the back post where Burnicle was there to tap home the knock down from close range.
RCA settled into the half and Ryley Johnson was presented with a golden opportunity, however he couldn’t direct the strike goalwards. Then, just minutes before half time another Tom Lawson long throw was aimed at the back stick again. This time Joe Hailes got in front of his man to finish to make it 2-0 to the visitors at Half Time.
The second half started much more positively for RCA. For the first 25 we competed well and were without doubt the brighter team. However, in that period of dominance we didn’t create enough and in the 72nd minute a cross from the right deflected off Liam Evans who saw the ball hit his own net.
Three minutes later Brad Chisholm added a fourth off the bench reacting first to a strike that hit the post. With four minutes to go, clever movement from Dan Maw saw him with space in Seaham’s box. He was able to direct his effort into the back of the net to make it 4-1.
Unfortunately, Red Star added two more in the final moments of the game. Chisholm bagged a brace tapping into an empty net and the game was rounded off with Michael Colquhoun finishing well into the bottom corner.
Next up for Sunderland RCA is their final home outing on Tuesday 30th against North Shields with the season ending Thursday 2nd May with an away trip to Northallerton Town
Tow Law Town 2 Sunderland RCA 0
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
Sunderland RCA travelled to Tow Law Town on Saturday for a huge game for both clubs.
Following the departure of Kane Wears, Kevin Turns was appointed to take charge of team affairs for the final four games of the season and he will be assisted by Paul Wilkinson and Thomas Hansford.
The teams lined up as follows:
Tow Law: Barron, Jan, Shields, Fisher ©, McNamara, Watson, Da Costa, Watson, O’Brien, Hughes, Shilham, Egdell.
Subs: Mallaburn, Bowmaker, Rigbey, Hatton.
Sunderland RCA: Coulson, Day, Turns, Maw, McHarg ©, Perestrelo-Teixeira, Nash, Lennox, Davis, Ward, McEwan.
Subs: Purvis, Currie, Lennox, Garrett, Serra.
The game began with a naturally tense edge to it for obvious reasons. RCA started the brighter however, and despite not creating much early on the fight displayed throughout was commendable.
It did settle down following that and RCA then started threatening the hosts’ goal.
Dan Maw saw his header go wide from a corner after good movement to get free and this opportunity was followed by a venomous shot from Reece McEwan which forced a smart save.
Striker Ash Davis was next to join in on the action and he took the ball down well and struck near perfectly with his left foot on the turn. However, his effort hit the inside of the post but somehow stayed out.
The first half ended with the referee bizarrely blowing for half time despite Josh Teixeira lining up a shot from inside the box.
Tow Law did begin to gain more control in the second 45. They didn’t threaten, but did start to manage the game in a more sensible manner.
Despite that, RCA still had the better chances. Davis found himself latched onto a ball in behind, but his shot caught the leg of Tow Law’s keeper keeping the scores level.
The hosts sent a long ball forward and a low ball across RCA’s box on the 65th minute found Jamie O’Brien who tapped home.
Tow Law’s lead was doubled quickly just two minutes later with Jeremie Anderson Da Costa one against one with Coulson following a long ball forward.
RCA couldn’t reply, but didn’t give in. A much improved performance after Tuesday evening.
Next up for RCA is a home clash against Seaham Red Star on Saturday, 27 April 2024. Kick off is 3pm.
West Allotment Celtic 9 Sunderland RCA 0
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
Sunderland RCA travelled to West Allotment Celtic on Tuesday night in another Northern League Division One clash.
Sunderland RCA lined up as follows: Coulson, Day, Perestrelo-Teixeira, Chatt, Turns, Ward, Garrett, Lennox, McEwan, Purvis, Nash.
Subs: Nicholson, Arnell, Davis, Ogidan, Currie
Despite being contained to their own half early on, West Allotment Celtic struck first. Failure to stop a cross from the right found Callum Larmouth’s head at the back post and his header found the net.
They continued to come forward and just before the 20 mark clever play saw them win a penalty. Cyril Giraud confidently stepped up and effortlessly put his effort beyond Andy Coulson to double the lead. An all too familiar quickfire double followed. In the 21st minute a cross from the left found Guilherme Baltazar who headed home. With less than ten to go before the break, West Allotment Celtic added a fourth. A direct ball forward gave RCA the chance to clear, but unfortunately that was not the case and Jacob Forster got on the scoresheet.
Just two minutes later…Forster bagged a brace. Giraud found his brace in the 54th minute. A clean volley forced Coulson to save, but the ball rebounded straight to Giraud’s feet for an easy finish. 6-0.
Kyle Cockburn joined in on the action next. A low ball was driven across RCA’s box. And Cockburn reacted first to add seven. Cockburn got his second in the last minute of normal time. He latched onto a long ball before rounding Coulson for an easy goal.
Unfortunately it was not over there. West Allotment Celtic won the ball straight back from kick off and Forster slotted his shot low and into the net for nine.
A dismal evening once again. Up next is a crucial must-win game away at Tow Law Town on Saturday. Kick off is 3pm.
Sunderland RCA 0 Penrith 7
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
Sunderland RCA hosted Penrith on Saturday afternoon to kick off a run of six games in 17 days.
The pitch was looking good at Sunderland LGV Park despite the recent bad weather and the teams lined up as follows:
Sunderland RCA: Coulson, Day, Perestrelo-Teixeira, Chatt, McHarg ©, Maw, Ward, Lennox, Davis, Purvis, Nash.
Subs: McEwan, Garrett, Arnell, Currie,Turns.
Penrith: Taylor, Hebson, Bell, Morrey, Murray-Jones, Moynan ©, Hammel, Brown, Shields, Moore, Hunter.
Subs: Taylor, Holden, Williamson, Gordon.
Despite a bright start from RCA who attempted to set the tempo early on, Penrith took an early lead. Six minutes in Robbie Hebson was released on the overlap and his deep ball to the back post was met by Luke Hunter who scored the opener. They got their second this time with an underlapping run on the right. Another deep cross was this time finished by Lewis Moore. 0-2.
The half did settle and RCA had chances and did, at times, frustrate their opponents. However, often it was the weight of the final ball which let them down.
Unfortunately any hopes of a comeback were struck down early into the second half. Andy Coulson saved an initial effort from Penrith but the rebound fell to Luke Brown who had a simple tap home for three. They scored a fourth 11 minutes into the second period. Another shot was saved by Coulson and once again the ball fell to the feet of Connor Shields who made no mistake.
Rain began to pour on what was another dull afternoon for RCA and in the 73rd minute, Hebson caused trouble down the right. He cut in and rolled a nicely placed effort into the corner of the net from outside the area.
With ten to go Penrith attacked down the left. Somehow evading three tackles, Conor Hammel found himself 1v1 and calmly slotted his effort beneath Coulson for six. A seventh and final goal was scored in added time with another uncontested deep cross finished off by Connor Shields.
There are now five games to go with the next a midweek trip to West Allotment Celtic this Tuesday evening.
Sunderland RCA 2 Heaton Stannington 4
Ebac League Division One – by Rob Jones
Sunderland RCA welcome Heaton Stannington to Sunderland LGV Park exactly a week after suffering a 4-0 defeat to their high flying opponents.
A morning inspection deemed the pitch fit to play, however the unexpected heavy rain and hailstone an hour before the game meant that the pitch was very soft in places.
The management team were forced to make a number of changes to the team that suffered last weeks defeat and gave a home debut to Paul Jacques and recruited reserve team players Max Rundle and Kye Purvis.
The teams lined up as follows:
Sunderland RCA: Coulson, Lawrence, Turns, Ward, Maw, McHarg ©, Jacques, Lennox, Davis, Ogidan, McEwan. Subs: Currie, Rundle, Purvis.
Heaton Stannington: Brass, Turnbull, Hornsby, Burn, Shepherd, Scott, Doyle, Stephenson, Hopper, Reid, Lashley. Subs: Anderson, Lennox, Palmer, Sayer, Marriott.
The rain stopped in time for the kick off and RCA took advantage of the slope in the first half, but in what is becoming a serious habit of the team they went behind after only two and a half minutes of play. Heaton Stannington were awarded a corner which was whipped into the penalty area and Scott rose above the RCA defence to head home.
Heaton Stannington pressed forward looking for a second and it duly came in the 8 minute when a good run on the right by Doyle saw the winger allowed space to cross into the box where Reid out-jumped Coulson in the RCA goal to guide the ball into an empty net.
The visitors were attacking at will with RCA forced deep into their own half and it wasn’t long before the thy were 3-0 up, with 18 minutes on the clock a lovely through ball from Burn dissected the RCA defence, whose appeals for offside were ignored, and the ball fell to Hopper who took the ball in his stride before placing the ball into the corner of the goal.
At 3-0 down RCA must have decided to turn up and produced a good forward move which ended when Ward hit a long range effort down the throat of Brass in the visitors goal.
The game literally got bogged down in a midfield battle and despiter a number of promising runs by Ogidan it was Heaton Stannington’s Stephenson who almost increased their lead only for his shot to fly wide.
Another attacking run down the right by Doyle produced a wicked cross which evaded a number of RCA defenders and fell to Stephenson but he slid the ball wide of an open goal.
At the other end the industrious ward had another shot saved by Brass as the referee brought the first half to a close.
Heaton Stannington made 3 changes at half time and started the second half putting pressure on the RCA defence, a good ball into the box hit the post and in the scramble that followed the was an appeal for a penalty which was turned away by the referee.
Kicking up the slope in the second half seemed to suit RCA who had a little more possession and in the 52 minute they got a goal back a through ball from Lennox was met by Ogidan who out-paced the defence before slotting the ball past Brass and into the net.
This stung the visitors into more urgent attacks but in their haste to score they became very scrappy in their finishing and it was RCA who almost claimed a second Goal when Lawrence ran through a number of Tackles before passing yo Ward but his was tipped over the bar by Brass.
With 25 minutes remaining Heaton Stannington, having made their allotted 5 substitutions wer reduced to 10 men when Doyle was forced off with a shoulder injury.
However this did not stop the visitors from restoring their 3 goal advantage as the ripped through the RCA defence and Hornsby delivered a pin-point cross onto the head of Anderson who headed home from inside the six yeard box.
RCA tried to exploit the man advantage and had a number of half chances before they reduced the deficit to two again in the 82nd minute. A cross from Jacques on the right picked out Ogidan, and he was able to slip the ball out of the reach of Brass for his second of the evening.
Heaton Stannington deserved the win but RCA have to learn quickly that the good teams in this league will start the game on the front foot and it is imperative that RCA players realize that they must compete for every ball especially in the opening quarter of and hour.
We are not experienced enough to give away 2 or 3 goals in the first 20 minute of games and expect to win those games.
Next up is a local Derby with Seaham Red Star on Easter Monday, 1st April 2024.
Heaton Stannington 4 Sunderland RCA 0
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
Sunderland RCA travelled to Heaton Stannington on Friday night for under the lights action.
The teams lined up as follows:
Heaton Stannington: Corkhill (GK), Doyle, Sayer, Burn, Marriott, Shepherd, Palmer, Slaughter, Lashley, Reid, Hopper, Stephenson.
Subs: Hornsby, Turnbull, Lennox, Anderson.
Sunderland RCA: Coulson (GK), Lawrence, McHarg (c), Chatt, Chanayire, Nash, Maw, Lennox, Turns, Ogidan, Davies.
Subs: Rundle, Nicholson, Arnell, McEwan, Currie.
Despite a high tempo start from both sides it took just one shot 3 minutes in for Heaton Stannington to take the lead. Leighton Hopper’s strike deflected past Andy Coulson.
RCA did settle and begin knocking the ball about well, however just after the 20 minute mark a cross from the right wing found the head of Sean Reid to double the hosts’ advantage.
Kane Wears’ men were probably quite unfortunate to be two down at that point and luck definitely wasn’t on their side as just before half time Andy Burn is given time and space to tee up a strike and strike it he does. His effort found the top corner from outside the box. 3-0.
The second half started poorly. A floated cross found Reid again and he once more made no mistake in bagging his second of the night..
The remaining 44 minutes of the second half were a solid showing from RCA. They matched their opponents creating half chances here and there, but there was nothing from either side that was a huge talking point.
Despite the result there were plenty of positives to take heading into next Friday’s home clash against Heaton Stannington. Kick off at Sunderland LGV Park is 7.30pm.
Sunderland RCA 1 West Allotment Celtic 5
Ebac League Division One – by Rob Jones
Sunderland RCA entertain West Allotment Celtic in this EBAC Northern League Div I fixture at Sunderland LGV Park.
Both teams were in mid week action with RCA falling to another defeat against Redcar Athletic while West Allotment Celtic claimed a creditable draw against Whitley Bay.
“Allotment” currently lie 14 in the league table having won 10 and drawn 5 of their 28 games while RCA lie 19 in the table with 1 win and 1 draw from their 29 games.
The management team make changes to the team that lost heavily to Redcar Athletic
The teams lined up as follows:
Sunderland RCA: Mills, Day, Lawrence, Chatt, McHarg, Perestralo-Teixiera, Ward, Maw, Davis, Lennox, Nash. Subs: McEwan, Coulson, Pinder, Ogidan,
West Allotment Celtic: Gladstone, Baltazar, Parkinson, Forster ©, Scott, Stewart, Thompson, Kanda, Campbell, Giraud, Wilson. Subs: Tshisekedi, Lowery-Matondo, Brady, Robson, Cockburn.
For the first time since November the game kicked off in beautiful sunshine with West Allotment Celtic taking advantage of the slope in the first half.
RCA were the first to attack with a move on the right wing Maw feeing the ball to Nash but his cross was blocked by Forster who set up the visitors first attack with a well direct pass to Kanda who was fouled. The freekick was floated into the box where Campbell was able to guide the ball into the path of Giraud but he fired over.
With 4 minutes on the clock “Allotment” took the lead when a cross into the box was headed clear by Lawrence but the ball fell to Giraud on the penalty spot and under no pressure he slotted into the bottom corner.
Five minutes later it could have been two when RCA were caught in possession and Thompson played the ball through to Campbell who smashed the ball into the net only for the flag to be raised for offside.
The game settled a little after that and became a game of attack “Allotment” and defence “RCA”.
With almost half an hour gone and a spell of pressure by “Allotment” the doubled their lead when a long range shot from Wilson was spilled by Mills and the ball fell into the path of Campbell who made no mistake from two yards out.
RCA should have reduced the arrears in the 24 minute when McHarg’s clearance was picked up by Davis who played a sublime through ball into the path of Ward who broke into the box but his effort struck the foot of Gladstone and was deflected for a corner.
In the final minutes of the first half RCA were hit with another injury problem when Perestrelo-Teixiera was fouled on the edge of the box after a wonderful display of dribbling which looked certain to produce at least a shot on target. He was replace by Ogidan.
The second half started well for RCA as the pushed forward looking for a foothold in the game and in the 65minute it came when Ogidan dribbled his way past 3 defenders before cutting the ball back to Maw on the edge of the penalty area and he unleashed a rising shot into the top corner of the net.
“Allotment “ were forced to defend deep as RCA pressed for an equaliser but they were unable to test Gladstone in the Visitor’s goal.
West Allotment Celtic substitute Lowery-Matondo was si-binned for something he said to the referee which added more impetus to the RCA drive forward but despite their man advantage they were unable to make the pressure count as Ward, Davis and Nash all had half chances in and around the box but put them wide or over the bar.
As the game entered the final 15 minutes RCA once again went into self destruct mode, the referee awarded a freekick on the edge of the box and while the RCA defence took an age to set up a defensive wall Parkinson eyed up the shot and fired straight into the net.
Inside the final 10 minutes and “Allotment” could not believe the luck as Day tried to dribble the ball on the edge of his own box, was dispossessed and the cross from Wilson was steered in by Campbell to make it 4-1.
A minute later and it was 5-1, Out of the sin-bin and making a great run on the right wing Lowery-Matondo was spotted by Wilson who crossed the ball into his path for him to smash the ball into the net.
This was a disappointing end to the match for RCA as once again they lost focus in the final stages of the game. Concentration levels and fitness played a major part in this defeat as did composure in front of goal. Our next match is against a high flying Heaton Stannington team in front of a large crowd on Friday, 22 March 2024 with
Sunderland RCA 0 Redcar Athletic 6
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
Sunderland RCA hosted Redcar Athletic at the Sunderland LGV Park on Tuesday night.
The teams lined up as follows:
Sunderland RCA: Mills © (GK), Nelson, Turns, Chap, Day, Teixeira, Nash, Maw, Davies, Lennox, Lawrence.
Subs: McEwan, Coulson, Ward, Pinder, Ogidan.
Redcar Athletic: Roberts (GK), Mills, Graham, Hopson, Burgess ©, Guru, Blackford, Liddle, Boyes, Watts, Round.
Subs: Bullock, Wilkinson.
The game began with both teams toe to toe. RCA did start well and were brave in the build-up. However just 14 minutes in, the visitors found an opening. A delivery from the left was met by Adam Boyes who tucked his header into the bottom corner. Unfortunately, the story was the same as many weeks and more goals soon followed. Five minutes later Curtis Round broke through after RCA were caught in possession and his powerful effort left Phill Mills with no chance.
On the half hour mark Layton Mills received the ball between the lines and he fed Boyes to make it three for Carl Jarrett’s side and two for the striker. He didn’t wait long for his hattrick. Four minutes later he got on the end of another cross from the left wing. Redcar Athletic made it 0-5 just before half time. Watts picked up a cutback on the edge of the area and a smart finish was curled into the back of RCA’s net.
The second half began in a more controlled manner. Neither team were really on the front foot and there was very little energy left in the game.
Just after the hour mark Round got one against one with Mills and despite having his initial shot saved, he followed up and tapped home the rebound. 0-6.
That’s how the game ended with RCA struggling to threaten Redcar Athletic’s goal despite the second half being a much closer fought battle.
Next up for RCA is another home clash against West Allotment Celtic this Saturday. Kick off is 3pm.
Bishop Auckland 7 Sunderland RCA 0
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
Sunderland RCA made the trip down to league leaders Bishop Auckland on Saturday afternoon.
The teams lined up as follows:
Sunderland RCA: Mills © (GK), Walton, Day, Teixeira, Beattie, Lawrence, Maw, Lennox, Ward, Nash, Pinder.
Subs: Turns, Ogidan, McEwan, Nelson.
Bishop Auckland: Catterick (GK), Burlace, Hackett, Brown, Lay, May ©, Bartliff, Mohammed, Johnson, Thexton, Giles.
Subs: Errington, Lincoln, Risbrough, Cooke, Henderson.
The opening 20 minutes were goalless. As expected, the hosts had more of the ball and a few big chances, but RCA did defend well in the opening stages. However, it was only a matter of time. In the 27th minute Phill Mills was forced into an impressive stop. Failure to clear the ball led to a rebound which was blocked and it was the third effort which eventually found the back of the net. Rio May the scorer.
Five minutes later a corner caused chaos for RCA. Dean Thexton somehow bundled the ball over the line to double Bishop Auckland’s lead. A third was added just four minutes after that. A gap opened up and Chris Hardy’s side didn’t hesitate to slide the ball in. Louis Johnson squared the ball to Thexton for an easy finish. 3-0.
Half time came and went and RCA did start more positively in the second 45. However, a moment of brilliance from Jake Hackett made it 4-0 just after the hour mark. His shot from range curled perfectly to find the bottom corner. With 79 minutes gone JJ Bartliff got on the end of another corner. Despite claims for a foul on Mills the goal was awarded.
With five minutes to go Bishop Auckland made it six. Dane Burlace buried his effort back across goal giving Mills no chance. He found a brace in the 90th. RCA gifted away possession and Burlace once again did well to finish from outside the area. 7-0.
Next up for Sunderland RCA is a home clash against Redcar Athletic on Tuesday night. Kick off is 7.30pm.
Sunderland RCA 2 West Auckland Town 6
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
Sunderland RCA welcomed West Auckland to the Sunderland LGV Park on Friday evening.
Kane Wears’ side were hoping to pick up on the same level they did Tuesday night where a bright first 30 saw RCA take a two goal lead.
West Auckland come into this one having been on a tremendous run of form which has seen them rise to third in the league and reach the Durham Challenge Cup final.
The teams lined up as follows:
Sunderland RCA: Mills (GK), Chanayire, Turns, Lennox, McHarg ©, Maw, Ward, Walton, Pinder, Nash, Lawrence.
Subs: Day, Coulson (GK), Beattie, McEwan, Ogidan.
West Auckland: Liversedge (GK), Mitchell, Hope, Wood, Brown, Dale ©, Harrison, Fletcher, Scott, Hume, Greenwood.
Subs: Potter, Cocks, Nicholson, Hegarty, McWaters.
The game started with the visitors on top. It took just six minutes for them to find the back of the net from a corner, but to the relief of the hosts, the ball was deemed to have gone out of play keeping the score goalless. Unfortunately, that relief was short lived. Ten minutes later intelligent link-up play saw the ball land with Oscar Fletcher who made no mistake in opening the scoring.
After 23 minutes James Harrison broke down the right for West Auckland. He beat his man and delivered a low and hard ball across RCA’s area which took a deflection off a red and white shirt before beating Phill Mills. 2-0.
Despite not having much success in the early periods, RCA did pull one back with ten minutes to go before the break. Jamie Nash picked up the ball between the lines and worked space well before hammering home a great strike to half the deficit. 2-1. Despite there not being long left in the first 45, Nathan Greenwood and Lee Hume both managed to add their names to the scoresheet before the whistle. Two gifted goals saw the lads go in 4-1 down which felt like an unnecessary uphill battle.
RCA started the second half brightly though. It took a matter of seconds before George Pinder won a knockdown on the edge of West Auckland’s box. The ball fell to Nash again who beat his man well before slotting his effort nicely into the corner. 4-2.
Just before the hour mark the visitors added a fifth. Joshua Scott was the scorer with RCA just opening up too much space for their opponents. West Auckland finished the game off in the 65th minute. Fletcher made it a brace from the right side of RCA’s box and his powerful effort nestled into the net.
It was a disappointing night in Ryhope, but after a strong first two games, Wears will be hoping RCA can return to that benchmark on Tuesday night when we welcome Guisborough Town to the LGV Park. Kick off is 7.30pm
Sunderland RCA 2 Carlisle City 4
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
Sunderland RCA welcomed Carlisle City to Sunderland LGV Park with the visitors making a long trip to Wearside on Tuesday night.
Dan Maw opened the scoring in the 17th minute with D’Armando Lawrence doubling the lead in the 20th. Carlisle City halved the deficit 35 minutes in and eventually levelled and took the lead in the 86th and 87th before killing the game off in the 95th.
The teams lined up as follows:
Sunderland RCA: Coulson (GK), Chanayire, McHarg ©, Perestrelo-Teixeira, Turns, Ward, Maw, Lennox, Lawrence, Pinder, Ogidan.
Subs: Nash, Mills (GK), Currie, Walton, Beattie
Carlisle City: Simons (GK), Atkinson, Olsen, Dickinson, Kirkup, Leslie, Birdsall, Simpson ©, McCartney, Holt, Palmer, Gordon.
Subs: Hill, Kebe, Walker, Williamson.
The game started as the visitors applied an early bout of pressure. Robert McCartney had the opening chance of the game, but his header from six yards sailed over the bar.
It was RCA that opened the scoring. Maw picked up the ball outside the area and his sweet strike nestled into the bottom corner of the net.
Kane Wears’ side didn’t rest there and Lawrence made it two just a few minutes later. An initial ball across the face of goal went unpunished and despite a feeling that the chance had gone, another delivery was met by Lawrence who prodded it over the line. 2-0.
However, pressure followed and eventually Carlisle City found a breakthrough. With ten to go in the first half RCA struggled to clear their lines with the ball eventually landing at Jordan Palmer’s feet and he made no mistake in halving the deficit.
Unsurprisingly, the second half was nervy. However, it did lack clear cut chances at first.
It took until the 66th minute for Carlisle City to come close, but despite an inch perfect cross, their forwards couldn’t apply the finishing touch.
A corner four minutes from time saw Callum Birdsall rise highest and head home to level the scoring.
Straight from the resulting kick off, the visitors won the ball back and went direct. McCartney was left one against one with Coulson and he was clinical with his finish to make it 3-2 to the away side.
Unfortunately, despite an effort to turn the tide, a late counter attack led to a fourth via McCartney again in added time.
In a game where RCA probably should’ve had three points and would definitely have taken a point they leave empty handed.
Up next is another home clash against West Auckland on Friday night. Kick off is 7.30pm
Newcastle Benfield 1 Sunderland RCA 0
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
Sunderland RCA travelled to Newcastle Benfield on Tuesday night in what was Kane Wears’ first game in charge.
A Noah Millington goal was the difference. On 17 minutes he broke on the counter down the left, slotting an effort into the far corner.
The visitors had a depleted squad, but despite that being a potential banana skin, they fought hard and actually dominated large periods of the game.
The teams lined up as follows:
Newcastle Benfield: Grainger (GK), Turnbull, Russell, Grieveson, Scorgie ©, Varla, Cunningham, Haley, Errington, Mendes-Corriea, Millington.
Subs: Brayson, Hyde, Davison, Brulle, Smith
Sunderland RCA: Mills (GK), Chanayire, Turns, Maw, McHarg ©, Perestrelo-Teixeira, Ward, Lennox, Pinder, Ogidan, Lawrence.
Subs: Nicholson, Coulson, Currie, Serra, Hopkinson.
Sunderland RCA started strong. D’Armando Lawrence drove forward from his own half and ended up in Benfield’s box before winning a corner in the first minute.
It took 16 minutes for Benfield to mount their first real attack and it was a carbon copy of another that they would have just seconds later which led to Millington’s calm finish to open the scoring.
Despite that, the first half was controlled majorly by Wears’ men. A minute before half time Lawrence found space inside the opposition’s area and struck at goal. His effort was heading in, but was blocked on the line by a Benfield defender.
The second half did start with the hosts enjoying more of the ball, putting RCA on the backfoot. A Newcastle Benfield corner forced an initial goal line clearance from Kiegan Turns and the rebound was saved superbly by Phil Mills.
With ten minutes to play a golden opportunity arose for RCA. George Pinder and Usman Ogidan connected well before teeing up Lawrence who was unable to avoid keeper Andrew Grainger with his shot.
The game ended with the hosts taking all three points, but Wears and his squad taking plenty of positives after what has been a hectic week for the club.
Next up for Sunderland RCA is a trip to Northallerton this Saturday.
North Shields 2 Sunderland RCA 1
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
Sunderland RCA travelled through the Tyne Tunnel to face North Shields on Wednesday night.
Dom Jones’ side were looking for a reaction following a tricky run of fixtures.
North Shields have had their own issues this season, but are back on track and recorded a strong win last weekend.
The teams lined up as follows:
North Shields: Dobson (GK), Williamson, Salmon, Kwak, Coppen, Sloan, McCamley, Holmes, Mason, Fletcher, Savage.
Subs: Cherry, Forster, Pritchard, Abrahart, Donnelly.
Sunderland RCA: Mills (GK), Chanayire, Robson, Perestrelo-Teixeira, McHarg ©, Paul, Ward, Lennox, Pinder, Ogidan, Richardson.
Subs: King, Hopkinson, Kourouma, Dumba.
Unfortunately for RCA the game started like many have done this season. North Shields found an opener just three minutes in. A pot shot was deemed to have crossed the line by the linesman giving the hosts a lucky lead. They doubled that soon after. In the 16th minute a smart switch unlocked Dan Savage who cut inside and tucked his effort home. 2-0.
As is typically the pattern, RCA settled after this and looked more comfortable in the game. However, no one expected what was to come in the second half.
RCA were brave in and out of possession, they took the game to their hosts and earned their success. Usman Ogidan scored from a corner in the 53rd minute after a brilliant darting run from Alberto Dumba. Bradley Paul won the initial header and it fell to Ogidan who made no mistake in volleying home.
The onslaught continued with North Shields struggling to get out of their own half. Other than a couple of counter attacks, it was all RCA for the second 45. It appeared as if an equaliser was inevitable, but despite two golden chances in the 77th minute from a long range effort which nearly found a way into the bottom corner and the following corner kick coming close, it wasn’t to be.
North Shields held on despite a valiant effort from Jones’ men. Sunderland RCA host Redcar Athletic this Saturday at Sunderland LGV Park with kick off 3pm.
Sunderland RCA 0 Birtley Town 5
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
Sunderland RCA hosted Birtley Town on Saturday afternoon at Sunderland LGV Park.
Sunderland RCA came into this one on the back of a midweek defeat against Shildon. Birtley Town fell to a 3-1 defeat last time out at home to West Allotment Celtic.
The teams lined up as follows:
Sunderland RCA: Hopkinson (GK), Chanayire, Robson, Maw, McHarg, Paul, Lawrence, Lennox, Pinder, Ogidan, Richardson.
Subs: Ward, Mills, Teixeira, Dumba, King
Birtley Town: Gordon (GK), Lancaster, Hedley, Wharton, Francis ©, Turnbull, Wilds, Hargrave, Heslop, Ward, Proctor.
Subs: Hall, Pentland, Lake, Garvey
The game started with Dom Jones’ side hoping to replicate their strong start on Tuesday against Shildon where RCA held their own in the opening stages. However, despite creating the first chance with a Taylor Richardson long shot that was deflected, the same cannot be said. In the 13th minute the deadlock was broken. A clever pass unlocked Owen Lancaster and his ball across the six yard box was finished by Glen Hargrave.
RCA did initially react well. Another chance came from Richardson clipping a ball in behind, but there was just too much on it and Birtley Town goalkeeper Alfie Gordon got there just ahead of George Pinder. In the 23rd minute though, the visitors’ lead was doubled. A free kick deep on their left wing was taken quickly which caught RCA napping. Matthew Ward picked up the pass and smashed his effort into the top far corner.
RCA did eventually settle and a Richardson free kick found the head of Dan Maw, but it was held by Gordon. In the 41st minute another cutback found Scott Heslop who held onto the ball and worked space for a strike. His effort found the bottom corner.
Unfortunately, RCA started the second half poorly. Within the opening ten minutes a short corner led to a deep cross which was met by James Proctor who finished off unopposed. 4-0.
But, it was RCA who had arguably the most clear cut chance of the half and game. Richardson drove inside from the left and teed up Pinder, but his shot went just wide of the right post.
The fifth and final goal was added with 15 minutes to go. A long ball from yet another free kick bounced all the way through to Hargrave who had an open net.
The game ended 5-0 to the visitors and RCA now look for a reaction ahead of their trip to North Shields on Wednesday evening. Kick off is 7.30pm.
Sunderland RCA 0 Shildon 6
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
Sunderland RCA hosted Shildon on Tuesday night at Sunderland LGV Park.
The game being on surprised many after a pitch inspection deemed it playable, and a good turnout was in Ryhope to witness the clash.
The teams lined up as follows:
Sunderland RCA: Hopkinson (GK), Day, Richardson, Paul, McHarg ©, Maw, Robson, Perestrelo-Teixeira, Pinder, King, Ogidan.
Subs: Lawrence, Mills, Ward, Kourouma, Wood.
Shildon: Foden (GK), Wade, Banks, Allen, White, Vaulks, Reay, Weirs, Ardelean, Greulich-Smith, Posthill ©.
Subs: Sartini, Hordman, Harris, Green, Hird.
Sunderland RCA started in a slightly different shape in hope of keeping their high-flying visitors at bay. In all fairness, it worked initially, but RCA did come under early pressure.
It took just 12 minutes for Shildon to manoeuvre their first opening. In something that would yet again become a common theme, a free kick fell to Andrei Ardelean and he blazed his effort just over the bar. Despite their defensive structure, RCA did create some openings themselves. George Pinder found himself through on a number of occasions. After wrongfully being called offside, he eventually was allowed to break just after the 20 minute mark. He cut in onto his left and his effort deflected narrowly wide of Mark Foden’s net.
In the 31st minute the division’s top scorer and Shildon captain Joe Posthill showed his quality. Following yet another free kick, the winger came in off the right and tried to bend his effort into the far post. Thankfully, he put too much on it and it led to just a goal kick.
RCA weren’t so lucky next time though. Five minutes later a deep cross from the left found Billy Greulich-Smith who jumped highest to head home despite big calls for a foul in the build-up, the goal stood. The hosts were unable to see the half out at 1-0 and in added time a free kick gave Shildon the opportunity to double their lead. Another loose ball from a cross fell to Alex White whose shot was deflected, leaving James Hopkinson with no chance.
Unfortunately though RCA started the second half poorly and found themselves three down two minutes after the break. Another free kick led to another Greulich-Smith header and he found the back of the net to bag his brace. On 53 minutes Greulich-Smith completed his hattrick. RCA didn’t clear their lines with the Shildon man reacting first to tap home. 4-0.
Just after the hour mark Shildon broke and won a penalty. Posthill made no mistake and buried the ball into the top corner. Despite diving the right way, Hopkinson stood no chance. With 15 minutes left to play Bradley Hird found himself through and he rounded Hopkinson to leave himself with a simple finish to add a sixth.
The game ended 6-0, but not before Shildon won another spot kick. With five minutes left to play Ardelean stepped up and this time Hopkinson did well to cover it low to his right with the penalty smashing against the post.
Up next for RCA is another home clash against Birtley Town this Saturday. Kick off is 3pm.
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
On Saturday afternoon Sunderland RCA made the trip to Boro Rangers in hope of bouncing back from their midweek defeat to Whitley Bay.
The game came in the middle of a tricky run of fixtures for Dom Jones’ side with two home games against Shildon and Birtley Town to now focus on within the next seven days.
The teams lined up as follows:
Boro Rangers: Horner (GK), Keenan, Hall, Rone, Dillon, Weatherald, Clarkson, Rose, Lofts, Turner.
Subs: Hawkins, Burns, Robinson-Coley, Lamb.
Sunderland RCA: Hopkinson (GK), Robson, Chanayire, Maw, McHarg, Day, Ward, Lennox, Lawrence, Ogidan, Richardson.
Subs: Dumba, Mills, Purvis, King, Evans.
The game began, unfortunately, in similar fashion to the one on Tuesday night. This time though, it was a short corner routine in the 4th minute which gave the hosts an early advantage. The ball eventually ended up crossed deep to the back post before being flicked back across goal, eventually being tapped in by Nico Weatherald. It was a slight case of Deja-Vu with the same thing happening again in the 15th minute. A recycled corner eventually found its way to the back post. The ball was prodded home by Louie Hall giving Boro Rangers a 2-0 lead.
RCA did settle in their shape after that. Jones’ side looked comfortable for the remainder of the half with Boro Rangers struggling to break down the disciplined away side. Just after the 20 minute mark, D’Armando Lawrence did well down the right to manoeuvre space for himself. Unfortunately though his effort struck the side netting.
The half wasn’t full of action with RCA creating again next. Taylor Richardson picked up the ball and drove inside on the brink of half time. He took a touch out of his feet and his shot was saved by Daniel Horner.
RCA actually started the second half a bit better than their opponents. They continued to struggle to create, but RCA did well in keeping Boro Rangers quiet. Just after the hour mark a RCA free kick was cleared by Boro Rangers, but only as far as Chanayire. He set himself up well and tried his luck from distance only to see his strike sail over.
Ten minutes later the hosts added a third. Stuart Rose found himself bearing down on goal and showing great composure he knocked it past Hopkinson for a simple finish. This was followed up by a crucial Chanayire goal-line clearance to prevent a fourth. However, it proved inevitable as in the 83rd minute RCA again failed to deal with a cross. Hopkinson made a good initial save, but the ball found its way to Kayden Robinson-Coley who had a simple rebound finish. 4-0.
Up next for RCA is a home clash at LGV Park on Tuesday evening against Shildon. Kick off is 7.30pm.
Whitley Bay 8 Sunderland RCA 1
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
Sunderland RCA travelled north to Whitley Bay on Tuesday evening in very wet and windy conditions.
RCA were keen to continue a run of form which saw them heading in the right direction, but unfortunately come the full time whistle, they suffered a setback.
The teams lined up as follows:
Whitley Bay: Pickering, Cartwright, Day, Ellison, Hall, Lowery, Geliher, Neary, Gilchrist, Brewis, Holmes.
Subs: Suddick, Richardson, Neary, Charlton.
Sunderland RCA: Mills, Chanayire, Teixeira, Maw, McHarg ©, Paul, Lawrence, King, Robson, Ogidan, Richardson.
Subs: Hopkinson, Dumba, Day, Ward.
The early stages of the game weren’t short of action. The hosts started strong and with a pinch of luck as the wind helped guide a Jamie Holmes corner in RCA’s net to open the scoring. Things went from bad to worse and a matter of seconds after the restart Whitley Bay won possession back and attacked again. RCA goalkeeper Phill Mills made a strong save and tipped a low driven shot onto his post, but the rebound fell to Josh Gilchrist who had a simple finish. 2-0 after three minutes.
The game eventually settled with RCA relaxing more on the ball, but Mills was again next to be called into action. A long range strike from Marc Ellison forced a good save which was held well. On the half hour mark RCA got their best chance of the game. Usman Ogidan did well to create space in Whitley Bay’s area, but his effort didn’t test Graeme Pickering.
Unfortunately, Bay added a third just four minutes later. The hosts found a way through the middle and Bailey Geliher made no mistake in slotting home. On the brink of half time it became 4-0. In what would become a common theme, Bay broke down the left wing to square a ball across RCA’s box. Two men were unmarked and Geliher reacted first to tap in.
The match referee was reluctant to start the second 45 with conditions worsening over half time in North Tyneside. However, he did eventually agree to play on. The pitch would eventually become a swamp with the ball beginning to stop dead as the second half went on.
The second 45 started in a similar fashion to the first. It soon was five with Harvey Neary’s effort taking a huge deflection leaving Mills with no chance.
Before the hour mark the game became very end-to-end. Bay added a sixth cutting in from outside to square it once more, but Ogidan did get RCA off the mark. The midfielder did well from the right of their box to drive his effort low beneath Pickering. In the 75th minute the hosts took a quick free kick which caught RCA off guard. Lewis Suddick picked the ball up in RCA’s channel and subsequently forced a big stop from Mills.
But, it wasn’t long before they topped off their night with two more. Gilchrist broke down the right unopposed, he cut the ball back across to find Suddick in a pocket of space who once again had a simple finish for seven. Whitley Bay’s last goal came in the 87th minute. Gilchrist didn’t have much to do as he manoeuvred some space in RCA’s area. The cross from the right found him for another routine finish.
The game ended 8-1 in favour of the hosts. A disappointing outing for RCA after being competitive in every one of their last five games prior to last night. But, there’s no time to dwell with two more tough games in the next six days.
Crook Town 2 Sunderland RCA 1
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
Yesterday Sunderland RCA travelled to Crook Town in hope of making it two wins from two following Tuesday’s victory over Tow Law Town.
Crook Town were off the back of a narrow, unfortunate defeat to Shildon and unlike a time gone by, the hosts expected a tough fight from RCA and that is exactly what they got.
The teams lined up as follows:
Crook Town: Curran (GK), Goldsborough, Curl, Mitton ©, Lazonby, Laviolette, Hurworth, Havelock-Brown, Moody, Trotter, Bewly
Subs: Bunton, Boughey, Armstrong, Gardiner, Marley
Sunderland RCA: Mills (GK), Chanayire, Turns, Maw, Garrity, Paul ©, Lawrence, Perestrelo-Teixeira, Pinder, Ogidan, Richardson
Subs: Robson, Dumba, Langley, Davis, Hopkinson
The start of the game wasn’t short of action. An early long ball from Crook found Craig Moody in behind. The number nine found himself 1v1 with Phill Mills and the RCA shot stopper did well to prevent an early goal. It was Moody again next to threaten. His 25 yard free kick was well struck, but Mills did well to hold it comfortably down to his right.
However, the early goal did come. The hosts took the lead 11 minutes in when a cross from the right side evaded everyone and found Zack Bewly at the back post. The winger was composed and finished his chance well to open the scoring. The half ebbed out shortly after that, but in the 35th minute Crook found themselves two ahead. Another identical ball from the right side found its way to the back post where Bewly again slotted his effort beyond Mills.
RCA did well from that point on. They, at the very worst, matched their opponents for the next 65 minutes. Their biggest chance of the game up until this point fell to Usman Ogidan. D’Armando Lawrence and Taylor Richardson combined well. The latter’s cross found Ogidan whose volley forced a good save from Alex Curran.
RCA eventually got their reward. 40 minutes in Ogidan picked up the ball deep and did well to drive the visitors forward. He threaded a ball to Lawrence who made no mistake, superbly slotting his effort beyond Curran. 2-1.
The second half was one in which very few chances presented themselves. RCA asked more questions early on. Pinder received a defence-splitting ball and was 1v1 but he was judged to have been offside. And it took Crook until the 77th minute to pose a real threat. From a good corner routine they headed home, but Mills was fouled in the build-up and RCA won a free kick.
Dom Jones attempted to slightly change systems late on to get RCA back in the game, but it wasn’t to be on this occasion. Nevertheless, the performance was one to be proud of and it is another step in the right direction. Results will surely soon follow.
Up next for RCA is a home clash against Carlisle City this Tuesday evening. Kick off is 7.45pm.
Sunderland RCA 4 Tow Law Town 2
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
Last night Sunderland RCA welcomed Tow Law Town to the LGV Park for a night of football under the lights.
RCA were keen to get back to competitive action after a couple of cancellations, whilst the visitors hadn’t played since the beginning of December. It was a game which saw the bottom two sides fight it out for their first win of the season. Despite 20+ games still to play, there was the sense that a win here would play a crucial part in either side’s bid to stay in the division.
The teams lined-up as follows:
Sunderland RCA: Mills, Chanayire, Turns, King, Garrity, McHarg, Lawrence, Thompson, Pinder, Davis, Richardson.
Subs: Paul, Dumba, Perestrelo-Teixeira, Ogidan, Robson
Tow Law Town: Proctor, Shields, Stephenson, Fisher ©, Anmin, Hatton, Mallaburn, Lennox, Da Costa, Watson, Shilham.
Subs: Whitfield, Brown, Norman, Hughes, O’Brian
The match started with great energy. Both sides were evidently up for it and whilst the tension could be felt around the ground, the players were all guns blazing in the opening stages.
It didn’t take long for the game to stir up a talking point. Eight minutes in, Lewis King teed up D’Armando Lawrence who took a touch out of his feet and buried a strike into the top right corner beyond the reach of goalkeeper Kieran Proctor to give the hosts an early lead. However, it was short lived and a lapse in concentration meant Tow Law levelled almost instantly. A cross from the right wasn’t dealt with and the ball was prodded home by Brandon Mallaburn. 1-1.
RCA rightly felt unfortunate not to be leading and in all credit to the lads, they stuck at it and on the 22nd minute they almost found their breakthrough. It was the first of three clear cut chances in ten minutes.
RCA built fluidly down the right. Ash Davis played the ball infield to Scott Thompson who lobbed a ball over Tow Law’s defence to George Pinder. He rounded the keeper but his effort was cleared on the line. Soon after RCA broke from the opposition’s corner. This time Lawrence found himself through and a strong save from Proctor kept RCA and Lawrence’s tallies both at one. This was rounded off after a free kick from deep fell to Jason Chanayire on the penalty spot, but the fullback just leant back and blazed his shot over.
It wasn’t long before their hard work paid off though. In the 36th minute Pinder found himself through again after a long ball over the top. He selflessly squared it to the recently substituted Usman Ogidan who did well to retain control and set up Taylor Richardson who made no mistake putting RCA back ahead.
Half time came at a good time for the lads who did well to see off some late pressure.
The second half started similarly to the first. Tow Law were bright, but this time RCA didn’t really have a response. Three minutes after the break a corner led to another goalmouth scramble and somehow the ball ended up in the net via Jeremie Da Costa. Dom Jones’ side slowly grew into the half and their number nine began causing the visitors all sorts of trouble. When he was through on goal, Tow Law’s defender had no choice but to bring him down leading to a penalty. RCA retook the lead for the third time in the game when Pinder sent Proctor the wrong way from the spot.
RCA needed a cushion and they finally reaped their rewards. In the 80th minute they found daylight long after the sun had set over LGV Park. Richardson knocked it past Tow Law’s full back and got in behind. His cut back was met by Pinder who buried his chance into the roof of the net. That left the score 4-2 and a late red card for the visitors ended their hopes of any late comeback.
The result sees Sunderland RCA pick up their first win of the season and move three points clear of Tow Law.
Sunderland RCA 0 Whickham 1
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
Last night Sunderland RCA welcomed Whickham to the LGV Park in our first home game since October.
The visitors took away all three points via a late Scott Robson penalty.
It was a lovely night for football and the first opening fell to the visitors through Sam Johnson from a wide free kick. However, the winger’s strike flew wide.
On the 10th minute it was RCA’s turn to go forward. Usman Ogidan almost found a breakthrough, but the hosts had to react quick on the transition. Whickham countered and had a penalty shout dismissed by the referee.
RCA settled and a brilliantly structured press was seeing them gain success, forcing their opposition back and pouncing on mistakes.
Just after the 20 minute mark Dale Burrell for Whickham went close. He forced a good outstretched save by Phil Mills in RCA’s net.
It was in the 29th minute that RCA almost had their noses ahead. Ash Davis’ strike was only parried by Dan Lister and Ogidan reacted first to tap home. However, he was ruled to have strayed offside.
Sunderland RCA kept mounting the pressure. This time Jason Chanayire was teed up by Ogidan and the full back went on a storming run. Despite evading several defenders his effort could only find the side netting.
Just before half time George Pinder capitalised on a loose Whickham pass. He broke through and his set up hit a Whickham hand, but the referee wasn’t interested.
The second half started with Whickham down to ten following a first half sin bin for Jack Elliott.
RCA had the first shot of the second half. Ogidan’s free kick sailed over Lister’s net.
As the game hit the hour mark neither side were really on top. RCA had their structure spot on, whilst Whickham were struggling to find that killer ball.
In the 73rd minute RCA were caught sleeping for the first time and Dan Atkinson got through. Mills did very well to deny them of the opener.
Bisset was next to test Mills via a free kick. The RCA shot stopper once again handled it well.
The only goal of the game came in the 90th minute from a very dubious penalty. Scott Robson stepped up and converted with the goal being the only thing to separate the sides at full time.
RCA will look to build on a much better showing and take some momentum into next Saturday’s trip to Newcastle Benfield.
Sunderland RCA: Mills, Chanayire, Turns, Perestrelo-Teixeira, McHarg, Day, Richardson (sub. Hopkinson), L. King, Davis (sub L. Paul (sub. Dumba)), Ogidan (sub. Lawrence), Pinder. Unused sub: Ward.
Seaham Red Star 1 Sunderland RCA 0
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
Last night Sunderland RCA made the short journey to Seaham Red Star in a local derby match referred to as ‘El Steakio’.
RCA were searching for their first win of the season, whilst Red Star were hoping to make it two wins in quick succession after their weekend three points against West Allotment Celtic.
Ben Garrity and Dom Jones did well pre-game to get the boys in the right frame of mind to hit the ground running and in all fairness, that is what we did.
The first opening took just six minutes to come. George Pinder broke down the left and Usman Ogidan made a belting run into the box. Unfortunately, Pinder’s cross couldn’t find the head of Ogidan.
Seaham Red Star then had their chance to come forward. Joshua Crews was in the right place at the right time as a ball fell to him on the edge of the area. His volley whistled narrowly wide of Phil Mills’ post.
It was just two minutes later, on the 14th, that Andrew Jennison was called into action for the hosts. RCA pinned their hosts in and an opportunity arose when Pinder cut in onto his left from the right but his curling effort was tipped behind by an outstretched Jennison.
Seconds later Ash Davies joined in on the action. He managed to evade Jennison leaving an open goal, but a bobble on the pitch forced him to lay the ball to Pinder who was also hindered by the poor surface. The striker could only force a corner.
At the half hour mark both sides struggled to get their foot on the ball. A mix of windy conditions and a bobbly pitch meant success was coming via more direct play.
A Seaham Red Star corner on the 36th minute was cleared well by RCA and Ogidan found himself through on goal. He was unable to direct his effort goalward, but the signs remained positive for the visitors.
It wasn’t all plain sailing though, five minutes before the break Jason Chanayire came in clutch. The full back recovered well to block Red Star’s effort off the line.
The half ended all square with RCA feeling as if they probably should’ve been at least two goals ahead.
Although, the second half didn’t start the same way. Red Star took the lead on the 52nd minute when a cross from the left hand side met the head of Joe Hailes.
The hosts did well to take the sting out of the game after that, as predicted by Garrity at half time. But as the final 15 minutes approached RCA switched systems and began to mount pressure once again.
Taylor Richardson moved to the right hand side after coming off the bench and he immediately tested Jennison from range with a rocket shot which was sure to find the top corner.
In the final ten minutes RCA did their best to put Seaham Red Star under pressure. A backpass and a penalty shout were ignored by the referee and the game finished with Seaham Red Star likely feeling fortunate to have all three points.
Up next for RCA is a home clash against Whickham this Friday night in what is sure to be another feisty clash following the last meeting.
Kick off on Friday is 7.30pm.
Sunderland RCA: Mills, Chanayire, Perestrelo-Teixeira, L. King (sub. Dumba), Day (sub. Turns), McHarg, Ogidan, Thompson (C), Pinder, Davis, D. King (sub. Richardson). Unused Subs: Lawrence, Garitty.
Whickham 5 Sunderland RCA 2
Ebac League Division One – by Tom Hansford
Sunderland RCA made the journey to Whickham last night in what we knew would be a tough outing.
The game started in cold conditions and it was the prolific Scott Robson who was released through early doors. He turned inside to get away from Cam McHarg and finished nicely beneath James Hopkinson to give the hosts an early lead.
On the 14th minute Nathan Stephenson latched onto a loose ball on the edge of RCA’s area and his subsequent volley stung the hands of James Hopkinson.
Just two minutes later Whickham won a dubious penalty. Robson stepped up and despite Hopkinson diving the right way the hosts doubled their advantage.
It was soon 3-0 as Charles Smith was caught in possession. Declan Bisset won it for the home side and slotted his finish home in front of a loud Whickham following.
On the 25th minute Robson found himself bearing down on the RCA goal once again. He dinked his shot over Hopkinson and it was left for Liam Paul to make a superb last ditch tackle to prevent a fourth.
Just before the half hour mark RCA won the ball back in their own half and released D’Armando Lawrence down the right. He evaded a challenge and boxed it. George Pinder met the cross with his head to make it 3-1.
RCA began to grow into the game and Pinder had another good opportunity but couldn’t keep his shot down.
It was in the 40th minute though when everything kicked off. A stamp from Callum Munro meant he was given his marching orders. A bust-up from both benches then followed with Phil Mills and a Whickham coach seeing red.
This was, however, a case of mistaken identity and it is not Mills who will see the consequences for the dismissal. It will instead be Marc Hopkinson.
Unfortunately the heat of the moment meant RCA lost a bit of focus and Whickham pounced to make it four courtesy of Jack Elliot.
A few minutes after the break Robson somehow found his way through RCA’s backline. Once again he made no mistake and the hosts led 5-1.
The game ebbed out from there with RCA looking more controlled. As the full time whistle neared RCA did get more success.
Alberto Dumba, who had been subbed on, got more success as time went on. He found himself on the end of a few balls down the right. Usman Odigan laid him off but Whickham keeper Daniel Lister held the shot well.
With five minutes to go RCA caught Whickham sleeping. Pinder reacted first and he calmly slotted his finish beyond Lister to make the score 5-2.
That’s how the game ended with the hosts taking all three points. Work still to do for Sunderland RCA.
Washington 0 Sunderland RCA 1
Friendly – by Tom Hansford
Yesterday afternoon Sunderland RCA played Washington FC in a friendly at Washington Hub.
The game was scheduled on short notice following the postponement of RCA’s league clash against Tow Law and Washington’s against Brandon United.
RCA started quick and an early chance came when D’Armando Lawrence set up George Pinder but his effort from around 20 yards out didn’t hit the target.
Neither side really settled in the first half. It was a game of few chances which lacked a final ball and touch.
Just before the 20 minute mark a Washington corner caught RCA sleeping. However, thankfully they failed to test James Hopkinson in net.
On the 34th minute Scott Thompson stood over a RCA free kick. The experienced midfielder put a pinpoint ball on Pinder’s head and the striker hit the back of the net, but the linesman found Pinder to have strayed offside keeping the score level.
Ten minutes later Thompson picked up the ball on the edge of the area and forced a smart save from the Washington keeper. The following corner led to a simple save.
The second half started in a similar fashion to the first. It took until the 59th minute for the first real chance of the half.
It was Keigan Turns’ ball that found Pinder once again. But his half volley was hit straight at the keeper.
RCA then began controlling the game and despite lacking the cutting edge they did appear the more likely of the two sides to go on and win the clash.
Just after the hour mark Alberto Dumba linked well with Pinder. Dumba was then released but his attempt to beat the keeper found the post.
Just as it seemed time was up RCA recycled a wasted corner. Ben Garrity kept the pressure on with another ball in the box. His ball found Pinder who forced a strong save from the Washington shot stopper.
From the resulting corner Josh Teixeira got his head on the end of the cross to put RCA ahead.
The game ended with good game management from RCA to deal with the pressure put onto them by their opponents and pick up a nice little 1-0 win.
RCA: Hopkinson, Day (sub. Garrity), Turns, Maw (sub. Johnson), B. Paul, Perestrelo-Teixeira, Lawrence (sub. Dumba), L. King, Pinder, Thompson (sub. Chanayire), D. King.
Penrith 7 Sunderland RCA 1
EBAC Northern League Div I – Rob Jones
Sunderland RCA made the long trip over the Pennines to play fellow strugglers Penrith at the Leo Group Stadium. The newly laid artificial pitch looked a picture but unfortunately due to Health and Safety reasons the main stand was out of commission.
After three weeks without a competitive match RCA were looking to build on the performance against Bishop Auckland where they lost by a solitary goal and had chances to equalise in the second half.
Having trained / played friendlies on Astroturf over the last three weeks the pitch should not have posed a problem to the team.
The management team made 3 changes to the starting line up from that game with McHarg, Chanayire and Ward replacing Kourouma, Serra and Ogidan.
The teams lined up as follows:
Penrith: Taylor, Peile, Bell, Murray-Jones, Moynan ©, Moore, Brown, Grandison, Hunter, Hammell. Subs: Smales, Shields, Hebson, Metcalfe, Taylor.
Sunderland RCA: Mills, Dumba, Turns, Paul, McHarg, Thompson ©, Ward, Chanayire, Pinder, L King, D King. Subs: Ogidan, Perestrelo-Teixeira, Maw, Lawrence, Johnson.
The match kicked off in beautiful sunshine and RCA were quickly on the attack through Ward on the right, his cross was intercepted by Murray-Jones but his clearance fell to Thompson who played the ball out to D King but the ball ran out for a throw in.
Penrith hit back immediately and a long ball forward by Moynan split the RCA defence wide open and Hammell broke forward before being fouled by the advancing Mills.
The resulting freekick saw Grandison curl the ball into the six yard area where Murray-Jones powered in a header which struck the crossbar and rebounded to safety.
Penrith started to pressurize the RCA defence and a good flowing move down the right and Moore laid the ball inside to Brown but his effort was easily saved by Mills
The pressure finally paid off in the 12th minute when a corner was picked up by Grandison on the right his whipped ball to the far post looked to be cleared by Dumba but the ball was blocked and the rebound flew across the face of goal to Hammell who slotted home from close range.
RCA’s responded quickly from the kick off with a flowing move which saw Thompson play the ball to Dumba who played one two with Ward before crossing to L King but his weak effort was easily blocked by Irving who cleared the ball up field.
There followed a period of poor play from both teams as they continually mis-placed passes and the game became very scrappy. At this point neither team looked likely to take control of the game as the ball zipped about the pitch with little cohesive play.
The home team was the quickest to break out of this mode of play with a simple move which created a goal; Brown was the architect producing a good run forward before clipping the ball into the box and onto the head of the unmarked Hunter to head home.
Penrith with their tails up pushed forward to try and put the game to bed before half time and it took a good save from Mills to deny Moore whose low struck drive looked destined for the bottom corner before the keepers intervention.
However the relief was short lived when Penrith increased their lead in the 30th minute, a simple freekick from Grandison was headed home unopposed by Murray-Jones.
RCA took off Dumba and replaced him with Perestrelo-Teixeira in an effort to stem the tide.
The final 15 minutes of the half were played mainly in the RCA half of the field with some spirited defensive work by Paul, McHarg and Turns which kept the score down to 3-0 at half time.
The second half started with RCA on the front foot and they almost got back into the game when they were awarded a freekick 35 yards out, Perestrelo-Teixeira took the kick guiding it into the box where Pinder at full stretch could only steer the ball wide of the target.
A minute later and a good run down the right by Turns almost created another chance for the visitors when he played the ball inside to D King but his dribble into the box was blocked by Irving.
As is always the case from this RCA opportunity the ball broke forward and Brown picked out the run of Grandison who burst forward before slotting the ball past the advancing Mills and into the net.
Two minutes later and Thompson won the ball in midfield and broke forward before smashing a long range effort wide of the goal
RCA didn’t give up and when Thompson picked out Pinder on the left wing the RCA striker looked up and played the ball across the face of the 18 yard area to Ogidan who took too much time in controlling the ball and his shot was blocked.
That was as good as it got for RCA as Penrith again raised their game and piled on the pressure Hunter finishing off a flowing move to smash the ball home to make it 5-0.
They didn’t have to wait long to make it 6-0 as the RCA defence capitulated to allow substitute Smales in after a beautifully weighted pass from Moynan.
The only respite from the onslaught was the introduction of Lawrence who almost reduced the deficit when he cut inside and curled a lovely shot agonizingly wide of the far upright.
RCA’s consolation goal came from a poorly taken goal kick which saw Ogidan close down Taylor, win the ball and square it to Pinder who tapped the ball home.
However, within a minute Penrith struck again with the RCA defence in total disarray Shields took full advantage steering the ball home from close range after a goalmouth scramble.
The game ended 7-1 with Penrith totally outclassing a dis-jointed RCA team. It might have been the long lay-off that affected the team or something else but this display against a Penrith team who showed a lot more passion and endeavour than the RCA team is, as Manager Dom Jones said, “Unacceptable”.
Next up is the bottom of the table clash against Tow Law Town at Sunderland LGV Park on the 18th November 2023. Kick off 3.00pm.
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Sunderland RCA 11 Sunderland RCA Reserves 0
Friendly – by Tom Hansford
Last night Sunderland RCA first team faced off against Sunderland RCA reserves in an in-house friendly.
The game started with the first team deploying a slightly new system which the players adapted to well.
It didn’t take long for the opener for the first team. Just four minutes in, Jason Chanayire was played through by Lewis King with the former hammering his finish into the roof of the net.
Less than ten minutes later Scott Thompson added a second after the first team forced a mistake with some great controlled pressing.
George Pinder then grew into the game and just after 20 minutes gone he found space to get a shot off. He was unable to hit the back of the net, but his effort was enough to trouble the trialist goalkeeper in net for the reserves and he parried the ball to Dylan King who headed home. 3-0.
On the 24th minute the first team demonstrated a great corner routine which carved open the reserves. Although, on this occasion, nobody was there to turn it home.
Two minutes later D’Armando Lawrence drove through the reserves’ midfield and forced a free kick. He then stepped up and placed the 20 yard set piece to make it four.
The half settled slightly with the reserves unable to really find an opening.
Lawrence then took the game by the scruff of the neck and forced yet another free kick. This time his effort was drilled hard beyond the reserves’ keeper. 5-0.
The second half started in similar fashion. Pinder was the next first team player to get on the score sheet. Some great finishing and awareness led to a hat-trick in nine minutes which took the first team to 8-0 up.
72 minutes in and Pinder added another to his tally. He latched onto a beautiful ball from Josh Perestrelo-Teixeira.
The sting was taken out of the game but the first team continued their pressure. Experienced midfielder Scott Thompson floated a pinpoint cross in. This landed at Usman Odigan’s feet and he took his chance to make it ten.
The final goal of the evening was courtesy of Daniel Maw who took his chance well from the edge of the area just before the referee blew for full time. The score, 11-0.
Sunderland RCA 2 Easington Colliery 4
Friendly – by Tom Hansford
Last night Sunderland RCA and Easington Colliery clashed in a friendly at Ford Hub.
The two outfits saw this as the perfect opportunity to get minutes in the legs after a period of poor weather which has halted Northern League progress.
The game began with Easington on the front foot. Tapping dragged a shot wide 20 yards out of James Hopkinson’s goal.
Both sides settled into the cold conditions with Easington controlling possession and RCA comfortable sitting off.
RCA got their first look in when Scott Thompson released striker Usman Ogidan but the number nine failed to direct his effort on target.
Just five minutes later on the 17th, Easington pounced on a mix up at the back between RCA. Taylor Ford latched at the chance but pulled his shot wide.
It wasn’t long before RCA started to really get a foothold on the game. In the 20th minute D’Armando Lawrence put a tame effort into the hands of keeper Ant Lowerson.
However, just minutes later Dylan King unlocked George Pinder down the left who then squared it to Lawrence to make amends and put RCA 1-0 ahead.
Dom Jones’ side nearly made it two just seconds later but this time a smart Lowerson save denied King.
Unfortunately the lead was short lived. On the half hour mark Easington caught RCA sleeping with Tom Hunter going through 1v1 and rounding Hopkinson leaving a chance he couldn’t miss, 1-1.
Easington regained control of the game following the leveller and got their noses ahead courtesy of a brilliant Andrew Nelson strike on the edge of the area.
The second half began with neither side really creating much but Easington remaining 1-2 up.
Bradley Paul had a chance to draw RCA level but his shot was pushed behind by Lowerson.
On the 60th minute Easington made it three. A long ball caught RCA out of shape, Ben Garrity was forced under pressure and McBride added to his tally.
RCA weathered the storm well and took the game by the scruff of the neck. Just ten minutes after Easington’s third Pinder did well to set up King for an easy finish to slice into Easington’s lead and make it 2-3.
Unfortunately despite their efforts RCA were unable to draw level and instead their commitment to put men forward in the dying embers led to a fourth for Easington thanks to Hunter.
Sunderland RCA 0 Bishop Auckland 1
EBAC Northern League Div I – Rob Jones
Sunderland RCA entertained high flying Bishop Auckland in this EBAC Northern League Div I fixture at Sunderland LGV Park.
Both teams were in mid week cup action with RCA falling to a narrow 4-3 defeat against Norton and Stockton Ancients while Bishops ran out 4-1 victor’s against Boldon CA.
Bishops come into the game having only lost one league game all season while at the other end of the table RCA are yet to record a win this season, however they have shown a marked improvement on the pitch under the new management structure and there is a renewed energy off the pitch.
Due to Work commitments the management team was forced to make changes to the starting line-up for today’s match: Into the team came Mills & Kourouma (both making their debut) with Serra and Pinder also added to the eleven.
The teams lined up as follows:
Sunderland RCA: Mills, Dumba, Turns, Paul, Kourouma, Thompson ©, Serra, L King, Ogidan, Pinder, D King. Subs: Chanayire, Hopkinson, Johnson, Maw, Garrity.
Bishop Auckland: Gattock, Burlace, Risbrough, May, Errington, Barliff, Howard, Gott ©, Watt, Henderson, Giles. Subs: Parnaby, Lincloln, Thexton, Carling, McGoldrick.
The game kicked off in beautiful sunshine with Bishops taking advantage of the slope and the wind in the first half and they were immediately on the attack pressing forward on the left with Giles cutting the ball into the path of Barliff who fired in a low shot which went wide of the target.
Turns picked up the ball on the left before playing it forward to Thompson who found Ogidan on the left he cut inside but he sent his cross / shot over the bar.
The bishop keeper Gattock set up the visitor’s next attack with a long ball forward which was well controlled by Giles who brought the ball down before hitting his shot over the bar.
RCA were defending well in this opening period but in the 14 minute Bishops were awarded a corner, got took the kick and it was met by Ex-RCA defender Ben Errington who powered his header into the net to make it 1-0.
They almost increased their lead 2 minutes later when RCA conceded another corner, Gott took it short to Burlace who squared it to May who hit a low shot which Mills did well to save.
Mills was forced into action minutes later when Barliff played in Giles whose well struck shot was excellently saved by the RCA Keeper.
The long period of Bishop pressure was relieved as RCA started to get into the game and in the 20 minute a good flowing move saw the ball played forward by Paul to Pinder who headed the ball down to Turns on the left he played in Thompson on the overlap and the RCA captain whipped in a low cross toward Ogidan but Gattock managed to stop the ball creeping in at the near post.
A long ball forward by Errington was intercepted by Kourouma who sent the ball out to the right for Serra, he outpace the bishop defence before cutting the ball back to L King who elected to try and pass the ball rather than shoot and the Bishops defence were able to block the pass and clear the danger.
Giles continued to be a thorn in the side of the RCA defence picking up another long crossfield ball from Burlace he broke past his marker before drilling in a low shot which Mills again did well to save.
The game became bogged down in midfield with L King and Thompson cancelling out the threat posed by Gott and Barliff.
A nasty challenge by Barliff on Thompson resulted in a freekick to RCA and Barliff having to receive extensive treatment. L King took the freekick which was met by Paul but his header sailed over the bar.
The final action of the half saw Burlace bursting forward again but his cross into the box was met by Paul who headed clear.
The second half started fairly quietly with Bishops content to pass the ball about at the back while RCA looked to pick up any loose balls as they chased each pass down.
In the 50 minute of the game RCA had a great chance to equalize when D King was able to shake off his marker for the first time in the game and his cross into the box was met by the unmarked Serra who from the edge of the six yard box headed the ball over the bar.
This had the effect of lifting the game as both sides pushed forward, a long ball forward from Risebrough was again collected by Giles who played in Watt but he fired well wide of the target.
A minute later and Giles had a great opportunity to increase the visitors lead when he picked up a perfect through ball from Gott but Mills was able to make a superb save to deny the Striker at the expense of a corner.
RCA picked up the pace on the hour mark and forced Bishops to defend deep, a ball forward from Turns was picked up by Thompson who moved forward before clipping in a cross which was cleared by Errington under pressure from Ogidan for a corner.
Turns took the kick curling it into the box where Gattock palmed it clear but only at far as Paul 12 yards out but he fired his half volley over the bar.
The home side was now forging forward at every opportunity to try and get an equaliser; D King produced the next chance for RCA, linking up with Chanayire before getting the ball into the box where Thompson shot was saved by Gattock.
A good run by Turns was spotted by Thompson and the full back broke past the Bishop defence, however Burlace was quick to recover and blocked the cross with the referee inexplicably awarding a goalkick.
There followed a scrappy period of play with both sides guilty of mis-placing passes and bishops also making substitutions.
With 10 minutes to go RCA had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down when Ogidan dribbled his way past Risbrough before being dragged back once inside the area and the Bishop defence able to clear the danger.
Within minutes the ball is played forward by Dumba to Ogidan who pulls the ball bay to Chanayire but his cross towards Johnson was blocked by Errington.
Bishop moved the ball quickly forward and Henderson, who had been relatively quiet all afternoon, forced a corner for the visitors. Gott took the kick and Errington again rose highest to power in a header which struck the underside of the bar and rebounded out where it was scrambled clear by a relieved RCA defence.
In the final minute of the game a cross shot from Burlace clipped the top of the bar and despite some frantic attacking in the time added on by the referee the home team could not find the final finishing touch required to get an equalizer.
Whilst a defeat is always hard to take the management team can take a lot of positives from this game against a strong Bishop Auckland side. With a bit more composure in front of goal they could easily have forced a draw which would have been a fair result.
What the team must do now is reach that level of performance in every game irrelevant of the opposition; they have proved against West Auckland and Bishop Auckland that if they apply themselves 100% they are capable of matching the top teams in this league.
Every one of the players can hold their heads up high after that performance and look forward to training hard on Tuesday night ready for the match against Tow Law Town next week.
Sunderland RCA 3 Norton & Stockton Ancients Youth 4
DFA Frank Pattison Cup – by Tom Hansford
Sunderland RCA fell to a narrow defeat against Norton and Stockton Ancients last night in the Durham Challenge Cup.
RCA started their night on the back foot with first choice goalkeeper James Hopkinson pulling out with a knock.
With no natural keeper available to replace him, midfielder Connor Jackson wore the gloves at LGV Park.
Despite this setback the home side started bright and just six minutes in Usman Odigan and Jackson Ward combined well without testing the keeper.
Ten minutes later Odigan and Alberto Dumba connected well down the right but once again the shot that followed didn’t test Norton and Stockton keeper Declan Greenwood.
RCA continued the control nearing the half hour mark and the deadlock was finally broken courtesy of debutant Scott Thompson who tucked his strike into the bottom corner.
It took the opener for the visitors to grow into the game and Jackson was called into action when Nicky Martin was released through RCA’s back line.
Unfortunately just two minutes later on the 36th, the equaliser came with Jake Stott tucking his finish in at the near post.
RCA then went into their shell until half time and what followed was somewhat of a collapse. Three minutes later a lack of communication and failure to clear our lines from a corner led to Stott firing a volley into the top left corner.
Then on the stroke of half time a loss of structure opened the gap for Norton and Stockton to add a third as Priestley was given a simple finish.
The second half started similarly to the first as the hosts took control.
It just took seven minutes for RCA to halve the deficit with Odigan placing the finishing touch on an inch perfect cross from fullback Ollie James.
The game did ebb away for a short while. Dom Jones’ side controlled possession without really testing their keeper, but on the 85th minute a deep free kick led to an opening.
RCA won the second and third ball with Dylan King getting the finishing touch to draw level.
The game entered added time and whilst RCA looked like the only team going to go on and score, it was actually the visitors who capitalised onto an opening and tucked a 1v1 home in the 97th minute.
A cruel way to lose, but full credit to the lads for their second half fightback.
West Auckland Town 3 Sunderland RCA 1
Ebac Northern League Division 1 – by Tom Hansford
Sunderland RCA travelled to West Auckland tonight after a week of turmoil for the club.
A new management team took charge in their first game on Friday evening and a makeshift squad impressed with their fight and commitment despite the result.
West Auckland started strong and applied early pressure which tested the resolve of the visitors. Their first chance of the game forced a great save from James Hopkinson in RCA’s net.
It took West Auckland just seven minutes to go down their right hand side, a pattern which would soon emerge for the hosts.
Joshua Scott found Stephen Walker but he blazed the open goal wide.
RCA then settled as they adjusted to the new system enforced by Dom Jones in the dugout.
In the 21st minute a low drive across RCA’s box left the aforementioned Walker with a simple finish to put the hosts ahead.
But, RCA reacted well and around ten minutes later Jackson Ward latched onto a ball over the top. Ward dinked it over the keeper and found Usman Ogidan who levelled the scoring.
Unfortunately the hosts’ pressure paid off though and a matter of minutes later another ball down the right hand side led to a cross which was headed home by Scott to make it 2-1.
The second half was full of optimism from RCA. The first chance of the half fell to Jones’ men with Ogidan again testing Nicholas Liversedge in goal.
West Auckland remained a threat though and shortly after the break a string of loose balls eventually fell to Nicholson who struck across goal to double their lead.
RCA changed shape and reaped the rewards. Alberto Dumba and Ryley Johnson both tested the West Auckland keeper but with no success and they were joined by Connor Jackson who forced a corner with his late effort.
The result wasn’t one we wanted, but the performance was a big step in the right direction.
Redcar Athletic 7 Sunderland RCA 2
Ebac Northern League Division 1 – by Dave Edler
RCA travelled to the seaside to face a rejuvenated Athletic side who were finally starting to live up to some of the pre-season hype that had them as possible title contenders. RCA made two changes from the defeat at Birtley the previous week, Chris Trewick replacing the injured Cameron McHarg and Tom Bott in for the unavailable Hishi Lama.
It was the visitors who started the brighter despite playing into a strong wind and on seven minutes they took a shock lead. Ash Lavan linked up well with Jason Chanayire, putting him in for a clear run on goal. Jack Norton kept out his initial effort but was powerless to prevent the follow up putting RCA ahead. It could have got even better for both Chanayire and RCA four minutes later, but this time his effort was just wide of the target. Ash Lavan then had a go himself, but his 13th minute strike was superbly turned around the post by Norton. So it was something against the run of play when a fine strike from Isaac Walker levelled the scores in the 21st minute. This proved to be the turning point as the home side started to dominate. Liam Jarvie shot straight at Matty Wilkinson from a good position before Matthew Tymon’s 40th minute header put the home side ahead. RCA’s bad habit of conceding clusters of goals just before the interval continued as Jarvie netted from close range to put the hosts 3-1 up at the break.
The game was over as a contest shortly after the restart as Adam Wheatley fired home a fourth for Redcar. Walker almost added his second when he was unlucky to see his effort strike the post, while at the other end a rare effort from Jamie Owens against his former club went close. After Walker again went close, Athletic added a fifth from Tymon in the 60th minute. Substitute Jackson Ward injected some life into the RCA forward line, testing Norton with a rasping 62nd minute effort that the stopper did well to tip over the bar. However as the visitors tried to move forward they were caught on the counter when James Sayer added a sixth with 72 minutes gone. The same player added his second seven minutes later before RCA did at least have the consolation of opening and closing the scoring as Ward got the goal his efforts since coming on had deserved with a fine strike. The game was to prove a swansong for two of the mainstays of the RCA side, with both captain Ben Riding and Ash Lavan departing for new clubs in midweek.
Birtley Town 6 Sunderland RCA 0
Ebac Northern League Division 1 – by Dave Edler
Despite another heavy defeat, this was a much improved performance from the previous weekend’s outing against Boro Rangers. There were several changes from the team that had surrendered so tamely at the LGV Park with captain Ben Riding and Cameron McHarg returning in central defence and Hishi Lama finally making his debut in midfield after receiving international clearance. Also returning to the starting line-up were Jamie Owens, Danny Earl and Ryan Gooch.
The game started with RCA taking the game to the league leaders and in the 7th minute Ash Lavan broke clear before delaying his pass, and the chance went begging. A minute later Jason Chanayire saw his strike held by Alfie Gordon in the home goal, before the former Birtley man went on another great run down the right before seeing his effort hacked off the goalline with Gordon beaten.
As so often happens when you are at the foot of the table, however, the game turned on a 15th minute refereeing decision. RCA should have had a clear free-kick on the edge of the Birtley area, but instead their claims were waved away by the officials and the home side broke at pace, causing Lavan to commit a foul inside our own box. Callum Turnbull comfortably converted the resulting penalty to put the hosts ahead.
RCA continued to battle gamely on a blistering hot day, with some of our older players in particular finding the going pretty tough. But the visitors continued to look dangerous on the counter, with Ryan Gooch firing wide in the 21st minute and Owens seeing his low drive held by Gordon. RCA were dealt another blow in the 36th minute when McHarg limped off with a hamstring injury. This forced Alex Fil into a central defensive role and hampered our threat down the right hand channel. RCA had Matty Wilkinson to thank for keeping them in the game with a superb block to deny Glen Hargrave at point blank range in the 43rd minute. However, from the resulting corner Owen Lancaster’s looping header found its way into the net. Worse was to follow on the stroke of half-time as Wilkinson was completely deceived by the flight of the ball from Hargrave’s long range strike and the visitors found themselves trailing by a deficit that their performance scarcely deserved.
The second half started with no drop in the temperatures on or off the pitch. There were early chances for both sides, Owens going close for RCA and Callum Smith for the hosts. Owens came even closer in the 53rd minute when he was denied by the legs of Gordon at full stretch, but three minutes later the game was over as a contest as Smith’s cross was stabbed home by Liam Wotherspoon. RCA to their credit continued to press and substitute Alberto Serra saw his 71st minute attempted lob cleared off the line. At the other end, though, the hosts were awarded a second penalty which Stephen Hall converted.
It continued to be a very open game, with Stevie Black denied by Gordon at one end, while James Proctor struck the post at the other. Serra was again denied a place on the scoresheet by Gordon, while another substitute Jackson Ward also drove close across the face of goal. As the game moved into added time Owens saw yet another effort tipped over the bar by Gordon before Birtley sub Drew Lake completed the scoring, netting unmarked from close range. Although the gulf between top and bottom of the table was obvious, RCA should take some positives from their improved performance in this game which offers some hope for the games to come against sides around them in the table.
Sunderland RCA 0 Boro Rangers 7
Ebac Northern League Division 1 – by Dave Edler
RCA welcomed Division One newboys Boro Rangers to the Sunderland LGV Park for their first ever visit. After an encouraging display at Guisborough in midweek the hosts were looking to build on that performance but they were dealt a blow when captain Ben Riding failed a fitness test and then replacement Thomas Bott had to pull out an hour before kick-off due to a personal family matter. RCA were already without new signings Hishi Lama and Jamie Owens and the suspended Chris Trewick. To compound matters Alberto Serra injured himself in the pre-match warm up but agreed to play on with limited mobility.
After early chances for Stuart Rose and Callum Hickman for the visitors, matters got worse for RCA after just eleven minutes when one of the remaining recognised defenders, Liam Paul, had to leave the field with a hamstring injury. His replacement Sam Irwin quickly found his way into the referees notebook, meaning he had to tread carefully for the rest of the game. RCA’s first, and indeed only, chance of the half fell to captain for the day Ash Lavan in the 21st minute, but his effort flew well wide of the target. Two minutes later the visitors took the lead, as Louie Hall tapped in unmarked at the far post following a ball across goal. After Matty Wilkinson denied Rose, Daniel Lofts started what would become a very productive afternoon for him when he turned in the box and slotted home to put Boro 2-0 ahead. After Wilkinson had again rescued the home side, denying Hickman, the afternoon continued to get worse for the hosts as Ollie James found himself sin-binned for dissent. Rose added a third for Rangers in the 38th minute, but he was denied a second on the stroke of half-time when he blazed wide from the penalty spot after an RCA infringement.
With RCA back to their full quota of players shortly after the restart, things settled down for a while. Indeed the first decent chance of the second half fell to the home side as Tom Goundry, returning from a spell at West End, went on a great run down the left before narrowly firing wide across the face of goal. However, that was as good as it got for the home side as some comedy defending allowed Lofts to grab his second of the match in the 74th minute. Usman Ogidan came on for his home debut to replace John Anderson, but his stay on the pitch lasted less than 60 seconds as he was shown a straight red card for stamping. At this stage RCA appeared to throw in the towel and there was little resistance to Lofts completing his hat-trick on 79 minutes. Harry Thompson added a sixth three minutes later and on 86 minutes Lofts completed the rout by adding his fourth and Boro’s seventh. The first shot on target for RCA came in the 88th minute, when substitute Jackson Ward gave keeper Daniel Horner his first piece of work for the day.
This will go down in history as one of the worst ever RCA performances. There have been heavier defeats, notably last season when fielding our reserve team in several fixtures, but the manner of this reverse with the total capitulation in the final fifteen minutes of the game will have given the management team plenty to ponder as they prepare for their next game against the league leaders.
Guisborough Town 3 Sunderland RCA 1
Ebac Northern League Division 1 – by Dave Edler
It was a new look RCA that took to the field at the King George V Ground on Wednesday evening, with three players making their debut for the club. Jamie Owens and Alberto Serra were welcome additions to boost the strike force, while Usman Ogidan was handed a holding midfielder role. Jackson Ward made the bench, having recovered from his recent hamstring injury.
The visitors made the perfect start, with one of the new boys making an instant impact. Serra capitalised on a hesitant attempt to clear the ball and raced away from his marker before coolly slotting home under the body of Robert Dean. Things almost got even better moments later as Owens headed narrowly over following an RCA corner.
However, Guisborough then recovered their composure and went on to dominate the next half an hour of the game. The first decent chance fell to Alexander Nelson in the 18th minute, but he fired over from a good postion. Next to have a go was Jack Bailey, scooping the ball over the bar from a corner, but the pressure eventually told in the 26th minute as Kurtis Howes stabbed home at the far post. Dave Dickson decided at this stage that Ogidan was struggling to adapt to the pace of the game in his unfamiliar role and he was replaced by Craig Robinson (Foster).
Guisborough continued to dominate, although in a rare counter attack Jason Chanayire almost fed in Serra, while Alex Fil also had a half chance during this period, firing wide across the face of goal. In the 41st minute the home side were awarded what looked to be a very soft penalty but justice was done when Matty Wilkinson dived full length to his right to superbly keep out Tyrone O’Neill’s spot kick. Half-Time 1-1.
RCA came out with a lot more purpose after the interval and kept a much better shape. They dominated the first quarter of an hour of the half, with Fil firing over and Owens also setting up a chance. However they were dealt a killer blow in the 61st minute when a series of defensive errors allowed Lewis Green the opportunity to bag a second for the hosts. RCA continued to enjoy the majority of the ball, but without seriously working Dean in the home goal. In the 72nd minute Ash Lavan broke clear down the left and his cross to the far post was almost met by substitute Jackson Ward. Owens also had Dean scrambling across goal but his effort was wide. As the visitors continued to press they were hit on the counter two minutes from time when Edward Thomas prodded home from close range to make the game safe, although spectators who were level with play said that there was a hint of offside about the goal. The final whistle sounded a minute later and RCA were left to reflect once again on the fine margins between victory and defeat.
Shildon 2 Sunderland RCA 0
Ebac Northern League Division 1 – by Dave Edler
RCA travelled to Co. Durham on a wet evening that saw several other games fall foul of the weather. However the rain did not deter the local public and a healthy crowd of over 300 assembled at the J Denham Metals Stadium. They saw an RCA side showing two changes from the eleven that had picked up the first point of the season against Crook Town the previous Saturday. Chris Trewick came in for the holidaying Stevie Black, while the unavailable Thomas Bott was replaced by John Anderson. Keigan Turns and James Hopkinson both returned to the bench after being left out on Saturday.
The game started as a fairly intense affair with RCA competing well with their unbeaten hosts. The first chance fell to Ash Lavan but he was denied by a good save from Mark Foden low down to his left. After Ashton Houlahan had fired wide the best chance of the opening quarter hour fell to Shildon’s Andrei-Vasile Ardelean, who was denied by the legs of Matty Wilkinson. At the other end Alex Fil’s effort was deflected wide for a corner, while Trewick headed over the bar from an Anderson free-kick.
After RCA gave the ball away in a bad area in the 22nd minute, Wilkinson rescued the visitors with a superb one handed stop to deny Billy Greulich-Smith. However he was powerless to prevent Shildon taking a 26th minute lead. After an RCA move broke down the ball was played into acres of space down the left wing where Joe Posthill found himself in the clear. He crossed the ball to the completely unmarked Ardelean who had the simplest of tap-ins.
The visitors had the ball in the net on 29 minutes when Jason Chanayire fired home, but the effort was flagged offside by the referee’s assistant on the touchline. The final chance of the half fell to Ciaran Banks, who saw his curling effort held by Wilkinson.
The second half saw the rains return even stronger, which made taking notes difficult for your scribe! However the first chance fell to the visitors with Lavan’s well struck effort kept out by Foden and then at the other end Wilkinson denied Posthill. However Posthill was not to be denied on 62 minutes, driving a long range effort into the top corner of the net to effectively end the game as a contest. RCA to their credit continued to press with Fil and Trewick both going close before the best RCA chance of the game fell to Chanayire, who really should have done better than striking the post. There were final chances for Ben Riding and substitute Niall Crosby but it was a case of ‘close but no cigar’ as Shildon moved to the top of the table with their win.
Sunderland RCA 1 Crook Town 1
Ebac Northern League Division 1 – by Dave Edler
RCA welcomed Crook Town to the Sunderland LGV Park with both sides looking for their first league win of the season. They were bolstered by new striker signing Jason Chanayire, who went straight into the side, as well as the returning Thomas Bott. Niall Crosby and Danny Earl passed late fitness tests but both started on the bench, alongside another returnee Chris Trewick.
RCA’s first objective was to avoid their recent bad habit of giving away early goals and this they achieved despite a couple of scares. First Matty Wilkinson had to be at his best to keep out Paul Gardiner’s seventh minute strike and then five minutes later Ben Trotter just failed to get his head on a dangerous cross. With Bott playing up front with Chanayire the home side were getting used to their new configuration and struggling to make any early progress. Trotter again went close for Crook before Bott had the first shot at goal for the hosts on the quarter hour mark. On 17 minutes Liam Goldsborough blazed over for the visitors from a good position and Reece Crown drove wide from a 26th minute corner. Having survived this spell of pressure RCA started to come more into the game as an attacking force and a great mazy run from Chanayire in the 34th minute just lacked an end product. A turning point came in the 40th minute when Crook keeper Alex Curran was sin binned for ten minutes for dissent, with striker Nicholas Marley taking over in goal.
RCA looked to make their short term advantage count and this they duly achieved in the 44th minute when Alex Fil sent a superb low shot into the bottom corner of the net that was way too good for the substitute keeper. It was the first time the home side had taken the lead in a game this season and they comfortably held out to half-time.
Playing down the hill in the second period RCA must have been confident of adding to their lead, with Crook still two minutes away from getting their regular keeper back on the field. The home side had brought on Chris Trewick at half-time to replace Craig Robinson (Foster) who was on a booking. The half started as planned with Lavan going close for the hosts. However things turned on their head again in the 56th minute when Chris Trewick was shown a straight red for lashing out with a kick after the ball had gone. He had been on the field just 11 minutes and left RCA a man short with 34 still to play. Despite this it continued to be the home side who looked more likely to score, with Chanayire’s 58th minute effort deflected for a corner. It took until the 61st minute for Crook to have their first effort of the half, Zack Bewley curling an effort wide. Bott fired over the bar for RCA in the 62nd minute and four minutes later the lively Chanayire saw his header cleared off the line to safety. The same player was denied again moments later by a last ditch challenge and Ash Lavan also went close. Bott’s best chance came in the 79th minute when his fiercely struck shot was superbly kept out by Curran. Still the chances came for the men in red and white and substitute Niall Crosby was denied for the second game in a row by the legs of the goalkeeper.
With the ten men finally starting to tire Crook launched a flurry of attacks in the final five minutes but when they struck the post with 90 minutes on the clock RCA looked to have held on for their first win. However, in the fourth minute of stoppage time Reece Havelock-Brown fired home through a crowd of players to break the home sides resistance. Remarkably there was still time for Ben Riding and Bott to win the three points again, but both their chances went begging and RCA were left to ponder on what might have been.
Sunderland RCA 0 Whitley Bay 2
Ebac Northern League Division 1 – by Dave Edler
RCA welcomed Whitley Bay to the Sunderland LGV Park as the search for the first point(s) of the season continued. They were without the injured Jackson Ward, following his hamstring injury against West Allotment Celtic at the weekend, and the unavailable Thomas Bott. Cameron McHarg unexpectedly returned to the line-up ahead of schedule following his bout of Glandular Fever and Craig Robinson (Foster) made his first start of the season. Stevie Black was preferred to John Anderson, who moved to the bench.
RCA had an opportunity to take an early lead when Niall Crosby found himself clean through on goal, but he was denied by the legs of Dan Lister in the Bay goal. Ash Lavan drove wide across goal as the home side, playing down the hill, made their usual lively start before the game started to follow a familiar pattern. Firstly, following a Bay corner, Scott Lowery headed the ball back across goal into the path of the unmarked Michael Hall, who had a simple tap-in. The RCA defence were adamant that captain Ben Riding had been fouled in the build-up, but the match officials were happy with the challenge. Worse was to follow six minutes later as another Ben Richardson corner landed at the feet of Lewis Suddick. He was given way too much time to turn and pick his spot as the game started to run away from the home side.
The fightback started in the 18th minute when RCA were awarded a free-kick just inside the penalty area following a back pass to the keeper that was picked up. Lavan struck his shot well through the crowd of players and it looked to be heading in before it was frantically cleared off the line. RCA then enjoyed a decent spell of possession, although they faced a setback in the 37th minute when Danny Earl became the second striker in consecutive games to limp off with a hamstring injury, Ryan Gooch entering the fray. Lavan curled a 39th minute effort wide of Lister’s goal but there was a let off for the home side three minutes later when Suddick had the ball in the net for a second time, this time being denied by the referee’s assistant flag.
The second half saw RCA enjoying even more possession and it started with Keigan Turns sending in what was supposed to be a looping cross but which ended up as a dipping effort that Lister had to turn over his crossbar. Cameron McHarg then collected a booking for the homesters, but he was a little unlucky as it was his first foul of the night. Lister in the Bay goal then enjoyed his best moment of the night as he produced a fine double save to deny Crosby, who had again broken clear of the defence. Luke Page sent in a cross shot in what was by now a rare attack for the visitors, and it proved to be the last save that Matty Wilkinson would have to make for the rest of the game. The best chance RCA had to get a foothold back into the match was when Lavan worked the ball into a nice position to get in a clear strike, but although his shot had a decent amount of power Lister was equal to it. The by now weary Crosby was finally withdrawn and without his pace RCA struggled to create many more openings, although substitutes John Anderson and Ewan James both worked hard to try and create something. In the end the red and white stripes were left rueing that opening ten minutes as they more than matched their opponents for the remainder of the match. There were many stand out performances, but in particular Ollie James and Liam Paul both enjoyed their best games in an RCA shirt so far.
Sunderland RCA 1 West Allotment Celtic 5
( FA Cup Extra Preliminary)
( FA Cup Extra Preliminary) by Rob Jones
West Allotment Celtic fresh from their 6 -0 win in mid week were the visitors to Sunderland LGV Park for this Extra Preliminary FA Cup tie.
Two disappointing League results in the league did not instill a great deal of confidence in the RCA faithful and a disappointing crowd of 89 was testament to that.
The management team were forced to make changes to the team with Trewick (Work), Fil (Injured), Turns returned from holiday while Bott and Paul where brought into the starting line-up.
The teams lined up as follows:
Sunderland RCA: Wilkinson, O James, Turns, Riding ©, Paul, Bott, Crosby, Anderson, Earl, Lavan, Ward. Subs: Black, Hopkinson, Gooch, Caygill, Robinson (Foster), E James.
West Allotment Celtic: Gladstone, Brady, Parkinson, Forster, Scott ©, Errington, Giraud, Kanda, McCarthy, Larmouth, Lowery-Matondo. Subs: Thompson, Tshisekedi, Baltazar, Beeston, Martins.
Despite the terrible weather over night the pitch was looking in remarkably good condition and although rain was forecast it didn’t materialise and the game was played in near perfect conditions.
RCA’s first attack came to nothing as Crosby over ran the ball and Gladstone had the easiest of pick-ups.
Catastrophic defending at the other end saw Bott’s pass intercepted by Lowery-Matondo he hit a low shot which was parried by Wilkinson into the path of McCarthy whose shot seemed to be going wide but hit O James and flew into the net. This was unfortunate but typical of our luck at the moment.
Lowery-Matondo anticipated another poor pass inside the home teams half and played the ball into the path of McCarthy who finished with some aplomb giving the RCA keeper no chance.
A minute later and the self imploding RCA Defence conceded again when Lowery-Matondo skipped past his marker before whipping in a low cross which Wilkinson parried straight into the path of Giraud who, unmarked slotted home West Allotments third inside the opening 15 minutes.
RCA tried to respond on the left with Turns playing a through ball to Ward who crossed into the box for Crosby but his shot was blocked by Parkinson. Ward looked to pull up after crossing the ball and after lengthy treatment, he eventually had to limp out of the game to be replaced by Gooch.
Another quick break from West Allotment and it was Lowery-Matondo again who instigated the attack on the right crossing into the box for McCarthy who’s first time shot was brilliantly saved by Wilkinson palming the ball over the bar.
A minute later and
RCA’s first effort on target came in the 35 minute when Riding played the ball forward to Anderson and he played the ball to Lavan who struck a low effort straight at Gladstone.
As the half came to an end RCA had their best spell of the game, a fluid move involving Gooch, Lavan and Crosby saw the ball played to Anderson who struck a dipping shot which was comfortably saved by Gladstone.
In the final minute of the half RCA were awarded a freekick which was taken by Lavan who curled the ball toward to inside edge of the post Gladstone made a terrific save to keep it out but the ball fell to Crosby who was fouled as he was about to strike and the referee awarded a penalty.
The penalty kick was delayed for several minutes while Gladstone was treated after colliding with the post when making the save. Lavan took the penalty and although Gladstone got a good hand to the ball he couldn’t prevent it from going into the net for to make it 3-1 at half time to the visitors.
After being given a life line just before half time the one thing you don’t want to do is concede in the opening minutes of the second half but that is exactly what RCA did allowing the ball to be played in to Giraud who sent two defenders the wrong way on the edge of the box before drilling the ball beyond the outstretched hand of Wilkinson and into the net.
The game was no longer a contest and it looked certain that it would only be a matter of time before RCA conceded again, to their credit Riding rallied the troops and denied the opposition any real goal scoring opportunities.
Crosby at the other end was causing problems for the visitors defence but the final ball all too often was poor of easily defended.
Gooch had a good run on the left wing cutting inside before running into a line of 4 defenders, beating 3 but having the ball taken off him by the 4th. This was the pattern of play for the next 25 minutes.
RCA’s best chance of the half cam in the 80 minute when E James ran at the West defence cut inside before unleashing a low shot toward the near post which Gladstone did well to palm round the post.
However, from the resulting corner the visitors set up a counter attack with the ball cleared to the right where Beeston picked up the ball ran forward 20 yards before crossing to the far post for Thompson who had the easiest of chances to side foot into an empty net.
RCA’s only reply was a long range effort from Anderson which went well over the bar.
A disappointing result going out in the extra Preliminary round of the cup, all round this was a poor performance with probably only one individual stand out performance by the captain Ben Riding.
Carlisle City 3 Sunderland RCA 1
EBAC Northern League Div I – by Rob Jones
RCA travelled over to Cumbria to play Carlisle City at the Three Rivers HSC Stadium for this EBAC Northern League Div I match.
After Saturday’s disappointing opening game the management team were looking for a much better performance from the lads.
Carlisle had a much better opening day with an away draw against Tow Law Town.
The management team made a number of changes to the team and included new signing Ewan James in the squad.
The teams lined up as follows:
Carlisle City: Simons, Gordon, Olsen, Dickinson, Kirkup, Atkinson, Kelly, Simpson ©, McCartney, Holt, Palmer: Subs: Hartley, Townsley, Hill, Little, Shields.
Sunderland RCA: Wilkinson, O James, Fil, Riding ©, Trewick, Caygill, Crosby, Anderson, Earl, Lavan, Ward. Subs: Gooch, Hopkinson, Paul, Black, E James.
After driving through torrential rain to get to the ground it turned out to be quite a nice evening for a game of football.
RCA kicked off towards the clubhouse end of the pitch and had an early opportunity when O James intercepted a pass on the halfway line, advanced down the wing before crossing the far post to Anderson but his cross shot was easily saved by Simons.
Carlisle seemed happy to play the ball about in their own half before probing the RCA defence with long balls forward which were fairly easily defended by Riding and Co.
A good overlapping run by Olson was spotted by Simpson who played him in and his cross was met by McCartney but he lifted his shot over the bar.
Within minutes RCA went on the attack with Fil receiving the ball from Wilkinson a playing it forward to Earl who controlled it well before slipping the ball to Ward whose shot beat the keeper but drifted just wide of the upright.
As the game progressed Carlisle pressed forward and RCA were susceptible to the long throw which caused great anxiety in the visitor’s box. One such throw was met by McCartney but flicked off the head of Trewick for a corner.
With 15 minutes gone Crosby did well to beat his marker before whipping in a cross to the far post where Anderson made ground to get in a header which was well saved by Simons
A minute later and Riding won the ball inside the Carlisle half and after some excellent interplay between Lavan and Earl the ball was released to Ward who forced a corner which was well defended.
Carlisle’s main threat came from the left with Olsen linking up with Palmer and it was this combination which created the opening goal, a ball forward from Kirkup was met by Palmer who laid it off to Olsen whose cross found Holt unmarked in the box and he guided his header into the net.
Within a minute it could have been 2 – 0 as the long throw into the box was met by Kirkup his header down was met by Kelly but he pushed the ball into the arms of Wilkinson.
Carlisle were maintaining the pressure and RCA were forced to defend deep but they were well marshaled by Riding at the back and most attacking moves by the hosts were easily dealt with.
In the 35 minute another chance fell to Simpson when McCartney picked up a long ball forward by Kirkup and chipped it over the heads of the RCA defence but the Carlisle Captain headed wide from a good position.
RCA continued to look threatening on the break and in the 38 minute a good run forward by Caygill had the Home defence back peddling but his final ball into the box was easily collected by Simons.
A minute later and the same player made a good run down the right but was well marked by Olsen and the ball was played out for a goalkick.
Carlisle’s final chance of the half came from a freekick on the right which was taken by Kelly but his dipping effort went wide of the target.
The visitors started the second half well a ball out to the right by Lavan was picked up by Crosby who outpaced two defenders before crossing into the box where Ward’s shot was blocked by Dickinson and the ball cleared up field.
A good move by Carlisle saw Kelly move forward down the left before playing the ball inside to Holt who in turn squared the ball to Palmer but he fire his shot over the bar.
The game was moving from end to end and for the neutral must have been very entertaining.
Anderson set up the next attack for RCA when he won the ball in mid-field before playing the ball to Earl who slipped the ball forward to Ward whose low drilled shot as superbly saved by Simons.
As is the case with so many missed chances the following attack produced a goal, a freekick on the left was met by the towering head of Kirkup who headed the ball towards the far post where McCartney from two yards out and certainly looking well offside headed Carlisle’s second.
Within minutes RCA had the ball in the oppositions net, Fill with a great run down the left squared the ball to Earl on the edge of the box, his initial shot was blocked but the ball fell to Trewick who stabbed home only for the Assistant Referee to flag for and offside, when two defenders were clearly playing him onside.
Fil was finding space down the left and another surging run took him passed two defenders before crossing into the box and the ball was cleared for a corner, Ward took the corner sweeping the ball to Lavan on the edge of the box but the RCA midfielders shot was blocked by Kirkup and the follow up attack once again resulted in a goal as the ball was quickly played to McCartney who squared the ball to Holt whose finish was superb from the edge of the box drilling it low into the bottom corner of the net.
RCA were not finished, Black winning the ball inside the Carlisle half played the ball to Ward who played in Lavan who hit a first time pile-driver which was brilliantly saved by Simons.
A minute later and O James played the ball forward to Paul who headed the ball on to Ward whose snap shot from the edge of the box was saved by Simons.
The match continued to flow from end to end and with Carlisle creating the next chance down their right, Palmer looking to outpace Fil was denied as his shot struck the RCA defender a flew out for a corner.
Another lung bursting run by Fil ended with the full back smashing cross off Atkinson for a corner.
RCA eventually broke down the Carlisle defence when Fil ran onto a ball forward from Trewick before crossing the Ward who had volleyed the ball into an empty net to make it 3-1.
Carlisle seemed to pick up the pace after this late set back hitting the bar and post in subsequent attacks and the game ended 3-1.
This was an improved performance from RCA after Saturday and in all honesty we could have come away with something from this game had it not been for a number of errors by the officials.
There were a lot of positives to take from the game and if they keep improving at this rate we will see a different looking League table in a couple of week’s time.
Next up is a break from League action as we take on West Allotment Celtic in the FA Cup on Saturday, 5th August 2023 kick off 3.00pm.
With Sunderland AFC not playing until the Sunday why not take the opportunity to come and watch some FA Cup Action.
Sunderland RCA 1 Newcastle Benfield 7
EBAC Northern League Div I – by Rob Jones
Today we welcome Newcastle Benfield to Sunderland RCA Park in this EBAC Northern League Div I opener.
Both teams have had varied fortunes in pre-season but as we all know the pre-season counts for nothing it is all about points on the board at the end of the day.
The management team has a number of selection problems with Riding, Trewick, McHarg, Turns & Robinson unavailable. Without a recognized Central defender this was going to be a makeshift team.
The teams lined up as follows:
Sunderland RCA: Wilkinson, James, Caygill, Black, Bott ©, Fil, Gooch, Anderson, Earl, Lavan, Ward. Subs: Paul, Hopkinson, Irwin, Crosby.
Newcastle Benfield: Marrs, Smith, Green, Fowler, Varga, Dawson, Annang-Colquhoun, Walker, Knight, Guy, Fairley. Subs: Shodeinde, Hyde, Haley, Errington, Bugge.
Unusually, the game kicked off in bright sunshine, up till now every pre-season match has been played in persistent rain.
Benfield took advantage of the slope in the first half but it was RCA who threatened first, Lavan feeding Gooch on the right, he forced a corner which he took short to Lavan who, from the edge of the box curled an effort just wide of the far post.
Two minutes later and Caygill won the ball before playing it forward to Anderson and he fired in a long range effort which flew over the bar.
The game then turned on its head completely when a back pass to Wilkinson went horribly wrong with time a space to clear the ball the keeper took to many touches allowing the experienced Knight to close him down and block the clearance which allowed him an easy tap in into an empty net.
A quick break down the right again saw Lavan and Gooch combine before the later whipped in a cross which caused a bit of panic in the Benfield defence when Dawson’s miscued his clearance and it flew high into the air, Marrs couldn’t get to it and luckily it fell to Fairley who hooked it away.
A foul on Guy created the next opening for the visitors, Dawson took the kick smashing it into the wall, and the ball rebounded to Fairley who forced a save from Wilkinson diving to his left.
Marrs set up the next attack with a good pass out to Guy in the centre circle; he turned his marker before unleashing a long range effort which Wilkinson held.
The visitors extended their lead in the 22 minute when a crossfield ball Walker was completely missed by Bott and the ball was picked up by Knight who burst into the box and made no mistake hit a thunderous shot into the net.
RCA persisted with their right wing attacks with Gooch getting plenty of the ball but the final ball into the box was more often than not easily defended by a well drilled defence.
Knight was at it again in the 28minute when he completed his hat-trick with a trademark finish following a poor defensive clearance, latching onto the ball and smashing it home giving Wilkinson no chance.
The visitors were rampant at this point and looking to extend their lead when a shot from Walker was well saved by Wilkinson.
Having been under pressure for a good 15 minutes RCA then produced a spell of pressure themselves, a Gooch cross to the far post was picked up by Ward on the left but he was well marshaled by Smith and the ball went out for a goalkick.
RCA almost reduced the arrears in the 33 minute when Caygill played the ball forward to Earl, who squared the ball to Lavan his shot was parried by Marrs and the rebound fell to Ward whose first effort hit the post following up his second effort flew across the goal line and struck the inside of the far post and was eventually cleared by Varga.
Benfield picked up the pace again and went close when a cross into the box by Fairley was punched out to the edge of the penalty area by Wilkinson but Guy could only stab his effort over the bar.
It was Guy again who test the RCA keeper two minutes later with an audacious shot from the half way line which dipped over Wilkinson’s hand but struck the cross bar.
Not to be denied Guy reacted quickly to intercept a poor crossfield ball from Bott and took the ball into the box before smashing it past the helpless Wilkinson.
What started so promisingly had turned into total capitulation.
Would the second half get any worse for the RCA supporters, the answer was emphatically NO despite an early chance when Gooch played a lovely through ball to Earl who only had Marrs to beat but the ball got caught up in his feet and the chance was gone.
Benfield added to their lead when another defensive mix up let Knight in again and he made no mistake from inside the six yard area.
On the hour mark a good run up the left by Colquhoun had the RCA defence on its heels and his cross into the box was missed by Irwin and fell to Guy who made no mistake from close range.
Both teams made changes and they seemed to benefit RCA in that the introduction of Crosby on the right with a bit of pace caused an immediate problem when he linked up with James to force a hasty clearance by Varga.
RCA managed a consolation goal in the 69 minute when Fil broke forward before finding Lavan, he played the ball to Caygill who in turn slipped the ball to Ward and he curled a wonderful shot just inside the post to make it 1-6.
RCA buoyed by this breakthrough pushed forward and a cross by Ward was only partially cleared to the edge of the box where Bott hit a shot which took a wicked deflection for a corner.
Fil was involved in RCA next attacking move pushing forward out of defence before playing in Crosby who hit a fierce shot which mars did well to parry and was grateful that Varga was again on hand to block the shot of Ward and clear.
As the game entered the final 10 minutes a tremendous run by Shodeinde, weaving his way through a number of tackles before laying the ball into the path of Haley who blasted the ball into the net.
RCA almost got another on the score sheet in the final minutes when Crosby played a through ball to Earl but his shot was brilliantly saved by Marrs.
There is little I can say about this performance that the result does not already tell you, at this level you cannot expect to get away with any defensive mistakes and today was a demonstration of what happens when you make basic errors in the wrong third of the pitch.
Take nothing away from Benfield, they were far superior in their attitude to the game, their pace and fitness combined with their clinical finishing. This is what we should be striving to achieve.
On Tuesday, 1 August 2023 we travel to Carlisle City looking for a reaction after the opening day defeat. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7.45pm.
Stockton Town 4 Sunderland RCA 1
Pre-season friendly – by Rob Jones
RCA travel to the MAP Group UK Stadium to take on PitchingIn Northern Premier League East side Stockton Town in their final Warm up friendly before the season starts in earnest on Saturday.
This will be a stern test for Dave Dickson’s youngsters especially as 4 senior players are unavailable, Bott, Gordon, Trewick and Fil will all miss tonight’s match.
However the return of Gooch and Earl will enhance our firepower up front.
Sunderland RCA: Wilkinson, O James, Caygill, Riding ©, Irwin, Black, Ward, Anderson, Earl, Lavan, Gooch. Subs from: Paul, Crosby, Allison, Hopkinson.
Stockton Town: Roberts, King, Trialist, Portas, Mulligan, Coulthard © Beddow, Butterworth, Sweet, Thompson, Hayes. Subs from: Painter, Fowler, Mulligan, Trialist B, McWilliams, Bulmer, Frampton.
The game kicked off in persistent drizzle which added bit of zip to the pitch.
First attack came from the hosts who played some attractive football across the pitch before the ball was played up to Thompson who hit a long range effort which struck Riding on the head and flew out for a corner.
RCA responded with a good move down the left, Caygill moving the ball forward to Lavan who returned the ball to the overlapping Caygill, his cross was met by Ward but the ball bounced onto his hand and a freekick ended the attack.
Almost immediately Lavan won the ball back inside the Stockton half and raced forward before hit a long range effort which was deflected for a corner.
The home team took the lead in the 15 minute, when a high ball forward bounced awkwardly on the edge of the box and Thompson reacted quickly to get a foot to the ball and hook it over the RCA defence and into the top corner of the net.
The almost doubled their lead a minute later when King took a freekick on the right which was met at the back post by Coulthard but he couldn’t keep his header down and it sailed over the bar.
Lavan picked the ball up in the centre circle before playing in Gooch on the right, he evaded two challenges before making a dangerous run down the wing but his low cross was cut out by Mulligan under pressure from Earl and cleared up field.
While Stockton had the lion share of the ball RCA were defending well and reduced the home team to long range efforts which for the most part were off target.
RCA equalized in the 25 minute, Gooch won a corner on the right which was taken by Lavan who drilled the ball into the box for Ward whose effort was deflected out for a second corner, Lavan played the same drilled pass into the box but this time Ward let the ball pass him and it fell to Black who side footed it to Riding who made no mistake from 6 yards out.
Stockton continued to play fast attractive football without really penetrating the RCA defence, a cross into the box by Hayes was headed over by Sweet being the only real chance.
However in the 31 minute a corner to the near post was flicked on by Sweet and Wilkinson was unable to stop the ball as it flew through his hands and struck a defender before crossing the line to make it 2 – 1. O.G
Stockton, with the lead started to dictate the pace of the game with Beddow and Portas at the heart of most attacking moves.
RCA for their part were restricted to the occasional counter attack but were unable to create any meaningful attacks, that being said they were working extremely hard to close down the Stockton players and prevent scoring opportunities.
In the final minute of the half another corner was headed onto the bar by Sweet and Caygill cleared.
The second half started dramatically for RCA when a through ball from Anderson caught the Stockton defence off guard and Earl broke through to collect the ball and advance toward goal but with Roberts advancing Earl elected to play in Ward on the left but his feet got tangled up and the ball went through to the Stockton keeper.
After this early pressure from RCA the game reverted to Stockton pressing forward when in possession and pressurizing the RCA defenders when they were out of possession which meant that RCA needed to defend really well which for the most part they did.
Unfortunately in the 55 minute another near post corner was not dealt with by the RCA defence and Sweet, for the fourth time got his head to the ball ahead of Irwin but this time he found the net to make it 3-1.
Two minutes later and a mistake in the RCA defence allowed Portas to play the ball through to Beddow who rounded Hopkinson but was thwarted by the quick recovery of the keeper who stopped the shot with his foot.
Both teams made changes to their respective teams as the managers looked to give time on the pitch to as many players as possible. These changes slowed the game down and it became a little fragmented.
RCA continued to try and counter attack but the Stockton defence was well drilled and stopped most attacks before they got into the box.
With five minutes to go Mulligan headed a perfectly weighted cross onto the inside of the post and Caygill was relieved to hook the ball away.
In the final minutes of the game the Hosts were awarded freekick Mulligan hit a low drive towards the bottom corner of the goal and although Hopkinson got both hands to the ball he could only parry it into the path of Fowler who smashed the ball over the prostrate keeper and into the net.
This match, as expected was a tremendous test for RCA and they acquitted themselves very well under the circumstances. There were a lot of positives to take out of the game but there is definitely potential in this squad of players.
We look forward now to the start of the league season when we play Newcastle Benfield, at home on Saturday, 29th July 2023, Kick off 3.00pm.
Washington 2 Sunderland RCA 2
Pre-season friendly – by Rob Jones
A change of venue meant that RCA ‘s visit to the new Washington grass pitch was put on hold as they switched the fixture to the 4G Pitch at Washington Hub.
The pre-season thus far has been one of frustration for the manager as he has not been able to field what he considers to be his strongest squad and with Riding and Trewick both out through injury this was again the case.
Further changes were made to the team for today’s match with David Gordon included in the starting line-up for the first time having returned from holiday.
Sunderland RCA lined up as follows: Wilkinson, O James, Gordon, Bott, Trialist A, McHarg, Fil, Anderson, Ward, Lavan, Crosby. Subs from: Black, Trialist B, Younis, Caygill, Trialist C, Robinson (Foster).
RCA started the game well keeping possession and moving the ball well through misfield.
An early ball forward by Gordon found Lavan who in turn played in Crosby but his cross into the box was cleared.
RCA continued to push forweard and a great cross field ball by McHarg was well controlled by Fil who cut inside his marker before crossing to theafr post but Crosby’s effeort went wide of the post.
Washington came back with a good flowing move from the midfield but the final ball forward was hooked over the bar by the striker from a promising position.
RCA took the lead when they were awarded a penalty, Anderson had found Crosby with defence splitting pass and as the nippy winger dribbled into the box he was fouled by the Washington Keeper and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Ward stepped up and converted to make ot 1-0 to the visitors.
It should have been 2-0 within minutes when Fil managed to get to the by-line but his cross into the box was poor with no fewer that 3 RCA players in good goal scoring positions.
In to the final 5 minutes of the game and James combined with Laven to send Fil into space beyond the last defender and his cross this time fond Ward who had space and time to control the ball before smashing the ball into the net.
However RCA, as they always do after scoring switched off and allowed Washington space to run forward and in the end a push resulted in a Penalty being awarded. Duell stepped forward to smash the ball home.
RCA made a number of substitutions at half time to try and freshen the game up.
A good run down the left by Trialist B caused problems for the home defence with the central defender happy to concede a corner.
The kick was well defended and Washington went on the counter attack through the middle which resulted in a shot that went wide.
A minute later and the same player picked the ball up on the half way line and, with the RCA defence again backing off, ran forward unchallenged before drilling a low effort into the bottom corner of the net.
This totally altered the game with both teams guilty of slack passing and little in the way of goalmouth action. In fact RCA didn’t register a shot on target in the second half until the 85th minute.
The rain may have had an effect on the game but neither team looked likely to score from the 60th minute onward.
However all players have now played a number of games and an improvement in fitness levels will definitely be required when we face Stockton Town from the Pitching Northern Premier league on Wednesday ahead of our League match against Newcastle Benfield on Saturday, 29 July 2023.
Sunderland RCA 3 Ryton and Crawcrook 6 (Tues 18th July 2023)
Pre-season friendly – by Rob Jones
For their first home friendly of the season RCA welcomed Ryton and Crawcrook Albion to Sunderland LGV Park for this hastily arranged Pre season friendly. We would like to thank our opponents for their cooperation at short notice.
The inclement weather continued with heavy rain throughout the day and a light drizzle continuing for most of the match.
The management team made a number of changes to the line-up as they gave minutes on the pitch to a number of players and with a number of senior players unavailable it gave the youngsters a chance to prove themselves to the Manager.
Sunderland RCA lined up as follows: Wilkinson, O James, Caygill, Fil, Trialist A, McHarg, Crosby, Robinson (Foster), Ward, Lavan, L Paul Subs from: Anderson, Earl, Trialist B, Younis, B Paul, Allison, Trialist C
A quick break from the kick off almost got RCA off to the perfect start Crosby outpaced the Albion defence before whipping in a cross which was met by Ward but his side footed effort flew narrowly wide of the post.
With 5 minutes on the clock Lavan opened the scoring, charging down a goalkeeper clearance before coolly slotting the ball into an empty net.
The visitor’s, with the advantage of the slope started to make their presence felt and a good move down the right released Costello who collected the ball inside the RCA penalty area before steering the ball beyond the advancing Wilkinson and into the far corner of the net.
RCA reacted positively to this setback with a quick forward move which saw Fil play in Lavan but his effort went wide of the target.
Crosby on the left was having quite a bit of success and when he again beat his marker his cross to the far post was headed back into to the danger area by L Paul and Ward struck a low shot which was saved by the Albion Keeper.
That was as good as it got for the home side as the visitors pressed forward, a through ball caught the Defence flatfooted and McLeod didn’t need a second chance as he smashed home to make it 2-1.
A minute later and a poor ball out of defence was seized on by Costello who evaded two challenges before being caught by Wilkinson and a penalty was awarded. Waugh stepped up and converted the spot kick to give the visitors a two goal cushion.
The defensive frailties continued just before half time when once again a simple through ball into the channel was not picked up and Costello with time on his hand hit the target for his second of the night and the visitors led 4-1 at half time.
RCA struck back at the start of the second half when two of the trailists on the night combined to reduce the arrears, Earl played a long ball out to Trialist B who crossed the ball to the far post where Trialist C headed into the net past the visitor’s keeper.
Ryton continued to push forward and despite a reshuffle at the back for RCA they were still managing to cause problems and in the 70 minute another penalty was awarded when an Albion striker was tripped in the box. Costello stepped up this time and made no mistake from the spot giving him a hat-trick on the night.
From bad to much worse 5 minutes later when a cross from the right was headed out but only as far as Waugh who struck the ball home from 20 yards out.
RCA finished off the scoring when, for the first time on the night, they strung a number of passes together with Anderson Earl and Trialist B combining to get the ball forward and as the ball was partially cleared by the Albion defence it fell to Anderson who struck a tremendous low drive into the bottom corner of the net to record his first goal for RCA.
The final score of 3-6 was not what the home fans would have wished for and the match probably posed more questions than answers for the Management team with only a few players grasping the opportunity to impress.
We move on to play Washington on Saturday, 22 July 2023 kick off 1.00pm at Washington Hub.
Horden CW 2 Sunderland RCA 3 (Sat July 15th 2023)
Robert Alderson Trophy Final – by Rob Jones
RCA returned to the WindowPlusRoofs Arena for the final of the Robert Alderson Trophy
against Horden CW. The inclement weather continued with heavy rain, thunder and lightning interspersed with bright sunshine.
Before the match RCA unveiled their latest signing Alex Fil who, unfortunately, had a throat infection which stopped him from making his debut. The management team made a number of changes to the line-up as they gave minutes on the pitch to a number of players who missed the semi-final last week.
Sunderland RCA lined up as follows: Wilkinson, O James, Turns, Trewick, Riding ©,
McHarg, Gooch, Anderson, Ward, Lavan, Caygill. Subs from: Earl, Trialist A, Robinson
(Forster), Allison, Trialist B.
RCA started well in attacking up the slope and almost took the lead in the 2nd minute when a
Lavan corner on the right was headed Down by Trewick and Ward stabbed the ball towards goal
but it was turned round the post by a Horden defender. The Resulting corner was met by Riding whose header was blocked on the line by Bowes who then hooked the ball out of the danger area.
Horden struck back and a mazy run by their left winger resulted in a terrific 25 yard shot which
sailed over the bar. With 15 minutes gone Horden had their best chance of the match as Horden pressed the RCA defence, winning the ball on the edge of the box before whipping in a cross which was met by
the left winger who somehow from 2 yards out managed to miss the target completely.
Horden, who it has to be said, were the better team up to this point, hit the bar with their next
attack when 14 crossed to the far post and Pounder’s looping header hit the crossbar and was
cleared by Ollie James.
RCA eventually got into attacking mode when Trewick found James on the right, he in turn
played the ball forward to Gooch whose low cross was met by Ward but he sent his first time
shot wide of the upright. Five minutes later and Caygill on the left played the ball square to Riding who sent a delightful ball into Gooch who set off on a mazy run but his final touch let the ball run away from him and Horden’s keeper smothered the ball.
A head injury to Ben Riding meant that the RCA Captain had to be withdrawn from the match
with blood pouring down his face. As a precaution he was substituted and took no further part in
the match. The game drifted towards half time with no further goalmouth incidents save for a penalty shout by RCA as James was bundled over inside the box but the referee waved play on.
After a fairly lacklustre first half the second half was to prove a lot more exciting.
Horden took the lead in the 52nd minute when a corner was swung towards the back post and was
not cleared properly by the RCA defence, the ball falling to fell to Pounder who played it into the
path of Simpson who smashed the ball into the net giving Wilkinson no chance. RCA responded through Lavan who picked the ball up on the halfway line, dribbled through 3 or 4 tackles before curling a delightful shot inches over the bar.
A Horden freekick on the left was met by Pounder at the back post and his header into the path
of Simpson produced a terrific reflex save by Wilkinson palming the ball away and Trialist A
cleared the ball. A dramatic 10 minutes changed the course of the game. RCA brought on Earl who immediately started to organize the midfield and it was he who equalised when Lavan played a crossfield
ball to Robinson (Foster), and with a bit of space he threaded the ball through to Earl inside the
Penalty area where he fired the ball across the keeper and into the far corner of the net.
Within 3 minutes RCA took the lead, a cross from the left by Trialist B was met in the box by
Ward who smashed the ball past the Horden keeper to make it 2 – 1. A minute later and it was almost another goal when Allison played the ball to Lavan but his shot was brilliantly saved by the Horden No1.
The game was swinging from end to end and when Horden broke quickly up the right wing a
perfectly delivered cross was met emphatically by Pounder who steered his header beyond the
reach of Wilkinson and into the net.
The excitement wasn’t finished yet as a forward ball from Caygill was collected by Ward who sent
in a low cross which was half cleared by the Horden defence, the ball bobbled around the six
yard area where Trialist B, with his back to goal back-heeled the ball into the net.
As the game entered the final 5 minutes Horden were awarded a freekick on the edge of the
box, Pounder took the kick which ricocheted off the wall and then struck the outside of the post.
The resulting corner was easily cleared and RCA managed to see out the remainder of the
game fairly comfortably.
This was a good work out for the team who came up against a strong Horden side who have
played together for a number of years while our squad have been together for only a number of
weeks.
They seem to have found a way to win matches which is not a bad habit to get into.
We move on to our next match on Tuesday, 18th July in a change of fixture we now play Ryton
and Crawcrook Albion at Sunderland LGV Park.
Get along and see the magnificent Robert Alderson Trophy on display.
Esh Winning 1 Sunderland RCA 2 (Sat July 8th 2023)
Robert Alderson Trophy – by Rob Jones
RCA travelled to Esh Winning to play the hosts in the Robert Alderson Trophy, the winners to play to either Horden CW or Farringdon Detached FC in the final on the 15th July.
This is the first match for the new management team of David Dickson and Callum Brown with an almost completely new team built up during the pre- season training.
Sunderland RCA lines up as follows: Wilkinson, O James, Turns, Caygill, McHarg, Bott ©, Gooch, Robinson (Foster), Ward, Lavan, Allison. Subs: Black, Earl, E James.
Torrential rain greeted the players during the warm up making the pitch quite slippery, however the rain eased as the players came out for the start of the game.
Prior to the kick off an impeccable minutes silence was held for Brian Fairhurst who sadly passed away recently. Brian had played for both teams.
RCA kicked off with the advantage of the slope in the first half but it was Esh who had the first real chance when a long ball forward evaded the RCA defence and Taylor latched onto the ball but fired wide of the target.
Esh were putting some early pressure on the RCA back four as they took time to adapt to the conditions, a left wing cross was met by Forster but he could only manage to prod wide under pressure from Bott.
The visitors had their first real chance in the 15 minute when excellent interplay between Lavan and Gooch released the winger on the right side of the penalty area but his cross was blocked.
A long period with little goalmouth action ensued with Esh retaining possession at the back but having little success with the long ball forward being cut out by either Bott or McHarg.
RCA, slightly against the run of play took the lead in the 23rd minute; Lavan played the ball forward to Gooch who squared the ball to Ward who slid an inch perfect pass into the path of Gooch who dribbled past 3 defenders before finishing into the bottom corner of the net.
Minutes later and Esh were awarded a corner the cross into the box was dropped by Wilkinson and although Pinder got to the ball his shot was cleared off the line by Bott.
This near miss initiated a great response from the RCA team as they took command of the game, Lavan played a great ball forward which was picked up by Allison but his low cross was palmed out for a corner by the home keeper.
The resulting corner taken by Lavan was met by Bott but he could only steer it wide of the upright.
Lavan was instrumental in the majority of the RCA attacking moves at this point and when he played a cross field ball to Turns the whole field opened up and the full back unleashed a 35 yard screamer of a shot which was brilliantly tipped over the bar by the home keeper.
As the game entered the final minute RCA increased their lead, Robinson won the ball back and the loose ball fell to Lavan who sent the ball forward quickly to Gooch who set up Allison with a delightful through ball but Allison’s shot was blocked for a corner.
Robinson took the corner which was partially cleared but the ball fell to Allison who tapped home from inside the six yard box.
The second half started quietly as RCA looked comfortable at the back and it wasn’t until the 55th minute that the game suddenly burst into life, a through ball from Black was picked up by Lavan who rode 3 tackles before curling a shot which beat the home keeper but rebounded off the crossbar and was cleared for a corner. Lavan took the corner which found the head of Bott but again his header went narrowly wide of the target.
On the hour mark O. James played the ball forward to Gooch who once again produced a piece of magic to beat two defenders before squaring the ball to Caygill who fired his shot just over the bar.
Substitute E James picked the ball up on the left wing and cut inside before hitting a low shot which was well saved by the home keeper.
Unfortunately, for all their possession and chances in the second half RCA allowed Esh back into the game in the 70th minute, a misplaced pass fell to Taylor inside the RCA box and he took the opportunity to slide the ball past Wilkinson and into the net.
This set up a grandstand finish to the game as Esh pushed forward looking for the equaliser, they should have got it in the 75 minute when a wicked left wing cross was missed by everyone including the Esh striker 2 yards out and any touch at all would have resulted in a goal.
The game became a bit scrappy and niggly fouls resulted in the referee having to talk to a number of players.
RCA almost increased their lead in the last 5 minutes when Black back-heeled a through ball from McHarg into the path of Lavan but his curling shot went wide of the target.
The final minutes saw Esh pushing forward looking for an equaliser but RCA’s defence held firm despite the Home keeper coming up for a late corner which he managed to smash over the bar.
A decent opening match of a new era, Players took a little time to adapt to the new formations and given this was the first time these players had played together as a group it is clear that there is a lot of potential.
Next week we play in the Final of the Robert Alderson Trophy against Horden CW in what will be a very tough match for the lads.
Whitby Fishermens 4 RCA Reserves 2 (Sat July 1st 2023)
Spirited Fightback Sees Us Just Unable To Catch The Fish…..
The 2023-24 season got underway in North Yorkshire this afternoon as our Wearside League side travelled to face North Riding League Premier Division outfit Whitby Fishermens, who compete one level higher than RCA.
Both sides were missing key players due to holidays and other Summer commitments, with RCA’s absentees meaning that the side travelled without a regular goalkeeper. Goalkeeping coach Neil Tait came out of retirement to don the keepers jersey, and also took the captains armband to boot! There were also new signings and trialists among the RCA squad.
The game started in very windy conditions, not aided by the ground location being on the top of a hill, and both sides struggled to control the ball during the opening exchanges. RCA had the first half chance, with the classy looking Connor Jackson driving wide across the face of the Whitby goal on eight minutes. Four minutes later Neil Tait showed that quality is ageless as he produced a fine stop at point blank range to deny the hosts an opener. As the game progressed, though, the homesters were starting to show signs of the division gap between the sides with Sullivan going close with a header, before Gravett’s 22nd minute lob came back off the crossbar with Tait beaten this time.
Gravett again went close five minutes later and you sensed it was only a matter of time until the hosts took the lead. The goal duly arrived on 37 minutes, as Jack Cairns slotted home after RCA were caught in possession. Matters got worse for the visitors moments later as they switched off from the restart, allowing Sam Russell to add a second from close range. RCA almost reduced the arrears two minutes from the break, but Callum Tait’s header from Scott Henderson’s corner was narrowly wide.
Half-Time: Whitby Fishermens 2 RCA Reserves 0
RCA came out for the second half in better shape and the second 45 was a much more competitive encounter that if anything the visitors shaded. Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, however, they were unable to find the final killer pass and so it was against the run of play that Jordan Purvis extended the Whitby lead, stealing in at the far post with the defence static. That came in the 64th minute and two minutes later the Fishermen extended their lead further with Russell adding his second, although there was a hint of offside with the game being played with no referee’s assistants.
This time, though, the RCA reply was instant as Tom Bell struck to reduce the deficit, and he wasn’t finished yet, robbing the defence in the 83rd minute before coolly slotting home again. Callum Tait almost added a third as the home defence started to look rattled, but the hosts held on for what, on the basis of their first half performance, was a deserved win.
RCA RESERVES: N. Tait, L. Evans (sub. Donnelly), C. Tait, T. Evans (sub. Hubbard), Peacock, Rose (sub. Green), Grainger (sub. Davison), Jackson, Rissen, Johnson, Henderson (sub. Bell)
Sunderland RCA Football Club 