Sunderland RCA
Meadow Park
Tuesday 19 October 2010
Durham Challenge Cup – First Round
Sunderland RCA 6 Ryton 0
I’ve seen Sunderland RCA play away twice already this season (against Jarrow Roofing and then Whitley Bay in the Northern League) and they have improved on each occasion. Indeed, the game against Whitley Bay was on the back of a number of good displays that have seen them rise up the table. These displays coincided with the signing of ex-Sunderland striker Martin Smith. Ryton started the season with a loss and then recorded their only win of the season to date, beating RCA 2-1. Soon after this game the Ryton team walked out en masse due to serious financial problems at the club which also saw them changing their management team. Since then they have used more players than ‘Arry Redknapp signs and been on the receiving end of some decent hammerings.
Meadow Park on a bitterly cold evening still managed to raise some warmth in me. Take away the red and white that is everywhere, from the panels at the back of the stand to the recently painted pitch perimeter, and I could see myself here most weeks of the season. The tea hut served a fantastic slice of homemade corned beef and potato pie (second only to the Gretna steak pie on my travels this season) and a great cup of bovril. Coming out of the tea hut, that also doubles as a bar, the first sight you have is of the tree lined far touchline. The near touchline has a small, all-seater stand, with wooden benches as the seats, situated on the halfway line while up towards the corner is a small, covered standing area.
Ryton started off quite well, pushing forward and having a go at the game. This didn’t last for long, though. Five minutes in and RCA were ahead, the ball dropping for newly signed John Ryan to finely drill the ball through the defence from just inside the box. RCA controlled the possession and looked dangerous down their left. Ryton showed glimpses of promise in midfield, but too often gave the ball away on the edge of their own box. The second goal arrived when the Ryton ‘keeper made a slow attempt at a tackle on the edge of the box. Ryan spun and coolly lofted the ball into the empty net.
The third goal for RCA was a little special number, with Gavin Parkin gathering a pass towards the right wing before cutting in past three defenders and smashing an unstoppable drive in off the post, the ding reverberating around the ground warming the freezing air. With the first half running down, and the Ryton bench becoming quieter with each passing second, a ball over the top found the chasing RCA forward Richard Logan, who turned away from two men while almost on the touchline before cutting back in and beating the motionless goalie at his near post for his team’s fourth goal of the evening.
John Ryan completed his hat-trick on his full debut with a measured finish when one-on-one through in on goal. Slowing down during the remainder of the second half, and playing two defenders up-front, saw RCA waste a number of good positions and chances to add to their total. Ryton started to enjoy more attacking possession without testing the home ‘keeper too often, yet kept their heads up for much of the last half hour. A run forward by Adam McGuinness saw him completing a one-two on the left side of the Ryton box before curling a right footed effort home for the sixth of the evening. Last seasons beaten finalists, Ryton, were comprehensively beaten and face a difficult winter. Their aim is to get through until the end of the season and see where they can go from there. If the players can keep their heads up, then despite a lack of points, they could still have a future in non-league football. For RCA it was another impressive performance, albeit with their second choice XI. But this season could see them sneak a top half finish and beating their previous highest position of 10th, achieved in 1985 during a brief four season stay in the top division of the Northern League.
Gannin' Away 
>That looks a nice little set up Andy. I'd like to have a go at that pie! Some decent night photo's in the post, it can be difficult to get the clarity in the dark. Wish I lived a bit nearer to the Northern League, seem to be some great places.
>I should've snapped a picture of the pie – but when I saw the hot steam rising from it I had to warm myself up!It's a lovely little ground. Obviously I'd prefer it on Tyneside but….Definitely lucky living near all of these Northern League grounds.