The Ernest Armstrong Cup First Round tie between RACA and Billingham Town ended up being abandoned as the Teessiders chose not to resume play after the floodlights went off for over half an hour on the stroke of half time. Albion were leading 2-0 with goals from Charlie Grieveson and Louis Calvert but after 43 minutes all the lights went off at the Oldhaulage Stadium. With no sign of an immediate return of power, referee Elliot Cowens wisely blew half time early to give maximum opportunity for remedial action with minimum disruption.

Unfortunately by the time the lights came back on at 8.50pm; and Mr Cowens had stated that the game would restart at 9:25pm – giving players 25 minutes to warm up again at the request of the visiting management team and agreed by Ryton; incredibly Town players were dressed & ready for the trip home while the Albion players were warming up again on the pitch!

Ultimately though, Billingham chose not to resume playing and the match was officially abandoned at 9.20pm. The league will presumably have to decide on the outcome of the tie.

Attendance: 101.