NORTH SHIELDS ATHLETIC 0 RACA 3

A relatively new-look Ryton & Crawcrook Albion side were given a challenging workout by Northern Alliance Premier opponents North Shields Athletic in tonight’s opening pre-season friendly at a breezy John Spence Community High School.

Managed by former Ryton man Lee Crammond and featuring ex-Albion favourite Tyler Davis, Athletic provided stiff competition throughout the evening.

RACA Manager Nathan Beckham handed starts to several new and returning faces, including goalkeeper Callum Corkhill; defenders George Hayton and Jack Salkeld; midfielders Daniel Ord and David Luke; and forwards Louis Anderson and Callum Johnston. While Kieran Russell, Ryan Bailey, and Ben Middleton came on during the game.

Albion took a comfortable 2-0 lead into the break thanks to two goals from Louis Calvert, one neatly dispatched from open play and another confidently slotted home from the penalty spot.

North Shields returned after half-time with an entirely new eleven and fresh kits, significantly raising their game and limiting Albion’s ability to maintain their flowing first-half style. Despite Athletic’s spirited response, Albion added a third through Calvert, who once again showed nerves of steel from the spot to complete his hat-trick.

Albion now look forward to their next pre-season challenge against Easington Colliery, kicking off at 2pm this Saturday on the 4G pitch at Wellfield School in Wingate.