ALNWICK TOWN 1 RACA 0

Albion failed to score for the first time this season going down 0-1 in a forgettable game at Alnwick. Missing several key players, RACA lacked their usual fizz and were unable to conjure up their expected late finale on this occasion on a disappointing afternoon.

Ryton were awarded a 2nd minute free kick in a dangerous position & Louis Calvert’s effort was only just over the bar, but this wasn’t to be a sign of things to come as both sides struggled to create much in the way of goalmouth action. RACA were the better of the two sides in the first half, but their shots were giving the car park attendant more to do than Alnwick keeper Udochukwu Ugochukwu. Calvert did come close to scoring in the 21st minute when he connected with a Jack Ledger cross that clipped the top of the crossbar & Albion had another half chance to take the lead on the half hour mark when Declan Bisset picked up a poor clearance by Ugochukwu, but his low shot was straight at the Alnwick stopper. Town’s best effort in the first half came just before the interval when Brannon Patterson drilled in a low shot from distance, but Brogan Colquhoun in the Ryton goal was able to smother the ball comfortably.

Alnwick were ahead after only three minutes of the second half, taking full advantage of questionable RACA defending, Patterson being presented with an opportunity to head home from a wayward clearance which he duly did to score his second goal of the season. ‘The Wick’ could have extended their lead on 60 minutes when a punt upfield was collected by Lewis Fairbairn who shrugged off his marker bringing a save from Colquhoun with his legs. Albion responded with more erratic shooting although Jack Errington’s 67th minute header from a Ledger cross landed on top of the crossbar after Ugochukwu tried to palm the ball out for a corner. Daniel Craggs’ 69th minute free kick cleared the Alnwick wall & presented Ugochukwu with more problems than expected as he initially struggled to get the ball under control in the blustery conditions but with Calvert bearing down on him, was finally able to gather it safely. Alnwick captain Yannick Aziakonou gave cause for alarm to the Ryton defence, going on a fine 79th minute run, beating four defenders before Matthew Harrison deflected his shot with a fine diving block. And that was it as Ryton went down to a second defeat on the road following a poor second half showing, dropping down to 8th place in the table. Next up is a trip to another promoted side to the Northern League, Grangetown Boys Club on Tuesday night.

FT ALNWICK TOWN 1 RACA 0 Attendance 62

RACA– Colquhoun, Grieveson, Ledger, Skivington, Errington (capt), Harrison, Lawson (Todd 67), Craggs, Calvert, Bisset (Adotey 73), Salim

ENL Pos: 8th.