FT RACA 0 WHICKHAM 1

Albion’s unbeaten preseason came to an end with a narrow defeat to Whickham at the Oldhaulage Stadium today

MATCH SUMMARY

• 1.30pm at Kingsley Park, RACA vs Whickham in a preseason friendly, battling out for victory of the local B6317 derby. Both teams looking strong ahead of the game, filled with confidence and belief, having had some good results in the last few matches.Within only the first 3 minutes, Whickham race forwards, determined to gain the early advantage. A firing shot hit straight across the goal by the Whickham forward testing Corkhill by having to respond quickly. Both teams seem competitive and very much up for the game with the midfielders from both sides battling with their body’s to gain back possession. 17 minutes having played and the Whickham no.11 drives into RACAs box, desperate to get a shot off. Once again, Corkhill reacting fast and denying their effort to remain the score 0-0. Just under half an hour, Whickham’s forward races towards goal despite the offside flag being raised to slot the ball into the back of the net. The goal was quickly disallowed and instead given to RACAs no.1 to take the free kick. Halftime at Kingsley Park and the scoreline is how it began. Fearless tackles from both sides and one disallowed goal, yet the lead is yet to come.Both teams arriving for the second half, having given themselves a shake and had a team talk to boost intensity and morale. Whickham take kickoff and gain a quick start to the second half. An early shot blasted towards the net by the Whickham striker, blocked by Hayton and quickly collected by the goalkeeper. 69 minutes in and the match remains goalless after RACA appeal for a penalty and a claim for Johnston being fouled. A later hit from the Whickham striker blasted towards the back of the net, stopped by the fingertips of Corkhill and a great save preventing the Whickham lead. Only minutes from the final whistle, chaos erupts as a goal is harshly given by the referee to Whickham and after later discussion is overruled. Both sides filled with frustration and disbelief. Only for the final cross from Whickham to glide into RACAs box, consolidating the away sides win as the ball sneaks over the line. The final score, left as 1-0, 93 minutes having been played.An unlucky last minute loss for Ryton as they watched the ball roll into the back of the net. A game filled with resilience and strength by both sides. The first half left the scoreline untouched yet the crowd engrossed. Similarly, the second half, evenly matched and driven with determination. Unfortunately, RACA came away with a loss however still held their heads high ahead of the game against Winlaton next Friday.