FT SEAHAM RED STAR 1 RACA 2 Attendance 155

Albion made it three wins on the trot at Seaham but were made to work for it following Charlie Grieveson’s 72nd minute dismissal. Looking very comfortable with a two goal advantage with goals from Grieveson & a Calvert penalty, things changed for RACA following Grieveson’s second yellow card. Within a minute Kai Charlton had pulled one back for Red Star & the hosts suddenly with their tails up took the game to Albion, but in a classic rearguard action, the defence threw their bodies on the line to block whatever the Seaham forwards could muster in a relentless wave of attacks by the hosts.

MATCH REPORT

Yesterdays match took place at the Alexandra Steakhouse Stadium in what was Ryton’s 8th league game of the season. After Saturdays 1-0 win against Chester-le-Street leaving them 10th place, they dreamt of further advancement from yesterday’s fixture against Seaham Red Star. 

Only 7 minutes from kickoff, a foul into the back of Louis Calvert awarded RACA an early free kick. The set piece was taken by Beesley who lobbed the ball over Seaham’s defence towards the back post. Charlie Grieveson found himself positioned perfectly to roll the ball into the back of the net. Ryton celebrated confidently and returned to their half eager for another. Minutes later, Seaham found themself with an opportunity to equalise. With tidy play down the left wing, Leonard crossed the ball into the box towards his right winger. He leapt high to fire home yet his effort struck beyond the post. Tensions settled after an early flurry however both teams eventually found their rhythm and further opportunities were created. Seaham refused to let Ryton gain another, they pressed high and a ball fell to Lines for a long-range effort which only just skied the crossbar. After Louis Anderson’s penalty on Wednesday which was scored just before halftime, RACA were reluctant to drop their intensity as they reached their break. Fletcher played Calvert through for a shot at goal which Joseph Hood reacted promptly to save. 

After the Albion’s blinding start leaving them 1-0 up in only 7 minutes, the hosts saw every opportunity as a chance to score. The last 20 minutes of the half watched Seaham create numerous chances in which Ryton frantically defended. However, the clinical edge came from Grieveson’s finish, leaving them with the advantage as they enter the second half. 

HT SEAHAM 0 RACA 1

Only seconds into the last 45, a late challenge on both Groves-Forbes and Louis Calvert left the referee pointing towards the penalty spot. With another chance to secure their victory, Calvert placed the ball into the right corner netting firing past the hands of Joseph Hood. Doubling their lead less than a minute into the second half, RACA filled with the confidence to progress and defend their win. 5 minutes from the final whistle, after the sending off of Charlie Grieveson from a second yellow card, a long throw-in was taken by Lawson into the visitors box. The ball reached the back post before it was played back to Lawson and crossed for Charlton. His header struck across goal and beyond the hands of Albion stopper Callum Corkhill into the back of the net. They gained one back with less than 5 minutes to go and with tensions rising, Ryton desperately held onto their edge. The final whistle blew with Ryton’s extra goal disregarding Seaham’s roaring last efforts. An intense change of pace after Charlie Grieveson’s second yellow transformed RACA’s comfortable advantage into being under the cosh.

However, another win for the Albion positions them in 7th with a game in hand over some opponents. Saturdays league clash sees Ryton compete for their 4th consecutive win of the season hosting Stokesley SC at the Oldhaulage Stadium. 

FT SEAHAM RED STAR 1 RACA 2

RACA- Corkhill, Beesley, Oldfield, Grieveson, Caygill, Plunkett, Fletcher (Bailey 78), Atkinson, Calvert (Bell 81), Hutchinson (Bewley 60), Groves-Forbes (Gascgoine 89) Unused Substitute- Ajavon

RACA have a break from home games with one of our shorter trips down the A19 to face Seaham tomorrow (Tuesday) evening. Like us, Star have won their last two games without conceding, most recently a 2-0 win over the University on Saturday & sit in 7th place with ten points though have played a game more than us. Last season Albion came to Station Road in a January fixture and raised a few eyebrows by winning 5-1, the game setting in motion an alarming slump in form for Seaham, before they got the wheels back on the cart and they rallied in the Spring. Louis Anderson scored a hattrick that evening, while Callum Johnston and Louis Calvert also scored for Ryton, with Matty Weirs scoring a late consolation for Seaham.

If you’re heading to the game the address for your SatNav is The Alexandra Steakhouse Stadium, 271 Station Rd, Seaham SR7 0BH HOWAY THE RACA!!

Late on Friday, Albion signed a second American player in Tristan Ajavon, a 20 year old midfielder from Idaho who is Kyle Atkinson’s roommate while they are in the UK with the i2i academy. Tristan came on as a second half substitute against Chester-le-Street replacing his fellow countryman on 64 minutes. Welcome aboard Tristan

FT RACA 1 CHESTER-LE-STREET TOWN 0 Attendance 201

Albion edged out the Cestrians in a scrappy stop start affair, a 42nd minute Louis Anderson spot kick clipping the underside of the bar before bouncing over the line in what was to be the only goal in the game. Not one that will live long in the memory, but it’s a second clean sheet in four days and the win elevates us ahead of Town into 10th place.

MATCH REPORT

After RACA’s 3-0 first-half battering of Durham United on Wednesday, The Albion recovered quick to return today for their league match against Chester-le-Street Town. Ryton, who filled with confidence from the last two games after finishing victorious and scoring 8 goals, began fiercely, driven by the idea of continuing their winning streak. 

The match began with a fast-paced opening, with both sides eager to gain the early lead. However, the visitors saw the majority of the chances and tested Ryton’s defence from every angle. Plunkett’s fantastic headers cleared the ball from the danger zone, restricting any further opportunities at goal. However, in the 7th minute, the ball was played through to Beattie who beat Caygill for pace and attempted to open the scoring for Chester by finding the bottom corner, but his effort was sharply denied by Corkhill after executing an excellent diving save. A simple pass given to Louis Calvert within the box offered Ryton their first chance at goal but Brownsword quickly caught up to defend his effort which left the score remaining 0-0. Tensions rose as the opener still hadn’t been claimed. The referee awarded a free-kick for Chester-le-Street just outside of the box after a late challenge on Fairley. His effort ricocheted off Ryton’s wall and after a miss-catch from Corkhill, the follow up inched past the post. In the 42nd minute, a late tackle on Anderson left the referee pointing towards the penalty spot. He fired the ball down the middle of the goal and rifled the cross-bar before it hit the back of the net. He secured the opener just minutes from the half-time whistle and eased the high-pressure nature of the game. Ryton left the pitch 1-0 up after Anderson’s penalty hit the woodwork before the netting. An evenly matched first half saw many chances being created but both sides defended flawlessly which resulted in the advantage coming from a set-piece. RACA held on until the half-time whistle however a raise in intensity from the visitors could leave The Albion desperate for another. 

HT RACA 1 CHESTER-LE STREET 0

Returning from the half-time break, both sides returned even more ambitious to walk away successfully. However, after numerous controversial refereeing calls, a long period showing a lack of real quality dominated the first 20 minutes of the second half. The first sight of goal came from a pass from Anderson to Ajavon, who only signed for RACA last night, he saw sight of a goal but his shot struck just left of the post. The Albion outnumbered the chances created in the second half yet Anderson’s set-piece finish remained the decider. The last 15 minutes saw multiple corners taken by the visitors however none reached beyond the height of Ryton’s defence, who desperately cleared the ball, removing any chance of conceding. Only a minute from the final whistle, play from Bell to Ryton’s debutant, Joe Gascoigne lead to the last chance at goal, it was a low strike which hit the target but was sharply collected by Campbell and cleared up the pitch before the full-time whistle was blown.  

FT RACA 1 CHESTER-LE-STREET 0

Similar to Wednesday, the second half saw no goals but only chances created which were defended well. Many individual battles within the midfield meant that tensions rose and the desperation to score was even more important. Anderson’s finish, minutes from half time determined RACA the 3 points. Securing their 3rd win of the season, today’s win guides The Albion to 10th ahead of Tuesday’s away game against Seaham Red Star. 

RACA– Corkhill, Beesley, Grieveson, Hayton, Caygill, Plunkett, Atkinson (Ajavon 64), Hutchinson, Anderson (Gascoigne 90+2), Groves-Forbes (Fletcher 89), Calvert (Bell 84). Substitute not used- Costello

After playing a team we’ve hardly met before in Durham United on Wednesday, we welcome regular opponents Chester-le-Street United to the Oldhaulage in what will be our 36th meeting in a competitive fixture. The Cestrians are fancied by many to challenging for the title this season, but their aspirations took a jolt on Tuesday when they were thumped 5-0 at Moor Park by AFC Newbiggin & we’ll need to be ready to face the backlash from that. They have since signed Jordan Lavery from Newton Aycliffe to bolster the squad. Town currently sit in 9th place, three points ahead of Albion though we do have a game in hand. Last season Chester did the double over us without us scoring in either game, the home game being doubly disappointing as not only did they end a winning streak of five victories, but they also inflicted our heaviest defeat of last season, the Cestrians running out 4-0 victors that afternoon. The game at Chester Moor was closer with the hosts winning 1-0, but it wasn’t all gloom for RACA as four days later we knocked them out of the E Armstrong Cup 2-0, Morgan Dart and Callum Johnston netting for Ryton.

This season Town have won three times including a 6-0 win over Grangetown on Teesside, and 6-0 is also the highest victory Chester and Ryton have over each other, The Cestrians winning 6-0 at Moor Park in the 2015/16 season, Albion winning at the same venue in the curtailed 2019/20 season, Jack Cooper (2), Phil Hodges, Callum Turnbull, Jamie Dunn and Scott Jasper all on target for RACA.

Kick off is at the usual Saturday time of 3pm, hope to see a few of you there………..HOWAY THE RACA

FT RACA 3 DURHAM UNITED 0 Attendance 103

A lightning start to the game saw Albion race into a 3-0 lead within 14 minutes with goals from Kyle Atkinson, Jack Elliott and Charlie Grieveson. But as RACA fans were dreaming of a repeat of last seasons 8-1 drubbing, United steadied the ship & for the rest of the game gave almost as good as they got with plenty of goalmouth action at both ends.

MATCH REPORT

RACA’s sixth league match of the season saw Durham United visiting The Oldhaulage with a 7:30 kick off. With RACA defending their strong victory against Sunderland RCA on Saturday, a brutally quick start gained Ryton an early advantage only 7 minutes in. 

Kyle Atkinson’s tidy finish came from a great cross into Durham’s box and the ball rolled to the feet of Ryton’s no.4 who struck it into the bottom left corner. A lead of 1-0 with few minutes having played, RACA grasped for more. Only 3 minutes later, Jack Elliot connected with the ball inside the box. His half volley palmed accurately towards the top right corner and glided past the hands of Dixon, hitting the netting and securing their 2-0 goal cushion. Durham struggled to keep their momentum as they watched Ryton’s side continue to advance and just under the 15 minute mark they gained their third. A great corner by Ryton reached the head of Charlie Grieveson who leapt high and directed the ball into the back of the goal. His commanding header left the Albion determined to continue increasing their lead and Durham relentless for any opportunity. Further chances were taken by Louis Anderson as he reluctantly attempted to appear on the scoresheet yet strong hands from Dixon prevented the fourth.

The half-time whistle blew at Kingsley Park and The Albion entered the changing rooms 3 goals ahead. An excellent first half an hour saw many chances being taken however the last fifteen minutes allowed Durham to get back into the game with more space and a few opportunities. However, with a goal cushion between the sides, Ryton entered the field filled with morale and confidence for the second half. 

HT RACA 3 Durham United 0

A much quieter start to the second half from RACA gave Durham the opportunity to take their chances. However, in the 65th minute came a blazing effort from Hutchinson who struck the ball to Dixon’s left, his shot was parried by an excellent diving save from the goalkeeper and prevented any further lead for The Albion. Only minutes from the final whistle and Durham remained determined to gain one back. A late opportunity for Phil Kay stood as their last chance to score yet his strike punched fiercely against Corkhill and he quickly smothered the ball. The final whistle blew at The Oldhaulage with the first half securing RACA’s victory. It saw 3 excellently taken finishes within the first 15 minutes from Ryton yet consistent hard work from Durham as they denied to let go so early and continued working throughout the whole 90 minutes. A much quieter second half left the scoreline unchanged however chances were still taken and opportunities were still created from both sides. Overall, Ryton’s dominant start overruled any later play from the opposition despite a drop off in intensity as the match continued. 

The Albion face Chester-le-Street Town on Saturday in the league with hope to bring another set of 3 points to their home ground. 

FT RACA 3 DURHAM UNITED 0

RACA- Corkhill, Beesley, Grieveson, Atkinson, Caygill (Fletcher 66), Plunkett, Hutchinson, Groves-Forbes (Hayton 61), Anderson (Bell 72), Elliott (Oldfield 55) Calvert. Substitute not used- Costello.

Summer signing, defender Jacob Wilson who played for RACA against Tow Law & Newcastle University as well as a few pre-season friendlies has signed for Alnwick Town in possible readiness for their Division 2 game against Stokesley SC tonight in NE66

The home games are coming in thick and fast at the Oldhaulage & we welcome Durham United in the second of three homes in eight days tomorrow (Wednesday) evening. With United having a poor start to the league season, until Saturday this might have looked like an expected victory, but the students pulled off a right coupon buster in their Vase game, beating first division Northallerton 2-0 in North Yorkshire doing the second division proud. With this being only Durham’s second season in the Northern League, we’ve only played two (completed) games against them, losing 2-1 at Maiden Castle in the re-arranged game following Jack Salkeld’s leg break, but then winning 8-1 at home, Louis Calvert netting four times in that April fixture. There could be a goalfest again as there have been 29 goals scored in United’s first five league games with a 7-1 and a 6-3 to keep the neutrals entertained. Kick off is at the usual 7:30pm

HOWAY THE RACA!!

FT RACA 5 SUNDERLAND RCA 1 Attendance 95

Albion comfortably despatched Sunderland RCA for the second time in eight days, this time an FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round tie. First half goals from Jack Elliott, Aaron Costello & Charlie Grieveson had RACA in the driving seat, though Sunderland pulled one back just before the interval with a Dom Moan header. An early second half goal from Elliott looked to wrap things up but Joe Groves-Forbes made certain scoring Ryton’s fifth goal of the afternoon. RACA will host Billingham Town in the 2nd Qualifying Round as they beat Crook Town 1-0 with a stoppage time goal.

MATCH REPORT

RACA welcomed Sunderland RCA to the Oldhaulage Stadium for the second successive Saturday, this time for their FA Vase clash, & took little time to stamp their authority on the tie. On 6 minutes Ryton were awarded a free kick which Jack Elliott took from the right flank. His curling cross managed to evade everyone and curl into the op corner of Zach Wilkinson’s net. The visitors’ first effort of note came on 24 minutes when Archie Dodds drilled a low shot from distance but it was an easy gather for Albion keeper Callum Corkhill. A minute later & Albion should have extended the lead when an Elliott cross was met by Louis Anderson but his close range effort was blocked by Wilkinson who pulled off a fine one handed save. It was Wilkinson’s foot that denied Anderson his first goal of the season when he latched on to a 35^th minute pass from Aaron Costello, but Costello himself was to get on the scoresheet a minute later after Rhys Hutchinson squared the ball to him & he tapped home to make it 2-0. Ryton extended their lead from a 42^nd minute Elliott corner which Charlie Grieveson powerfully headed home, and the Tyne Valley outfit looked to have one foot in the next round. Sunderland responded with another Dodds strike which went narrowly wide, but just before half time got a foothold in the game. Kyle Fryatt’s shot had been pushed out for a corner by Corkhill & from the corner Don Moan rose highest to nod home & the visitors went into the interval still in the cup tie.

HT RACA 3 Sunderland RCA 1

RACA got off to a great start in the second half, restoring the three goal advantage when Elliott fired home from a fine Nathan Beesley cross on 47 minutes to make it 4-1. The Wearsiders weren’t done as a fighting force just yet, Jack Patterson firing a powerful shot on target on 52 minutes but it was straight at Corkhill who gathered safely. Ryton substitute Louis Calvert should have got joined in the scoring on 58 minutes, picking up a loose ball but with only Wilkinson to beat, tamely tapped the ball straight at the RCA stopper. Albion did get a fifth goal on 71 minutes when Calvert spun past his marker on the left wing, cut in & squared to the unmarked Joe Groves-Forbes who slotted home with ease. Oliver Bell might have made it 6-1in the 84^th minute when teed up by Calvert, but Patterson was on hand to block his shot. Sunderland had one last chance to reduce the deficit in stoppage time when awarded a free kick at the edge of the box. Callum Guy who got their goal last Saturday, curled his shot round the wall & it would have sneaked into the net but for a fine save from Corkhill and the game finished with the six goals scored.

FT RACA 5 SUNDERLAND RCA 1

Another win over RCA and encouraging to see the goals shared around. It’s a home tie against Billingham Town in the next round having squeezed through against first division Crook Town in their 1^st Qualifying Round tie. Sunderland meanwhile will be glad to see the back of RACA until January at least.

RACA– Corkhill, Beesley, Grieveson, Atkinson, Caygill, Plunkett (Hayton 66), Hutchinson, Groves-Forbes (Bailey 74), Anderson (Lynch 66), Elliott (Bell 62), Costello (Calvert 42). Substitutes all used

It’s the big one on Saturday as Albion host Sunderland RCA in the FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round. However there have been developments at Meadow Park as the club have ‘reluctantly’ accepted manager Mark Forrest’s resignation today (Thursday) after a difficult start to the season for the Wearsiders. Sunderland have responded by appointing a four man interim management team whose first game will of course be against ourselves on Saturday, & these managerial changes do have a habit of either galvanising or demoralising players, so it adds a little extra spice to our cup tie. No such upheaval to report at RACA although defender Jacob Wilson has left the club after making just two appearances & Dylan Lawson is doubtful after tweaking his hamstring at Billingham on Tuesday.

Remember that season tickets aren’t valid for FA Vase games but hopefully there’ll still be plenty of supporters at HQ on Saturday as we take our first step in the dream of making it to Wembley. Kick off is at the usual Saturday time of 3pm

Howay the RACA!!