FT RACA 1 NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY 2

Albion crashed to a second home defeat as neighbours Newcastle University left the Oldhaulage with all three points. One bright spot was the return to the scoresheet for Aaron Costello, his equaliser being his first RACA goal in over a season but goals from James Cleugh & Joel Burgess ensured the Students finished on top.

MATCH REPORT

Last night’s competitive and unpredictable home fixture for the Albion finished in a disappointing result. The final score 2-1 to Newcastle University, a young side, yet filled with courage and passion. The wind playing an enormous part for both sides, causing major disadvantages and an even tougher battle for all. 

Last season, the sides faced eachother 3 times, 2 being in the league and 1 in the quarter finals of the Ernest Armstrong Cup. Two of the three occasions RACA left victorious. However only 2 days after the cup match, another meeting was held at Essity Park, with the sides drawing 1-1. 

RACA, having had a tough start to the season remained hopeful and determined to bring the first set of 3 points to their home ground.

They began eager and full of energy, desperate to continue their unbeaten run against the opposition.Less than 5 minutes into the match and both sides raced forwards determined to gain the early advantage yet both efforts were denied. Louis Anderson, back from his break and wanting to prove his position within the team, cushioned the ball towards his winger who accurately crossed the ball for Costello’s chance. Further efforts from Anderson tested the University no.1, forcing multiple dives to protect his net. Only moments after the Albion attack, a quick change of play left RACAs defence exposed after a slip from the centre-half. The first effort was denied by Corkhill but James Cleugh’s effort rolled into the back of the net, leaving Ryton a goal behind. Only 17 minutes into the first half and the visitors goal sparked the flame for Ryton’s ambition. Aaron Costello burst into the oppositions box desperate for an opportunity and found himself space for an effort, which fired into the bottom left corner. Having ended his goal drought after over a season, he equalised the scoreline and raised all motivation for the home side. Further opportunities from both were bravely blocked and firmly defended, leaving the scoreline equal as the referee called the half time whistle. Neither team showed an inch of slack as the half carried out, with some fantastic play and creative chances shown. 

HT RACA 1 Newcastle University 1

Both teams marched out of their dressing rooms and onto the field, driven by the idea of leaving successful. 17 minutes played of the second half, several players surrounded Newcastle’s box and the ball rolled to RACAs forward who slotted it in the back of the net. Yet an offside call from the linesman left the scoreline untouched and their gain removed. Unfortunately, only moments after the offside call, Newcastle burst forwards, eager to catch RACA on the break and played the ball around the box tidily before Joel Burgess hit the ball past the hands of Corkhill, securing their lead with 2 goals to 1 with less than half an hour to go. At 87 minutes, a late opportunity played over the top of the university defence for Ethan Bewley to run onto almost evened the scoreline yet he struggled to keep his head down and the ball glided over the crossbar. Despite emotions rising and frustration dominating their tempers, they continued their roles until the final whistle. With a last minute chance from the visitors which was closed down by Corkhill but challenged by their striker meant the Ryton net was left wide open. A stern challenge from Nathan Beesley blocked their shot at goal and potential last minute consolidator. 

The final whistle blew at the Oldhaulage with the score finishing as 2-1 to Newcastle University. An evenly matched game against good opposition. Great chances created by the Albion forwards however their finish was sharply called offside and left them a goal behind. An unfortunate result for the lads as they finish their third match into the season without a win. However the match on Saturday vs Sunderland RCA gives them another chance at proving themselves and collecting 3 points.

RACA– Corkhill, Beesley, Oldfield, Lynch (Bell 73), Hayton, Wilson (Fletcher 86), Elliott (Hutchinson 73), Lawson, Anderson (Bailey 86), Calvert, Costello (Bewley 72). All subs used

Albion’s next game is tomorrow (Wednesday) evening when we host near neighbours Newcastle University with a kick off time of 7:30pm. The Students have had a mixed start to the season, winning their opening fixture at Essity Park 1-0 against newly promoted Stokesley, then losing 0-2 at home to the other promoted side, Seaton Carew, then losing 2-1 at the coast against AFC Newbiggin.

Last season this fixture saw RACA score four goals on both occasions we hosted the University, 4-0 in the league (Salkeld 2, Groves-Forbes & Bisset) and 4-2 in the Quarter Finals of the Ernest Armstrong Cup (Anderson 2, Calvert & Johnston) so something similar would go down well on Wednesday. The reverse league fixture at Essity Park just two days after the cup tie, finished 1-1 with Louis Calvert on target for RACA.

Now some news on former Albion coaching staff- Assistant manager to Tony Fawcett, Simon Moody has taken up a role as First Team coach at Northern Alliance Premier side North Shields Athletic where he links up with player son Jack who also played for RACA a few years ago. Meanwhile the goalkeeping coach from the same era Chris Stygal has secured the role of Men’s First Team Goalkeeping Performance Analyst at none other than Newcastle United. We wish both Si and Chris the best of fortune in their now roles.

After today’s draw, this month’s lucky winners are-

1st prize No 77 D Muse who wins £100

2nd Prize No 13 P Le Patourel who wins £75

3rd Prize No 1 D Cartner who wins £25

Next month’s draw is on 06/09/2026

Well done to our three winners, if you’d like to take part in this monthly fundraiser from just £5 a month, please contact us via the usual channels on the foot of the homepage or contact Paul le Patourel on 07720 413390. Thank-you

FT FC HARTLEPOOL 1 RACA 1

Albion put in a much better performance to come away from Grayfields with a deserved point, the first ever earned at FC Hartlepool’s home. Louis Calvert opened the scoring with a fine goal in the 18th minute having been much the better side in the first half. Despite that, Matty Lovett levelled on 36 minutes with an effort that bounced in off the inside of the post. The hosts were much improved after the break but couldn’t find a winner and the points were shared.

MATCH SUMMARY

Albion headed to Grayfields knowing they’d have to dramatically improve on Saturday’s showing if they were to take anything off FC Hartlepool in their own backyard, something they had failed to do in three previous visits. On a pleasant evening for football, a RACA starting XI with five changes to Saturday’s line up, did just that taking the game to the hosts in the opening period. Despite the lack of significant goalmouth action in the opening period, Albion were knocking the ball around sweetly and their dominance got its reward on 18 minutes when a knock forward from the returning Aaron Costello wasn’t properly dealt with by Pool defender Scott Close and Louis Calvert took full advantage, nipping in front of his opponent and firing home past Logan Douglas from the edge of the box. Ryton almost made it 2-0 from a 24^th minute corner when Glenn Caygill rose highest to head a powerful effort down which Douglas did well to parry before the ball was hoofed to safety amid a sea of legs. Pool had their first shot in anger on 27^th minute when Jordan Fielding found Mikey McGee on the edge of the box. He evaded the attentions of his marker before shooting across the goal, his effort going only narrowly wide. Albion responded on the half hour when a ball forward from Ethan Bewley was picked up by Costello, and his shot from an awkward angle stung the palms of Douglas who pushed the ball to safety. A Costello header in the 35^th minute from a Scott Oldfield cross wasn’t too far wide of the Hartlepool goal, but the hosts responded soon after with their equaliser. A Jake Stott throw was headed first by McGee, then Fielding before Matthew Lovatt scooped a shot that bounced off the inside of the post & nestled in the net to make it 1-1

HT FC Hartlepool 1 RACA 1

If Ryton were top dogs in the first half, FC were the stronger outfit after the break, Tom Gavin chanced his arm from outside the box on 56 minutes with a well struck shot which was only a yard wide of the crossbar. In the 63^rd minute, three Pool substitutes, Liam Appelby, Will Coxon and Olly Burrows combined to cause some angst in the Albion box, but the defence stood firm to intercept their combined efforts. Ryton’s nearest effort to scoring came in the 79^th minute following a fine run from Dylan Lawson, but his effort was smothered by Douglas. While there were one or two late scares as FC Hartlepool pushed for a winner, RACA held on for a deserved point.

FT FC HARTLEPOOL 1 RACA 1

RACA- Corkhill, Beesley, Oldfield, Lynch (Bell 66), Caygill, Hayton, Lawson, Hutchinson, Calvert (Atkinson 90+1), Bewley (Grieveson), Costello (Elliott 55). Sub not used- Fletcher

RACA make the first of their regular trips down the A19 tomorrow (Tuesday) night to face FC Hartlepool at Grayfields a fixture that is often an early season one, but unfortunately one that Pools have won on each occasion we have met. Their opening 2026/27 fixture was the curtain raiser on Friday night in which they drew 0-0 at Darlington Town, and they’ll be keen to get off the mark & extend their hoodoo over Ryton.

If you’re planning on heading down, the address for your satnav is Grayfields Enclosure, Jesmond Gardens, Hartlepool, TS24 8PJ

Albion have the novelty of a free Saturday on 1st August as our scheduled away game v Billingham Synthonia is now a home game on Wednesday 2nd September. This came about as Synners couldn’t host the fixture due to landlords at Bishopton Road, Stockton Town, having a friendly against Middlesbrough U21s the same day, so the fixture was reversed by the League. Unfortunately a combination of Kingsley Park being hired out (thinking we had an away day) and an acute shortage of volunteers meant we couldn’t host the game either, so the League have shuffled the fixture again, and the new date for your diary is 2nd September at the Oldhaulage.

FT RACA 1 TOW LAW TOWN 2

An Albion side lacking the spark shown in latter pre season friendlies lost the opening fixture of the 26/27 as they failed to manage the breezy conditions against Tow Law. A goal in each half from Harvey Walsh sent the visitors back down the A68 with a deserved win in a game that won’t linger long in the memory, at least not for Ryton fans. Louis Calvert converted a late penalty to halve the deficit but a spot kick was frankly the only way RACA looked like they’d score as the team had one of those collective off days.

MATCH REPORT

A new season and an impressive new kit for the squad, but it was to be RACA who were off colour in this unremarkable game in which the hosts failed to continue the promise of pre-season performances. What was familiar was the strong westerly which timed its arrival to precision with the start of the season at The Oldhaulage.

Ryton had the breeze behind them but failed to utilise it, the opening period being devoid of any goalmouth action as the sides cancelled each other out. A Louis Calvert free kick on 10 minutes saw the sting taken out of it by the Tow Law wall, the ball gently rolling to Lawyers keeper Dan Staples being as good as it got. Staples was next called into action on 27 minutes following a Ryton break on the right wing by Nathan Beesley who found Callum Johnston, but his shot, while on target, lacked the venom to trouble the Lawyers captain too much.

The breakthrough came on 35 minutes from a Tow Law free kick out on the left. Harvey Walsh floated a curling shot into the box, the flight deceived Callum Corkhill in the Albion goal, and the ball nestled in the top corner; a fine goal in a half that scarcely deserved it. Ryton had a golden chance to level just three minutes later when Beesley barged past two defenders & found Rhys Hutchinson, but the debutant blasted over from close range. And that was it for a 45 minutes in which the ball spent as much time out of play as it did on the park, the wind not helping of course, but surely the second half would see an improvement.

HT RACA 0 Tow Law Town 1

A hitherto uneventful second half sprung into life in the 63^rd minute when a Tow Law clearance was picked up by Johnston who floated the ball back into the visitors’ box, Glenn Caygill heading the ball to Louis Calvert almost on the goal line but with the keeper stranded, his tap in was thwarted by Harry Laviolette who just beat him to the ball & danger was averted. The ball was soon up the other end with a 65^th minute run from Lawyers substitute Charlie Bunton up the right hand touchline, laying the ball to Reece Brown who in turn found Walsh whose initial shot was blocked by Beesley, but the ball fell kindly back to him and he slotted home to make it 2-0. In the 78^th minute, another Tow Law substitute, Adam Metcalfe tried to emulate Walsh’s first goal with a strike from a free kick from 35 yards out, forcing Corkhill to back-pedal and push the ball over the bar for a corner. Ryton meanwhile looked as if they’d need a set piece to open their account, and on 86 minutes were awarded a free kick just outside the Tow Law box, but Calvert struck it beyond the crossbar. Albion were given the ultimate set piece lifeline just into stoppage time when Metcalfe was adjudged to have brought down Johnston just inside the box & referee Chris Shield pointed to the penalty spot. Calvert stepped up & sent Staples the wrong way to make it 2-1 but there was precious little time to get the equaliser & Albion weren’t to trouble the Tow Law goal further.

FT RACA 1 TOW LAW TOWN 2

Not the start Albion were after in either result or performance but it’s a short wait to get things back on track with a trip to FC Hartlepool on Tuesday evening.

RACA– Corkhill, Beesley, Wilson (Fletcher 70), Bailey (Lynch 62), Caygill, Hayton, Lawson (Basham 83), Grieveson (Bewley 62), Calvert, Hutchinson (Elliott 62), Johnston (Subs-all used)

With the World Cup acting as a tasty appetizer, the main course actually starts tonight as fellow second division sides Darlington Town and FC Hartlepool meet at the Eastbourne Sports Complex, but for RACA it’s a 3pm kick off tomorrow to get the show on the road as we welcome Tow Law Town to the Oldhaulage. Both games between the sides last season ended all square and The Lawyers have caught the eye of many with their pre season activity, not least signing long throw specialist Danny Driver who was with us last season. Veteran hotshot Dean Thexton returns to the second division following a few seasons playing at a higher level & will surely give defenders a hard time throughout the campaign. Manager Mattie Thompson & assistant Steve Pickering will be expecting to improve on last season’s 18th place and this opening match will be a good litmus test for Albion’s aspirations over the next 9 months. Eight brand new faces in the Ryton squad, and a few have impressed pre season so here’s to a successful 26/27 in NE40. Hope to see a good few of you at tomorrow’s pipe opener too, HOWAY THE RACA!!

Albion have signed experienced former Killingworth midfielder Daryll Basham who was with Northern Alliance Premier League Newcastle Chemfica last season and is dual registered with them this term too. Daryll has been signed to provide back up for our midfield. Welcome aboard Daryll.

FT RACA 3 BIRTLEY TOWN 0

Albion finished off the pre-season with an impressive 3-0 win over first division Birtley Town. Goals from Rhys Hutchinson and Callum Johnston had Ryton 2-0 up at the interval, and Oliver Bell scored a third goal in a pleasing end to the friendly games for the RACA management.