Albion got a plum draw at home to Sunderland AFC Academy Under 18s in the 1st Round (last 32) of the Frank Pattison Challenge Cup. Former RACA coach Jordan Moore who was instrumental in getting SAFC academy keepers like Anthony Patterson (now at Wrexham) and Michael Woud (in this years New Zealand World Cup squad) at RACA in the 2015/16 and 2016/17 was the U18s academy manager last we heard & it would be great to see him back at the club. The likely date for this tie would be on Wednesday 7th October.

Full Draw

Birtley Town v Billingham Town

South Shields v Gateshead Rutherford

Dunston v Darlington

FC Hartlepool v Horden CW

Hartlepool United v Consett

West Auckland Town v Tow Law Town

Easington Lane v Newton Aycliffe

Easington Colliery v Jarrow

Seaham Red Star v Washington

Chester le Street Town v Brandon United

Stockton Town v Cateshead

RACA V Sunderland AFC Academy

Hebburn Town v Crook Town

Darlington Town v Park View

Seaton Carew v Spennymoor

Bishop Auckland v Shildon

Albion are one of several clubs who have switched Saturday’s home fixture to Friday night due to clashing with Newcastle United’s home game. The visitors are AFC Newbiggin who’ve raised a few eyebrows with their impressive start to the season, currently sitting in 4^th place in Division 2 in this only their second season in the Northern League. Dan Ord recently left us to join Newbiggin & he joins another forrner RACA man, Eoghain Sherrard who is Albion’s only Manx player to date. ‘Eggy’ played 17 times for us over three seasons from 2018/19 to 2020/21 scoring his solitary goal in a 2-0 win after coming on as a substitute at Washington in the 2029/20 season. He also scored in Biggin’s 4-2 win over Chester-le-Street Town on Saturday. Top scorer for Biggin this season is Matthew Nelson with 8 goals, but there have been 16 different scorers already so the goals have been shared around the squad. Kick off on Friday is at 7:30pm if you can get along to the Oldhaulage. HOWAY THE RACA!

FT RACA 1 BILLINGHAM TOWN 1 Attendance 170 (Town win 7-6 on penalties)

Albion were put out of the Vase by the narrowest of margins following a penalty shoot out at The Oldhaulage this afternoon- Aftertaking the lead on 23 minutes from a Joe Groves-Forbes goal they held on to that advantage for less than three minutes as Tai Saunders levelled for the Teessiders. RACA had to play the last 28 minutes with ten men after Albe Fletcher’s dismissal & had chances to win the tie despite the numerical disadvantage but it wasn’t to be & RACA exit a cup competition on penalties for the third time in four seasons.

MATCH REPORT

On a typically breezy day in Crawcrook, with the sky as grey as Billingham’s away kit, the Teessiders had the wind behind them in the first half although it was Albion who created the first two chances. Louis Calvert tried to lob Town keeper Theo Webster in the 6^th minute despite being severely jostled on his run forward but he narrowly cleared the bar. That was followed by a strike from Joe Groves-Forbes in the 10^th minute which again was over the bar when he was in a good position and ought to have done better. The visitors’ first chance of note came on 13 minutes when Tai Saunders, who scored Billingham’s only goal in the previous round, met a Hari Bonderenko cross that he headed just wide of the Ryton goal. Calvert wasn’t too far off breaking the deadlock on the quarter hour mark with a back header, but his play on 22 minutes was to have a bigger impact as following some neat dribbling in the box, his cross reached Joe Groves Forbes who headed home his third goal of the season into the corner of the net to put the hosts 1-0 up. Albion however didn’t hold the lead for long as Tai Saunders levelled just three minutes later. Ashton Wood back-flicked the ball to Joseph Aungiers who in turn laid it off to Saunders who drilled home past the advancing keeper Callum Corkhill. RACA pushed on to try and restore their lead & Calvert was in the thick of the action again on 28 minutes, but his shot was denied by Webster, the loose ball running to Groves-Forbes and his shot was well blocked by defender Jake Toase. Shortly after that & it was the Albion keeper who was called into action when he closed down and blocked a shot from Wood who’d shown everyone a clean pair of heels, and the sides went in level at half time.

HT RACA 1 Billingham Town 1

After a quiet spell either side of the interval, Louis Anderson hit the Town bar in the 55 minute having been set up by Groves-Forbes who’d intercepted a Billingham throw in, and set him up from outside the box. Billingham could have gone ahead on 59 minutes when Aungiers squared a ball across the box with Corkhill stranded, but there was no-one with a grey shirt to administer the tap in. Albion had a setback on 62 minutes when Albe Fletcher received the second of two quick-fire yellow cards & the hosts were down to ten men with almost a half hour to play. Evann Jardine who had just come on as a Ryton substitute made an instant impact racing into the Teessiders’ box only to be thwarted by a perfectly timed tackle from Ryan Nelson as he was about to pull the trigger. A similarly important 70^th minute defensive tackle from Bonderenko on Kyle Atkinson prevented Albion’s American midfielder from unleashing a shot, this time to howls for a penalty from the RACA faithful, but the footage showed the Billingham No2 had timed his challenge to perfection. The visitors kept pressing with their numerical advantage with RACA relying on quick breaks, and it was Albion who almost snatched it in stoppage time when Aaron Costello picked up a loose ball 30 yards out & seeing Webster off his line, tried an audacious lob that many of the 170 spectators thought was in, but with the Town keeper grasping at fresh air, the ball just went wide & with no extra time, it was the lottery of penalties to follow.

FT RACA 1 BILLINGHAM TOWN 1

And so to the penalty shoot out where RACA were to take their kicks first.

RACA- Aaron Costello scores (1-0)

Billingham- Daniel Atkinson scores (1-1)

RACA- Dan Craggs scores (2-1)

Billingham- Ben Jackson scores (2-2)

RACA- Glenn Caygill scores (3-2)

Billingham- Joseph Aungiers hits the underside of the bar (3-2)

RACA- Evann Jardine scores (4-2 and looking good)

Billingham- Daniel Dryden scores (4-3)

RACA- Kyle Atkinson saved by Theo Webster (4-3)

Billingham- Jayden Jefferson scores (4-4)

SUDDEN DEATH

RACA- Nathan Beesley scores (5-4)

Billingham- Jay Talbot scores (5-5)

RACA- George Hayton scores (6-5)

Billingham- Ashton Wood scores (6-6)

RACA- Joe Groves-Forbes saved by Theo Webster (6-7 advantage Billingham)

Billingham- McCartney Woodhouse scores (6-7 and Billingham progress)

Memories of the Bishop Auckland penalty shoot out in the 2021/22 FA Vase when we lost 14-13 with this defeat by the slightest of margins. Considering Billingham’s start to the season, RACA shouldn’t be too downhearted though it’s always a downer being put out of the Premier competition. Onwards to Friday night’s return to league action when AFC Newbiggin are in town.

RACA- Corkhill, Groves-Forbes, Beesley, Plunkett, Caygill, Hayton, Craggs, Atkinson, Anderson (Costello 74), Fletcher, Calvert (Jardine 65), Substitutes Not Used Bewley, Gascoigne, Hutchinson

RACA face Billingham Town in the FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round at The Oldhaulage Stadium on Saturday with a prize of a place in the draw for the 1st Round Proper plus £725 from the prize pot for the winners. The sides have met once before in the premium competition for England’s Step 5 & 6 clubs, that back in the 2014/15 season when we drew 1-1 at Kingsley Park but lost the replay on Teesside 0-1. This is Ryton’s 37th FA Vase tie, the furthest we’ve reached in the competition being the 2nd Round which we’ve done twice, firstly in 2008/09 finally losing in a replay at Nostell Miners Welfare, having accounted for Winterton Rangers, Hall Road Rangers and Guisborough Town (by 10 goals to 1!) on the way. More recently in the 2024/25 campaign, slap bang in the middle of a run of ties against North West Counties Football League opponents we put out Garstang and Barnoldswick Town before losing at home to West Didsbury & Chorlton. With Newcastle United not playing until Monday, hopefully we can get a decent gate & with Billingham having secured a sponsor for their coach up to Crawcrook, we might have a healthy away support to add to the occasion. Kick off is at the usual 3pm slot. HOWAY THE RACA!

One player who won’t be joining us on our road to Wembley is Ryan Bailey who leaves us to join Division One strugglers Newcastle Benfield. Defender Ryan made 14 appearances for RACA but made just the one start this season in our opening game against Tow Law, but goes to Sam Smith’s Park with our very best wishes.

FT DURHAM UNITED 0 RACA 3 Attendance 53

Albion progressed in the Durham Challenge Cup with a comfortable if not spectacular win over Durham United, inflicting another 3-0 defeat this season on the Scholars with Glenn Caygill making his 100th start for the club. First half goals from Nathan Beesley & Kyle Atkinson had RACA looking safe but debutant Evann Jardine scored a wonderful free kick with the last kick of the game to give the result a more convincing look.

MATCH REPORT

In yesterday’s preliminary round of the Durham FA cup, the Albion visited Maiden Castle desperate to claim victory and see through to the next round of the cup. The sides have clashed once already this season in their league game in which Ryton dominated in their 3-0 win. RACA therefore began quick, hoping to settle their nerves and find their rhythm once again, as well as another victory in a tie that saw Albion stalwart Glenn Caygill start his 100th competitive game for the club

Only 6 minutes in, a lovely cross was whipped in from a RACA corner but denied by the hosts defence. Louis Calvert calmly kept possession within the box until he found space for an effort which was blocked by the hosts. Moments later, Nathan Beesley found the shot after the ball fell to his feet. A well-taken finish by the RACA no.2 after a goalbound attempt from Bewley was blocked by defender Noah Melville placed the Albion 1-0 up in only the 6th minute. Ryton bounced back from their lead, desperate for another. Danny Craggs cleverly won the ball within the midfield and drove down the right wing determined to catch the hosts on the break. He executed an excellent long ball for the head of Bewley yet his effort just glided beyond the cross-bar. In the 36th minute, after a foul on Louis Calvert which fell just outside of the box, the opportunity saw Craggs on the end of a free kick. His strike aimed for the back post before it was headed back across goal for Kyle Atkinson to finish. His header doubled RACA’s advantage following the challenge on Calvert. Only minutes from the whistle, the Albion remained desperate for another to claim early victory before the break. United almost pulled a goal back in the 44^th minute when George Killick unleashed a shot from distance which Callum Corkhill did well to tip over the bar & Albion’s two goal cushion remained intact.

Ryton finished the half 2-0 up after many thrilling opportunities were created. The hosts held on towards the end of the 45 as they began to lower in intensity and saw sight of glory fading. RACA, however, left the pitch eager for progression and they hoped to cause further trouble for Durham in the second half. 

HT Durham United 0 RACA 2

The Albion saw the first major chance of the second half in the 57th minute from another Craggs free kick. His cross connected with Nathan Beesley whose chance ricocheted off the right post to deflect their third. Only minutes went by before Ryton could taste their third. From another well-taken corner which hit the penalty spot, the hosts defence made sure to get rid as they grasped onto the 2 goals which they already lacked. The ball rolled out to the feet of Fletcher who sent an inviting ball in towards Calvert, a lovely strike from the RACA forward hit the back of the net before it was quickly called offside. Despite a tidy finish from Calvert, their third was overruled and the scoreline remained unaltered from the first half. Durham’s first considerable chance of the second half called for a sharp reaction from Corkhill. After a ball was tidily won by Roberts in the midfield, the Students eagerly beat Ryton’s defence determined to gain their first of the night. Yet their efforts were quickly shut down by Corkhill’s quick collection which denied their chance. 90 minutes played, in the last kick of the game, a free kick was shown for RACA. With debutant Evann Jardine on the end of it, he ambitiously saw sight of goal. His mighty strike pierced the air and sharply smashed the top right netting, he secured their 3-0 win as the final whistle was blown. 

FT DURHAM UNITED 0 RACA 3

The Albion celebrated as they successfully walked away victorious against this opposition once again. Durham’s chances were watched closely and Ryton’s defence made sure to keep their clean sheet throughout the whole 90 minutes. The visitors’ well-taken finishes allowed them through to the next round of the Durham Challenge Cup, ideal preparation as for Saturday as they host Billingham Town at the Oldhaulage in their FA Vase clash. Hope to see you there!

RACA– Corkhill, Beesley, Gascoigne (Oldfield 54), Craggs (Basham 70), Caygill, Hayton, Atkinson, Fletcher, Calvert (Ajavon 82), Groves-Forbes (Jardine 54), Bewley (Bell 59). Substitutes All Used

Albion have signed 23 year old midfielder Evann Jardine from Tow Law Town. He’s eligible for tonight’s Durham Challenge Cup tie should Nathan choose to select him.

RACA travel to Durham United on Wednesday evening in the first of a cup double header this week as we face Durham United in the Frank Pattison Challenge Cup, better known as the Durham Challenge Cup in old money. We went out narrowly at the first hurdle in the 1st Round last season in a penalty shoot-out at first division Crook Town having played out a 0-0 at Millfield, a scoreline as rare as hen’s teeth for Albion these days. This time there has been no bye for us and we are in the preliminary round with Durham United our opponents. United normally play home games on a Thursday but have a Vase fixture at Easington on Friday night hence the game at Maiden Castle has been brought forward 24 hours. We’ve already played Durham this season, a 3-0 home win in the league in which Charlie Grieveson, Kyle Atkinson and Jack Elliott were on target & while United are at the wrong end of the Division 2 table, a win at Grangetown BC on Saturday earned them a first league victory of the season.

Kick off is at 7:30pm & the address of Maiden Castle is The Graham Sports Centre, Stockton Rd, Durham DH1 3SE if you’re planning on heading down. HOWAY THE RACA!

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

1st prize No 82 S Chowdhury who wins £100

2nd Prize No 101 M Wrobel who wins £75

3rd Prize No 88 F Iredale who wins £25

Next month’s draw is on 04/10/2026

Congratulations to our three winners, and 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

There has been a change in personnel on the bench as we bid goodbye to Mark Pae and Scott Noble & welcome Liam McIvor to the club. Liam brings a wealth of experience to RACA having previously managed Newcastle Blue Star and Whitley Bay and joins the club to work alongside Nathan Beckham. Welcome aboard Liam.

The club would also like to place on record our sincere thanks to Mark Pae and Scott Noble for their dedication, commitment and much valued contributions throughout their time at The Albion & wish them the very best of fortune in their next undertaking.

FT DARLINGTON TOWN 0 RACA 2 Attendance 68

Albion kept up their unbeaten record at the Eastbourne Sports Complex thanks to two late goals from Rhys Hutchinson & Charlie Grieveson, that moved them to within a point & a place of the play-offs

MATCH REPORT

RACA made only their third ever visit to the Eastbourne Sports Complex to face mid-table Darlington Town with Charlie Grieveson back in the starting XI following his one match suspension.

While Albion had the better of the early exchanges, inaccurate shooting meant that Tyler Smith in the Town goal was largely untroubled. Albion did have the ball in the Darlo net on 19 minutes when Grieveson floated in a cross which Louis Calvert & Smith both went for, the RACA no11 winning the duel & nodding home but the linesman had flagged for a foul on the keeper. In a largely uneventful first half, Albion had the ball in the net again in the 44^th minute following a Calvert cross that Smith took the sting out of but he could only palm it to Kyle Atkinson who just beat Darlo’s Brandon Mallaburn to the ball & tapped in, only for the linesman to flag for offside this time. The hosts had barely laid a glove on Ryton but the sides went into the interval all square.

HT Darlington Town 0 RACA 0

Three minutes into the second half saw Darlington create their first chance of note. A fine ball from Jim Wilson in defence picked out Joel White running up the right wing. He cut in & unleashed a shot that Callum Corkhill got a hand to, & the loose ball was knocked out for a corner that came to nothing. The hosts came closer to opening the scoring on the hour mark when recently introduced substitute Will Maddison went on a run beating three Ryton defenders, firing the ball just in front of the goal line but there wasn’t a black and white shirt to get on the end of it, once again the ball being knocked out to the relative safety of a corner. RACA responded on 67 minutes when a Corkhill punt upfield found Calvert who got the better of his marker Jamie Harwood. Calvert tried to lob the advancing Smith but the keeper just got a hand to the ball to push it out for a corner. Finally after 87 minutes, the deadlock was broken by Ryton when a Nathan Beesley cross from the right was met by Rhys Hutchinson who reacted quicker than the Town defence & tapped home his second goal of the season. A minute into stoppage time Albion wrapped up the three points when from a corner, Joe Groves-Forbes took full advantage of hesitant Darlington defending, tapping the ball to Grieveson who had time to compose himself then pick his spot to make it 2-0. In the rest of the extended stoppage time, Darlo plugged away looking for a consolation goal, but never really looked like troubling Corkhill and RACA went home with the three points

FT DARLINGTON TOWN 0 RACA 2

A perfect tonic & confidence booster after Wednesday’s blip that leaves the play-offs in touching distance. The squad can put the league to one side for now as the next two fixtures are both cup games, Durham United away in the County Cup on Wednesday & the big one on Saturday when we host Billingham Town in the FA Vase.

RACA– Corkhill, Beesley, Grieveson, Plunkett (Groves-Forbes 76), Caygill, Hayton, Fletcher, Atkinson, Anderson (Gascoigne 90+8), Hutchinson (Craggs 87), Calvert (Bewley 80). Substitutes Not Used- Ajavon.