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.

With the curtailment of the Winlaton, game another friendly has been arranged for Tuesday night at the Oldhaulage Stadium against first division Birtley Town. Kick off time is 7:30pm & adult admission is £3 with bairns getting in free of charge.

Also reporting that defender Jack Elliott has signed for us again and we have also signed a young American midfielder called Kyle Atkinson for whom we are awaiting international clearance.

RACA’s final friendly at home to Winlaton was abandoned in the second half due to a serious head injury following a clash of heads in the second half. At the time, Albion were leading 1-0 thanks to a first half Louis Calvert penalty.

Latest Update- Thankfully both players were able to walk off the pitch after receiving lengthy treatment & The Albion wish them both a speedy recovery.

Albion bring the curtain down on the pre-season tomorrow (Friday) evening with a home game against neighbours Winlaton Community who finished fifth in the Northern Alliance first division last season at the Oldhaulage. Kick Off for this one is at 7:30pm & admission is £3 for adults while under 18s get in for nowt. A last chance to see the black and blue’s preparation before the league season starts in 9 days time with the visit of Tow Law on Saturday 25th

Albion have signed a left sided player, Jacob Wilson. 21 year old Jacob can play as left back or on the left wing & has experience playing University football.

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.