Albion mount sensational comeback to reach EA Cup final

Summary courtesy of the Northern League:

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion scored three goals in 15 minutes as they came back from two goals down at Easington Colliery to reach the final of the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup.

The hosts took the lead in the 19th minute when Kyle Middleton broke into the area before laying the ball off to captain Jack Pounder, who saw his low effort slip through the hands of Ryton stopper Jonathan Ball.

Ryton came close to drawing level 23 minutes in – Scott Bamborough’s corner fell to Mark Waite but he could only send his effort over the bar.

Easington doubled their advantage in the 56th minute – Dane Burlace’s excellent free kick was met by the head of Middleton, who directed his header beyond Ball into the Ryton net.

The home side had a fantastic chance to ensure victory 18 minutes from time – Burlace picked out substitute Ryan Leonard at the back post, but he could only fire wide from six yards out.

Ryton were awarded a penalty in the 75th minute when Konner Lamb was brought down in the area after a mis-timed challenge from Ethan Ord.

Ryton skipper Callum Turnbull stepped up and fired home beyond Steavans to kickstart his sides comeback.

The visitors were level just five minutes later as Bamborough’s free kick wide on the right was headed home by Andrew Brown into the bottom corner beyond Easington keeper Aaron Steavans.

Ryton completed the comeback in the 86th minute when two of their substitutes combined – Joe Thompson drove down the left before his cross found Paul King at the back post who fired home to send his side into the final.

Ryton and Crawcrook Albion will battle it out with Newcastle University for silverware in the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup Final in Birtley on Friday 13th May.

Match report by: Adam Gill (from the Northern League)

Photo by: Ian Smith

Albion fight back to win at Birtley

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion kept alive their hopes of a top-five play-off spot in the Ebac Northern League Division 2 on Wednesday after a dramatic late second half comeback sealed three vital points against Birtley Town.

After a quiet and goalless first half at The Arrowmark Home Improvements Stadium, it was the hosts – playing in their final match of the season – who edged ahead through a deflected Joe Barwick header ten minutes into the second half.

Ryton, who had the better of the clear-cut chances during the game with Rhys McLeod denied several times, responded positively to going behind and deservedly got back on level terms from the penalty spot on 77 minutes. Konner Lamb was tripped in the area, Ben Garrity received a red card for his protests and captain Callum Turnbull cooly slotted home.

Albion were on top and sensing a winner. And they completed the turnaround with seven minutes remaining. Another wizardry run into the box by Lamb, who picked out Shaun Pickford, who – facing away from goal – brilliantly flicked it up, turned and smashed in the winner, sparking wild celebrations on the away bench and amongst the visiting support.

The win moves Daniel Iredale’s side back up to 3rd in the table – above Carlisle City, Easington Colliery and Tow Law Town. The chasing trio have game(s) in hand over the next 8 days – before the final day on April 30 and RACA’s showdown with title-chasing Carlisle.

Before that, focus turns to next Wednesday’s Ernest Armstorng Memorial Cup semi final tie at Easington. Tow Law meet Newcastle University in the other semi on Tuesday, while Carlisle face Wetheriggs United in the Final of the Cumberland Senior Cup.

Photo by Colin Robertshaw

Albion salvage late draw at Brandon

Rhys McLeod scored a brilliant late free kick to earn a point for Ryton & Crawcrook Albion at Brandon United on Wednesday in the Ebac Northern League 2.

Albion dominated play at the Welfare Ground, but it was the hosts who went ahead through Paul Gardiner’s strike midway through the first half and it looked like they were on course to pick up all three points until McLeod’s equaliser five minutes from the end.

Despite dropping points, Ryton remain third in the table and chasing a play-off spot going into the final two games of the season.

There’s no games scheduled for RACA this Easter weekend but they’ll travel to Birtley Town next Wednesday before finishing the league campaign at Carlisle City on 30 April.

Albion cruise to victory against Cestrians

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion produced a dominant performance to win 2-0 away at Chester-le-Street Town in the Ebac Northern League Two on Saturday to strengthen their bid for a promotion play-off spot.

Joe Thompson fired Albion ahead after just 7 minutes at Moor Park as he was played through one-on-one and slotted past the home goalkeeper.

Despite dominating possession and chances, the visitors had to wait until 15 minutes from the end to wrap up the three points as Shaun Pickford was fastest to react to a loose ball in the box following saves from a Rees Greenwood free kick and a Thompson header.

Earlier, a largely untroubled Jonathan Ball in the RACA goal had to make a big save to deny the hosts from levelling the match.

The win moves Daniel Iredale’s side back up to third in the table in the race for the play-off spots, with three games remaining including Wednesday’s trip to Brandon United.

Albion ease into EA Cup last 4

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion eased into the semi finals of the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup after a comfortable 7-0 win at Washington on Wednesday.

A hat-trick from Rhys McLeod, a brace from Konner Lamb and further strikes from Rees Greenwood and Joe Thompson secured the emphatic win – a repeat of the league win at the Ford Hub earlier in the season.

Albion will travel to Easington Colliery in the last four on April 27, with Tow Law Town meeting Newcastle University in the other tie on April 26.

Before the semi final, however, RACA have three of the final four Ebac Northern League 2 games to play in the chase for a promotion play-off position, starting with a trip to Chester-le-Street Town on Saturday.

Albion held in final home game

A frustrating final home (regular) league game of the season for Ryton & Crawcrook Albion on Saturday… They came from behind twice to lead 3-2 against Esh Winning, only for the visitors to go on and grab a point 10 minutes from the end.

Goals from Shaun Pickford, Rhys McLeod and Lee Waugh put RACA in a winning position but a hat-trick from Owen Lister blew that that away.

Four away league games remain in the race for a promotion play-off spot, with a trip to Chester-le-Street Town next Saturday.

Depending both on the final league positions and securing a play-off place, Albion may still potentially have a home game to come in May.

Meanwhile, a huge thank you to all the supporters who turned out on Saturday. The official gate was 255 – our highest of the season!

Albion reach EA Cup last 8

RACA had to come from behind twice to beat Chester-le-Street Town 3-2 in a thrilling EA Cup Round 2 encounter at Kingsley Park. Substitutes Rhys McLeod and Joe Thompson levelled twice for Albion before Konner Lamb’s late winner.

RACA will travel to the winners of Willington and Washington in the quarter finals on April 6.

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