Ryton & Crawcrook Albion Manager Daniel Iredale’s reaction to winning the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup with a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Newcastle University in Birtley on Friday.

Newcastle University 1-1 Ryton & Crawcrook Albion
(RACA won 0-3 on penalties)

You do not have to play well to win cup finals.

And, for the 250+ travelling RACA contingent who made the journey down to Birtley, the team’s performance was the last thought on their mind when Josh Hammett’s penalty cannoned off the post to clinch a historic Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup victory.

However, the wild celebrations that followed looked set to be postponed as Albion trailed for 89 out of the 90 minutes of normal time.

Three buses full of supporters, flashy pre-match suits and barrel loads of booze were countered after just one minute when Finn Hebron smashed a right-footed shot home from outside the box to put the Uni in front.

Albion were shell-shocked and struggling to settle into the game. Tolu Osiyemu looked threatening every time the Students were in the final third whereas black-and-blue shirts struggled to find one another.

Osiyemu appeared to break through on 13 minutes but Lee Waugh recovered well to put a tackle in. The Uni striker’s pace was causing Albion all sorts of problems, and he drew a fantastic save out of Jonathan Ball after darting past Callum Turnbull on the right flank.

Midway through the half RACA settled on the ball, but still struggled to create a clear-cut chance despite their endeavour. Uni were happy to soak up the pressure, allow Albion to make an unforced error and spawn a counter-attack.

Dan Iredale’s men created their first opportunity on 42 minutes when Paul King saw a header comfortably saved by Edward Claxton.

When Konner Lamb – RACA’s only real outlet in the opening 45 minutes – was hacked down just outside the box, a huge roar erupted from the NE40 faithful. Rhys McLeod stepped up but saw a vicious strike deflected wide for a corner.

The referee blew his whistle to confirm Albion’s half-time deficit and there were no reactionary changes at the interval.

If Osiyemu was the danger in the first half, that honour fell to Jack Butler in the second. The Uni winger stung Ball’s gloves on 51 minutes and looked like the most dangerous player on the pitch.

A big, big chance fell his way moments later when he ran the length of the Albion half – free as a bird – with the goalkeeper at his mercy. However, Butler lifted his attempt over the crossbar… a missed chance that would prove costly.

Ryan Redford had the ball cut back to him from six yards out but he, too, blazed over the bar. The Students were enjoying their best spell in the game but needed to capitalise while momentum was in their favour.

Albion regained control of the midfield battle on the hour mark, with Tom McIntyre key in doing so. While RACA were sloppy in possession throughout, that criticism could not be levelled at the stylish central midfielder – who provided calmness to a stormy occasion.

A frustrating opportunity went begging for Albion when Lamb cut in from the left flank. He squared to Rees Greenwood – introduced from the bench minutes earlier – but, instead of shooting, tried to pick out McLeod. The winger was tackled before getting his shot away and a rare chance was wasted.

Loud appeals for a penalty were rejected on 70 minutes when Stephen Pennington clumsily brought Turnbull down off the ball. The referee waved away the protests – much to the anger of Iredale and his dugout.

Albion were on top but a lapse in concentration almost cost them the game. Again, it was Butler who charged clear of the backline but he was denied a certain goal by Ball’s outstretched paw. If any save could be deemed as valuable as a goal – it was this one.

Andrew Brown was forced off in place of Oliver Symons, who had eight minutes to make an impact…

And oh boy, did he do just that.

With Albion pressing for an equaliser, the right-back charged down the line and put a low cross into the danger area. Symons did not find a black-and-blue shirt… but he did not have to.

The ball ricocheted off a Uni defender and into the net to send the NE40 Army into raptures. Blue flares were fired and an explosion of emotion emanated around the Birtley Sports Complex as a penalty shoot-out had been salvaged.

Lamb had a half-chance to snatch the game at the death but Albion were just relieved to force the game to sudden death.

Captain Turnbull confidently walked up and sent Claxton the wrong way. 1-0 RACA.

Uni captain Pennington nominated himself and looked the complete opposite. With a horde of Albion youngsters behind the goal urging him to fail, he skied his effort high and wide.

Some say the ball has still not landed.

Greenwood – a man who has played in the Premier League – looked unfazed by the situation. His spot-kick was fired into the side-netting with pace and, although Claxton guessed correctly, he could do nothing to keep the effort out. 2-0 RACA.
Butler should have won Uni the game in normal time and he failed to make amends in the shoot-out. Ball made a fantastic save to tip his shot onto the post and put Albion in the driving seat.

McLeod, similar to Greenwood, has competed at levels beyond the Northern League and his composure reflected that. The 18-year-old looked like he was practising in his garden as he coolly slotted his spot-kick home. 3-0 RACA.

A cup triumph was seconds away as Hammett knew he had to score – or Uni were done. A nervous run-up resulted in his penalty smashing the post and it was all over.

Pandemonium erupted.

A long, 48-game season had concluded with the greatest highlight of all as Ryton & Crawcrook Albion were crowned EAM Cup Winners for 2021-22. Everybody of a black-and-blue persuasion were buoyant as “we are the RACA, the RACA bootboys” echoed around the Birtley Sports Complex.

Play-off heartbreak had evaporated as Iredale and his troops ended a first season on a high to deliver a night that will live long in the memory of Albion supporters.

Uni Starting XI: Claxton, Neill, Cook, Pennington (c), Garnes, Hebron, Redford, Browne (Hammett, 73′), Osiyemi (Wood, 57′), Coates, Butler. (Unused subs: Woods, Dekanski, Veitch.)

RACA Starting XI: Ryton & Crawcrook Albion: Ball, Brown (Symons, 81′), Thompson, McIntyre, Waugh, Turnbull (c), McLeod, Bamborough, King (Greenwood, 55′), Pickford, Lamb. (Unused subs: Mooney, Ardley, Blake.)

Referee: Givi Todua.

Attendance: 452.

RACA Fans’ Man of the Match: Tom McIntyre.

Match report by Charlie Bennett.

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion Manager Daniel Iredale looks forward to Friday night’s Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup final against Newcastle University in Birtley.

“I’m very much looking forward to the final,” said Iredale, who is coming to the end of his first season in charge at Kingsley Park.

“It’s a fantastic achievement alone to make it here for the club after the progression made this year, and would be incredibly rewarding to win it after a very long and testing season.

“The lads deserve that reward from their efforts over the last 10 months and the club deserve that too but we understand we have a game to win and must be at our very best, nothing is ever given. We will give our all.”

Albion are set to have a large following behind them on Friday against the Uni with the club announcing that three supporter’s busses are heading to Birtley on top of those going independently.

“The support we have coming speaks volumes and I’d like to thank you all in advance for making the trip along to get behind us. You’ve been great all season long.

“After all the expectations of ourselves in the game we must make sure we enjoy it. That’s very important. 

“UP THE RACA! 🔵⚫️”

The final at Birtley’s Arrowmark Home Improvements Stadium is scheduled to kick off at 7.30pm. Tickets will be available to buy on the gate.

The Football Association has today released the list of teams allocated to Steps 5 and 6 of the National League System for the 2022-23 season, including for the Northern Football League’s two divisions.

With North Shields and Consett promoted into Step 4, Pickering Town FC in North Yorkshire will join Ebac Northern League Division One along with Carlisle City and Heaton Stannington, who were both promoted from Division Two.

While the first division remains at 20 teams, the second tier has expanded to 22 teams for the new season.

Billingham Town were relegated from Division One and they will be joined by Prudhoe YC FC Seniors, Chester-le-Street United and Boro Rangers from the Northern Alliance, Wearside League and North Riding League respectively.

Only Durham City were relegated from Division Two.

These allocations are subject to appeal to the FA.

Pickering play at the Recreation Club, Prudhoe play at Kimberley Park (where Newcastle University also play), Chester-le-Street United play at the Riverside in Chester-le-Street and Boro Rangers will play at New Ferens Park in Durham.

Ebac Northern League Division One: Ashington, Bishop Auckland, Carlisle City, Crook Town, Guisborough Town, Heaton Stannington, Newcastle Benfield, Newton Aycliffe, Northallerton Town, Penrith, Pickering Town, Redcar Athletic, Ryhope CW, Seaham Red Star, Sunderland RCA, Thornaby, West Allotment Celtic, West Auckland Town, Whickham, Whitley Bay.

Ebac Northern League Division Two: Bedlington Terriers, Billingham Synthonia, Billingham Town, Birtley Town, Blyth Town, Boldon CA, Boro Rangers, Brandon United, Chester-le-Street Town, Chester-le-Street United, Easington Colliery, Esh Winning, Horden CW, Jarrow, Newcastle University, Prudhoe YC Seniors, Redcar Town, Ryton & Crawcrook Albion, Sunderland West End, Tow Law Town, Washington, Willington.

The draw for May’s RACA 100 Club was held on Saturday. The winners are:

• 🥇 No.3 D Lamb £100

• 🥈 No.45 I Turnbull £75

• 🥉 No.77 D Muse £25

Congratulations to the lucky trio! The next draw is scheduled for June 4, 2022.

To join the RACA 100 Club or for more details, please contact Mr Paul Le-Patourel on 07720413390.

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion have missed out on the end-of-season promotion play-offs after a 3-0 defeat at Carlisle City, who clinch the Ebac Northern League Division Two title and automatic promotion on a dramatic final day of the season.

Despite a strong first half, it was the Cumbrians who edged ahead through Jordan Palmer after 19 minutes. And two goals in as many minutes midway through the second half from Jordan Irving and Aaron Bradbury secured City a comfortable victory. The win coupled with Heaton Stannington’s failure to win at Easington Colliery means its Carlisle who win the championship and direct promotion to the Northern League’s top flight.

Heaton will have to settle for the play-offs and meet Easington again in the semi-finals, while Boldon CA meet Tow Law Town in the other tie in midweek ahead of next Saturday’s Final.

RACA, who finish the league campaign agonisingly in 6th spot, end the season with the Final of the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup against Newcastle University in Birtley on May 13.

Photo: Colin Robertshaw

It’s all to play for on what could be a dramatic final day in the Ebac Northern Football League Division 2 on Saturday with the title, promotion and play-off spots up for grabs.

League leaders Heaton Stannington will win the title and secure automatic promotion to the Northern League’s top tier if they win at play-off chasing Easington Colliery.
 
If the Stan fail to pick up all three points, Carlisle City can overtake them in the title race with a win at home to Ryton & Crawcrook Albion, who are also looking to confirm a play-off spot. City have the better goal difference if the two title chasers finish level on points.
 
In terms of the play-offs, four teams from 2nd down to 5th will qualify.
 
Boldon CA, who have already completed their season, are all-but guaranteed a top five spot thanks to their huge goal difference compared to the rest of the chasing pack.
 
That then leaves two play-off spots for Easington Colliery, Ryton & Crawcrook Albion and Tow Law Town to fight over. Easington will guarantee a play-off spot with a win against Heaton but anything less and they leave the door open for both Ryton and Tow Law to overtake with wins of their own.
 
Otherwise Ryton need to match or better Tow Law’s result at Carlisle to keep a hold of their play-off position. The Lawyers, who are level on points but behind Albion in 6th spot on goal difference, host relegation-threatened Bedlington Terriers. RACA have a slightly better goal difference of +2 and a greater margin on goals scored… if it comes down to that to separate the sides!
 
And final league positions matter in the play-offs as the runners-up would host the 5th-placed side in the one-off semi-finals in midweek, while the 3rd-placed side will host the 4th-placed side. The Final, scheduled for next Saturday, will also have home advantage for the highest-positioned finalist.
 
At the other end of the table – according to the FA – “the bottom three clubs will be liable to be relegated to Step 7” but uncertainty remains as to exactly how many will get relegated. It’s complicated further by the fact the league started this season with a 21-team division.
 
Durham City (21st) and Esh Winning (20th) will finish the season as the bottom two. Washington, who travel to winless Durham, currently occupy 19th and are only a point behind Bedlington Terriers (18th) in the race to avoid the final danger spot. Therefore, the Terriers may require a win at Tow Law to secure their survival. Washy have an inferior goal difference if the two finish level on points.
 
Esh host Chester-le-Street Town (17th) in the only other fixture of the day. It could potentially be crucial for the home side if relegation comes down to PPG across other leagues at the same level!

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

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.