RACA Visit the Mechanics Next

Albion’s next game is away to Washington on Tuesday night but please note this game is at the Ford Hub, not at The Mechanics’ usual home at the Northern Playing Fields. We’ve not met Washington yet this season with the home fixture to be played in April but our opponents aren’t in the best of form having lost ten of their last twelve games and they currently sit second bottom of the table.

If you’re planning on heading down to watch the lads the post code of the Ford Hub is Keelmans Lane, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR4 0HB

Another Draw For Albion in a Game of Two Halves

RACA played out a second 1-1 draw against Billingham opposition in five days, this time a home draw against Synthonia in an eventful game of two halves. Synners who had seen their sixteen match unbeaten run ended last Saturday deservedly led 1-0 at half time against a disjointed Albion who sat very deep throughout the 45 minutes. Declan Brown was the scorer of Billingham’s goal in the 25th minute, and the Albion rearguard had a busy time with Brogan Colquhoun pulling off several saves & Oli Symons heading a goalbound effort off the line. The second half saw Ryton play much more aggressively & levelled when awarded a penalty in the 48th minute following a foul by Sam Taylor, the newly signed goalkeeper on loan from York City. Aaron Costello duly converted the spot kick to notch his personal goals total to 27 this season. It was Taylor who was the busier keeper throughout the second period but RACA were unable to score a second goal and the points were shared. Synners scorer Brown had a bitter-sweet day as he was somewhat controversially dismissed in stoppage time, but it was too late in the day for Albion to capitalise on the numerical advantage.

Albion’s blip continues with no wins in five games now.

Synners Travel North on Saturday

After last night’s draw at Billingham Town, Albion face the green half of Billingham at Kingsley Park on Saturday. Synthonia had their 16 match unbeaten run ended by Easington Colliery on Saturday & will be looking to get back on track against RACA. They’ll also be looking to avenge the heavy home defeat we inflicted on them at Broughton Road in October. We won 5-2 that afternoon with two goals from Richie Hoggins and a goal each from Noah Adotey, Daniel Craggs and Aaron Costello. Carl Williams, now at Redcar Town got both goals for the Synners who at time of writing sit in sixth place just outside the play offs while Albion have now gone four games without winning.

Get down to HQ on Saturday to cheer on the boys in black & blue, kick off is the usual 3pm. Hope to see you there.

Albion held on Teesside

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion were left to rue missed chances after being held to a 1-1 draw by Billingham Town on Tuesday night.

Michael Baxter, who had earlier struck the bar with a lovely effort from the edge of the box, scored the opener on the half-hour mark after closing down and dispossessing goalkeeper Matthew Pattison to slot home.

But, after a sloppy start to the second period from the visitors, Billingham found an equaliser on the hour mark through a super half volley from Harry Close from 20-yards.

Albion produced a strong first half performance but faded in the second. Among the number of clear cut chances, they had a shot cleared off the line and were denied three times in quick succession by the home ’keeper after a goalmouth scramble.

Nathan Beckham’s side will be hoping to get back to winning ways on Saturday when they host Billingham Synthonia.

FT BILLINGHAM TOWN 1-1 RACA Attendance 103

Next Up a Midweek Trek to Billingham

RACA’s next scheduled game is against 17th placed Billingham Town on Teesside on Tuesday night. Albion won the reverse fixture at HQ 3-1 with Aaron Costello, Kristian Sands & Abu Salim scoring our goals, while Josh Elcoate scored a very late consolation for the Blues. If you’re up for the trek south the address of Billingham Town’s ground is Bedford Terrace, Billingham, Cleveland, TS23 4AE, kick off 7:30pm

Transfer news- Thomas Ions who has been out of the first team with long term injury issues has signed for Jarrow. The club wish him well in his time at Perth Green.

RACA Sign Central Defender

Albion manager Nathan Beckham has signed central defender Jordan Shaw from Northern Alliance Premier League side Killingworth with whom he’ll remain on a dual registration. The 22 year old is well known to Nathan as he was part of his Northern Alliance League 2021/22 title winning Killingworth side. Welcome aboard Jordan.

Blue Star trip postponed again

Tonight’s Ebac Northern League Division 2 match away to Newcastle Blue Star has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

A rearranged date will be announced in due course for a fixture that was originally scheduled for Boxing Day.

Meanwhile, the NL have today announced that the venue for our match at Washington on March 19 has been switched to the Ford Hub after the continuous issues with Washy’s home pitch.

RACA at The Star on Tuesday

Originally a Boxing Day fixture, Albion make the short trip to Scotswood to face second placed Newcastle Blue Star on Tuesday night. We’ve not yet met the current re-incarnation of the Star who are the reigning Northern Alliance champions in a competitive game, so there will be a little bit of history created if the game survives the weather.

For those wanting to head over to Blue Star’s impressive stadium to cheer on RACA, the address is Scotswood, Denton Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 7HB.