Joe Dixon’s

Football Memories

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1977

2011 / 2012 Season

In my first season (2009-2010), as a spectator, after a very long time away from the game, I was very proud to witness my old team the ‘CA’ (Sunderland RCA) achieve promotion to the Northern League Division 1. Their first season back, after being relegated at the end of the 1987-88 season, saw them finish mid table which after a disastrous start was quite remarkable. This proved that they were now worthy members of the first division and their confidence oozed from the start of the 2011-2012 season. They quickly topped the league and it was no flash in the pan as they were still top in April. However winning just 2 of their last 5 league games resulted in them finishing 4th which is still the teams best ever finish.

I know that at the beginning of the season a 4th place finish would have been viewed as unrealistic but it shows the fantastic progress that has been made as there was still a fair bit of disappointment at the club after a disappointing finish. What was really remarkable was the team’s away record which bettered every other team in the league. In fact if their home record was as good they would have been crowned Champions.

Other notable achievements this past season were the 2 wins over Whitley Bay, FA Vase winners in the previous 3 seasons, and the 2 wins over Dunston UTS the 2012 FA Vase winners.

The ‘CA’ have shown they are now a ‘power’ to be reckoned with. The players and management are geared up for a prolonged period of success and I honestly believe that when the club celebrates its 50th birthday, at the end of this coming 2012-13 season, there could be silverware on display.

   Back from left :- Mark Davison, Brandon Steckles-Young (Assistant), Steve Jones, Kevin Dixon,

                          Adam McGuinness, Neal Atkinson, Gary Shields, Andy Jennings, Ritchie Paxton,

                          James Oates and Liam Dunn

   Front from left :- Glen McCartney (Assist. Manager), Glen Robson, Joe Walton, Carl Beasley (Capt.)                            Tom Berj, David Wells and Brian Close

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Seasons Awards 1. Manager's 'Player of the Season' was team captain Brian Close

                       2. Clubs 'Player of the Season' was also team captain Brian Close

                       3. Fans 'Player of the Season' was Adam McGuinness

The leading goal scorer, yet again, was Mark Davison

Giants of the league, like Bishop Auckland, Whitley Bay etc, who have deservedly earned and commanded the utmost respect and admiration from clubs throughout the country, have been looking up and admiring the Sunderland RCA club throughout this past season.

So congratulations to all the hardworking management and players etc for providing a league table that brings a smile to my face and a belief that winning the league and cups is within their capabilities.

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