Recap

Redcar Athletic clocked another ninety minutes in pre-season, as a much changed side saw off the challenge of a physical Thornaby.

Young talent present throughout, a trialist notched the opening goal in some spectacular fashion, Bradley Fewster soon to double the lead with his sixth of the campaign.

Marred by a series of injuries as play devolved, the Blues’ capitalised on a defensive error to add what proved a mere consolation come the final whistle.

Five changes from the side which stunned Whitby Town at Green Lane on Saturday, First Team boss Carl Jarrett gave the nod to a number of trialists, one of which stealing the headlines after just four minutes.

A delightful cut inside from the left flank, the trialist produced an exquisite curling effort, destined for the top corner from the second it left his boot.

In no time at all, the Steelmen’s dominance bore fruit yet again, Bradley Fewster this time taking the plaudits, rounding the goalkeeper with such ease, and taking his time with a simple finish.

An injury to Craig Gott, Oscar Fletcher soon entered the field of play, his impact almost instant as a clever reverse pass saw a trialist’s effort thwarted.

In perhaps the best move of the half, lovely one touch football freed Bradley Fewster for what should have been another brace, the forward too high with his rushed attempt at goal.

The second half saw the introduction of the clinical Adam Boyes to the fray, Oscar Fletcher quick to pick him out in the area, but his effort expertly blocked by the trialist between the Blues’ sticks.

For all his efforts, Fletcher’s night soon met a disastrous end, the midfielder caught from behind in a nasty challenge, needing lengthy treatment, and eventually withdrawing from play.

His absence, combined with little reinforcements on the bench, offered the advantage to a growing Thornaby, the Blues’ pressure mounting with a number of snapshots.

Come the closing exchanges, tiredness gave way to a poor defensive mistake, punished at close range to make for a late consolation.

Redcar amassed one last chance to restore the two-goal lead, Bradley Fewster on hand to turn home a misplaced defensive header, the linesman’s flag raised in bewilderment for an offside against the forward.

Steelmen: Trialist, Cann, Trialist, Liddle, Guru, Lay, Trialist, Gott, Fewster, Watts, Trialist

Goal Scorers: Trialist (4’), Bradley Fewster (19’)

Next Match: Holker Old Boys (h) | Saturday 20th July 2024