Match Report: Redcar Athletic 2-1 Boro Under21s

A sellout crowd at the Hollou Sports Stadium were treat to a hard-fought pre-season encounter, as Redcar Athletic came from behind to beat a young Middlesbrough eleven.

Will McPartland took the plaudits for slotting the visitors in front, his low effort cancelled out by Bradley Fewster with a near post header.

Oscar Fletcher swept the Steelmen ahead in an otherwise uneventful second half, as Josh Mazfari made a spectacular stop to deny Middlesbrough late on.

Much like on Saturday, Redcar Athletic made the brighter start under the beating Teesside sun, only this time in front of a much bigger crowd.

Louis Johnson impressed supporters with his tearing runs down the right flank, teeing up Bradley Fewster during the opening exchanges, as the forward fired wide.

A devastating counter attack put the Steelmen on the back foot – somewhat against the run of play. Frankie Coulson found Will McPartland, and the forward made no mistake with his low drive.

Middlesbrough’s young starlets led for all of six minutes. Nathan Guru picked out a cross towards the near post, and it was Bradley Fewster who rose to nod the ball past Owen Foster.

SEASON TICKETS

With the wind in their sails, Redcar soon seized control of the tempo. Louis Johnson saw an effort saved with an outstretched leg, attempting acrobatics to little avail.

Danni Lay went to ground under appeals for a penalty. The referee waved play on, and John Howard’s cross was headed over by a towering Oscar Fletcher.

Josh Mazfari had work to do to see parity at the break. Will McPartland found himself again one-on-one with the shot-stopper, who this time reacted well to deny him a brace.

Middlesbrough changed their outfield crop when play resumed, as Adam Boyes, Olly Cann and Mark Anderson entered the fray for the hosts.

Chances proved few and far between, but Oscar Fletcher’s sweeping finish did give the home crowd something to shout about.

A stellar run through the centre from Charlie Lennon called Mazfari into action. The former Pools man leaped through the air to tip a venomous effort behind, reacting well to clear the danger from the ensuing corner.

Mark Anderson had one last attempt to add to the Steelmen’s tally, bending a dead ball into the advertising hoardings at the young Middlesbrough ‘keeper’s near post.