Match Report: Redcar Athletic 3-0 North Ferriby

Today's match report is written by local university student Preston Morrison, who saw his first game at the Hollou end in a 3-0 victory for the Steelmen

The Steelmen go for gold as a three-nil win sparks atmospherical delight among the fans and ends North Ferriby’s run of consecutive stalemates.

It was my first visit to the Hollou, and the feeling hit instantly. The moment my footsteps reached the touchline and the pre match music echoed around the ground, I found myself smiling before a ball had even been kicked.

There was something warm and genuine about the atmosphere. The noise of the crowd, the early chants and the sense of local pride made it feel as if this afternoon had been scripted perfectly for a first experience. Everything pointed towards a memorable day.

North Ferriby arrived at The Hollou on a strong unbeaten run, built on five consecutive draws that highlighted their resilience and defensive discipline. Ending that streak added even more weight to what became a memorable afternoon for the Steelmen.

The opening minutes were an eventful introduction, with both sides showing early intent, but Redcar settled quicker and carried the greater threat. Chances began to fall our way and the movement had a sharper rhythm than the visitors.

When the breakthrough arrived in the sixteenth minute, it felt fully deserved. A well-timed ball sliced through the Ferriby defence and found Adam Boyes, who kept his composure and guided a calm finish into the far corner.

Before the opener, Louis Johnson had forced an early corner with a deflected strike, while Brad Fewster also tested the visiting keeper. Mazfari produced an important save down to his right to deny Ferriby at the other end, reacting sharply to prevent an early setback.

Johnson remained lively until he was forced off following a strong challenge. His replacement, Mark Anderson, almost doubled the lead immediately with a curling effort that demanded a smart save. We controlled the half with authority and took a deserved one-nil lead into the interval.

Redcar made no changes at the break, and the same eleven returned for the second half with real intent. The Steelmen kept control of the game’s tempo, with Howard driving play through midfield and Round continuing to stretch Ferriby down the left. The Villagers tried to grow into the half through set pieces and long balls, but the back line, led by Burgess and Lay, stayed disciplined and in control.

The second goal arrived in the seventy-fourth minute. A corner caused real problems inside the box, and after Howard’s rising effort took a deflection and looped into the six yard area, Burgess reacted quickest to guide the ball home. Redcar had made their first substitution just moments earlier, with Bryan Taylor replacing JJ Bartliff in the seventieth minute, adding fresh energy out wide.

Even after Howard received a red card minutes later, Redcar managed the situation with maturity. Ferriby struggled to create clear chances, and the Steelmen continued to absorb pressure calmly.

The kids with the drums kept the atmosphere alive all game, but the sending off took the noise to another level. The classic “I’m blind, I’m deaf, I want to be a ref” chant broke out straight away, and even the ultras joined in, shouting at the opposition player that he could “stop limping now he’s been sent off.”

It honestly made me laugh and, in my own head, I couldn’t help but think of a Vinícius Júnior-style exaggeration with the way he was milking it. It added a playful edge to the moment.

In the ninety-fourth minute, Mitch Parkinson came on for Owen Burns, who had put in a strong, hardworking shift down the right flank.

The match was sealed moments later in stoppage time when Boyes and Round broke forward together, and Round lifted a composed chip over the goalkeeper to secure a convincing three nil victory.

When the final whistle went, The Hollou erupted into a full chorus of “Gold,” with drums echoing and voices carrying across the ground. For a first experience, it could not have been more enjoyable.

The football, the atmosphere and the sense of community made it a day to remember, and if the opportunity ever arose to return, I would be thrilled to be back at The Hollou once again.

Next up, we travel away to Blyth Town as this magnificent title charge continues. With a six point gap over second placed Matlock Town, we will be looking to stretch that lead even further, and if our recent winning form is anything to go by, we will back ourselves to do exactly that.

Once again, we hope to see the same magnificent support on the road, so if you are able to make the trip, what better way to spend your Saturday.

And if not, there will be live updates as always on our X (Twitter) page.

After today’s events, I can now proudly say it, without hesitation.

Up the Steelmen