Carl Jarrett hails ‘fantastic’ Josh Mazfari in Whickham win

The shot-stopper made a sensational save to headline another stellar performance.

Carl Jarrett labelled shot-stopping sensation Josh Mazfari as ‘fantastic’ after Redcar Athletic’s latest triumph in the Isuzu FA Vase.

The 20-year-old scooped his twelfth clean sheet of the season as the Steelmen beat Whickham to advance to the Third Round, stealing the headlines with a stunning fingertip save that may have just proved decisive.

Conceding a late penalty against Easington in a first home defeat last Friday, Josh rebounded in some style at the First Mortgage Glebe Arena.

The young Hartlepool United loanee made a number of saves during a defensively astute ninety minutes, most notably sprawling to tip Jordan Lavery’s stanchion-bound set piece behind to both a cacophony of disappointment and disbelief.

Whickham 0-1 Redcar Athletic

Our report as Adam Boyes sealed Redcar’s place in the Third Round Proper.

Impressed with Josh’s performances for the club of late, Carl Jarrett labelled the shot-stopper as a great asset, however the first to admit he was self-critical.

The boss argued he and the coaching staff were sometimes harsh on Josh, but praised the young loanee for his quality and professionalism given his age.

“I think sometimes as a management group, we jump down Josh’s throat.” He said.

“We know how laid back he is, and sometimes it’s easy to forget that he’s only just turned 20 years of age, for what he is.

“He’s been fantastic for us this season.