Cup heartbreak for Under-23s

Match Report: Redcar Athletic Under-23s 1-2 The Woodman Arms

Mark Hathaway

Redcar Athletic Under-23s coach

Redcar Athletic Under-23s suffered Terry May Trophy heartbreak, conceding twice in the last five mins to lose 2-1.

In a game completely ruined by gale force winds, it was Athletic who played with the wind in the first half, and could have been 2-0 up inside the first 10 minutes.

First, skipper Ethan Cartwright saw a header cleared off the line, and then Matty Rutland and Ethan Cartwright both saw goalbound shots superbly blocked.

The Woodman Arms defended well for the remainder of the half, with Athletic reduced to a couple of long range efforts that were both saved.

Playing against the wind, Athletic took the lead on 50 minutes, when Matty Bage and Adil Hanif combined to create a chance for Jamie Hill, who finished superbly into the far corner.

With the wind getting stronger, The Woodman Arms dominated possession, but Athletic defended well, with goalkeeper Emrah Isik not having a huge amount to do.

Redcar were relying on playing on the break, but too often picked the wrong option in the final third.

They were made to pay on 85 minutes, when a defensive error left the Woodman forward one-on-one with Emrah Isik, and he finished expertly.

As the game entered the 90th minute, a cross from the right was met at the back post by the head of the Woodman player, who gave Emrah Isik no chance.

There was no time for Athletic to create a chance to equalise, and the Woodman Arms saw the game out with relative ease, to spark huge celebrations on the final whistle.