Defeat for the bare-bones squad of Redcar Athletic Under-23s

Match Report: Thornaby Roundel 3-1 Redcar Athletic Under-23s

Mark Hathaway

Redcar Athletic Under-23s coach

Redcar Athletic Under-23s fell to a deserved defeat against fellow promotion chasers Thornaby Roundel.

Athletic were short of all three first choice centre-backs due to work commitments, and with further dropouts on the morning of the game due to illness, had to play one of their toughest games of the season with a squad of only 12 players.

The game got off to the worst possible start when the home team were awarded a penalty. Goalkeeper Emrah Isik (sponsored by John Ibinson) made a fine save, but the referee ordered a retake as the shot-stopper came off his line too early. The Roundel player made no mistake when given a second chance.

After the early blow, Athletic fought back with Jack Williams (sponsored by MeSign) unlucky to see a shot deflected for a corner.

Ryan Breeze then tried his luck from 25 yards, but the Roundel keeper saved well.

Athletic equalised on 38 minutes when the ‘keeper’s clearance hit Adil Hanif and found it’s way into the net.

Level at half time, Athletic got off to the worst possible start in the second half when a misplaced pass found a Roundel player, who finished well.

It was 3-1 on 74 minutes when a long ball found the Roundel striker who finished superbly with a dinked effort.

Athletic fought back and had chances to get back into the game. Firstly, a Tom Newton effort from the edge of the box went just over the bar and, with 4 minutes left, an excellent through ball from Jack Marshall found Tom Newton again, but the ‘keeper was out quickly to smother the effort.

Man of the Match: Ryan Breeze

Redcar Athletic Under-23s are in cup action next weekend, making the trip to face The Fox Inn FC.