Recap

Redcar Athletic made the perfect start to the 2024/25 season, topping the table on opening day with a four-goal demolition of Kendal Town.

A far cry from the disappointment of this time last year, the Steelmen lead the tie into the break through the deflected dead ball delivery of Mark Anderson.

A brace from Bradley Fewster stirred a bumper Green Lane crowd to life, Jack Blackford adding to the tally late on to see Redcar to the summit of the Northern League at the close of play.

Slick, clinical and methodical, there was a lot to like about Redcar Athletic on opening day.

The action quick to start on the referee’s whistle, Danni Lay turned the first chance of the afternoon wide of the mark, Steven Yawson’s dipping volley much the same at the other end.

Mark Anderson took the plaudits for breaking the deadlock, the midfielder taking aim from a dead ball just outside the area, his low effort sneaking through the grasp of Chris Cheetham thanks to a slight deflection.

Kendal soon dominated the play in search of a quick response, producing little of note to trouble Josh Mazfari.

Oscar Fletcher tried his luck on the turn as halftime approached, his effort agonisingly wide of the right stanchion, Chris Cheetham later the equal to Brad Fewster’s vicious drive.

Where Redcar lacked that killer instinct in a tight first half, there proved no hesitation come the restart of play.

Fewster began the rout, applying what can only be described as a simple finish to a seeking long ball from Olly Cann.

Clever interplay from Curtis Round and Jack Blackford earned the forward his second, steering home a pullback cross from the latter to leave Chris Cheetham stranded.

A treble proved elusive to the forward as the afternoon progressed, a sprawling stop from Chris Cheetham thwarting his chances, as he turned Layton Watts’ ambitious delivery behind.

A defensive mistake soon freed Curtis Round to seek Brad Fewster, the leading scorer relieved of possession by a desperate lunge, only for Jack Blackford to turn home with the net at his mercy.

Niall Cowperthwaite enjoyed Kendal’s only effort of note from a late attempt at a consolation, blasted high into the glorious sunshine, just in time for the heavens to open, as the celebrations began.

Steelmen: Mazfari, Cann, Risbrough, Liddle, Guru, Lay, Round, Anderson (J.Taylor 77’), Fewster, Fletcher (Watts 64’), Blackford (Thomson 77’)

Goal Scorers: Mark Anderson (14’), Bradley Fewster (49’, 63’), Jack Blackford (75’)

Next Match: West Auckland Town (h) | Tuesday 30th July 2024