Recap

Redcar Athletic slumped out of the Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup after a 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle University.

The Division Two outfit showed better spirit in the bitter cold at the B&D Interiors Stadium, taking a shock lead on the half hour through Dominic Griffin.

Substitute Jacob Milner pounced on a defensive mistake to double the deficit, condemning Redcar to a third successive defeat on home soil.

Carl Jarrett made seven changes to the side which lost to Shildon at the weekend, most notably facilitating returns for Olly Cann and Jack Bennett after long periods on the sidelines.

Lee Bullock was also introduced for his first start for the club, the first to see any action when he lunged in to block Lucas Aldcroft’s effort with the goal at his mercy.

Callum Guy shanked wide in the Steelmen’s first foray into enemy territory, soon forcing the first save of the afternoon with a rather unconvincing strike from range.

Ben Taylor joined the action himself moments later, sprawling to his left to deny Joel Manning from the edge of the area.

Newcastle University’s pressure proved unrelenting, however, and come the half hour, Dominic Griffin squeezed his attempt past the young shot-stopper at his near post.

Jake Stott became the focal point in attack when play resumed, earning possession in a tight space, and forcing a corner with his delicate effort at goal.

His endeavour almost paid off when he dispatched Priestly Griffiths’ through ball into the far corner, the linesman’s flag raised to spoil his celebrations.

A mix-up at the back soon turned matters from bad to worse, as Danni Lay poked the ball past his own shot-stopper, and Jacob Milner gratefully applied the finish.

Jake Stott worked one last effort of his own to no avail, whilst Oscar Fletcher rose to nod a loose ball some way over the crossbar.

The Royals looked to pile on the dismay with a stoppage time counterattack, turned over the bar by an overly keen substitute to the relief of the few left on the terraces.

Steelmen: B.Taylor, Cann, Bennett, Griffiths, Lay, Fletcher, Thomson, Bullock, Stott, Guy, Blackford

Next Match: North Shields (h) | Saturday 7 December 2024