Recap

Redcar Athletic booked their place in the First Round of the Isuzu FA Vase with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over West Auckland Town.

A world-class strike from Joe Taylor handed Redcar an early advantage in the ninety, Layton Watts netting on his Green Lane return to see matters level.

Josh Mazfari twice saved from the spot in the following shootout, his efforts sealing the Steelmen a place in the draw come Monday afternoon.

Forced to contend with further absences in Danni Lay and Olly Cann, Carl Jarrett’s one relief came through the return of Bradley Fewster, the forward starting in attack alongside Adam Boyes.

The dynamic duo struggled to make waves against a tight West Auckland defence, Josh Scott given the first opportunity at the other end, as his glancing header went astray.

Joe Taylor’s opening goal came from more or less nowhere. The midfielder opted to take on the strike from the middle of the park, his effort kissing the crossbar on its path to the far stanchion.

Mark Anderson picked out Bradley Fewster after a passage of superb play between the two, the forward’s effort blocked by a sprawling Ben Dale.

Redcar continued in search of a decisive second, Oscar Fletcher finding Adam Boyes, who failed to take control of his searching pass, the striker’s next attempt dragged wide past the far post.

West Auckland soon eked out a foothold in the tie, Layton Watts unleashing a warning strike over Josh Mazfari’s crossbar, his next turned in at the far post after a scramble in the area.

The First World Cup Winners saw the better of play with parity restored, substitute James Harrison firing over the bar, as Josh Mazfari was forced to work to bail out a defensive mistake.

Adam Boyes had one last crack at avoiding an impeding shootout, slamming his volley against the woodwork from inches outside the area.

As is the custom in the Isuzu FA Vase, the tie was to be decided by a series of spot kicks, Brad Fewster and Mark Anderson both on target in a flawless opening quartet.

Oscar Fletcher stepped up to the mark to take Redcar’s third, his effort clawed off the goal line by Nick Liversedge, only for Josh Mazfari to repeat the feat to save his blushes.

Adam Boyes, Joe Taylor and Jack Blackford all buried their respective spot kicks, the young shot-stopper taking the plaudits with a sensational stop to send the Steelmen in to Monday’s draw.

Steelmen: Mazfari, J.Taylor, Round, Liddle, Guru, Burgess, Blackford, Anderson, Fewster, Fletcher, Boyes

Goal Scorer: Joe Taylor (12’)

Next Match: Birtley Town (h) | Tuesday 24th September 2024