Redcar Athletic were forced to settle for a point on a rather pleasant afternoon at Boro Rangers’ Phoenix Park.

Oscar Fletcher had given the Steelmen the lead in the top-of-the-table clash, turning home from Curtis Round’s cross on the brink of the half.

Stuart Rose netted his 45th goal of the season to restore parity for the home side.

A tough return to action after two weeks on the training ground saw Carl Jarrett make a pair of changes to the eleven which beat Tow Law Town.

Bryan Taylor and Priestley Griffiths both returned from injury, whilst Joe Taylor succumbed to a knock during the warm-up.

It wasn’t until the 22^nd minute either shot-stopper was called into action. Harry Thompson tried his luck from the midfield, his effort rather routine for Josh Mazfari.

Bradley Fewster carved out Redcar’s first opening at the other end, billowing the ball across the face of goal, but inches behind the outstretched leg of Curtis Round.

The forward soon opted to go alone, Danny Horner less than troubled by his curled attempt, or the snapshot of Oscar Fletcher moments later.

Rangers weren’t so lucky when Curtis Round beat Steven Keenan to the touchline, his cross volleyed past the shot-stopper by Oscar Fletcher.

Adam Boyes should perhaps have added an insurance goal on the brink of the half, a close-range effort of his own smothered by Danny Horner, again from Curtis Round’s endeavour.

Boro Rangers arguably edged the contest come the restart, Josh Mazfari forced into a pair of strong stops come the hour mark.

Bryan Taylor cut inside to fizz an effort narrowly wide of the near post, Curtis Round’s low drive tipped clear off the woodwork by a sprawling Danny Horner.

A rare defensive mistake gave Stuart Rose the chance the level the contest at the back post, an opportunity the league’s top-scorer simply couldn’t refuse.

Callum Guy replaced Oscar Fletcher with quarter of an hour to go, perhaps coming the closest to restoring Redcar’s lead with a bending effort high of the crossbar.

Craig Gott soon followed suit with a near mirrored attempt, again failing to work Danny Horner.

Steelmen: Mazfari, Guru, Bryan Taylor, Liddle, Gott, Lay, Round, Griffiths, Boyes, Fletcher (Guy 77’), Fewster

Goal Scorer: Oscar Fletcher (39’)

Next Match: Northallerton Town (h) | Friday 14 March 2025 (more…)