Match Preview: Seaham Red Star (a)

We took a look at Seaham Red Star in our latest Match Preview.

From Emirates FA Cup drama to memorable victories, there’s plenty of shared history between Redcar Athletic and Seaham Red Star.

This afternoon, we add to that trove of angst and joy. With just three points separating the Steelmen from title rivals, Shildon, the stakes have never been higher at the Alexandra Steakhouse Stadium.

WHO ARE YA?

Seaham Red Star

Once the Steelmen’s most infamous nemesis, Seaham Red Star need little introduction to those of a Redcar persuasion.

A Sunday League outfit in 1973, Seaham are now a self-proclaimed leading club in the Northern League, having amassed a great deal of success in the early 1980s.

Red Star clinched silverware in the Durham Challenge Cup to open the decade on the right foot, bettering such success just two years later with a rather impressive back-to-back league and cup double in the ever-competitive Wearside League.

Riding the coattails of such triumphant years, Seaham were elected to the second division of the Northern League in 1983, enjoying prosperity across both divisions until flirting with resignation in 2002.

Having tendered their withdrawal to the league, keen support from the local community offered the club a second chance, as the formation of a new committee ensured the Star would survive for years to come!

CURRENT FORM

It’s been far from the campaign Seaham would’ve hoped. With just four games left, the Star teeter dangerously on the verge of relegation, but with time to claw in their nearest competitors.

Points are beginning to fall for Mark Collingwood’s side, with a draw at the Kevin Edward KGV Stadium and victory against Marske United, their latest triumphs.

For the Steelmen, last weekend brought a trip across the Pennines, where a brace from Mark Anderson broke the resolve of a spirited Penrith.

This afternoon’s trip to the Alexandra Steakhouse Stadium is the first of four remaining games. Newcastle Blue Star (away), Blyth Town (home) and Easington Colliery (away) await in the battle for the title.

FIXTURES

See our full fixture list.

PREVIOUS HISTORY

The name Seaham Red Star once shot fear through the heart of many Redcar supporters, fuelled by three bitter Emirates FA Cup games, and a brutal Isuzu FA Vase defeat.

During the tenure of both Gary Forster and Carl Jarrett, the Steelmen are undefeated against their once rivals, albeit held at the Alexandra Steakhouse Stadium this time last year.

At the B&D Interiors Stadium, goals from Oscar Fletcher, Joe Taylor and Bradley Fewster made for a rather convincing Friday evening.

TEAM NEWS

There’s no big news to report on the team news front – at least that we know off. Joe Taylor is back from injury, having made a brief appearance last Saturday.

Curtis Round is again expected to start from left back after the departure of Bryan Taylor.