Match Preview: Redcar Town (a)

Red meets blue once more in the next iteration of Redcar’s brewing rivalry.

Redcar Athletic continue their pre-season campaign against their neighbours and rivals, as ‘El Pacitto’ returns to Town’s Vibrant Doors Stadium.

A clash with only one competitive bout, the two sides of Redcar harbour a fierce, but amicable rivalry over the ownership of the town.

Isaac Walker buries a stoppage time spot kick against Redcar Town. (Photo: Trevor Wilkinson)

Aptly dubbed the ‘Lemon Top derby,’ or ‘El Pacitto,’ the Redcar derby pits two progressive, but most importantly ambitious, clubs against each other, and is always a worthy occasion.

Whilst minutes in the tank is certainly still both clubs’ priority, bragging rights are on the line, and this won’t have escaped the attention of either camp.

For Athletic, this provides an opportunity for revenge, as the last encounter ended rather unfavourably, whereas Town would see victory as a statement of intent ahead of a tough campaign.

Here’s all the details you’ll need, if you’re thinking of coming to cheer on the boys in red and navy…

WHO ARE YA?

Another new addition to the senior game, Redcar Town’s first team was formed in 2014, where they featured in the second division of the Teesside League.

The Blues made light work of climbing the footballing pyramid, picking up a catalogue of silverware on their charge up to the Northern League, which they reached in 2021.

Town regularly challenge at the top of Division Two, finishing their last campaign with a respectable 7th place finish.

LAST TIME

Whilst not a match any on the red side of the town will want to relive, the last meeting between the two clubs was their first competitive encounter, and a big occasion for the area.

The Steelmen celebrate Ben Dale’s headed equaliser. (Photo: Trevor Wilkinson)

The contest garnered lots of media attention, and drew a large crowd to the Vibrant Doors Stadium on a wet Tuesday evening in November.

Town took the initiative in the tie, leading at the break through an early goal from Curtis Howes, before York City loanee Ben Dale levelled the affair with a towering header.

A late goalmouth scramble had the Blues believing they’d snatched the win, but Isaac Walker’s stoppage time penalty forced the contest into extra-time.

Eventually, a shootout decided the fate of progression, and after missed conversions from Jack Norton and Matty Garbutt, Town stole the glory on the night.

TEAM NEWS

With the Northern League season growing ever-closer, Forster will be relieved to have almost a full squad at his disposal.

Whilst new man Joe Ferguson remains in absence, Isaac Walker has returned from holiday, clocking vital minutes on Wednesday night, as the reserves faced Norton and Stockton Ancients.

The winger is likely to link up with the first team for this afternoon’s encounter, which will be his first appearance for the Steelmen since the last time the two clubs met.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Redcar Town play at the Vibrant Doors Stadium, which is just passed the community fire station on the Trunk Road.

Fans willing to follow the Steelmen in this afternoon’s derby should use the postcode TS10 5BW.

Admission will be £4 for adults, and £2 for concessions. Town will also offer a programme, which will cost £2.