Match Preview: Whitby Town (h)

The Steelmen face the Seasiders in Green Lane homecoming.

Football returns to the hallowed turf at Green Lane, as Redcar Athletic welcome Northern Premier League outfit, Whitby Town.

The Seasiders will be Redcar’s second pre-season opponents, following a successful run out against Billingham Synthonia last Tuesday evening.

Tonight will offer the home crowd a first look at Gary Forster’s squad ahead of the 2023/24 season, with some of the new additions expected to make an appearance.

Gary Forster deep in conversation with assistant manager, Dave Onions. (Photo: Trevor Wilkinson)

The boss admitted he expects a stern challenge this evening, but was keen to stress that with new legs on board, game time is still the priority.

“Today’s test is a tough one, Whitby have a very good side at their level and should be one of our hardest games of the season.

“This is about getting minutes in the legs and getting us up to speed for the first game of the season.”

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of tonight’s clash at Green Lane…

WHO ARE YA?

Formed in 1880, Whitby Town are one of the oldest clubs still competing in the North Riding of Yorkshire.

Their history is one of regular semi-professional football, with a number of flirts with higher success under the belt.

The Seasiders’ boast a prestigious honour, as a 3-0 victory over North Ferriby United at Wembley saw them clinch the FA Vase in 1997.

Now, Whitby compete in the Northern Premier League, two divisions above the Steelmen, where they narrowly avoided the drop in their last campaign.

CURRENT FORM

With both teams early in their pre-season preparations, results are hardly at the forefront of their attentions.

Regardless, Redcar come into the clash following a win on the road, as goals from Layton Watts and a trialist sealed victory from behind against Billingham Synthonia.

The Seasiders fared differently in their opening match, losing by a lone goal to Beverley Town, but have since recovered with a resounding 8-0 thumping of Whitby Fishermen’s Society.

TEAM NEWS

Tonight will offer fans the first look at many of the new additions ahead of the new campaign.

Unfortunately, injury looks to have side-lined Joe Ferguson, whilst young forward James Sayer is likely to miss out too.

Isaac Walker is also unavailable, due to holiday.

Fans may notice some new faces amongst the sea of Red and Navy this evening, as a number of newly registered players will possibly make an appearance.

BY THE SEA

Redcar Athletic are delighted to announce their new matchday programme, By the Sea, of which a reduced version will debut this evening.

You can pick up your copy for just £1 at the turnstile, and around the ground.