Match Report: Redcar Athletic 1-0 Easington Colliery

Another wet afternoon at the Hollou Sports Stadium saw Redcar Athletic lift the JR Cleator Cup after a narrow victory over Easington Colliery.

JJ Bartliff took the plaudits for the winning goal, arriving at the back post to turn home Bradley Fewster’s low cross.

Easington gave a good account of themselves, and were perhaps unlucky to leave the Redcar seafront without the chance to alter their fate from the spot.

British summertime brought yet more torrential rain as the Northern League’s ceremonial opener came to the Hollou Sports Stadium, and with it a spirited Easington Colliery.

The visitors undoubtedly edged the first half of proceedings, though much like the Steelmen, produced little of note to show for it.

Josh Mazfari had to be on his toes to bail out a poor back pass from Danni Lay, whilst Louis Johnson prompted a fingertip stop from Keaton Marrs at the other end.

SEASON TICKETS

The Colliers appealed for a penalty when play resumed in somewhat better conditions. Denzel Tapping went to ground in the area, but the referee deemed there was little in it.

Brad Chisholm brought another save out of Josh Mazfari with a clever back heel, before Chay Liddle played sweeper to clear the danger when Liam Cooke looked to thread a pass through the centre.

Changes were afoot on the hour mark, as the introduction of Bradley Fewster tipped the scales in Redcar’s favour.

The forward set the ball on a plate for JJ Bartliff, who arrived at the back post to turn home his first goal for the club from close-range.

Despite swathes of offensive pressure, a second eluded the Steelmen in a much-improved final twenty minutes.

Danni Lay rose highest to nod Curtis Round’s cross into the grasp of Keaton Marrs. Louis Johnson repeated the play, and Round missed the target.

Oscar Fletcher fought to regain possession in the corner, weaving his way into the centre to have a crack at goal, only to find his path blocked by a sea of green shirts.

Redcar’s endeavour for an insurance goal soon turned to game management.

Carl Jarrett’s men saw out a professional three minutes of additional time to clinch the JR Cleator Cup, to no disgrace of a well-drilled Easington side.