The ten men of Redcar Athletic ushered in the competitive season with a hard-fought Emirates FA Cup win over North Ferriby at the Hollou Sports Stadium.
Oscar Fletcher opened the scoring – turning home a long ball from JJ Bartliff – before Bradley Fewster netted from the spot.
Louis Johnson was shown a straight red card on the hour mark for an altercation in the box.
It was a trademark quick start from the Steelmen in the Redcar sunshine.
JJ Bartliff picked out Oscar Fletcher with a long ball over the top, and the midfielder kept his composure to beat Ben Bottomley from close range.
North Ferriby found success on the break as they sought to level the affair. Sam Aynsley nodded high of the target, whilst Bartliff was needed to scramble an effort off the line.
A smart move down the right saw Louis Kirk strike the side netting, his pass to Myron Gibbons soon prompting a diving stop from Josh Mazfari.
Ben Bottomley had an equally spectacular save to make when Oscar Fletcher took aim from deep in the midfield.
The shot-stopper sprawled to his left to tip the strike past the far post, reacting quickly to twice deny Adam Boyes when the forward lead a quick breakway.
In perhaps the decisive moment of the afternoon, the referee awarded a spot kick to the Steelmen after an alleged handball in the area.
Bradley Fewster made no mistake from the spot – to North Ferriby’s disdain – prompting unsavoury scenes and a booking apiece for Ben Bottomley and Louis Johnson.
That discontent continued into the second half, and it came as no surprise when the referee brandished the red card.
Louis Johnson was given his marching orders after an altercation in the box, alleged to have thrust his elbow deliberately in the direction of an opponent.
At a man disadvantage, the Steelmen fought tooth-and-nail to make it to the end unscathed.
Kevin Burgess made a last-ditch challenge to deter to run of Louis Kirk, whilst Josh Thacker lifted perhaps North Ferriby’s best effort onto the roof of the net.
Redcar had one last chance to add to the tally. Adam Boyes held the ball up to his usual success, and only a well-timed block denied Joe Taylor from close-range.
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