Redcar Athletic’s pre-season preparations came to a close with an entertaining six-goal draw against Whitby Town at the Towbar Express Stadium.
The Steelmen started by far the brighter, leading by two at the break through a Louis Johnson double and a gift for Adam Boyes.
A tactical shift for the second period bore little fruit, and goals from Layton Watts and Micheal Woods restored parity come the hour.
It was a still afternoon at the Towbar Express Stadium, and Redcar wasted no time in taking the game to higher level opposition.
Bradley Fewster tested the grasp of young-stopper Joel Neale inside sixteen seconds, his following attempt turned home on the rebound by the dangerous Louis Johnson.
The forward had his brace in no time at all. Oscar Fletcher pulled the ball back across the box, and Johnson – in his stride – picked out the bottom corner.
Work wasn’t limited for Josh Mazfari at the other end. The shot-stopper stooped to ground to fend away Layton Watts, but was soon beaten on the rebound by a trialist.
Whitby’s shred of hope lasted but six minutes. A poor back pass sold Joel Neale somewhat short, and Adam Boyes reacted the quickest to find the bottom corner.
For all Redcar’s first half play was impressive, the restart bore little fruit in attack, and brought with it a number of unforced defensive errors.
A trialist stole the ball from the feet of Josh Mazfari, squaring to Layton Watts for a simple finish. Micheal Woods arrived in the area to restore parity moments later.
Louis Johnson still looked the most likely outlet for the Steelmen. He had eyes for a hat-trick when he curled an effort wide of the far post, barrelling an effort over the bar on a blistering breakaway.
Danni Lay mirrored his effort to the delight of the travelling Redcar faithful, as Mitchell Parkinson came off the bench to nod JJ Bartliff’s corner over the bar.
The Seasiders found more in the way of attacking success as the clock ticked down. Mazfari had to be on his toes to deny a trialist, as Layton Watts again fired wide.
A double block between Mazfari and Parkinson kept James Harrison and a trialist at bay, whilst Adam Boyes had one last chance of his own, firing wide in his trademark one-on-one.
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Match Report: Whitby Town 3-3 Redcar Athletic
Our report as the Steelmen draw in the Whitby sunshine at the Towbar Express Stadium.
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