Season finale brings HAT-TRICK of senior debuts

Three Reserves stars made senior debuts in Thursday’s defeat to Bishop Auckland.

Redcar Athletic signed off from the 2023-24 season with a disappointing defeat, but a hat-trick of senior debuts made for a welcome silver-lining.

David Bradley, Josh Bennison and Charlie Spenceley all entered play in the second half against league champions Bishop Auckland, the first minutes of senior football in their blooming careers.

The first team squad decimated by injury, the trio made the step up from both the Reserves, and the Under-23s, to bring depth from the bench.

Under-23s star David Bradley was first into the fray, leading the line for over 35 minutes in the absence of an injured Adam Boyes.

Reserves’ captain Josh Bennison was quick to follow suit, Charlie Spenceley finally reaping his first minutes in the senior squad after a number call ups to the bench.

On gifting senior debuts to the young trio, First Team boss Carl Jarrett admitted it was something he was keen to do more often, praising both their efforts and commitment.

“I’m over the moon to have gotten the lads on the bench.” Jarrett proclaimed.

“I’ve been trying for the past few weeks. Sometimes you can ask, and people don’t get back in touch, and things like that.

“The lads that came on, I’ve thanked them all. I think Charlie has been in the squad three or four times now.

“It was great to get them minutes. Good to see them play against the champions as well. They’ve really enjoyed themselves, and I can’t thank them enough.

“I wish we could do it more often, and have a squad where we can have teams in the rounders, like the Reserves and the Under-23s.

“It’s nothing that we haven’t looked at. It’s just having that player that stands out and does really well when they step up.”