Redcar CF 3 - 3 Doxford Athletic FC

It felt like Christmas Day for the lads, having put a lot of graft throughout recent training sessions, the first game of preseason arrived. The opposition travelled a fair distance from Sunderland, in order to test themselves against a much improved Redcar CF side.

Redcar set out with an almost unchanged team from the last game of the season previous. Despite Redcar looking the more threatening team, this Christmas present soon turned out to be a lump of coal.

Doxford Athletic took the lead through their dangerous right side. A rash clearance from Andrew ‘Guyer’ Fox when unopposed found the Doxford midfielder who played a long direct ball over the top of the defence and their forward finished beyond the onrushing Callum Jones, who stood no chance.

Following the restart Redcar found themselves on top again but were finding it difficult to create clear chances. Matty Earl had a long range effort clip the outside of the post, along with an attempted cut pack for the man in the world’s tightest shorts, Owen Darbyshire. Unfortunately for Redcar he couldn’t convert and the score remained 1-0.

Lightning then struck for a second time. Doxford springing a direct counterattack again, finished cooly after a delightful pass cut through the Redcar defenders. Redcar had to lift themselves again as frustration grew throughout the team, having been largely played the better football during the first 30 minutes.

Following a change of formation with James Earl dropping deeper to support his midfield, he picked up a loose touch from Darbyshire and deposited the ball into the bottom corner to make it 2-1. There was no further action of note before the ref called half time.

Wholesale changes for Redcar to allow everyone to get minutes during preseason. Optimism had grew on the sidelines as Joe Brown, signed from last season’s league champions joined Jack Johnston in midfield.

Things looked positive immediately as Redcar restored parity without Doxford touching the ball. The returning Matty Welham receiving the ball, nutmegging his opponent with his pass to Johnston. He then played a glorious in-swinging ball over the defence to Captain, Jordan Dandy who volleyed his cross expertly on to the head of the diving Welham who headed home.

It was closer to something you would have seen on ‘Premier League Years’ rather than Sunday League.

Another goal to the same standard nearly followed immediately after. Brown and Johnston combining brilliantly in midfield, but unfortunately for the latter, his curling shot could only find the post before bouncing to safety.

Redcar created a number of chances over the next period of the game but were wasteful in front of goal. This was until Player-Manager Jonathan McNaughton swivelled expertly to find the far corner to make it 3-2, and the turnaround complete.

This was soon to be short lived as Doxford hit back soon after. Following a heavy foul in the midfield, the set piece found an unmarked attacker who finished comprehensively past Jones to equalise. There were very, very strong shouts of offside by the home team but they were waved away by the referee.

Both teams then exchanged attacks with Doxford looking for more direct counter-attacks, but in the end the game ended 3-3. A hard-fought game, but the distinctly different reactions from the players of both teams showed who was happier with their display.

A lot to ponder for the Redcar management going into next week’s friendly against The Fox Inn.

Best of luck to Doxford Athletic FC for the upcoming season and we thank you for travelling. Hope to see you again next year..