Red Star battlers make life tough for Hartlepool United

Seaham Red Star gave Hartlepool United a scare before being pegged back in a 1-1 friendly draw at Seaham Town Park last night.
Lee Kerr (8) fires home Seaham Red Star's opener against Hartlepool United in last night's 1-1 friendly draw. Picture by Frank ReidLee Kerr (8) fires home Seaham Red Star's opener against Hartlepool United in last night's 1-1 friendly draw. Picture by Frank Reid
Lee Kerr (8) fires home Seaham Red Star's opener against Hartlepool United in last night's 1-1 friendly draw. Picture by Frank Reid

Ex-Sunderland reserve-team defender Scott Harrison staked his claim for a new contract with Pools as he bagged the equaliser against the Northern League Division One hosts.

Harrison seized on a loose ball inside the area on 74 minutes before firing into the roof of the net.

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Well-drilled Red Star had taken a 17th-minute lead when Lee Kerr was on hand to drill home from the edge of the area after the visitors struggled to clear a corner.

Home keeper Shaun Newbrook made good saves to deny Rhys Oates and Brad Walker, and survived a penalty when Oates fired high and wide after being fouled by Darryl Donnelly.

Pools assistant manager Curtis Fleming said: “Tonight wasn’t really about the result, it was about getting the lads’ fitness up. We had two split teams tonight playing 90 minutes as the season is coming up thick and fast and it’s important they get those minutes. We looked quite strong in the game.

“Seaham scored a really good goal and it probably took us 15 or 20 minutes to get into the game.

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“But after that I felt we controlled it and the only thing that let us down was that final pass and making the correct decision.”

Another Pools side stormed to a 6-0 victory at Guisborough Town, summer signing Lewis Alessandra firing a hat-trick, with Billy Paynter, Padraig Amond and Lewis Hawkins also on the scoresheet.

Whitley Bay thumped Alnwick Town 6-1, with Wearsider Jake Fowler scoring from the spot. Callum Patton converted two more penalties, with Andy Robertson, Alex Kempster and Kyle Fryatt also netting.

Trialists it three goals as South Shields won 4-1 at Crook Town, with David Foley also on target. Michael Sweet bagged four goals as Consett beat Wearside League Annfield Plain 10-3.

Malky Morien and Joe Mole netted as Dunston UTS drew 1-1 at home to Whickham, with £790 raised for the British Heart Foundation.