Northern League: Mixed emotions as Seaham Red Star land play-off spot
Seaham Red Star officially claimed a Northern League Division Two play-off place on Saturday.
There were mixed emotions for Seaham Red Star as they officially secured a Northern League Division Two play-off spot - despite enduring a struggle during their home win against Grangetown Boys Club.
The visitors produced an eye-catching display and took the lead ten minutes before half-time when Ben Urwin beat Red Star keeper Shaun Newbrook. However, an own goal seven minutes from time that came moments after Newbrook had saved a penalty got Red Star back into the game and they landed all three points thanks to a Lewis Stanley winner four minutes from time.
The win means Mark Collingwood’s side can finish the season no lower than fifth place in the table and they will now focus their attention on overhauling third placed Jarrow to land a home tie in the semi-finals.
Speaking after the game, Red Star assistant manager Michael Johnson told The Echo: “It was a bit of a get out of jail card for us to be honest because we struggled to move the ball, we struggled to get forwards and it was a real struggle. We had a little bit of luck to get the equaliser with the own goal and then there was only really one winner after that. We have been poor but we have come away with a win and secured our place in the play-offs and that was one of the objections we had set so we are delighted.
“Shaun Newbrook was fantastic saving the penalty and making some other big saves and credit to Grangetown because they came here without pressure and performed really well. But we have the three points and that is all that matters. We have to be happy with that and we will now focus on the play-offs and trying to finish the season as high as possible.”
Results
Friday - Billingham Synthonia 2-1 Prudhoe YC Saturday - Alnwick Town 3-1 Darlington Town, Billingham Town 1-0 Park View, Boldon CA 0-1 Chester-le-Street Town, Esh Winning 0-1 AFC Newbiggin, Newcastle University 1-2 Yarm and Eaglescliffe, Redcar Town 2-1 Jarrow, Ryton and Crawcrook Albion 8-1 Durham United, Seaham Red Star 2-1 Grangetown Boys Club, Sunderland RCA 0-0 Tow Law Town, Sunderland West End 1-3 FC Hartlepool
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