Seaham Red Star boost thanks to Sunderland Under-23 clash

The Black Cats were heavy favourites to progress in the final against the Northern League Division One side and they did that as they set up a meeting with Spennymoor Town with a 4-2 win at the Ferguson Motor Repairs Stadium.

But Red Star side provided a stern test throughout a difficult 90 minutes for Elliott Dickman’s side.

Collingwood’s side gave a good account of themselves in front of a season-high crowd of 517 as the likes of striker Dan Wilson, David Robinson and Paul Gardiner all impressed against the Black Cats youngsters.

The Red Star boss believes that his players provided a performance to make the town proud and he is hopeful that they will have encouraged a few Black Cats supporters to make another visit to Seaham throughout the rest of the season.

He told The Echo: “It was great to see the place full and it’s been a while since it has been.

“The atmosphere was electric.

“We wanted to have a go at Sunderland, and we wanted to attack them, rather than sitting back and defending.

“We need people to come and watch us, any non-league club needs that and it’s up to us to get bums on seats,” he added.

Red Star will return to action on Saturday when they host promotion chasing Shildon.