Seaham Red Star 1-1 Guisborough Town

Match Report

Guisborough Town Manager Steve Bell expressed his massive pride in his team after they came within minutes registering a famous win at Seaham Red Star on Saturday despite being down to 10 men for two thirds of the match.

The Priorymen lost full back Callum Martin on the half-hour when he was harshly red-carded following a challenge as the ball was rolling out of play.

There were animated screams and shouts from Seaham players and management, as one of their players writhed around on the pitch – which perhaps unduly influenced the referee who sent off the unlucky Martin.

Despite their one-man disadvantage, Guisborough proceeded to give as good as they got throughout the game and sensationally took the lead on 82 minutes with an absolutely fantastic solo goal from winger Jack Blackford

However, with an heroic victory almost within sight, Seaham equalised just three minutes from time to break the hearts of Guisborough players, management and fans alike – but as the final whistle sounded they were all full of pride for their brave players.

After the game, Guisborough Town Manager Steve Bell was bursting with pride at his players. “I am so proud of the lads today, particularly in the second half when they were absolutely brilliant.

“That said, I didn’t think we started the game particularly well and we were sloppy in possession throughout the first half.

“I thought Callum’s red card was harsh but I reluctantly have to say that by the letter of the law it was a red card. The referee was very particular about the incident involving Callum and by the way he continued to be particular about many other things throughout the game, which was frustrating.

‘ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT’

“But in the second half the lads were absolutely brilliant, making light of being a man down. We were very comfortable and definitely the better side overall.

“Jack Blackford’s goal was brilliant and I thought we’d clinched victory with that but unfortunately one mistake by us a few minutes from time cost us dearly and allowed Seaham to pinch a point. Despite the disappointment of that late equaliser, I was very, very pleased with our players.

“On a different matter, however, I regret to have to make mention of the Seaham management team’s behaviour throughout the game. I know I’m no angel myself at times because of my genuine passion about the game, but the way they conducted themselves today has, in my honest opinion, no place at our level of football,” added Steve.

After the match kicked off, Guisborough were the first to threaten in the fifth minute when midfielder Shabz Mohammed went close with an 18 yard strike.

WENT CLOSE

Shortly after that Guisborough’s Cole Kiernan went close when he got on the end of a Callum Martin cross but his effort was saved by the Seaham ‘keeper at the expense of a corner.

After that bright start by the Priorymen Seaham started to assert themselves and a free kick in a dangerous position on the edge of the Guisborough penalty area flashed past the far post.

Guisborough were coping well after the sending-off of Callum Martin and it was proving to be a fairly even game despite the imbalance in numbers the brave Priorymen were having to contend with.

Guisborough goalkeeper Robert Dean sprang to his side’s rescue with a brilliant save from Seaham’s Lennox after he latched on to a through-ball.

INDEBTED TO DEANO!

In the second half, Guisborough continued to more than hold their own despite their one-man disadvantage and they were indebted to ‘keeper Deano once again when he made yet another great save following a Seaham corner.

But on 82 minutes the Priorymen sensationally took the lead when Jack Blackford collected the ball on the left and shook off a Seaham defender’s efforts to take him out.

The referee played advantage and Blackford himself took full advantage to send in an unstoppable shot over the Seaham keeper’s head for 1-0 to the courageous Priorymen.

But just when it looked like the Priorymen would pull off a memorable victory, Seaham broke after winning a 50-50 challenge in the middle of the park and left back Daniel Sayer ran on to finish past Dean and it finished all square at 1-1.

Report: Bill Perfitt