The pride of Redcar enters new territory

By Mark Carruthers

Two ambitious football clubs, one proud Teesside town and a blossoming love affair with the greatest cup competition in the world.

Economically, times have been tough for Redcar as the steel industry on which the town was built upon has suffered hard times and decline.

Yet in recent seasons, the club’s two football clubs have put smiles on the faces – and both will play their part in a truly historic day in the FA Cup next Saturday.

Northern League club Redcar Town, playing in the competition for the first time, will host National League North side Darlington in a tie that has captured the attention of BBC Sport and will be streamed live as a lunchtime kick-off.

For a club who were competing in the North Riding Senior League as recently as 2022, to be going head-to-head with a former EFL club managed by an ex-Premier League star in Steve Watson is a truly historic moment.

“This is only our fifth season in the Northern League and now we are in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup and facing Darlington,” explained joint-manager Mitchell Morris. “We didn’t really expect to beat Bridlington or Blyth Spartans and now we want to try and knock Darlington out if we can.

“Steve Watson had an unbelievable career with the likes of Newcastle and Everton and it’s just surreal that we will be going up against their side. It will be a tough day for us but one we will enjoy.

“We want to prove a point, there’s no pressure, we are expected to get beat and we have to stick together and have a real go.”

On the same afternoon, just over two-and-a-half miles away, neighbours Redcar Athletic, who have risen from the Step 7 Wearside League to NPL Premier at Step 3 inside seven years, will host FA Cup history makers Macclesfield.

Just under eight months since famously knocking out holders Crystal Palace – the Silk-men get underway again at the Steelmen’s Green Lane home.

Carl Jarrett’s side romped to the NPL East title last season with 105 points – and the momentum has spilled into the current campaign. Ahead of yesterday’s visit of Leek Town, the Steelmen were unbeaten in their first eight games of a historic first season in Step 3 and experienced player-coach Kevin Burgess insists his side hold no fear for Macc next weekend. “We’re the only unbeaten team in the league, but we’re not surprised. I’ve played under Carl for seven years and we’ve set out what we want to achieve.

“It’s about promotion, it’s about winning the league and if you can’t, it’s about the play-offs. We have players that have played higher levels, they know the level and they have been scouted for a reason and putting together a good mixture of young players and experience.

“That will be needed against Macclesfield. They are second in their division, favourites to go up, they beat Palace last year, a massive club, before getting knocked out by Brentford.

“To get them is a massive draw for the club, we are hoping we get a big crowd and I am sure the fans are on cloud nine at the moment.”