Birtley Town vs Seaham Red Star

Recap

Birtley Town brought their 24/25 campaign to an end with a 3-1 victory against Seaham Red Star. 

With Seaham needing to win to the stay in the division the game at The Arrowmark was the most important tie on the final day of fixtures in the Northern League. The Hoops, with a number of 1st team players unavailable took to the field with just three available substitutes. There was a full debut for midfielder Jake Douglass and he was one of five players from Birtley in the starting eleven.

Callum Turnbull had the first opportunity as he met a long Sam Hedley throw-in. Kallum Beattie had Seaham’s first effort as his low drive went underneath the Birtley wall but was saved by Alfie Gordon. Kyle Wharton, playing in an unfamiliar forward role was creating problems alongside strike partner Matthew Ward. 

It took 28 minutes for the game to really spark into life. Seaham keeper Shaun Newbrook tried to dribble around the pressing Matthew Ward and lost possession of the ball. With Ward just about to slot the ball into an empty net, Newbrook had no other choice but to pull Ward down for a penalty. After announcing his retirement last weekend, Calum Turnbull stepped up on his final Birtley appearance and slotted home to make it 1-0. 

Newbrook made amends for his earlier error when he produced a miraculous save to deny Sam Hedley. Hedley looked to have doubled Birtley’s lead but Newbrook was able to tip his header onto the bar. Seaham then had their best opportunity of the half as Weirs looked destined to get his shot off but Jake Douglass was able to avert the danger.

HALF TIME | Birtley Town 1-0 Seaham Red Star

The second half started in a laboured fashion with neither side creating any meaningful chances. With Seaham needing to win the game they made a series of changes as they look to spark a fight back. The visitors played a fantastic bit of football before Alfie Gordon made a comfortable save on 74 minutes. Seaham at this point were starting to throw players forward as they looked for an invaluable equaliser. This left gaps that Birtley were looking to exploit and Matty Ward dragged an effort just wide on 75 minutes. Birtley doubled their lead just minutes later. Jake Douglass lofted a ball over the top and Matty Ward trapped it beautifully. Ward was able to spin onto his weaker right foot before dispatching a sublime finish into the top corner. 

Seaham were handed a lifeline as they were awarded a penalty on 86 minutes after Sam Hedley was deemed to have fouled a player in the box. Joe Hailes scored from the spot as Birtley entered a tense five minutes with Whickham and West Allotment supporters no doubt watching for live updates. Seaham pressed for an equaliser but, in injury time, Matty Ward raced clear of the defence before he squared to Reece Harrison who scored to secure all three points for Birtley.  

FULL TIME | Birtley Town 3-1 Seaham Red Star

The win meant that Birtley finished the season in 16th position. Defeat for Seaham meant that they were relegated with Whickham and West Allotment Celtic retaining their places in Northern League Division One. 

Player of the Match – Callum Turnbull.
An outstanding display from the Birtley defender who finished his career with a goal, three points and a player of the match award. Callum was captain of the side for the day as he entered the field with his daughter and nephew. The lads paid tribute to Callum with a guard of honour at the end of the game. Finishing his Birtley career with 126 appearances while scoring 13 goals . CT will forever remain in the club’s history books as the player to score the winning penalty in our play-off win over Billingham Town. A top player and a top lad. Enjoy your retirement!

Attendance – 282. Birtley Town Juniors presented their under 15’s and 17’s who have both won their respective divisions.

H2H vs Seaham Red Star (at Birtley)
P8 W5 D0 L3 GF19 GA18 Pts 12/21