The Y&E started 2026 with an impressive 3-0 win away at Seaham Red Star. A goal after 25 seconds for Tom Atkinson, was followed up by a Dan Jones header on 27 minutes, before Atkinson wrapped up the scoring on 84 minutes. The win sees the Y&E move up to 3rd place in Ebac Northern League Division 2.

There was a good number of the Y&E faithful who had made the journey up the A19 to the Alexandra Steakhouse Stadium in Seaham. Starved of any Y&E action since the disappointing defeat against Darlington Town on Boxing Day, the support was hoping for a much improved display.

Jacko was able to name a strong squad, with experienced central defender Dan Jones making his first appearance since Tow Law at home back in November. Joe Dalton was suspended, Hillers still recovering from his injury picked up on Boxing Day. HST was back from suspension and Callum was back in goal.

We lined up with Callum in goal, Jack Dalton rolling back the years in his favoured right wing back role, Sam Conway on the left with Leo, Proc and Dan Jones in the centre of defence. Midfield central two of Marshy and HST with Josh Larkin (now JL11) and Harry Williams playing off Tom upfront. An experienced bench with Foz Garton, Ste Roberts, Charlie Fixter, Cam Wild and Ethan Jones.

We got off to a perfect start, a ball up from the back, Marshy battling for it and he was fouled, ref plays on and it breaks to Tom who scores. All this within 25seconds of kick off. The home side were a little frustrated with it not being deemed offside and brought back for the foul. I was at the far side so it was difficult to see, but those closer confirmed we had maybe got away with one. Over the season they even out, some you win on, some you lose on.

After the rapid start, we kept it solid at the back.  The hosts having most of the early possession, but we were able to deal with anything that they tried up front. If they did manage to get passed the first man, there was invariably someone there to cover.  Jonesy, Leo and Proc in the central of defence were laying well. The ref was calling a few fouls, Marshy in particular on the end of a few late challenges from Red Star, much to the annoyance of the home side.  Chances were few and far between, but Harry W did have a decent effort form distance saved on 20 mins. 

Five minutes later Marshy was fouled on the half way line.  HST with the free kick as the Proc and Jonesy went up to Seaham Box, the ball cleared, only as for as HST who passed it up to Marshy, the ball hit towards the far corner by the Seaham Defence, looked like it was going for a corner, but Marshy won a ball he had no right to win, before crossing over, where Dan Jones engaged his goal scoring mode, before a diving header in at the near post.  2-0.  Get in.  

There was a few bookings, I’ll be honest I lost count through the game, we remained comfortable at the back for the remainder of the first half, we had a few more half chances, with Jonesy hitting the bar from a header after a set piece.  At half time, we were two up and looking comfortable overall.  

Into the sound half, we came out unchanged but after 2 minutes, Leo was subbed for Ethan Jones.  Presumably a slight injury for Leo.  The second half started largely the same as the first, we were comfortable and Seaham were frustrated with some of the decisions.  Their frustration rose even further on 55 mins when Marshy was fouled and was then pushed over.  The ref bought out his red card and McKellan Lines was given his marching orders.  We made another sub, with Foz on at right back for Jack Dalton.  We were working hard and keeping the intensity up.  We nearly had another on 64, a Harry W cross headed down by Marshy but Tom couldn’t get the finish away in the six yard box. 

A minute or so later a Tom and Marshy linked up again, but Tom’s shot went wide.  Larkin was replaced by Charlie Fixter.  I was convinced we were going to score on 68 mins, the ball through to Tom, beats the offside trap, clear through but the ref blows up, as Foz and the Seaham 9 Shodeindie appeared to be in an altercation, I’m not sure what happened, but Y&E free kick and Tom’s chance of a second goal cancelled.  In to the last quarter of an hour and  the Seaham 15 was sin binned for throwing the ball down in disgust at a ref’s decision.  The hosts down to 9 men now,  Harry W was replaced by Ste Roberts and there was a few more bookings for both teams.  We made it 3-0 on 84 mins, an inch perfect slide rule pass from HST found Tom, some lovely footwork from our number 9 and boom in to teh near post for his second of the game.  3-0 and that is how it finished.  A later sub saw Cam on for Tom.  An important win keeping us right in the playoff mix at the top of the league.

Seaham are a good team and are deservedly up in the play off places. The early goal and a few decisions going against them seemed to get under their skin and alongside an impressive Y&E display, they never really got a full foothold on the game.  They’ll be there or thereabouts come the end if the season.  It’s of my favourite  grounds in the Northern League, really good clubhouse and good welcome from everyone at the club.  Good luck to them for teh rest of the campaign.

As for the Y&E,  a brilliant defensive display, back upped with work rate across the pitch and some clinical finishing.  A clean sheet and three goals away from home is always enjoyable!  Callum did what he needed to do well, never in any trouble and was directing the team from the back.  Jack Dalton and Sam Conway defended well and also were dangerous in attack.  The central defensive three were superb, Jonesy and Proc read the game so well, Leo and Ethan alongside them were quality as well.  In midfield HST didn’t stop and controlled the middle of the park, Marshy covered every blade of grass, the second goal was a result of his never give up attitude winning a ball he should have had no chance to win, he was given man of the match. Harry W and Josh Larkin – again worked so hard, posed a threat as well.  Tom – what can you say really?  Another two goals, his footwork for his second was a delight.  Clinical.  All the subs contributed when they came on.  A real team display, setting the standard for the remainder of 2026.