It was a bittersweet final day for Y&E as we prevailed 2-1 winners over Billingham Town but results elsewhere meant that our 98 points were only good enough for a 2nd place finish. So playoffs it is and we will be welcoming Seaham Red Star next Saturday in the semi-finals. Focus is currently on our other semi-final in the Ernest Armstrong Cup where we face Ryton and Crawcrook Albion at home on Tuesday night.

Match report from Sam Robson

As for the final day then, you could tell confidence was high heading into the game as the lads all emerged with smiles ready to take on a Billingham side with a rowdy fan base behind them. The game got off to a bit of an edgy start, with both teams having chances go begging, not least of which a free Dan Jones header within the first 10 minutes which went high and wide. A well worked move from Billingham also resulted in a shot from range going wide before Yarm were forced into an early sub as Foz replaced Jack Dalton who picked up a knock. The deadlock was broken when Mr. Poacher Tom Atkinson was in the right place at the right time (no surprises) and latched onto a Dan Jones header off the bar to make it 1-0 to Y&E, and more importantly, put the title in the hands of the boys in blue as it stood. Marshy made it two not long after and the collective thought of “could we?” went around the ground as our second goalscorer displayed some impressive acrobatics to celebtrate.

However, just before half-time word got around that Redcar had gone in front away to Darlington and taken back the title. News which slightly popped the bubble for Y&E despite heading into the break two goals to the good.

We started the second half on the back foot, with Town assisted by the winds on their backs putting usunder pressure. The only real chance of the half for Y&E came as Tom rounded the keeper only to put the ball well over, missing the chance to put the game to bed.

Any hope that was still held by Y&E fans was quickly extinguisher after this as Redcar scored again just after the hour mark all but sealing the title for them. And to add insult to injury, Gary Mitchell scored for Billy Town to reduce the deficit and make a game which Yarm clearly weren’t in the mood for in the last 20 minutes of the game. It wasnt a classic, but we ended up taking the win, which was all we could do and hope that Redcar Town dropped points.

Nevertheless, we emerged victorious taking an incredible run of form (unbeaten since Boxing Day, winning 15 of our last 17 league games and drawing the other two) into our three remaining matches of the season. First in the Ernest Armstrong Cup on Tuesday, a 7:30 kick off for that one and we hope to see you there cheering on the lads to get our hands on some silverware.