Hallam FC return to home league action this weekend as they welcome league leaders Redcar Athletic to Sandygate.

The Countrymen come into the game having taken four points from their last two away league fixtures, beating Dunston 3-1 before following that up with a 0-0 draw at Dunston. Those results have extended Hallam’s unbeaten league run to eight matches.

Hallam will be seeking revenge after suffering a 4–1 defeat in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. On that occasion, Jamie Sharman opened the scoring for Hallam before goals from Adam Boyes and a Louis Johnson brace sealed the points for Redcar.

Hallam’s league record so far stands at seven wins, twelve draws and seven defeats, leaving them on 33 points from 26 matches. Despite sitting in mid-table, their unbeaten run highlights a side that has been difficult to beat in recent weeks.

Brodie Litchfield remains the club’s leading goalscorer with 12 goals, followed by Brandon Bradbury and Danny South on five apiece. Leon Howarth and Paulo Aguas have each contributed three goals this season.

Between the posts, Hugo Warhurst kept his fifth clean sheet in six matches during the 0–0 draw with Emley, with substitute goalkeeper Jake Oram returning to his parent club following his loan spell.

Charlie Stainland currently leads the way for appearances with 32, closely followed by Litchfield on 31. Manager Craig Denton praised his side’s effort and resilience after recent performances against Emley and Dunston, at the start of a challenging run that sees two of their next three fixtures come against the league’s top two.

Hallam will be without Adam Blakeley, who has been unavailable due to injury and work commitments, while Callum Ward marked his 100th substitute appearance for the club in the win at Dunston.

Visitors Redcar Athletic arrive in South Yorkshire sitting top of the Northern Premier League Division One East and in strong form. The Steelmen have taken 12 points from their last four league games, recording victories over Bridlington Town, Blyth Town, Garforth Town and most recently Silsden.

The Steelmen are managed by Carl Jarrett, who was appointed in January 2024, replacing Gary Forster. Jarrett guided Redcar to promotion from the Northern League last season, finishing as champions with 94 points, scoring 110 goals and conceding just 24.

That momentum has carried into this campaign, with Redcar currently sitting on 62 points and having scored an impressive 88 goals in the league. The goals have been shared across the squad, with Adam Boyes leading the way on 23, followed by Bradley Fewster on 21, and Oscar Fletcher on 14.

Litchfield could prove pivotal and may find himself tested by Redcar’s rotating centre back options, including Nathan Mulligan, Brad Mulhearn, Callum Smith and Joe Ferguson.

At the other end, Hallam’s defence will need to stay alert against Redcar’s attacking threats, with Boyes, Fewster and Fletcher supported by Adam Johnson, who adds pace and creativity in the final third.

The stage is set at Sandygate. Can the Countrymen extend their unbeaten run to nine matches in front of the Hallam faithful, or will the league leaders continue their charge and take another significant step towards the title?

Match Preview – Max Burgar-Briggs

Photo Credits – Ian Manewell