Nine minute frenzy sees Star thrashed on Teesside

Three goals in nine first-half minutes saw Seaham Red Star succumb to an emphatic 4-1 defeat at the hands of Thornaby in their final game of 2021.

Goals from Adam Burnicle, Craig Huchinson and an Elliot Beddow penalty saw Thornaby take a comfortable 3-0 half time lead, before substitute Luke Hogan made it four with 25 minutes left to play.

Adam Lennox did pull a goal back with 15 minutes to go, but it was nothing more than a consolation as the visitors were comfortably beaten in Teesside.

Star boss Mark Collingwood gave a return to action for Lennox following a spell on the sidelines with an injury, replacing on-loan Blyth Spartans striker Jamie Clark.

Thornaby started the game the better team and almost took the lead on nine minutes as Beddow was played through on goal, only to see his effort saved by Andrew Jennison.

But Thornaby were not to be denied for long as Beddow slotted Burnicle through one-on-one, who proceeds to slot the ball through Jennison legs for a 18th minute lead.

Straight from kick-off, Star gave the ball away in their own half and Beddow sprinted into the box before being taken down for a penalty, which he converted in the bottom corner for a two-goal cushion.

It was 3-0 seven minutes later, as a loose, floating ball was volleyed home superbly by Huchinson over a helpless Jennison to finish the game off as a contest at half-time.

Star came out the stronger in the second half, as they had two penalty appeals turned down by referee Steven Lawson for a challenge on Lennox and a handball respectively.

But Thornaby made Star’s day worse just past the hour mark, as a quick passing move saw the ball land at the foot of Hogan, who smashed home for a 4-0 lead.

Star did pull a goal back, as Lennox was played in behind and proceeded to produce a beautiful dink over Joshua Mazfari to give Seaham a consolation goal.

Thornaby did have the opportunities to score more goals, including hitting the crossbar, but couldn’t add to their advantage, as the game was cut short with seconds remaining due to a power cut.