Red Team Dominate Scarlet United In 3-0 Cup Victory At Flamingo Land

Red Team travelled to Flamingo Land Stadium in Scarborough on 4 January 2026 for a 7:15pm kick-off in a nine-a-side cup away match against Scarlet United. The match ended in a comprehensive 3-0 victory for Red Team, who asserted their dominance throughout the 90 minutes plus injury time under referee Dave Lee’s supervision. The attendance was a staggering 135,700, creating an electric atmosphere for this cup tie.

Red Team lined up in a 3-1-2-2 formation, deploying three defenders at the back with a single central midfielder shielding the defence. Ryan Gibb took his place in goal, while the defensive trio consisted of Arty Austin on the right, Rob Denise centrally, and Harvey Smoo on the left. Mel Seam operated as the lone central midfielder tasked with linking defence and attack. Ahead of him, Danny Gate occupied the right attacking midfield role, with Todd Patterson on the left. The forward line featured Jeff Basel on the right and Daniel Dash on the left, both expected to spearhead the attack and convert chances. On the bench, Bob Larry was named as the sole substitute available.

The match burst into life almost immediately when Scarlet United were reduced to eight men in the second minute after a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. This early numerical advantage set the tone for Red Team’s domination. Mel Seam stepped up to take the penalty but was denied by a fine save, missing a golden chance to open the scoring.

Despite the early setback, Scarlet United remained competitive, but Red Team’s defensive solidity was evident. Harvey Smoo committed a foul with a push in the 16th minute. Six minutes later, Daniel Dash broke the deadlock with a stunning long-range strike from outside the box, expertly assisted by Mel Seam’s short pass. The left forward’s left-footed effort gave Red Team the lead and settled their nerves.

Arty Austin showed his defensive mettle with a headed clearance in the 24th minute, though it did not prevent a chance. Mel Seam continued to threaten, forcing a save from the opposition goalkeeper in the 36th minute. However, persistent infringements from Austin earned him a yellow card on 42 minutes, adding a note of caution to his defensive duties.

The first half concluded with Red Team holding a slender 1-0 lead, but the second half saw tactical adjustments. At 56 minutes, Bob Larry replaced Mel Seam in midfield, a move designed to inject fresh energy and creativity. Larry quickly made an impact, testing the goalkeeper with a saved attempt at 63 minutes. Jeff Basel also contributed with a long key pass that created a clear chance, demonstrating the fluidity of Red Team’s attacking play.

The pressure paid off in the 70th minute when Bob Larry scored his first goal for the team inside the box, cleverly finishing with his left foot following a back-heel assist from Daniel Dash. This goal doubled Red Team’s advantage and further demoralised Scarlet United.

Harvey Smoo experienced a moment of misjudgement at 75 minutes but recovered well to clear a dangerous chance at 81 minutes, showcasing his defensive resilience. Danny Gate came close to extending the lead further when his shot hit the crossbar in the 79th minute, a reminder of Red Team’s relentless attacking threat.

The final goal came late in the game at 89 minutes, with Todd Patterson rising to meet a precise cross from Danny Gate and delivering a diving header past the goalkeeper. This headed goal sealed a commanding 3-0 victory for Red Team.

In injury time, Bob Larry nearly added a fourth, hitting the post in the 97th minute, but the scoreline remained unchanged. The match was a comprehensive display of tactical discipline, attacking prowess, and defensive solidity from Red Team.

Daniel Dash and Bob Larry were deservedly named players of the match for their crucial goals and overall influence on the game. Red Team’s victory at Flamingo Land Stadium sends a strong message as they progress further in the cup competition.