Adam Lennox’s 87^th minute penalty secured Star a frantic 2-1 away victory at local rivals Ryhope CW.

Seaham fell behind to a Danni Lay strike in the 17^th minute, as Star wasted countless opportunities.

But Star upped a gear in the second half, with Danny Sayer pouncing to equalise in the 65^th minute before Lennox’s late winner.

Seaham made one change with Thomas Bott returning from suspension to replace Liam Hodgson.

As early as the second minute referee Mr Hopper had a big decision to make, Adam Lennox burst through the park and as he was about to shoot he has fouled by Ryhope skipper Ben Riding. The referee awarded a free kick to Seaham just outside the area but took no further action with the offending defender.

Despite dominating the early stages, Star found themselves behind on 18 minutes as Lay pounced upon a loose ball which Star failed to clear, before chipping Andrew Jennison.

Seaham continued to control the ball but without creating much in the final third. As half time approached the Star had their best chance when Mark Robinson raced away from his marker but was caught in two mind as to pass to strike partner Lennox or shoot at goal, in the end he did neither and the ball ran out of play.

After a first half with very little chances, Jennison pulled off two superb saves at the start of the second half to keep Star in the contest.

Star gained momentum from then on and found an equaliser soon after, as a mix up in the Ryhope penalty area saw the ball fall to the foot of Sayer, who smashed the ball in off the crossbar to equalise.

Star were almost gifted the lead two minutes later, as a ball in was deflected onto the head of Sayer, whose effort was saved by James Winter.

It looked like the game was heading for a draw, until the referee pointed to the spot as Lennox was pushed in the box in the last five minutes.

Lennox picked himself up to smash the ball in off the crossbar to give Star a late lead, a lead which they would see out comfortably for a deserved win.

Red Star Team : Jennison, Baggs, Weldon, Heywood, Nelson, Patterson, McLeod, Bott, Lennox (Kerr), Robinson Sayer.