Marske United vs Birtley Town

Recap

Marske United and Birtley Town were both left to rue missed chances as the spoils were shared in a 1-1 draw at Mount Pleasant.

The Hoops had to make a wrath of changes with a number of key players unavailable for selection. Josh Strassheim, Callum Smith and Kaleb Young all came into the side for their first starts of the season. Joseph Cowan, an emergency loan signing from Sunderland AFC Academy, started in goal with Decklan Greenwood out injured. 

It was evident from the start that with a strong wind, the first half would be a difficult time for Birtley. Cowan was called into action in the first minute as he smothered out Draper’s effort. Callum Smith and Matty Ward both had early sightings for Birtley but failed to really test Matty Wilkinson. The deadlock was broken in the 10th minute. Unable to clear their lines, Alfie Hughes played a neat 1-2 with Draper before easily slotting home from around eight yards out. 

Cowan produced a brilliant save on 28 minutes to deny Casson, just seconds after Jack Bennett has struck the post for Marske. Slightly against the run of play it was Birtley who would level in the 38th minute. Matty Ward retained possession before finding Callum Smith. Smith played a brilliant ball over the top which Scott Heslop calmly collected before lobbing the advancing Matty Wilkinson from the edge of the box. 

Half-Time | Marske United 1-1 Birtley Town

With the wind firmly behind Birtley, The Hoops went looking to get themselves ahead for the first time in the game. The first opportunity came in the 49th minute as Jack Honour was denied twice by goal line clearances. The next opportunity fell to Kaleb Young but he failed to get a strong connection from the edge of the area. Marske had an opportunity on 59 minutes when Draper headed straight at Cowan. 

The best chance of the half came on 62 minutes, Kaleb Young produced a brilliant cross which whizzed along the six yard box. Callum Smith arrived at the right time and connected well but his effort went agonisingly wide. Jack Bennett smashed the crossbar for The Seasiders as both sides were looking for a winner. 

Ethan Bewley fizzed a shot just wide but neither side were able to create anything meaningful in the dying moments. The Hoops gaining a point in the road in difficult conditions and with a depleted squad. 

Full-Time | Marske United 1-1 Birtley Town

Attendance – 213

Player of the Match – Kyle Wharton 

H2H vs Marske United (at Mount Pleasant)
P8 W2 D1 L5 GF11 GA18

Next up…

The Hoops host newly promoted Horden CW on Friday evening. Kick-off is 7.30pm.