Marske United vs Birtley Town

Recap

Birtley secured a crucial first league win of the season alongside recording only their second ever win at Marske United.

Goals from Scott Heslop and Matthew Ward gave Birtley an important away win to help kick-start their league campaign. The Hoops welcomed back Owen Lancaster, Callum Turnbull, Scott Heslop and Kelvin Thear to the starting eleven. The Hoops started the game well and produced some promising moments in the opening stages, Jack Elliott and Matthew Ward linking up well although both sides looked a little nervous in defence, Alfie Gordon being called into action in the opening stages as he denied Carmichael.

Birtley settled into the game on 15 minutes. An excellent lofted pass from Sam Dinsley was controlled by Scott Heslop but he was unable to find the finishing touch, Marske managing to scramble the ball away. Heslop was involved again just moments later as he flicked on a long ball to Matthew Ward. Ward danced around the last remaining defender but slotting the ball underneath the Marske keeper to break the deadlock. 

Birtley had an opportunity to double their lead on 28 minutes but Jack Elliott’s cross was just too high for Kel Thear. The Hoops did extend their lead as Scott Heslop drove in from the left-hand side and bent a delightful effort into the far corner from around twenty yards out. A number of Marske errors kept gifting chances to the visitors and it looked to be game over on 37 minutes as Kel Thear poked home the third of the game but the assistant referee raised his flag for offside. Marske pressed for a goal back in the closing stages but Birtley went into the break in full ascendancy. 

HALF TIME | Marske United 0-2 Birtley Town

Marske started the second half pushing for a way back into the game. The hosts dominated possession and control of the game without creating any meaningful chances. It was Birtley who head the first real chance of the half, Kel Thear firing wide after good work from Jack Elliott. The Hoops looked dangerous on the counter attack and both Ward and Elliott had chances to extend the lead.

Marske were reduced to ten men on 73 minutes, Josh Mitchell sent off for a reckless challenge on Matthew Ward. The referee seemed to miss the initial foul but after a discussion with his assistant, showed Mitchell a straight red card. 

The Hoops wrapped up all three points on 84 minutes as Nick Marley found Ryan Dougherty who delightfully laid it off for Heslop to score his second of the game. Deep into time added on, Alfie Gordon denied Kyran Clark with a fine save. The resulting corner made its way to Callum Luck who smashed in an effort from the edge of the area much to the disappointment of the Birtley backline, Nick Marley later confirming the effort had taken a slight deflection off his ear! 

FULL TIME | Marske United 1-3 Birtley Town

A timely and important win for Birtley as they climbed up to 15th in the league table. The Hoops now look forward to FA Cup action as they travel to Blyth Town in the Preliminary Round on Saturday. Kick-off is at 3pm. 

Player of the Match – Scott Heslop

Attendance – 383 including around 30 traveling Birtley supporters who enjoyed their first trip to Mount Avenue for 14 years. 

Manager’s Corner

Reece Chapman was delighted to secure an important three points: “We’ve been disappointed with our last two results, and we know we are much better than what we’ve shown in those games, so going down to Marske and winning was really pleasing. The return of Owen and CT gave us a strong defensive platform and I thought Hezzy led the line tremendously. 

“Marske were a good side and the game started fairly evenly. We started brightly and had the first chance but they definitely had the better of the opening 15 minutes or so. As soon as we settled into the game, we looked dangerous whenever we went forward. All three goals were really well taken and on another day, we might even have had another one or two. It gives us confidence and overall, we’re happy with the result and performance.”

“A special mention has to go to the travelling committee, supporters and volunteers. They were in full voice all night and really encouraged the lads. It’s a long way to go on a Tuesday night and hopefully they enjoyed what the boys delivered.”

H2H at Marske United
P7 W1 D1 L5 GF8 GA17

Highlights

To follow…