Reflecting on the recent run of games, Paul says: The recent run of games has again highlighted the effort and commitment the squad are putting in, and we will need that to continue as we move into the final games of the season.

We went into the Guisborough Town League Cup Tie with 5 players missing through injury and two unavailable so to come away with a win all credit must go to the lads with a special mention to the players we drafted in from the reserve and u21 sides, Tom Lowe, Harvey Dawson and Luke Kesterton. In another hard-fought game, we took the lead just on half time and held it quite comfortably throughout the second half only to concede a very late equalizer which took the game to a penalty shootout, Harley Cotteril then took centre stage making two saves that won the tie for us.

Next up was a long journey over the Pennines to take on Carlisle City, I felt we were slow to get started and weren’t really on it, we conceded a sloppy goal midway through the first half but responded well to equalize through Ben Jackson just before half time. The game was there for the taking but like the first half we never quite got going and with the game looking like a draw it was a major disappointment to concede a late equalizer once again and come away with no points.

Next was another away trip this time up to Whitley Bay who started the game well and it took us a good 20 mins to settle and get a hold in the game, after that we created a few half chances and could have finished the half leading with Danny Bean having a header cleared off the line just before the break. The second half was a bit more even with chances for both teams at a premium, defensively as a team we were outstanding and thoroughly deserved a well-earned point against a very good side.

Up next we travel to league leaders Shildon followed by two home fixtures against Horden CW and West Auckland Town, three very difficult games that will really test us, but I have no doubt the lads will be looking forward to the challenge."

Saturday brings us an away trip to high-flyers Shildon, before we return to The John Keegan for a double home week against Horden on Tuesday and West Auckland on the 28th.

Come and get behind us in these games that!

UTM