Paul Burton hailed an ‘extremely strong’ defensive performance as Marske United held on to beat higher level opposition in the Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round.

Goals from Dom Joynes and Charlie Watt sealed the Seasiders’ safe passage into the First Qualifying Round for the first time in three seasons.

Isaac Walker netted a solitary goal for the hosts, who failed to breach the defensive duo of Tom Eglinton and Tom Marron.

Burton hailed the quick start his side made when faced with better opposition.

He admitted he was both delighted with the performance and the result, praising yet another ‘strong’ defensive performance at the start of the campaign.

“I’m absolutely delighted. To a man, we were outstanding today.” He said.

“It was important we started well. When you come to a team like Consett, playing in a higher division, it’s important that you start on the front foot.

“Perhaps the first 20, maybe even 30 minutes I thought we were the better side. We kept the ball really well at times and created some really good opportunities.

“It was a really good goal for Dom Joynes at the back stick. And the second goal, what a great free kick. Charlie gets on the end of it and you’re thinking: ‘We’ve got a great opportunity here.’

“Defensively we’re looking extremely strong at the moment. I think in the games we’ve played to date we’ve been extremely strong, so I was confident that we could come out and give a good account of ourselves.

“I think in the last 15 minutes of the first half we conceded a bit of space and started to sit a bit deeper. We sort of handed the initiative to them.

“They’re a good side, Consett. We knew they were going to come at us at the start of the second half. I think after that they maybe ran out of ideas if I’m honest.

“They started putting long balls into the box, and that’s just bread and butter for us. I think we were under a lot of pressure in the second half, but we were good value for it.“

Marske were forced to play an hour of the contest without talisman, Charlie Watt.

The forward suffered a nasty collision with the barrier during the first half, and left the field in some discomfort.

Paul Burton admitted it was too early to provide an answer on his fitness, labelling the forward an intrinsic part of the Seasiders’ offence.

“He’s a great player, Charlie.” He said. “We’re not too sure yet to what extent he’s hurt. He’s gone over on his ankle. He’s going for an x-ray and so we’ll know more soon.

“I’m not sure what it is, but when we find out we’ll just have to deal with it. Get him on recovery and get him back to full fitness when we can.

“Fingers crossed it’s not too bad for him.”

We’re all wishing you a speedy recovery, Charlie! All the best.