The second-in-command admitted his Seasiders were far from their best in a gusty County Durham, but celebrated both their resilience and commitment for digging in when needed.

Far from the prettiest contest, chances were at a premium in before Charlie Watt pounced on a defensive mistake to give Marske the lead.

The Black and Ambers were relentless in the final twenty minutes, but were well thwarted by what Dave Onions called a ‘solid unit’ come the final whistle.

Asked if his heart rate had returned to normal following a frantic finish, the assistant boss said: “It was certainly an intense last ten minutes!

“It’s one of the first times this season that we’ve actually gone in front. It was nervy at the end there, but the lads defended brilliantly to be fair.

“It’s obviously our first clean sheet, but we’ve been solid. Against Easington, Blyth and Whickham we were conceding one goal, but we did look a solid unit.

“We’ve come here tonight and they’ve thrown the kitchen sink at us in the last ten minutes, but we just soaked it up.

“Tommy Marron has been away and Tom Eglinton’s had to come into the backline. He’s had a great game, I thought he was outstanding. Joe Bennett has done a job at center half for us, and I think he’s found a new position now! He’s been brilliant.

“Between them and both fullbacks, Sam (Spenceley) and Joe (Thompson), you could pick anyone for man of the match. They gave us the foundation to play.

“Me and Paul (Burton) said after about sixty minutes, this game is going to finish 1-0. Thankfully, we got the goal.”

That goal came fifteen minutes from time when a slip at the back offered Charlie Watt a run at Kyle Hayes. He made no mistake blasting home from the left flank.

Dave Onions had plenty of high praise for the forward, whose chances have been limited during a difficult opening to the season.

“That’s why you bring these players into the club.” He said. “He’s a quality number nine.

“Charlie’s grafted in the three games before this, but his chances have been limited. It’s been a tough few games.

“Tonight he’s been quiet, he’s been stifled out. It wasn’t a pretty game of football, but when that chance came, he’s stuck it away in emphatic style.

“And not a bad celebration either!

“Maybe tonight we weren’t at our best. But it’s a sign of a good team when you’re not at your best and can still pick up three points.

“For what we maybe deserved on Saturday, we got our just reward tonight.”