The assistant boss admitted the victory felt much-needed following defeat to Bishop Auckland in midweek, praising his players for their response to such a result against a tough side.

Marske beat Whitley Bay thanks to a Kenzie Harker penalty soon after the hour mark.

The visiting Northumbrians had opportunities, and their fair share of the ball, but couldn’t breach a backline that has proven hard to beat on so many occasions this season.

Dave Onions admitted he was delighted to grind out a result, not just to bounce back from a defeat to the league-leaders, but to keep yet another clean sheet too.

“First and foremost, I’m delighted with the three points.” He said.

“I think it was much needed after Tuesday’s defeat against Bishop Auckland. It was really important that we showed a good account of ourselves and got back to winning ways.

“It was a tough game. Whitley Bay are always a tough side. They’ve signed a few new players following their defeat to Carlisle, so we knew they would want a reaction as well.

“We had a couple missing. No Charlie Watt, Mason (McNeill), Billy Waller was away. We shuffled the pack a little bit to do what we could to put pressure on them.

“We knew one goal was going to win it. Kenzie Harker scored the penalty, put it away well after a really good move.

“It was a game with not much in it. There wasn’t a lot of clear cut chances, so it was important when we got that chance, we put it away. That was really pleasing.

“The biggest thing to take away is the character of the lads to be able to grind that result out. We’ve had a couple of them this season. Crook. Whitley Bay.

“The important thing for us is that we’re keeping clean sheets. We’re tight at the back, and when you have a solid defence it gives you a foundation to build on.

“The lads have put a great shift in. It was great to keep the momentum going, and to keep moving forward.”