Paul Burton expects a tough test at Whitley Bay’s Hillheads Park this weekend following a hefty defeat to Yarm and Eaglescliffe on Tuesday evening.

The Seasiders were hit for four by the Division Two play-off winners in an uncharacteristic performance.

Josh Larkin, Charlie Fixter and Sam Conway notched the goals, whilst Tyler Goodman was sent off for a mistimed challenge midway through the second half.

The Marske boss expressed his disappointment to lose in such a fashion, particularly after a game in which his side started much brighter.

“I thought Yarm bullied us on Tuesday.” He said. “They were a big strong side, so the first thing you’ve got to do is compete with them, and I don’t think we did.

“It’s disappointing. I just don’t understand how we can put in performances like Shildon at home, Consett away, yet go there and get beat like that. It’s not acceptable.”

Looking ahead, Paul Burton argued that his Marske United side would simply have to reset and start again against Whitley Bay - a difficult ask given their recent resurgence.

The Seasiders beat the Bay by a goal-to-nil at the John Keegan Stadium in August. Kenzie Harker scored the lone goal on the afternoon, guiding the ball home from the penalty spot having earned the kick himself.

“Now we’ve got to go again on Saturday against Whitley Bay.” Burton said.

“We’ll have a few players back, but I don’t want to use the players we’ll have missing as an excuse.

“Charlie will be suspended. Oscar Mahoney is away for the weekend, which we know about. Tom Marron looks as if he’ll be okay to start. Jey Draper too.

“We’ve just got to go again. To start again. It won’t be easy. Whitley Bay have been on a great run since we beat them in August.

“It’ll be tough, but we’ve just got to go there, reset, and start again.”