Marske United were beaten at the John Keegan Stadium by table-topping Blyth Town - although desperately unlucky not to take at least a share of the spoils.

Ben Fell nodded home from a corner to snatch the three points for the visiting Northumbrians, who saw very little of the play.

Marske dominated the opening hour - controversially denied an opener through Cam Thomson - whilst late substitute Tyler Goodman rattled the frame of the goal.

Eleven scored and yet to concede, Blyth Town were healthy favourites before a ball was kicked at the John Keegan Stadium, but faced a stern test.

Cam Thomson set the tempo early, drawing a save from Neil de Jesus inside the opening minute. Charlie Watt twice mirrored the opportunity, but made no headway.

Blyth sought opportunities on the break throughout the first half. Owen Mitchell dragged his strike wide, whilst Adam Johnson leaped to head high of the mark.

Marske thought to have opened the scoring on the stroke of halftime. Danny Boyle cut the ball back for Cam Thomson, but the forward was - bewilderingly - called offside.

The visitors saw more of the play in the second half, twice calling Mike Algie into action through Owen Mitchell and Bailey Adamson.

Ben Fell nodded Blyth Town into the lead. He rose highest in the box to beat Mike Algie after a scramble, although Marske alleged a foul in the build-up.

Charlie Watt drove the Seasiders on as the minutes ebbed away, twice struggling to get his shot away in a promising position, with Kenzie Harker once victim to the same lack of space.

Young Tyler Goodman entered the fray for the closing stages. He was picked out in acres of space by Charlie Watt, but could only watch in dismay as his lofted effort struck the crossbar.