Marske lose in the NRSC second round

Marske United 2-2 South Park Rangers (7-8 pens)

Marske opted for a 5-3-2 formation for this game, with first starts being handed out to Reon Potts and George Thewlis. Due to the absence of both first team ‘keepers, Adam Wheatley was needed between the sticks.

The first action of the game forced Wheatley into unfamiliar territory when Marske overturned possession cheaply. SPR were allowed to come forward and did so with pace. With only 6 minutes on the clock, South Park took the lead. They were good value for it too, despite the 4 tier difference between the sides.

Marske were eager to set the record straight though and nearly managed to level the scoring when Adam Boyes found himself in a shooting position after skipping past a defender. His effort was directed into the woodwork though and the away side cleared well.

It was Boyes again who found himself able to shoot, being through on goal. This time, the SPR ‘keeper made a fine stop to ensure that the score remained in his team’s favour.

The Seasiders continued to pile on the pressure and were finally rewarded for their efforts when Reon Potts hammered home. Josh Macdonald hit a lovely low cross and Potts made no mistake in firing into the top corner from close range.

Almost immediately, Marske flipped the game on its head. Boyes once again got in behind the defence. He unselfishly squared the ball into the feet of Donald Chimalilo who passed the ball home for his first goal in Marske yellow.

33 minutes had passed when South Park equalised. They bore down on goal, forcing Wheatley to save with his feet. Unfortunately the ball found its way straight back to the South Park attack and at the second time of asking they made no mistake to slot home with ease.

The rest of the first half played out with neither team creating a clear cut chance, though Marske did have two half chances dealt with.

HT: Marske United 2-2 South Park Rangers

Marske used the interval to ring the changes with Rio May and Alex Storey being introduced in place of Josh Macdonald and Dylan McAvoy.

They were then left wondering just how the ball hadn’t gone in. Adam Boyes had the first effort, hitting the post before Potts hit the rebound onto the post too. Shortly after, a South Park defender was there to clear off the line in what would ultimately be a match winning move.

On 67 minutes, the South Park ‘keeper went down injured, shoring up the two sides who were now both playing without a recognised goalkeeper on the field.

In the 23 minutes remaining, Marske didn’t challenge the makeshift SPR goalkeeper, with two free kicks being forced over the bar.

It was to penalties we went, and South Park prevailed against the odds to give them a memorable giant killing.

Marske United: 1 Adam Wheatley, 2 Connor Smith, 3 Joey Hope, 4 George Thewlis (Jason Kennedy 62'), 5 Jorge Sikora, 6 Dylan McAvoy (Alex Storey 46'), 7 Josh MacDonald (Andrew May 46'), 8 Oliver Green, 9 Adam Boyes, 10 Reon Benjamin-Potts, 11 Donald Chimalilo
Subs: 12 Andrew May, 14 Ethen Vaughan, 15 Alex Storey, 16 Jason Kennedy, 17 Bilal Shelmani