We’re back. Why? Because we won. Simple as that.

Anyway, the Seasiders rocked up to North Shore Academy with a squad thinner than Jonesy’s hairline, bare 11 once again. Honestly mental. At least the sun was out, absolutely baking the 4G into something resembling a frying pan.

We kicked off with the team picking itself, and it didn’t take long to make it count. Early doors, Connor Prest delivered a quality ball in, and Tom Lowe rose to power home a header. 0–1 Marske.

Billingham’s young, quick side tried to respond, launching long balls over the top to use their pace. Unfortunately for them, our back line had the legs to deal with it. Jamie Hood again putting in a top performance.

Then in the 25th minute, Aldo decided to absolutely wipe out their striker who was clean through. Yellow card, lucky boy. Idiot.

The game turned into a bit of a long-ball contest from both sides, but Marske made theirs count again in the 37th minute. Jack Bage decided to run past everyone, threw in a couple of cheeky Ronaldo chops, and delivered a perfect ball for Tom Lowe to grab his second. 0–2 Marske.

HT: 0–2

Second half started after we all shared one water bottle between us, apparently Pete thinks carrying more is “too heavy.” What are we dealing with here?

Billingham’s subs brought fresh legs and a bit of energy, but they were too busy trying to do it all themselves rather than break us down as a team.

Meanwhile, Jamie Hood turned into prime Alphonso Davies, bombing down the left from full-back like he’d just signed for Bayern. No one getting near him. He capped it off with a brilliant assist for Jack Bage, who finished calmly. 0–3.

Jamie Hood ? take a bow, son.

Then the angry hobbit himself, Pete, decided, “go on then, I’ll have a run out.”

Cue Aldo and Cal arguing over who got to come off. Cal won, Pete came on. No one really knew what was happening anymore.

Marske saw the game out professionally from there, clean sheet, job done, three points in the bag.

FT: Billingham Town Reserves 0 – 3 Marske United Reserves

Fair play to the young Billingham side, good in spells. But then again, so was Harry Potter not going to help you on a warm Saturday in Stockton. Best of luck for the rest of the season, lads.

Big credit to Marske, bare bones again and still getting it done. Would be nice to have a few subs for the last games of the season, but let’s not get carried away.

Goals:
⚽️ Tom Lowe ×2
⚽️ Jack Bage

Assists:
?️ Connor Prest
?️ Jack Bage
?️ Jamie Hood

Substitutions:
• Peter Quine ↔ Callum Hodgson

Match Day Sponsors:
H Jarvis Windows & Doors Ltd
Starting Gate
HUCA Design
A Cat’s Tale Book Emporium
Cygnet Law