A second away game in five days saw West travel to Marske United. Marske has undergone a recent rebuild, backed by strong support. Marske United resigned from the Northern Premier League in January 2024 due to financial issues. They subsequently dropped two levels and were admitted to Division One of the Northern League for the 2024/25 season. They opened the season with two victories and three defeats, and were looking to bounce back after back-to-back losses.

It was a 3:00pm kick-off at Mount Pleasant Stadium, which saw no clear chances from either side in the opening 10 minutes. Josh Scott had West’s first chance after 20 minutes, breaking away at the halfway line after Marske lost the ball. The finish from Scott was put wide. Scott was involved again just a few minutes later, James Harrison playing Josh in, with the shot being dragged wide. At this point, West was likely feeling unfortunate not to be ahead. Just before the half hour mark, the away side was again looking to get a goal, with a corner, followed by an overhead kick from Liam Potter. Potter was called into action on 34 minutes, clearing a dangerous ball from United’s Liam Williams. At the other end, Marske’s goalkeeper was called into action, stopping a shot which was cleared off the line by defender Dom Joynes. On 38 minutes, Josh Duffield was fortunate to just receive a yellow card after a nasty shove on Harrison, which saw him go into the pitch-side barrier. New West Auckland Town midfielder Layton Watts had a long range effort, which was followed by another corner. Just before half-time, West made a break through. A misjudged tackle in the 18 yard box resulted in a penalty for West. Josh Scott sent goalkeeper Will Cowey the wrong way, and Town went into half-time with the lead.

West Auckland came out in the second half with purpose, almost getting a second. Then, the home team had a good opportunity to equalize on 51 minutes, Millen Burnett playing for Josh Duffield, but the chance went begging. Liam Potter was on hand to try another overhead kick, this time at the keeper, and Joey Hope caused some problems for Marske too. It was Marske that would get the next goal. On 78 minutes, a corner was sent into the box, with James Sayer getting on to the end of it, West goalkeeper Nick Liversedge unable to prevent the equaliser. A draw was looking likely, until the 89th minute. Marske gave away the ball from a throw-in which allowed West to break. The ball was in the feet of James Harrison, who smashed it in from close range to make it 2-1. An important three points for West, and an improved performance which now takes us into a four-game home stretch.

Match winner James Harrison gave his thoughts on today’s victory. 

“It was important for us to put on a good performance today after the last few results and bounce back, I think we managed to do that and control the game. Scoring late on and winning the game was the right outcome after the amount of chances we created all game. Moving onto Tuesday we need to take the positives from today and keep working hard and hopefully another 3 points.”

Full-Time: Marske United 1-2 West Auckland Town

Competition: Northern League Division One

Attendance: 315

Photos by Andy Mitchell.