Marske kicked off their final game of the season on a very heavy pitch, knowing victory would guarantee the championship, and it looked like nerves had a hold of them as they started without their normal fluency and speed. Despite dominating possession, the game was played at a slow pace, maybe dictated by the pitch conditions, but TIBS showed speed and looked dangerous on several counter attacks. After 10 minutes, TIBS went ahead against the run of play, scoring direct off a corner, and then despite a valiant effort from keeper Cameron Watson, went 2 up just before half time. Marske were suddenly shocked into action, and in the last seconds of the half, played their first fluent attacking move, Elliot Clark combining with Callum Blair to reduce the rears and make the half time score 2–1.

Marske started the second half with a lot more urgency, and the speed returned to their game, Clark causing all sorts of problems for the TIBS rearguard with his pace, man of the match Ebrima Camara totally dominating midfield and releasing both Blair and Morgan Corner down both flanks. Clark scored a great second after 20 minutes, bursting past the last defender before firing low and hard past the keeper, and after this it was a tide of New Marske attacks. Clark hit the post after bursting through again, then fired against the cross bar after good work by sub Owen Armstrong. Camara, Blair and Armstrong all came close too to snatching the winner, however TIBS always looked dangerous on the break and both Niall Askins and Neil Jankowski had to be on their toes on several occasions to thwart a speedy TIBS attack.

The game ended 2 – 2, a point maybe enough to secure the championship, but it depends on a result elsewhere, however, the objective of the season, to gain promotion has been made by a very talented group of boys in only their first season together. All have played their part throughout the season, the boys who played today well supported by Luke Jackson, Luke Donaldson, Alex Hall and Ben Robinson. An excellent first season together, well done boys!!

Marske travelled to Coulby Newham, the players unaware that 3 points would guarantee promotion. In bitterly cold conditions, Marske started brightly, but the small pitch made it impossible to play flowing passing football Marske are accustomed for. In a crowded midfield, Ebrima Camara fought valiantly to release Morgan Corner and Elliot Clark several times, but each time the chance went begging. Marske continued to dominate, Niall Askins and Alex Hall controlling the Coulby attack and allowing Marske further chances, this time Ebrima Camara and Callum Blair failing to capitalise. Several Blair corners flew across the box; the slightest of contact could have given a deserved lead. In extra time, Coulby were awarded a free kick, and against the run of play they scored off it, a strong shot flying directly into the net.

Marske regrouped at half time and started brightly again but the finishing touch was missing from a couple of good moves. Owen Armstrong replaced Corner with 10 minutes left, Marske playing with only 2 in midfield and playing with an extra striker, and with 6 minutes left the brave decision was rewarded, a Blair corner was headed home by super sub Armstrong for a deserved equaliser. Marske sensed victory, and displaying excellent attitude attacked with added impetus, the keeper making two excellent saves from Clark and Armstrong.With 3 minutes remaining, Marske scored a superb winner. Camara won the ball in midfield and freed Clark, who played a neat one – two with Armstrong, Clark beat his defender and put in a precise cross which was fired home at the back post by Blair to make it 2 - 1. Neil Jankowski replaced Clark in the final minutes, Marske playing with three defenders to preserve their lead, though man of the match Hall partnered by Askins protected goalkeeper Cameron Watson throughout. At the final whistle, Marske’s players were told of their promotion, the joy on their faces there for all to see. It is something the whole squad deserve for their work and effort throughout the season, well done boys.

New Marske entertained fellow promotion hopefuls and current ‘form team’ Cleveland Juniors at a breezy GrewGrass. Cleveland having not lost a game since Marske beat them in November. Marske started the game against the wind, and found themselves under heavy pressure, the back two of Niall Askins and Neil Jankowski soaking everything that Cleveland threw at them, Cameron Watson in goal displaying safe hands when called upon. The game was quite a physical affair and both sets of players showed excellent commitment and determination. Marske had several counter attacks as the half developed, coming close twice through Morgan Corner and Elliot Clark, but in the final minute of the half, conceded the half’s only goal, on a quick counter attack down Marskes left, Cleveland overpowered the rearguard and had a spare man in the box to fire home. Marske started the second half brightly, and immediately exerted pressure on Cleveland. Corner had several shots and crosses which were cleared, Callum Blair also coming close when nicely set up by Ebrima Camara who had started to win a very physical midfield tussle. Clark snatched at another Corner cross which allowed the keeper to save for a corner, but it was from this corner that Clark bulleted a header into the roof of the net for a well deserved and overdue equaliser. Alex Hall had come on early in the second half to add more physical presence to the Marske team and they now looked like going on to win, and it was only an excellent full length save from Cleveland’s keeper which denied man of the match Corner from snatching the winner, reacting quickly to save the rebound twice from Blairs shots from the left. The game ended 1 – 1, a fair result in truth, a game neither team deserved to lose.

New Marske entertained lowly Richmond knowing a victory would take them back to the top of the league, however the strong, blustery conditions were a cause for concern. Marske kicked off with the wind and started brightly, though it was very hard to control the ball quickly and the normal fluency was clearly missing. Marske took the lead after 5 minutes; a strong run through the middle from Elliot Clark took him past the defence, his shot from the right of the box finding the net despite a valiant effort from the Richmond defender on the line. Marske failed to capitalise on this goal, and Richmond came close twice, forcing good saves from Cameron Watson. The half finished 1 – 0, with an obvious battle ahead with Richmond now playing with the strong wind advantage. The game ebbed and flowed with no real team controlling affairs, though it came as no surprise when Richmond equalised, the wind gusting strongly resulted in Richmond scoring direct from a corner. Ten minutes left and all to play for. Despite conceding a goal, Marske started playing with more confidence and effort, and twice Clark was denied by excellent goalkeeping. Firstly put though by Ebrima Camara, the keeper showed bravery diving at his feet, secondly bursting through on his own, his shot was destined for the top corner but was saved magnificently. Neil Jankowski and Niall Askins started controlling the Richmond attack better, then Alex Hall, adding strength and height to the defence when replacing Jankowski, helped take the sting out of their attack. It looked like a breakthrough would not come, but a penalty was awarded to Marske after Callum Blair had put Morgan Corner though, he jinxed past the defender and was tripped inside the box. Corner picked himself up to convert with a vicious shot into the roof of the net, before scoring his second inside a minute firing in low. Jankowski came back on replacing Corner to help shore the defence, whilst Luke Jackson replaced man of the match Clark in the final minutes to help Marske see out a very hard earned 3 – 1 victory. A game spoilt by the wind, but a victory which sees Marske sitting top with three games remaining.

Marske travelled to Richmond for yet another top of the table clash. Following recent results, New Marske needed to avoid defeat, a draw would be seen as more beneficial to Marske. Both sides showed pace going forward from the off, on a large pitch, Marske used the pace of Elliot Clark to create several half chances, though the home keeper showed a safe pair of hands from shots from Clark and Morgan Corner, who fired in low from the left. Marske caused Richmond many problems, but they proved worthy opponents, and Marske needed both defenders Niall Askins and Neil Jankowski to be alert against strong pacy forwards. Clark displayed good pace on several occasions, racing back to make crucial tackles, then supporting Luke Jackson upfront who chased every ball and played well as a link man, holding the ball well and playing in Corner, Clark and Ebrima Camara several times. The half finished goalless and the second half restarted in much the same fashion. Camara began to come into the game more and made one surging run from his own half, racing through to shoot powerfully but finding the home keeper on top form. Clark and Corner both had efforts which went close, but at the back Richmond caused problems too with excellent deliveries from wide which needed intervention from Cameron Watson in goal who made two good saves, as well as some last ditch tackling from Jankowski and Askins. Alex Hall came on replacing Jackson who had ran himself into the ground and played a holding roll in midfield alongside man of the match Camara, allowing Marske to see out the last few minutes in Richmond’s half to earn a well deserved point in a pulsating game. Who says goalless games are boring!

New Marske travelled to SPR in a do or die top of the table clash; as the season draws to a dramatic climax, it was a must win game for Marske. Marske started the brighter with the speed of their passing play down the flanks causing problems, Callum Blair and Elliot Clark taking the game to the home defence. Morgan Corner was strong and willing upfront and it was a through ball to Corner which fell into the path of Clark, he beat his marker before firing into the roof of the net. It was no more than Marske deserved, but they had to be on top form to keep South Park at bay, Niall Askins and Neil Jankowski clearing everything that came their way. The second half began in the same vein, Ebrima Camara starting to get a foot hold of midfield allowing Clark and Blair space to support Corner up front. Clear chances were at a premium, though Marske looked very sharp on the break and controlled the game, however, it needed an excellent save from Cameron Watson late on to keep the lead. Clark almost snatched a second in the dying seconds, but the South Park keeper reacted well and saved at his feet. Alex Hall played the last few minutes replacing Corner to help marshall an impressive defence and see New Marske home to a well deserved 1 0 victory. Clark took the man of the match honours, but in truth, there were 8 players who all deserved recognition for an excellent performance.

Marske hosted Bedale in a top of the table clash in very blustery conditions, the pitch recovering well from the recent heavy winds. Bedale kicked with the wind advantage in the first half, but despite this, it was Marske who played the better football and created several chances, Morgan Corner, Elliot Clark, Ebrima Camara and Callum Blair all going close, Camara coming closest hitting the bar. Bedale used the wind well with long clearances and forced several corners, and it was from a scramble off one they went ahead, the ball drilled into the box was not cleared by the Marske defence and the Bedale forward prodded home. Playing with the wind in the second half, Marske dominated proceedings to such an extent that Ben Robinson in goal was not called upon once. Marske hit the woodwork three times in the second half through Blair, Corner and Clark, had other half chances which went begging, even watching one Corner cross pass through the keepers legs but just in front of Clark who could not reach to convert. Credit to Bedale, who despite constant Marske pressure, defended well, supported by an excellent keeper performance. The game ended 1 – 0 to Bedale, football can be cruel at times, but it always offers a chance to bounce back, continuing to play the way they did today, Marske can hold their heads high and look forward to the next game.

After an extended festive break, Marske resumed their league campaign, travelling to Thirsk in wet conditions. The pitch was playing well despite the heavy rainfall, and Marske quickly started to put the home team under pressure. Fluent football was missing at first, but the pressure Marske were exerting paid off after around 10 minutes, Morgan Corner finding himself in space to fire home from a tight angle. Corner quickly made it two, good football down the right ended with Corners shot deflecting over the home keeper, before another deflection helped Callum Blairs cross shot from the left find the bottom corner to make the half time score 3 – 0. Marske played far better football in the second half, man of the match Ebrima Camara totally dominating midfield, with Elliot Clark bursting through twice and coming close to adding to Marske’s score. The move of the game resulted in Marske’s fourth. Ben Robinson, having collected a long through ball, rolled the ball out to Alex Hall who played the ball through to Luke Jackson. Jackson beat his man before sliding the ball through to Clark whose turn of speed took him past his defender before he fired low into the corner of the net. Marske continued to dominate play but failed to add to their score, a thoroughly deserved 4 – 0 away victory.

Despite the recent heavy downpours, Marske’s away game went ahead on a good playing surface in dry but cold conditions. The first half was a scrappy affair, Ebrima Camara, Morgan Corner and Callum Blair winning the midfield tussle, but Marske’s fluent play was missing and they struggled to get Elliot Clark into the game. Despite the game being played in Richmond’s half, Marske were only good enough to create half chances which were cleared or saved comfortably. After a good half time talk, thankfully the second half was a lot better. Clark started to cause the home defence all sorts of problems with his pace, and brought an excellent save from the Richmond keeper after breaking free. Marske continued pressing forward and eventually got the breakthrough, Blair cutting in from the left and firing high into the roof of the net. Richmond replied strongly and forced a corner which was defended well by Marske, the rearguard of Niall Askins and Neil Jankowski giving very little away. Marskes passing game had returned and Camara set Clark away, beating his man his fierce drive was parried by the keeper, the rebound was hit against the bar by Corner but it was second rebound lucky as Blair converted his second of the game. The third and final goal came from the same combination, an excellent through ball to Clark set the forward free, he again beat his man but could not beat the impressive keeper again, forcing another great save with a strong shot, the rebound coolly stroked home by Blair to give the man of the match his hat trick. Marske played through to the whistle in control and were only prevented further goals by an excellent Richmond keeper. Ben Robinson in the Marske goal had another quiet game but again displayed composure when called upon, and Luke Donaldson replaced Corner for the final 5 minutes contributing in another victory for Marske. The festive break comes with Marske sitting in second place, 3 points behind the leaders with all to play for in the second half of the season.

Marske hosted Coulby Newham in a must win game, playing their game in hand over the league leaders. Marske started very brightly against a defensive and strong Coulby and almost scored in the first minute, Morgan Corner firing in a low cross which Elliot Clark fired over. Marske were camped in the Coulby half, and with man of the match Ebrima Camara dominating the midfield, Callum Blair and Corner were free to make numerous attacks down the wings. The breakthrough eventually came when Blair continued his recent goal scoring spree, scoring with an excellent shot from the edge of the box. Markse played the second half pushing Alex Hall behind the midfield, leaving Niall Askins as the lone defender, and scored the second when Clark broke through the defence and drilled in a low drive despite the keeper getting a hand to the shot. Hall scored Marske’s third, his powerful free kick deflecting into the roof of the net to make the points secure. Ben Robinson again displayed safe hands when called upon and Marske also introduced Luke Jackson, Luke Donaldson and Neil Jankowski into the game and continued to dominate, coming close a couple of times to adding a fourth. An excellent performance again, keeping hot on the heels of the league leaders.

Marske travelled to play improving Cleveland Juniors in treacherous conditions, cold, wet and windy, the game played on a relatively small pitch. Marske defended against the wind in the first half and had to work very hard to match Cleveland’s effort. Both teams laboured slightly in the conditions, but Ebrima Camara worked tirelessly to try and control the midfield, and when Cleveland did break through Niall Askins and Neil Jankowski in defence, Ben Robinson showed excellent handling. Aided by the wind, Cleveland attacked strongly, and eventually broke the deadlock shortly before half time, when a loose ball was drilled home by the unmarked forward. Marske regrouped and held the score to 1–0 at half time.

The second half was a different story, with Marske having the majority of the play, and they equalised at the start of the half, Callum Blair meeting Morgan Corners cross with an excellent header. Despite not being able to play their normal passing football, Markse’s players worked their socks off, and came close to scoring three times when Elliot Clark sliced wide, Corner hit the cross-bar and Blair fired wide all in quick succession, before man of the match Blair showed composure to fire home the winner after more Marske pressure. Alex Hall came on to help tighten the defence with Askins moving into midfield, and Marske were able to control the last five minutes of play in Clevelands half to earn a well earned victory. Not a day for flowing football, but Marske showed they can battle too to ensure a 2-1 away win.

New Marske hosted the league leaders in cold, blustery conditions but on a perfect playing surface. Marske kicked off with the wind behind them and enjoyed the majority of the play, but Rangers looked strong on the break and only an excellent double save from Cameron Watson kept the score line level. Marske kept plugging away but the final through ball was lacking and half time came with the score 0-0.

Now playing into the wind, Marske fell behind straight from their own kick off, a Rangers midfielder breaking through the rearguard and scoring with a low shot. Rangers had their tails up, and despite a couple of Marske breaks, scored the second of the game to make the scoreline 2-0 with only ten minutes remaining. Marske brought on Alex Hall in midfield, and suddenly Marskes pacy attacks kicked into play. The effort from all players was exceptional at this point, and they sniffed they could get something from the game when Elliot Clark reduced the arrears. Marske looked a different team and shortly afterwards, a probing run by Callum Blair took him past his marker and he made in 2-2. Blair and man of the match Morgan Corner continued their prompting, and these three players now attacked with real effort, supported by a strong rearguard. After seeming out of it, Blair repeated his efforts and scored a mirror image of his first strike, showing great composure as he put Marske ahead for the first time. The game was not over, and Rangers came close to scoring, forcing a corner, which resulted in a late equaliser, a wicked deflection off a Marske defender turning the ball into his own goal. The game finished 3–3, an excellent advert for the league in extremely cold conditions.

New Marske hosted last years League Division 1 runners up in the League Cup quarter finals at Grewgrass. Redcar settled first and played the better football, and hesitancy in the Marske rearguard resulted in Redcar taking an early lead, the forward driving into the roof of the net from 6 yards. This goal had the desired effect on Marske, and they started to play the flowing football they are capable of. With Niall Askins and Neil Jankowski superbly marshalling the Redcar front line, Marske gradually started to control the game and scored a deserved equaliser just before half time. Ebrima Camara won the midfield tussle, played the ball through to Morgan Corner, whose cross was controlled by Elliot Clark, he jinked inside his man before firing low into the corner. HT: 1-1

The second half was an even affair and a credit to both teams, both sets of players showing great composure, skill and effort, but with 5 minutes remaining, Redcar broke away and quickly outnumbering the Marske defence, took a 2 – 1 lead. Marske gambled and took off man of the match defender Jankowski for an extra forward which almost paid off when only an excellent last gasp tackle thwarted Corner firing an equaliser. Marske unfortunately were caught chasing the game in the last minute when Askins was outnumbered again and Redcar finished the scoring to progress to the semi finals. Despite the scoreline, every Marske player excelled and can hold their heads high, they pushed a top Division 1 team right to the wire.

Fortunately, after a torrential downpour, the game kicked off in glorious conditions, dry, bright and little wind. Marske started the brighter, looking to put a recent dip in form behind them, and played some lovely attacking football, the midfield of Callum Blair, Niall Askins and Morgan Corner, all linking excellently with the lively front runner Elliot Clark. It took a while coming, but after another flowing move, Clark squared the ball for Corner, who ran on and drilled the ball home into the far corner. Marske continued to dominate and scored a deserved second, Clark controlling an attempted clearance and firing a long range shot into the roof of the net to make the half time scoreline 2–0.

The second half continued where the first had finished, Clark causing all sorts of problems for the home defence, and from his pass, Blair fired home to make it 3–0. Blair then converted a Corner through ball, facing away from goal; he cheekily back heeled into the net. South Park then caught Marske on the break twice, but each time, the safe hands of Ben Robinson thwarted their attacks. Ebrima Camara came on to steady the midfield and scored the fifth, another passing attacking move was finished convincingly by Camara, firing into the top corner from ten yards. Alex Hall and Neil Jankowski played safely throughout, and helped the team keep another clean sheet. Clark picked up the man of the match award for his constant probing runs which South Park simply could not handle, however it was an excellent team effort which put Marskes season back on track, a deserved 5–0 victory.

New Marske started the game brightly against Richmond following last weeks defeat. Both teams tried to play attacking football, and Marske were camped in Richmond’s half, but good defending and goalkeeping kept Marske at bay. Elliot Clark, Morgan Corner and Callum Blair all came close to scoring, before, in their first attack, Richmond stunned Marske by firing themselves in front. Marske responded quickly, and Blair scored a Beckham type goal, lobbing the keeper who was well off his line from the half way line. The second half was played in the same fashion, Niall Askins pushing forward leaving Neil Jankowski as the lone defender, but despite all the pressure, Marske could not breakthrough, and they were made to pay with only two minutes remaining when Richmond scored their second, their player volleying an unstoppable shot from 20 yards. Marske changed to two forwards for the final minutes, bringing on Luke Jackson, but they could not find the elusive equaliser. A second defeat of the season, though not a true reflection of the game which was played in great fashion by two well organised teams.

It was sixth time unlucky for Marske as they lost their unbeaten record to an organised and strong Bedale team. Both teams contested the early stages evenly, and after a good move involving Ebrima Camara, and Callum Blair, Elliot Clark shot Marske in front. The lead was short lasting as Bedale quickly struck back and then went ahead before half time after twice out numbering the Marske rear-guard. The second half continued in the same vein, and despite man of the match Camara’s strong running and tackling in midfield, it looked as though Marske had ran out of time before a cross from Morgan Corner was finished from 8 yards by Clark to make it 2 – 2. In the last minute, Marske showed a little naivety in attacking in numbers, and were caught out on the break by a flowing Bedale attack; then conceded a controversial fourth in the third minute of added time when Marske players stopped thinking the ball had gone out of play. The final score read 4 – 2 to Bedale, New Marske’s first reverse of the season. The players were all very disappointed after the game; hopefully they can regroup quickly and learn from the result. Another good team effort, which just wasn’t enough on the day.

Playing in light drizzle, New Marske attacked from the start in this Cup encounter. Playing lovely flowing football, Marske were camped in Thirsk’s half, and it was only a matter of time before they took the lead, Elliot Clark converting Morgan Corners through ball. More good football followed, and Clark was on hand again to convert an excellent Callum Blair pass, before Clark completed his first half hat-trick, racing past the defender before firing in the bottom corner. The second half saw no rest for the overworked Thirsk rearguard, and despite defending resolutely, Clark again burst through to make it 4 – 0. During the second half, Marske made several substitutions, man of the match Clark being one who was replaced. Marske completed the scoring with two further goals, the first a flowing move converted by Corner, the sixth, a solo effort from Niall Askins. An excellent team performance again, which resulted in a deserved 6–0 victory.

Perfect conditions for a pleasant change, a blue sky and no wind as New Marske hosted South Park at GrewGrass. Marske started brightly and played some good attacking football almost breaking the deadlock twice early on through Elliot Clark and Callum Blair. Half way through the half, a good move ending with a cross from Morgan Corner was converted by Blair, and before the half finished, Corners low hard cross was deflected into the net by a South Park defender. With Ebrima Camara winning the midfield tussle and man of the match Niall Askins dominant in defence, the second half was one way traffic, though Marske failed to take further advantage of their control. The 2–0 score line was a just reward for the effort all the boys put into this game.

As last week, the blustery wind gave an advantage to one team each half, and kicking with the wind, TIBS caused some early problems for the Marske defence. However, after a quick break, Elliot Clark burst through the TIBS defence, rounded the keeper and rolled the ball into the empty net. The first half was an equal contest, with Neil Jankowski, man of the match for Marske, playing excellent in defence alongside Niall Askins. In the second half, with the wind behind them, Marske continued with good attacking football, Clark finishing a flowing move off to make it 2 – 0. Clark was then brought down by a TIBS defender after jinking into the box, and up stepped Morgan Corner to rifle the ball home from the Penalty Spot. Marske made three substitutes in the second half, and each player contributed in another excellent performance by the team.

In blustery conditions, New Marske set out to play close football on the ground against a strong wind. Marske broke the deadlock when Elliot Clark latched onto a through ball and drilled the ball home past the keeper. The wind was aiding Redcar’s attacking, and a long ball caused confusion in the Marske defence and the Redcar forward prodded home the equaliser. In the second half, Marske had the majority of the play, man of the match Callum Blair making many probing runs into the home defence but the final touch was just missing. The game finished 1 1 and went into extra time. With Niall Askins marshalling the defence well, Markse had no scares in this period of play and came closest to winning the game when Clark beat his man but then watched his shot rebound back off the cross bar. The tie went into penalties and after 5 each, the score was 3 3, so it went to sudden death. The first penalties of each team both rebounded back off the wood work, so it was down to the keepers. Redcar’s hit the post, and so it was left to goalie Cameron Watson to be the hero when he blasted his shot past the home keeper. The boys celebrated with a big team ‘pile on’ Cameron. A brilliant advert for Under 9 football, both teams playing very well, but the result was deserved for the passing and movement of the New Marske team throughout the game.

In beautiful conditions, both teams played passing football at the start of the first half. New Marske, with Ebrima Camara dominating midfield, had the best of the play, and went ahead after a run and cross by Morgan Corner was drilled home by Callum Blair. New Marske continued to dominate the opening half and went close on a couple of occasions but found the visitors defence well marshalled by an excellent keeper, Elliot Clark breaking through the defence but having his shot well saved. In the second half, the match was evenly balanced, and both sides had chances to score before Thirsk equalised with a deflected shot which left Cameron Watson in goal helpless. This equaliser shocked the home team onto the attack again, and they scored two late goals through man of the match Clark, deflecting home a cross shot from Corner and then drilling home after another good attacking team move. New Marske’s attacking flair was the difference between two well organised teams.