GUISBOROUGH TOWN (King George V Ground)

NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, GUISBOROUGH TOWN 1-2 MARSKE UNITED, ATTENDANCE: 476

Easter wouldn't be Easter without some Northern League action!!

It was an early start as I made my way to North Yorkshire for the first leg of a double header. Guisborough Town were taking on local rivals Marske United in a championship six pointer.

The game had all the ingredients for a cracker. It was a big Derby with Guisborough top of the table (P39,83) and Marske close by in second place (P37, 77). 

The game attracted a bumper crowd and there was a good atmosphere, especially from the travelling Marske fans who set up base, along with their drum, in the covered terrace on one side of the ground.

In reality, though games like this are rarely open expansive affairs. It was tight game which, in all honesty, could have gone either way. You still couldn't take your eyes off it for a second though.

Luke Bythway gave Guisborough the lead after 6 minutes before Glen Butterworth equalised for Marske in first half stoppage time.

In the second Marske hit the bar before Jamie Owens scored what proved to be the winner after 73 minutes. The homesters had a late chance to grab a point but they too were denied by the woodwork.

This defeat may have cost Guisborough the chance of the title as Marske are now 3 points behind them with 4 to play. Guisborough only have 2 games left to play. Shildon and North Shields are also in the mix with games in hand on both teams, so I'm sure there are still plenty of twists and turns to come.