Guisborough Town 2-2 Marske United (5-3 pens)

Match Report

A brilliant penalty save by Guisborough Town goalkeeper Robert Dean clinched the annual John Butterfield match for the Priorymen at newly-named Kevin Edward KGV Stadium on Saturday by the tiniest of margins following a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

Earlier, a reformed Marske United side had shocked the Priorymen by taking a two-goal lead within the first eight minutes.

Both Marske goals were scored by Marske striker Kyran Clark, the first after only five minutes with some clever footwork in the Guisborough penalty area and a smart shot into the back of the net.

Clark’s second came just three minutes later when a mistake at the back by Guisborough defender Dan McWilliams – let in the Marske striker for a walk-in goal.

A fairly makeshift Guisborough side, missing several regulars, struggled to find their rhythm against a young, energetic Marske side and the Priorymen left it very late to finally get back on level terms.

Firstly, winger Kurtis Howes deservedly pulled it back to 2-1 in the 78th minute with a well-worked move and finish.

TERRIFIC STRIKE!

Guisborough were finishing the much the stronger side as Marske tired and it was no surprise when midfielder Joey Smith equalised with a terrific strike from inside the box which went in off the foot of the far post to set up a penalty shoot-out.

The Priorymen went 3-2 up with three perfect penalties and then came the turning point as Marske’s Calvert saw his spot kick brilliantly saved by Guisborough ‘keeper Robert Dean, evoking memories of his heroics in a penalty shoot-out against mighty Scarborough last season.

Guisborough then despatched their last two penalties with ease to clinch only their second Butterfield Memorial Trophy win in the seven-year history of the competition since the sad passing of the late superb club servant John Butterfield.

After the game Guisborough Manager Steve Bell commented: “This proved a good work-out and match against Marske, which is probably just what we needed going into next Saturday’s opening league game at Northallerton.

“It was a very warm day which made the pace of the game a little slower than usual but pre-season is all about sorting out problems in readiness for the start of the new season proper.

“I though Marske actually played really well and I’d like to take this opportunity to wish them and their management team of ‘Skelly’ and ‘Kas’ all the best for the new season – they deserve it after all the recent challenges they’ve had to face off their field,” said Steve sportingly.

“The pre-season programme is a necessary process that has to be gone through but in truth it can be a pain in the backside for all of us for various reasons.

“We now look forward to this coming Tuesday night when we entertain Whitby Town in the annual Micky Skinner Memorial Trophy. This will provide a very good test for us but the part we really relish is the start of the new league and cup campaign,” added Steve.

The match against Marske attracted an excellent attendance of 310.

Report: Bill Perfitt