For the second season running, they finished this fixture with 10 men after player-coach Dale Hopson was sent off deep into the second half. That made Town’s task all the harder after going behind shortly beforehand.

The visitors handed a debut to former Grangetown Boys Club player Kieran Harnett as one of three central defenders. Jack Kilpatrick reverted to the bench in the change of formation following last week’s defeat at North Shields.

The rejigged defence looked solid in an even first half during which chances were few. Wing-back Mackenzie Crooks found himself clean through in the third minute but ‘keeper Mike Algie was alert to snuff out the danger and took the ball off his feet.

At the other end, Ben Fairless made an equally important stop from winger Jay Draper as Marske threatened in an early breakaway. But otherwise both teams struggled to exert control in the strong wind.

Northallerton’s game plan was thrown off course after the break when injury forced the withdrawal of Harnett, striker Lewis Martin and right wing-back Callum Wilson. Manager Jamie Poole reverted to a flat back four and Marske cashed in on the disruption.

Right-winger Finn McKittrick outmuscled his marker to fire firmly past Fairless after 63 minutes and then came Hopson’s dismissal. The midfielder challenged for the ball with Marske skipper Richie Allen and when the players hit the ground it was alleged a punch was thrown.

Hopson protested his innocence to no avail and although Northallerton tried their best to get back into the contest, they rarely threatened the visitors’ goal. Substitute Ben Creamer produced a good effort six minutes from the end, but ‘keeper Algie made another smart save.

Marske United: Algie, McDonald, Joynes, Bennett, Allen (Spenceley 85), Marron, McKittrick (Thomson 76), Boyle (Rowe 78), Watt, Mahoney, Draper (Goodman 89).
Sub not used: Thompson.

Northallerton Town: Fairless, Wilson (Beasley 48), Crooks (Stapley 79), Harnett (Creamer 61), McNamara, Littlefair, Davies (Kitching 86), Boucher, L Martin (Kilpatrick 53), Hopson, Thomas.

Att: 218.