MATCH REPORT BY WILF TRAY (edited by Michael Wilson)
Banks at the Double as Shildon Beat Marske
In blustery conditions on the North Yorkshire coast, Shildon AFC battled both the elements and a combative Marske United side to secure a hard-earned 3–1 victory and three valuable points.
The Railwaymen nearly made the perfect start inside the opening minute when Billy Greulich-Smith’s sharp snapshot forced a fine save from the Marske goalkeeper. Moments later, Greulich-Smith rose highest from a corner but couldn’t keep his header down.
Despite Shildon’s early pressure, it was the hosts who struck first. In their first meaningful attack, Marske capitalised on a controversial corner — with strong claims of obstruction on the Shildon keeper — as Tommy Marron bundled the ball home to make it 1–0.
Undeterred, Shildon continued to press and were rewarded on the half-hour mark. A slick move released Ciaran Banks into the box, where he was brought down. Banks dusted himself off and coolly converted the penalty, sending the keeper the wrong way to level the score.
Just three minutes later, Shildon were awarded a second spot-kick when Leighton Harris was clattered by the Marske keeper. Banks stepped up again and repeated the trick to put the visitors 2–1 ahead.
Shildon dominated the second half but were guilty of spurning several clear chances. The decisive moment came in the 80th minute when Luke Spalding broke free and slotted past the keeper to seal the win.
A deserved three points and a solid showing on the road.
Attendance: 245
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