Seasiders take on Whitley Bay at the home of Barclays Premier League Newcastle, looking to go one better than in 2001
Marske boss Ted Watts is sure his side will rise to the occasion at St James’ Park tonight as the club attempts to win the Northern League Cup for the first time.
The Seasiders take on Whitley Bay at the home of Barclays Premier League Newcastle, looking to go one better than in 2001 when they came runners-up in a 4-1 defeat to Bedlington.
Marske finished six places behind Whitley Bay in 16th but have excelled in knockout competitions this term.
They enjoyed a first-ever run to the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup and demolished both local rivals Guisborough and Ashington 4-1 to win through to the Northern League centrepiece.
And while Conference side Southport unceremoniously ended Marske’s FA Cup journey in a lopsided 6-2 defeat, Watts believes his players will do themselves far more justice under the bright lights of Tyneside than they did on Merseyside.
“We froze on the day at Southport and conceded four in the opening 10 minutes before getting back into it,” the Marske manager said.
“We had a poor spell after that but have grown a bit as a team since then and played very well to reach the final.
“Whitley Bay have got going again under Leon Ryan and have got a dangerman up front in Paul Chow.
“But the surface will suit us and if we play like we did against Guisborough and Ashington tonight, we can beat them.”
Marske will be roared on by around 300 supporters and are boosted by the news that star midfielder Craig Gott has recovered from a calf strain.
Goalkeeper Robert Dean is also fully fit after resting a thigh strain.
Gott has won Marske’s Players’ Player of the Year and Supporters’ Player of the Year awards. Captain Adam Wheatley was named Manager’s Player of the Year.
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