Marske set to name scratch side at Penrith in attempt to field decent strength line-up in Northern League Cup semi-final clash at Ashington
Depleted Marske are set to name a scratch side at Penrith tomorrow in an attempt to field a decent strength line-up in their Northern League Cup semi-final clash at Ashington on Easter Monday.
The Seasiders have played twice already this week, losing 2-1 at Shildon on Monday and taking a point in a goalless draw at Bishop Auckland on Wednesday.
And they are struggling badly for numbers for the Ashington game after several players made arrangements for the Easter Holiday weekend before the fixture was announced.
Marske chairman Peter Collinson said his club only learned of the League Cup last four date when Ashington tweeted about it after their win against Tow Law on Tuesday night.
“That was the first we’d heard about it, then the league confirmed it later that night,” Collinson said.
“It’s very disappointing and doesn’t take into account the time needed to organise coaches for supporters on a Bank Holiday Easter weekend.
“And, as far as we are concerned, the timing has hampered our efforts to get to a final in the League’s 125th anniversary season, and at a prestigious Premier League ground in Newcastle’s St James’ Park.
“There’s still a couple of weeks before the final on Tuesday, May 6, so why shouldn’t players make Easter Monday arrangements if they think don’t have a game?”
Marske are set to be without midfield trio Craig Gott, Bryan Stewart and Glen Butterworth, striker Jamie Clarke and defender Paul Collins.
The other League Cup semi-final pits Whitley Bay against Whitehaven.
Marske are the only Northern League club from Teesside with a game tomorrow.
Easter Monday’s other match involving Teesside clubs sees Billingham Synthonia visit neighbours Billingham Town for an 11am derby.
Synners can hammer the final nails into Town’s coffin as the relegated former Northern League runners-up have suffered five straight defeats and conceded 32 goals without scoring.
And a win would take their former Bedford Terrace management team’s points total past the 61 mark which they achieved last season.
Synners assistant Lee Tucker said: “I feel for Town, but we have just got to focus on ourselves. As a management team we are in our fourth year at Central Avenue and our best points haul was 61 last season, which we can still surpass.
“That’s a bit of an extra incentive to do well. It’s still below where we want to be, but it would be another step in the right direction.”
Synners could give chairman Stuart Coleby’s son Jonathan his second start.
The 18-year-old is on a work experience contract after being released by Boro and played 70 minutes against Bishop Auckland after doing well from the bench at Durham City.
Fourth-placed Guisborough, who beat Newcastle Benfield 2-1 in midweek, play again next Wednesday at Whitley Bay.
Second division Norton, Thornaby and Stokesley are back out next Saturday, when they close the curtain on their campaigns against Northallerton, West Allotment and Whitehaven.
Norton boss Andy Campbell said Ancients striker Nicky Martin deserves a pat on the back after surpassing the 150 Northern League goals mark with the Ancients.
“I’m well pleased for Nicky,” said the former Boro man. “I’m sure there is more to come.”
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