Late Marske goals see off Jarrow Roofing

Jarrow Roofing slipped to defeat in the Ebac Northern League Division 1 as Nathan Mulligan's brace helped Marske United to a 3-1 success.

This was a much more composed performance from the South Tynesiders, who were looking to bounce back from a 4-0 defeat by Newcastle Benfield last time out, and they can count themselves unlucky to lose again.

Roofing started the match with Dan Kirkup up front, and the Roofing captain looked dangerous - causing problems and winning numerous flick-ons. New signings Adam Smith and Ross Toward were also handed their debuts, and the pair did well in adding some extra steel to the home defence.

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The first opening 10 minutes proved to be a tight affair, with Roofing adopting a more compact shape in midfield to stop their hosts from breaking forward. However, Ramsbottom came close to opening the scoring on 16 minutes as he headed Glen Butterworth’s right-wing cross wide of the post.

Just three minutes later, Marske went ahead through Mulligan. Andrew Ramsbottom’s cross in from the right saw the ball fall free in the box and the midfielder reacted quickest to fire past Andy Hunter.

That was the last real chance of the half until deep into injury time. Jamie Marshall clipped the ball out to the left wing to set Darren Holden free, and the winger beat his man before sending a cross to the back post where Kirkup headed just wide.

The hosts started the second-half brightly, too, with Michael Mackay forcing a great save from Robert Dean from a tight angle inside the box on 54 minutes.

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With just 12 minutes left, Roofing got their reward for a great performance as Kirkup headed his side level. Robbie Williamson showed great skill to beat his man in the middle before spraying the ball out to Chow, and his right wing cross was headed in by the captain.

Roofing’s joy was short-lived, however, as a contentious penalty decision on 80 minutes put Marske ahead again. Smith won the ball in the box, but the referee blew for a foul and Mulligan stepped up to fire the ball past Hunter.

With just four minutes left, Aaron Ramsbottom doubled the advantage as he glanced home Butterworth’s free kick from the left. The initial free kick looked harsh, too.