Marske march on

Marske United won through to the Second Qualifying Round by the odd goal in seven against Harrogate Railway, but did not do their disciplinary record any favours as they had two men sent off and received five yellow cards.

The visitors raced into the lead within ten minutes, the in-form David Onions easily latching on to a through ball from Liam McPhillips. Then, in the 18th minute, full-back David Howe scored with a spectacular left foot volley.

But Railway pulled one back immediately when Scott Ryan slammed the ball home from eight yards after a scramble in the Marske penalty area.

The scores were level on the half hour when a cross from Nathan James was met perfectly by Railway’s Steve Jones and brought temporary relief for the home fans.

Railway’s eventual downfall centred on two defensive lapses midway through the second half. Steve Jones scored a bizarre own-goal more suited to the pinball table and later, the home defence stood still as Liam McPhillips was let in to lob effortlessly over goalkeeper Will Whiteford.

But the game was far from over as Marske defender Daniel Metcalf was sent off for speaking out of turn to referee Ian Rose. A minute from the end of normal time, his teammate and goalkeeper John Mohan also received his marching orders for putting a foot up to Darius Henderson.

The resulting penalty was converted by Railway’s Graham Whitehead to ensure a nail-biting grandstand finish to the game, but Marske held out to progress into the next round.

For more reaction, and for the draw for the next round, stay with TheFA.com.