Marske Utd 1

Northallerton Town 3

NORTHALLERTON'S new signing Craig Skelton, a striker picked up from first division club Thornaby, became an instant hit with the large band of Town fans who made the trip to Marske last Saturday.

The new boy hit two stunning goals to help Town garner the three points, which lifted them to third in the division two table.

Northallerton manager Paul Burton was pleased with the way his team responded following their 2-0 defeat at promotion rivals Newcastle Blue Star the previous Monday.

He said: "Following our midweek defeat, this was a potential banana skin for us. But the team showed a lot of character today and we thoroughly deserved the win.

"The only black spot was the early dismissal of Steve Cochrane, but I was pleased with the way the team pulled together. They all gave 100pc."

Town made a good start and David Onions had the ball in the back of the net after just seven minutes, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

The offside flag again came to the home side's rescue in the 14th minute when a Simon Colligan header beat Marske keeper Dan Watson.

It was all Town at this stage and Onions had a great chance to open the scoring in the 17th minute when he raced clear from the halfway line. But, from a good position in front of goal, his 15-yard drive went just wide of the post.

Northallerton were dealt a severe blow in the 20th minute when influential midfield player Cochrane was sent off for swearing, but his dismissal seemed to spur Town on.

They went ahead four minutes later through Skelton, who hit a great low drive from the right angle of the area across Watson and into the far corner.

Marske came more into it as the half progressed, but they seldom troubled Northallerton keeper Sam Dobbs as Ian Williams, Stuart Jackson, Andy Swalwell, Craig Winter and Micky Waller snuffed out everything that came at them.

The home side failed to produce a single shot on target in the entire first half, which ended goalless.

Town continued to press at the start of the second half and Onions was denied in the 56th minute by a brilliant save from Watson, who turned his powerful 15-yard drive round the post for a corner.

The home keeper then redeemed himself with a good save in the 67th minute after Onions had intercepted his poor kick out.

Marske's first real chance came two minute later when a long-range, low shot from substitute Callum Mordue was easily dealt with by Dobbs.

Town increased their lead in the 72nd minute when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. After seeking permission from the referee to take it quickly, Andy Swalwell coolly fired home while the home defence were still arranging a wall.

Marske were back in it within two minutes as they pulled a goal back through Paul Jack, who scored with a superb low shot from 20 yards.

But the visitors weren't to be denied and Skelton capped a dream debut with a brilliant goal three minutes from time. He outpaced the home defence with a superb run from the halfway line and, after beating two men, he hit a blistering shot from the edge of the area which flew into the back of the net.

Northallerton have another big game tomorrow when they are at home to second-placed Washington Nissan, kick-off 3pm.