Guisborough Town 0 Marske United 1 (John Butterfield Memorial Trophy)

A SOLITARY goal just five minutes into the second half was enough to give Marske United bragging rights against Guisborough in the annual John Butterfield Memorial Trophy tussle at the KGV Stadium on Thursday night.

It could have been a different story had former Guisborough goalkeeper Ryan Catterick not foiled Guisborough midfielder Lewis Hawkins’ with a brilliant save from his pile-driver of a shot in the 36th minute.

At the other end Guisborough’s 18-year-old trialist goalkeeper Aaron Steavens was impressive on his debut, keeping Marske at bay with several good saves and brave punches.

There were also eye-catching performances across the Guisborough back line, with Josh Rowbotham and Nathan Guru in particular getting in some great blocks and tackles. In the end, the deciding goal came after 50 minutes when one of Marske’s trialists crossed the ball to Mathew Tymon who beat Guisborough 'keeper Steavens from a few yards out.

Despite the disappointment of the narrow defeat, Guisborough manager Gary Forster was pleased with his side’s performance overall, more than matching their higher league neighbours Marske for significant periods.

“This was exactly what we wanted and needed tonight, a good workout,” said Gary afterwards. “We stuck well to our game plan and with a bit more ruthlessness up front we could have ended up with a couple of goals. In the second half we were just starting to have a good spell when they scored and after that they were on top for most of the rest of the game. But the main thing tonight was to give ourselves and excellent workout and that’s exactly what we got."

At the presentation of the trophy at the end of the game, Guisborough chairman Don Cowan welcomed John Butterfield’s wife Joanne and daughter Leanne to the KGV to make the presentation.

Don said: “John Butterfield was a great friend and stalwart of Guisborough Town and a true friend of football over many years and sadly missed by many at our club. We are delighted to have this trophy in John’s memory to be played for annually between ourselves and Marske and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our friends from Marske for coming here tonight and also thanks to both teams for putting on an entertaining and competitive match."

Guisborough Town has warmly welcomed the FA's announcement of a phased and limited return of spectators to non-league matches. The club is now studying the implications of the announcement on its own forthcoming fixtures and how it can fulfil the detailed responsibilities placed on clubs to ensure the highest possible standards of spectator safety.

In the coming days, the club will be working hard on plans to open the KGV Stadium for up to a maximum of 150 spectators as soon as possible. Mr Cowan said: “The return of non-league football as a spectator sport is great news for all of us associated with our club and we are now studying in detail the FA guidance for the phased and limited return of spectators later this month. However, this very welcome development comes with many conditions and requirements that are to be met as the safety of all concerned is of paramount importance to us all.

“We at Guisborough Town will do what’s required to fully comply with all the conditions laid down by the FA and the UK Government so that we can allow supporters back through the turnstiles at the KGV as soon as is practicable. We ask people to bear with us in the meantime while we put in place everything that is required of us."