WHITLEY BAY 0 MARSKE UNITED 0
Tuesday 17th March 2026
Report by Harry Salkeld
After a run of four games on the road, the Bay were back at Hillheads Park for the first time in 24 days. A variety of changes were made to our last starting side which travelled to West Auckland. Alfie Livermore and Mackenzie Sharpe were two of the names who made a return.
Before kick off spectators and players joined in a minute of applause in memory of the Bay PA announcer Simon Booth who sadly passed away very suddenly last week.
The game started with the Bay having an early chance as Gildo Da Silva's left footed effort bulged the side netting as it went narrowly wide. The Bay's pressure continued as they had a couple of set piece attempts in dangerous positions. Unfortunately, they were unable to create any credible efforts on goal.
Midway through the first half, Mackenzie Sharpe had his first attempt of the night pushed wide as it looked destined for the bottom left corner. Minutes later, Mechack Kanda directed a header towards goal, but Mike Algie comfortably denied the effort. The feeling was brewing that The Bay, were tantalisingly close to breaking the deadlock. Marske however had other ideas as their resolute and stoic manner of playing, began to take the fizzle out of the game.
No real chances were created until the 40th minute when Sharpe headed the ball just over the bar. The opponents first real chance of the game came on the stroke of halftime as the Bay were forced into clearing a shot off the line after a corner caused carnage in the heart of The Bay defence. It would prove to be Marske's only tangible soiree into their oppositions box, as they set their stall out for defensive pragmatism rather than attacking endeavour.
The players headed into the changing rooms with the deadlock yet to be broken and the game remaining in the balance.
The second half went to Marske's script as no chances came for either team. The encounter became a midfield war of attrition with The Bay unable to pass their way through Marske's backline. The only opportunity of any note came in the last minute of the game! Mikel Thompson had a shot deflected wide as most of the Bay faithful thought we were about to snatch all three points at the death.
The full-time whistle ended a game in which there were no goals, meaning the Bay remain third in the league table.
Thank you to everyone who showed the lads support at Hillheads. HOWAY THE BAY!!!
WHITLEY BAY: Asikaogu, Thompson, Aplin(Christie 71mins), Shilling(Nkunku 75mins), Scott, Errington, Livermore(Williams 62mins), Kanda, Sharpe, Larmouth, Da Silva(Forster 62mins)
Substitute not used: Achuo
Caution: Sharpe
Referee: Dillon Bloomfield
Attendance: 210
