Lions Bounce Back To Maul Marske

The Lions bounced back from last week’s disappointment against Hyde to record a deserved 4-2 win at Marske, writes Ivor Timmis.

There were two changes for the Lions with Kwame Boateng replacing Kareem Hassan Smith and new signing Osebi Abadaki replacing Jake Cassidy.

Marske included 3 former Lions – Jordan Emery, Donald Chamalilo and Adam Boyes in the starting line up, with Jorge Sikora on the bench but Ethen Vaughan missed out.

The early stages were competitive if a little frenetic with possession frequently changing hands. Abadaki, playing wide right, clearly carried a threat.

On eight minutes, an out swinging corner by George Smith was headed firmly home by Jameel Ible unmarked around 10 yards out for his first goal this season.

Courtney Meppen-Walters then missed a far post header from another corner before Callum Chippendale hit the post with a clever left foot effort after great work by Kallan Murphy.

It was no surprise when a second goal arrived after 20 minutes, a long ball forward was feebly headed in the air landing at the feet of Abadaki inside the area. He took an air shot half volley but when given a second chance calmly stroked the ball home.

Lewis Whitham cut inside and hit the bar with an excellent effort and the Lions dominated until half time. The only reservation was that the game had not been killed off despite our dominance.

In the second half, Marske began to assert territorial dominance and forced a series of corners. From the third of these, Meppen-Walters appeared to have cleared the danger with a header but it was met with a technically brilliant 25 yard half volley by Alfie Doherty which hit the underside of the bar before finding its way over the line.

Marske were now in the ascendancy and in swinging corners from the left alongside Emery’s long throws kept the Lions on the back foot, unable to clear their lines or to gain controlled possession.

It was a relief then when Whitham cleverly earned a free kick in the right corner, Smith hit a low inswinger and, somewhat incredibly, it trickled through a crowded 6 yard box and nestled in the goal (George denies it was a fluke).

Four minutes later, Whelan played a delightful ball with the outside of his foot to Whitham who cut inside and hit a decent shot. Michael Roxburgh fumbled it but still looked favourite to get the rebound but a determined Whelan nipped in to nudge it over the line for a deserved goal.

Just when you thought it was safe Boyes capitalised on a defensive mix-up to score a trademark poachers’ goal.

Adam Haw and, in a welcome surprise, Spencer Harris had entered the fray and the Lions saw the game out with no further alarms. In the conditions, champagne football was never on the cards, but I think we will all take Brown Ale football if it brings 4 goals and 3 points away in tricky conditions.

Marske United 2-4 Guiseley | Saturday 4th February 2023 | Nethermoor

Attendance: 422

Team: 1. Cam Mason, 2. Kwame Boateng, 3. George Smith (C), 4. Ross Daly, 5. Jameel Ible, 6. Leigh Whelan, 7. Lewis Whitham (76′ Haw), 8. Callum Chippendale, 9. Kallan Murphy, 10. Osebi Abdaki (79′ Harris) and 11. Courtney Meppen-Walters.

Subs: 12. Jake Cassidy, 13. Hagie Damba (GK), 14. Adam Haw, 15. Ekow Coker and 16. Spencer Harris.

Next Up:

3:00 pm
Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division

Guiseley vs Ilkeston Town