We took a deep dive into our neighbours and rivals, Marske United.
Our battle with Marske United continues this evening, left balanced on a knife’s edge after a goalless draw at the John Keegan Stadium on Boxing Day.
The honour of Teesside and the Coast Road is all to play for, but perhaps a win is most sought by Redcar Athletic, as Carl Jarrett demands a response to recent troubles and a poor end to 2024.
WHO ARE YA?
Marske United
Founded in 1956 by members of Marske Cricket Club, Marske United plied their trade in local leagues before earning a place in the North Riding League (then the Teesside League) in 1976.
Promotion to the Wearside League came with a stint as dominant as our own, if not better, as the Seasiders clinched the North Riding Senior Cup in 1995, and the following year a sensational quadruple.
The club was accepted into the Northern League in 1997 after the erection of floodlights at Mount Pleasant, gaining promotion to Division One on their very first attempt.
It was there the Teessiders first crossed paths with former boss, Carl Jarrett, who took the reins at the club to wild success.
A team bursting with talent the likes of Curtis Round, Adam Boyes and Kevin Burgess, Marske won promotion to the Northern Premier League East, and soon after, the Premier Division.
Life after Carl Jarrett proved somewhat challenging for the Seasiders. Marske barely survived in the Northern Premier League at the first attempt, trudging into a precarious position financially the following year.
The club withdrew from the league in December, however, with enough funds secured to preserve their future, a Northern League return was on the cards this season, as too a first ever derby with Redcar Athletic.
CURRENT FORM
One thing is guaranteed, you don’t need three little squares and a Redcar Athletic badge to tell you how poor matters have been of late.
Our goalless stalemate at The John Keegan Stadium (Mount Pleasant) proves the only point the club have gathered from a possible nine, a Tuesday night trip to Whickham offering our only league win since October.
Marske United were in a very similar position come Boxing Day – albeit, with less pressure and expectation – and were equally unsuited to a point.
Where Redcar closed out the year in disappointment, the Seasiders clinched victory over Northallerton Town.
PREVIOUS HISTORY
There’s been only the one competitive meeting between the two Teesside rivals, and you don’t have to strain your memory to think back to it.
Redcar Athletic made the short journey down the Coast Road in a festive, Boxing Day special, the highs promised by such a high-octane fixture never truly reached.
TEAM NEWS
With a full squad expected to close out the year at The MKM Stadium on Saturday, Redcar Athletic were stung by a pair of surprise injuries.
Oscar Fletcher missed out having picked up a knock on Boxing Day, whilst Josh Mazfari was ruled out with a groin strain, thus placing Ben Taylor between the sticks for his first Northern League start.
Both are unlikely to feature this evening, although according to boss Carl Jarrett, it will be a close call.
In other news, the Seasiders will bring a number of familiar faces to the golden shores of Redcar.
James Sayer caused problems across the backline when the two sides met last week, supplied by Alfie Conway from the midfield.
Charlie Graham made up half of a defensive partnership, whilst Danny Boyle entered play from the bench in the closing stages.
PRE-MATCH MEDIA
Carl Jarrett urged fans to back the Steelmen tonight to see his side back on track with an all-important derby win.
MATCHDAY INFORMATION
Click below to find all of the important details surrounding this evening’s game.
FINDING THE B&D INTERIORS STADIUM
Joining us for Friday night football? You can find The B&D Interiors Stadium at the end of Green Lane – accessed from the Coast Road – using the postcode TS10 3RW.
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