A scrappy start and generally a poor first half in this much anticipated FA Cup Replay. Probably the most exciting thing was whether the floodlights would eventually work and thankfully right on cue they fired up allowing the game to continue! At half time both teams had had their share of the game but both failed to keep possession for any length of time or create clear cut goalscoring opportunities. In the 19th minute some good build up play for Horden deserved a better final ball and in the 24th Marske forced a good save from Andrew Rafferty in the Horden goal. On the 40th minute a good shout for handball in the Marske penalty area went unrewarded, but otherwise little to write about.

The second half saw a much livelier start for both teams. In the 49th min a great cross from the left saw Darren Atkinson have the best opportunity of the game so far, then when Craig Ellison was floored (54mins) in the area Mark Stephenson stepped up to convert the penalty, Horden taking the lead 1-0. Marske really dug in and came back at the Collierymen, Jamie Arthur heading off the line when Rafferty was beaten. Then Hordens’ sloppy defending caught them out and in the 58th min Austin Johnston coolly slotted home the equaliser as he found himself the right side of his defender.

Horden had to wait 9mins to get their noses in front again. This time Darren Atkinson fouled 40yds out on the left hand side, chanced his arm and struck a gem of a free kick with his right foot, it dipped as it cleared the keeper, finding its way under the crossbar. Horden 2-1. In the 73rd min Chris Pearson lofted a ball forward to Ellison who struck the crossbar and youngster Jonathan Monaghan made an impressive appearance working hard and troubling defenders on 2 or 3 occasions in the last 15mins. The game saw no more goals although Marske took the game right to the wire, pressing on into the 93rd minute. Horden now face Jarrow Roofing Bolden CA on September 15th at Welfare Park.