GUISBOROUGH Town continued with their pre-season build up when the width of a post prevented them from possibly lifting the inaugural ‘John Butterfield Memorial Shield’ against Marske at the KGV on Saturday.

It was something of an emotional occasion for many who knew Guisborough’s former Press Officer John, who sadly passed away earlier this year after a brave battle against brain cancer. And fittingly it was John’s daughter Leanne – often a familiar face at Guisborough games over the years with her beloved dad – who bravely presented the Shield in her father’s name to Marske after a narrowly-fought game.

It was literally the width of a post which denied Guisborough what would have been a deserved last-gasp equaliser and the prospect of a penalty shoot-out to decide the winners. Reigning Northern League champions Marske had built up a 2-0 lead when with seven minutes to go a late revival looked on the cards when Louis Goldsack scored a typically superb goal, shooting home from just outside the penalty area.

Then with just seconds remaining Guisborough surged forward again and Ben Jackson, making his comeback at the KGV Stadium, hit a glorious angled shot from just inside the penalty area but, agonisingly, it hit the inside of the far post and somehow rolled along the goal-line before being hastily cleared.

Earlier, in a very entertaining a competitive game, Marske had taken the lead on 23 minutes when Craig Gott scored from the penalty spot. Then the Seasiders doubled their lead when trialist Brad Plant scored midway through the second half. In a very tight finish, Guisborough pushed their neighbours all the way and were unlucky not to emerge with something from the game after a display that was very impressive at times.

Introducing Leanne to the crowd, Guisborough Town Chairman Don Cowan said it was fitting that she should present the Shield in honour of her dad to the inaugural winners, Marske United. Mr Cowan said John had been a superb servant to Guisborough Town over the years and that he would be very sorely missed by all at the KGV.

In midweek, meanwhile, Guisborough played their traditional annual Mickey Skinner Memorial Cup match against Whitby Town at the KGV and the Priorymen won a famous tussle 3-2 to deservedly lift the trophy. It was Whitby who opened the scoring in the first half but then Guisborough equalised from the penalty spot through Mark Robinson only for Whitby to regain the lead 2-1. But Guisborough were not to be outdone and they roared back magnificently with goals from new signing Ash Lavan and Matty Lovatt to earn a memorable 3-2 victory.

Guisborough round off their friendly pre-season programme at Crook Town FC tomorrow, kick-off 3pm.