Guisborough Town’s pre-season build up continued at the KGV Stadium last Saturday when they were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Marske United in the annual John Butterfield Memorial Trophy game.

The weakened Priorymen were without three regulars – Robert Dean, Shabs Mohammed and Jack Blackford – who would been in Steve Bell’s starting line-up but for injury.

Nevertheless, Guisborough acquitted themselves very well against neighbours Marske, who these days play fully two league steps above them.

Guisborough played well in the first half and held Marske to 1-1, but Marske’s superiority told in the second half as they scored a second goal but the Priorymen never gave up.

Guisborough deservedly took the lead in the 22nd minute when the lively Jason Blackburn was upended in the Marske box and the big striker himself took the spot kick and sent the Marske ‘keeper the wrong way to score for 1-0.

It took Marske until three minutes before half-time to get on level terms, in fortunate circumstances, when a Glen Butterworth shot from the edge of the area took a wicked deflection and ended up in the corner of the net despite Guisborough goalkeeper Will Cowey’s despairing dive. It was tough on Will who, deputising for Dean, had made some excellent saves.

In the second half Marske gradually got on top and took the lead on 52 minutes from a corner the Seasiders’ new 6ft 5ins striker Connor Simpson scored with a free header to make it 2-1.

Guisborough tried their best to get back in the game but it was Marske who came closest to scoring again when they hit the post in the 76th minute when it looked easier to score.

Steve Bell is pleased with the way his team’s build up to the new season is going, and he said: “I’m really, really pleased with the lads and how well they are playing and the high levels of fitness and energy they are showing. Marske provided us with a real challenge in really tough, hot conditions. Because of injuries we only played with two subs and a few players were carrying knocks so overall really happy with ow things are going.”

At the end of the game, Guisborough general manager Chris Wood paid warm tribute to the late John Butterfield, in whose honour the game is now annually staged between Guisborough and Marske. Chris said John would always be remembered at the KGV for his dedicated service to the club over many years, both as club secretary and then press officer. John’s daughter Leanne, who used to accompany John both home and away, attended the game and presented the trophy to Marske skipper Glen Butterworth. She said: “It means a lot to me because it meant so much to him and we used to come to every match together. It (the match) keeps that memory of what me and him had together.”

Guisborough Town’s Press Officer, Bill Perfitt, was honoured with a presentation of a Silver Salver, which is issued to a volunteer at the end of each season in recognition of commitment to the Guisborough football community.

Chairman Don Cowan said: “Bill’s talent for creating valuable, informative press releases to the community keeps the Town informed, showcasing the achievements of the club. Our thanks to Bill and all of our volunteers for their commitment.”es to the community keeps the Town informed, showcasing the achievements of the club. Our thanks to Bill and all of our volunteers for their commitment.”