But goals at either end of the first half were enough to seal the points for Marske who held firm despite a spirited revival by the visitors.

Town were without influential player-coach, Jamie Harwood, who was injured in their Boxing Day defeat at Kendal, but Nathan Stephenson and Joe Dixon returned as starters, with young Dan Dryden given another chance up front.

They were behind after just 34 seconds, Marske centre-forward Kyran Clark allowed to run free before planting the ball past Callum Dobson.

Town threatened after 16 minutes following a neat free-kick routine outside the box. Skipper Terry Galbraith laid the ball square to Stephenson, who stung the palms of keeper Robert Bennett with his powerful shot. Coatsworth was also narrowly off-target with a couple of efforts.

At the other end, Dobson was in great form again, making a good save from Joe Kitching after 38 minutes. But there was nothing he could do to prevent the Seasiders increasing their lead a minute before the beak.

Again, Northallerton’s defence became overstretched, allowing Clark the time and space he needed to convert with a cheeky flick.

Galbraith’s withdrawal through injury at half-time forced Town into a defensive reshuffle with the versatile Adam Walker drafted back to cover. With Marske appearing to take their foot off the pedal, the visitors began to assert more control.

Their goal after 67 minutes was an absolute beauty. Nicholas admitted he felt a little like Usain Bolt as he sprinted half the length of the field before flicking the ball past Bennett from close range.

Nicholas went close again in late pressure to find an equaliser. But despite their efforts, Marske’s resistance succeeded.

Marske United: R Bennett, Breeze, Joynes, Drummond, Calvert, Boyle, Kitching (J Bennett 70’), Duffield, Clark, Sayer (Burnett 50’), Conway (Carmichael 55’).

Subs not used: Mills, McBride.

Northallerton Town: Dobson, Stapley (Banks 79’), Cocks, Coatsworth, Allen, Galbraith (Raper 45’), Dixon (O’Brien 62’), Walker, Dryden (Thomas 84’), Stephenson (McCormack 85’), Nicholas.

Att: 346.

Man of the Match: Josh Allen.