Boro's cup dreams smashed by last-gasp goal

Former Whitby Town striker Nathan Mulligan took advantage of a last-gasp slip from keeper Nicky Draper to prod Marske to a 2-1 North Riding FA Senior Cup success at a chilly Queensgate.

The result may be the same as it has been for a good number of weeks, but the new-look Boro seemed to have moved on leaps and bounds from the team that dropped like a stone in the Evo-Stik North this term.

There was organisation and solidity at the back, while Boro looked a trace sharper in attack.

New boss Steve Kittrick's fitness mantra will be the key though, as Boro faded badly as the temperatures dropped in the second half of the cup tie.

After a busy start to the week, Kittrick threw in keeper Draper, Tom McNamee, Shane Killock and new player-coach Dave Merris for their debuts, while Redmond Lee and Carles Lleches-Parra took places on the bench.

With the gel still setting, Boro made the worst possible start, falling behind after just five minutes of cup action.

The home defence parted in front of the raiding Jamie Owens and the Marske striker let fly with a vicious strike that smashed into the top corner.

The new look Boro had a little more resolve than previously though, and after a string of sharp attacks led by the rampant Merris, they soon levelled proceedings.

The ball was fed into the feet of Ryan Blott, who turned neatly and lifted beyond a static Jamie Briggs in the away goal.

Boro had two more useful good chances before the interval. The first of which fell to Tom Corner, who planted his header into the hands of Briggs.

Then Merris bent an effort in on goal, but it was hooked away by the shin of a Marske defender.

There was no huge upping in tempo after the break, though Boro clearly had control of the clash.

Dean Lisles almost took the opportunity to nudge them ahead of their Northern League rivals with the half 10 minutes old.

The defender crept in between two Marske men and poked a shot that sailed just over the bar.

Tempers began to flare as the second period ticked on, with some interesting challenges going in from both teams.

Steve Mallory was booked for a tackle, while debut boy Lleches-Parra was lucky to remain on the field when his flailing elbow met a Marske head.

Marske edged the final few moments, but the game seemed to be heading towards the thrill of spot-kicks.

That was until Draper scuffed the ball straight to the feet of Mulligan in the second minute of injury time.

The striker kept his cool to stride through, roll home and seal the harshest of defeats for Boro.