Adam Yates reports from the MTA…
Neil Young’s final managerial game for Marine ended on a high as they pummelled South Shields, finishing the season above their opponents in the table.
It was a dream start when they took the lead after only four minutes. Via a Leigh Whelan set piece, the ball found the head of James Butler on the edge of the six yard box which looped over Kyle Seymour.
Before the twenty minute mark, the lead was deservedly doubled. Captain Bobby Grant, also marking his last game for Marine, dived low to meet a James Brown cross from close range.
Marine’s confidence grew and the quality of their play shone with the third goal. From out wide, Grant produced a perfect low pass across the stretched defence for a first touch finish from Finlay Sinclair-Smith.
Shortly afterwards he 12th goal this season scored by a Marine central defender arrived, Josh Wardle joined the party by heading in a fourth.
After the break, Bobby Grant nearly grabbed a brace but for a fantastic save by Seymour as he tipped it onto the bar and cleared. The |Marine captain left the field, on the 67th minute for the last time to a standing ovation by the near 1700 in attendance.
Kyle Crossley managed to score a consolation goal in the 77th minute in front of the away fans with a toe poked close ranger following a counter attack.
Marine (4-5-1): Metcalfe, Butler, Sloane (Doyle 77), Wardle, Brown; Whelan, Gregson, Fielding (Thomas 77′) , Robinson (Scarisbrick 85′), Sinclair Smith (Lusiama 77′); Grant (Murphy 67′)
Subs not used: None
South Shields: Seymour; Carson, Briggs, Shepherd, Heaney; Smith, Ward (Stephenson 60′), Jenkins, McGowan (Sloane 45′) ; Blackett, Allan (Crossley 54′)
Subs not used – Boney, Burns
Referee: Gareth Thomas
Marine Man of the Match: Bobby Grant
Attendance: 1,672