Tom Murphy reports from the MTA…
Goals from Declan Drysdale and George Newell ensured Marine claimed all three points against Kidderminster Harriers on a freezing Tuesday evening.
It was a perfect start for the Mariners who managed to find an opening inside four minutes.
A delightful delivery from Finlay Sinclair Smith fell to Drysdale at the back post who made no mistake smashing home his first in a Marine shirt to give his side the lead.
The visitors looked to strike back 10 minutes later after a slight mixup at the back from Marine.
With the home side unable to clear at first attempt, Michael Gyasi latched onto the loose ball but was unable to find the target.
Harriers continued to create a handful of chances throughout the first half but none that would trouble Fraser Barnsley in goal.
Marine themselves continued to look dangerous when going forward but as the game became a stop start encounter, they too struggled to maintain any momentum.
Bobby Grant’s side started the second half with the same intensity as they did the first and continued to create plenty of chances in the final third.
Sinclair Smith saw a handful of efforts be saved or go wide throughout the game as he looked to increase his side’s lead.
The Mariners eventually doubled their lead as we passed the hour mark thanks to their number nine.
Newell, who was applying constant pressure all game, latched onto a loose ball in the Harriers penalty area before placing the ball in the back of the net.
The visitors did all they could to get back into the game but Marine stood firm and kept a clean sheet in front of their home fans for the second game running.
An emphatic victory launches Marine into fifth position in the league table ahead of an away trip to Hereford on Saturday.
Marine: Barnsley, Brown (Wardle 25’), Drysdale, Anson (Thomas 54’), Samuels Smith, Whelan, Fielding, Marsden, Sinclair Smith, Newell (Bell 85’), Jolley (Huby 90+2’).
Unused subs: McIntyre, Roberts.
Kidderminster Harriers: Dibble, Devine, Kandola, Obi, Morgan-Smith ©, Gyasi (Walker 81), Foulkes, Siziba (Spokes 68), Evans, Kalambayi, Reynolds (Willoughby 64).
Unused subs: Palmer, Tunnicliffe, Francis, Sho-Silva.
Referee; Michael Crusham
Attendance: 1,029.