Recap

Max Ledson reports from the Impact Arena…

Marine travelled to the Impact Arena to face Alfreton in a tough, physical battle which resulted in The Reds nicking the game’s decisive goal from a set piece.

The Mariners started the game strongly with their best chance coming in the first two minutes after Calum Agius’ effort from short range was turned over the bar after great work from Kallan Murphy to win the ball back high up the pitch.

Marine had another big chance to open the scoring in the 20th minute when Joe Mattock found his attempt at goal cleared off the line.

There was very little in the way of chances for both sides for the remainder of the first half, with the game becoming very scrappy and physical.

Alfreton started the second half strongly finding the net in the 49th minute after Liam Waldock’s headed effort hit the crossbar Jake Day first to react to turn the rebound home.

Marine showed good fight as they looked to level the game, their best chance to do so came in the 78th minute. Good work again from Murphy to deliver a ball into the box which found Harvey Gregson sliding in at the back post, however he wasn’t able to get enough on the ball to turn it goalward.

The home side were comfortable sitting back and defending for the last 10 minutes to see out the game, which they did well. The Mariners sent a barrage of balls into the Alfreton area to try and force a chance. The Reds, however, kept their shape and defended well with the towering defenders able to deal with whatever Marine threw at them.

Marine: Corran, Brown, J.Butler, Wardle ©, Mattock, Whelan, Doyle, Gregson (Sinclair-Smith, 79’), Aguis (Thomas, 56’), Robinson (Lusiama, 66’), Murphy (Holmes, 79’)

Unused subs: Atcheson

Attendance: 318