Adam Yates reports from a blustery and crestfallen Marine Travel Arena as Farsley Celtic gave Marine an evening to forget with a 3-0 defeat.
It was an unfortunate end to a seven month competitive unbeaten run at the Marine Travel Arena with defensive lapses the deciding factor.
Mere moments after the game had begun, a Mariner was on the floor receiving treatment. Loanee Tom Atcheson, who had impressed thus far in the opening games, had to be led off the field after a possible head injury and after a lengthy stoppage, Chris Doyle replaced Tom to make his first appearance of the season.
With Bobby Grant and Finlay Sinclair-Smith still absent through short term injury, goals have been in short supply and Neil Young gave Jack Goodwin his debut start after promising cameos throughout preseason and as an impact substitute in the opening two games. Goodwin immediately became a nuisance for the Celtic defence and even found space for one of Marine’s rare shots on target of the night but his close range effort lacked power and was easily held by Farsley keeper, Tom Wooster.
In the 15th minute, Farsley grabbed their first of the evening. Danny Greenfield laid on a chance for Bailey Sloane, whose first attempt was thwarted. Sloane fell to the ground but whilst on the deck, swung his leg once more at the ball and he connected well enough to beat Luke Hutchinson. The home bench was meanwhile remonstrating with the officials that the lead up to the goal involved a clear foul to midfielder, Harvey Gregson but this was not agreed upon by referee, Darius Bradley. Gregson persevered but was also taken off as a precaution unable to continue at his usual intensity due to the challenge. Kallan Murphy came on in Harvey’s place.
Marine could only blame themselves for the goal that followed ten minutes later. James Butler laid on a backpass that was severely under hit and DJ Compton-Sturridge pounced on his mistake and scored his first goal for the club with an assured finish with only Hutchinson to beat. It was an unfortunate goal to witness from a team that had achieved nearly 25 clean sheets in all competitions last season but also a stark reminder of how brutal step two can be if unforced errors are made.
Compton-Sturridge turned provider for Celtic’s third and final goal when again, Marine were the cause of their own misery leaving Darren Stephenson no trouble poking home in front of the few but ecstatic travelling Celt Army fans. With a mountain to climb and over 45 minutes to go, Marine began to find some footing with corners and breaks down the wings from Goodwin and Alex McNally but no definitive attempts in the penalty box gave Wooster no concerns before the break.
Shortly after the break, Marine were forced into their third replacement. Forward Brad Holmes, looked to be treated for a possible concussion was not risked and swapped out for Adam Thomas.
The strong summer breeze that was anticipated before the game intensified as the match progressed and added to Marine’s woes as they were unable to sometimes compete with it at a time when they needed accuracy and quality. Goal kicks were caught in the wind and blew off course, long ball passes transformed mid flight and despite many many crosses from the likes of Thomas and Matty Waters, there was no Mariner able to efficiently manipulate them.
Arguably Marine’s best chance of the second half came from captain, Regan Griffiths who found himself at the far post following a squared pass but his low shot drew wide and denied fans any form of temporary satisfaction.
The 3-0 defeat leaves Marine with one point from three games and a Saturday home fixture against King’s Lynn Town becomes an important potential morale booster for the team and fans alike but with over 40 games and 8 months to go in the season, we can hope this is just a temporary rough introduction to our new surroundings.
Marine 0 -3 Farsley Celtic
Bailey Sloane (15′)
Dj Campton-Sturridge (26′)
Darren Stevenson (35′)
National League North
Attendance: 1,104
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Venue: The Marine Travel Arena
Marine: 1 Luke Hutchinson, 15 Alex Mcnally, 3 Matty Waters, 16 Kristi Montgomery (Leigh Whelan 75′), 6 James Butler, 12 Jack Goodwin, 8 Harvey Gregson (Kallan Murphy 22′), 10 Owen Robinson, 14 Bradley Holmes (Adam Thomas 52′), 17 Tom Atcheson (Chris Doyle 4′), 18 Regan Griffiths (C)
Subs: 5 Chris Doyle, 11 Kallan Murphy, 2 Scott Butler, 4 Leigh Whelan, 7 Adam Thomas
Farsley Celtic: 1 Tom Wooster, 20 Tom Allen, 5 Rudy Misambo, 4 Isaac Assenso, 23 Bailey Sloane, 6 Connor Branson (C), 10 Ben Atkinson, 22 Danny Greenfield, 3 Lewis Turner, 11 Darren Stevenson, 21 Dj Campton-Sturridge
Subs: 19 Robbie Fox, 14 Samuel Leverett, 15 Sam Fielding, 27 Alex Kiwomya, 18 Manasse Mampala
