Tom Wardle reports as Marine hold on for victory…
A hard-fought 1-0 win gave Marine their first three points at the Marine Travel Arena this season, as they kept out Marske United on Saturday afternoon. A Rob Guilfoyle own goal after 19 minutes separated the sides on the day; the result taking the Mariners up to seventh in the Northern Premier League.
The 941 in attendance created a special moment in the ninth minute of play, when the ground came together to pay their respects to Olivia Pratt-Korbel, after her recent passing.
Neil Young’s players reacted positively to their disappointing defeat against Stafford Rangers earlier in the week by starting the game on the front foot, with forwards DJ Pedro and Kielen Adams pressing the Marske backline at any given opportunity.
A well-won free kick by Joe Ferguson gave Luke Clark a chance to score on his first start of the campaign, his effort was palmed away by the Seasiders’ number one, Ryan Catterick.
Lucas Weir crossed wickedly from a set-piece soon after, the ball was met by Pedro who couldn’t direct his header on target.
Then Marine’s early pressure paid off, when Alex Doyle found himself inside the box and had time to pick his spot. He fired his shot off the back-tracking Guilfoyle, who looked to have gained the all-important touch to send the ball into the back of the net, bringing the MTA faithful to their feet.
Marske topped the table heading into Saturday’s fixture, and created chances of their own before the interval. Firstly, some good link up play down the left flank from Joseph Hope and Curtis Round gave the latter a good chance to test Bayleigh Passant, but he swept his effort wide.
However, Passant was called into action minutes later as he had to push Connor Smith’s strike from outside the box away from goal, to keep his side ahead at the break.
The second half proved to be a more even contest, with neither side generating clear chances on goal. The Mariners back five showcased their defensive abilities to prevent the visitors from creating any flow to their attack.
Though Carl Jarrett’s side did have a golden opportunity five minutes before the end. Substitute Connor Simpson was picked out with a sight of goal at close range. He struck the ball with power but somehow missed the target.
Marine almost doubled their lead in stoppage time, when Mo Touray set up Ferguson who was flying down the wing as he had been all afternoon. He fired the ball towards goal which Catterick was equal to.
The games keep on coming thick and fast for the Mariners, as an away visit to Warrington Rylands awaits on Monday for a 3pm kick off.
Marine: Passant, Ferguson, Smith, Howarth, Wardle ©, Clark, C.Doyle, A.Doyle, Adams (Touray 62), Pedro (Campbell 76), Weir (Dunn 80).
Unused Subs: Bahula, Mendes.
Marske United: Catterick, Smith, Hope (Storey 45), Butterworth, May, Wheatley ©, MacDonald (Simpson 64), Hopson, Boyes, Guilfoyle (Kennedy 45), Round.
Unused Subs: Curl, Hudson.
Attendance: 941
