Adam Yates reports from the MTA…
The Mariners left it late but ultimately triumphed over AFC Knowsley 2-1 to progress to the next round of the Liverpool Senior Cup.
The Marine starting eleven were a balanced mix of academy players and first team regulars including the likes of James Butler, George Kattah and Sonny Hilton.
Boyhood Marine fan Tom Lawless smuggled in his first goal for the club as the ball whipped in from a corner was not held by Knowsley’s Gabriel Gray. A cascade of bodies chased the second ball and within the melee, Lawless prodded home for the lead within 34 minutes.
AFC Knowsley however did not let the hosts have it all their own way and midway through the second half were awarded a penalty at the far end of the ground. Striker Ben Taylor made no mistake to equalise for the visitors.
The equaliser prompted Marine to turn up the heat and countless chances were aimed at goal. James Potter was unlucky not to convert a difficult chance and Harry Huby was taking players on at will. James Butler was a commanding presence at the back well aided by youngster Cullen Clarke.
With the prospect of a penalty shootout only seconds away, in the fourth and final minute of injury time came the winner. A brilliant cross found the head of George Kattah who directed it past Gray to his left-hand side into the bottom corner of the net and ensured the near 300 in attendance left on time.
Marine will next face the winners of Southport or Ashton Town at a date to be announced but first up is another cup game in the guise of the FA Cup v Warrington Town this weekend.
Man of the match – James Butler
Connor Timmins, Harry Williams, Will McNulty, Brooklyn Bailey (Jaiden Rooney 68), Cullen Clarke, James Butler, Harry Huby, Sonny Hilton (c), James Potter, George Kattah, Tom Lawless (Lucas Bispo-Martinez 72).
Goals: Tom Lawless 34, George Kattah 90.
Referee: George Corrie.
Attendance: 295