TOM MURPHY reports from the MTA
Marine 2 (Newell 8’, Sinclair Smith 90+8) Buxton 1 (Coleman 78’)
Saturday 16th August 2025
A last gasp stunner from Finlay Sinclair Smith saw Marine claim their first three points of the season in the Enterprise National League North.
After a quick start to play Marine took the lead thanks to George Newell who blasted the ball home from close range in the eighth minute.
After Marine’s early dominance which saw them create plenty of chances, momentum shifted in the away team’s favour as they looked to get themselves level.
However, the Bucks’ only real opportunity in the first half came when Connor Kirkby saw his effort strike the bar from a free kick.
In a much slower paced second half, it was Buxton who found an equaliser thanks to a cool finish from substitute Cian Coleman in the 78th minute.
The goal proved to provide energy to the Buxton players and they began to create a plethora of chances in the closing stages, one of which forced Matteo Spinnelli to produce a fine save to his left.
Marine were reduced to 10 men in the dying stages of the match, substitute Leigh Whelan seeing red for a second caution.
With the away side stretching for a winner, it left them open at the back allowing Marine to break forward in the last minute.
After a poor clearance from goalkeeper Paul Cooper, Sinclair Smith collected Matty McDonald’s astute pass to unleash a spectacular looping effort from 30 yards out to win the game for Bobby Grant’s side in the 8th added minute.
Marine (4-3-3): Spinelli; Brown, Sloane (Thomas 75’), Wardle, Butler; Fielding (Whelan 88’), Gregson (Warburton 75’), Hunter (McDonald 55’); Sinclair-Smith, Newell (Bell 88’), Marsden.
Subs not used: Cowderoy, Huby.
Buxton (4-2-3-1): Cooper; Robinson, Burton, Bardell, Ward (Hill 61’); Trueman (Campbell 67’), Kirby; Brennan, Sodje (Viggars 61’), Johnston, Ebanks (Coleman 45’).
Subs not used: Melville, Martin, McLean.
Referee: Jordan Crossley
Star Man: Finlay Sinclair Smith
Attendance: 1,318