Marine exited the Isuzu FA Trophy at the 3rd Round stage on Tuesday evening as they fell to defeat on the east coast.
Manager Neil Young was forced to shuffle the pack, with Sean Smith, Jonny Spittle, Hayden Campbell and Jordan Lussey all unavailable through work commitments or illness, and Andy Scarisbrick Trophy-tied for Marine’s first game in over a fortnight.
On a heavy playing surface following the recent thaw, the early stages were rather attritional, as both sides sought to assert.
With 11 minutes elapsed the Mariners had the ball in the net as a low ball across the Marske box found Sol Solomon lurking at the back post to turn the ball home, however he was adjudged offside and the goal ruled out.
Seasoned striker Hopson then threatened to prove a thorn in Marine’s side as he has done on many occasions over the years, but Josh Solomon-Davies produced an excellent challenge to deny Hopson as he burst into the Marine area.
Ten minutes before the break Mo Touray’s deflected shot fell the way of the returning Freddie Price, but the young winger fired a couple of yards over the bar from the edge of the box.
Solomon came even closer in Marine’s next attack as he cut in from the left and sent a low shot inches wide of the upright, the game remaining goalless at the interval.
Whilst Marine had enjoyed the edge in territory and possession during the opening period, the Seasiders came out of the blocks quicker after the break.
A low Touray shot was easily fielded by home ‘keeper Yaqub, before the Yellows broke the deadlock with a quick counter on 48 minutes.
A direct aerial ball was not dealt with by the Mariners’ rearguard, and home striker Boyes raced through before beating Bayleigh Passant with a cool, low finish.
The Mariners looked to respond immediately, and Yaqub produced a fine double-save to thwart Solomon, but United doubled their lead on 55 minutes to give Marine a mountain to climb.
Mark Howarth, deputising for the absent Spittle at centre-back, failed to clear his lines, the ball reaching Hopson who produced a well-taken lob over the advancing Passant.
Price’s daisy-cutter failed to unduly trouble Yaqub who held comfortably, before Callum Harris was introduced in place of Lucas Weir.
The midfielder almost made an instant impact as his good work on the right allowed him to cut the ball back to Price, but once again the shot found the gloves of the well-positioned Yaqub.
As the game entered the closing stages, the Mariners gave the hardy travelling fans hope as they halved their deficit.
A long-throw from substitute Luke Clark was flicked on by Josh Wardle to find Solomon who crashed the ball home from six yards for his eight goal for the club.
Despite five minutes being added the Mariners were kept at bay by the homesters, and that frustration boiled over for skipper Wardle who received a straight red card for foul and abusive language directed toward the referee.
Time elapsed to bring Marine’s FA Trophy run to an end on a disappointing evening, as Marske progress to face Farsley Celtic in the last 32.
The Mariners return to NPL Premier action on Boxing Day as they travel to Warrington Town, kick-off 3pm at Cantilever Park.
Marine: Passant, Solomon-Davies, Barrigan, Howarth, Wardle ©, A Doyle, Price (Clark 81), C.Doyle, Touray, Solomon, Weir (Harris 74).
Unused Substitutes: Mendes, Jones.
Marske United: Yaqub, Smith, McAvoy, Lovick (Gell 64), May, Storey, Green, Kennedy, Boyes, Hopson, Hope (Wheatley 89).
Unused Substitutes: Burgess, Shelmani, Walsh.
Attendance: 260
