Tom Murphy reports from RAW Charging Stadium…
Marine suffered a tight 1-0 defeat away from home against Oxford City.
A first half goal from Lewis Coyle, directly from a corner was the only thing that separated the two sides after 90 minutes.
The Mariners remain in the bottom four after the defeat down south, a point adrift from safety.
It was the hosts who started the game on the front foot as they began to work the ball well along the flanks, winning a series of corners in the process.
One of these corners eventually punished Neil Young’s side as Coyle’s delivery avoided every player and nestled into the bottom corner of the net.
Protests from Josh Wardle and Enock Lusiama led to the pair being booked after they believed that goalkeeper Andy Wogan was brought down in the lead up to the goal.
There was a fairly positive response from Marine after going behind and they came close from a Hazelhurst free kick.
A lovely lofted ball fell to Chris Doyle who couldn’t quite get a hold of it and the ball ran out of play and behind for a goal kick.
Marine came out quickly for the second half but due to the strong defensive performance from Oxford City, the attacking players were unable to break through.
As the game progressed, Marine began to enjoy more success along the flanks.
Jack Hazelhurst, who had begun to grow into the game, cut inside from the left and forced a solid save from keeper Kai McKenzie Lyle.
With time ticking, chances began to go begging. Substitute Sinclair Smith found fellow sub Owen Robinson deep in the Oxford penalty area. The number 10 unleashed a shot goal bound forcing another brilliant save from McKenzie Lyle.
The hosts fought to the end and Marine were unable to grab a late equaliser and sank to defeat.
They now look to another away trip to Darlington on Saturday where they will be hoping fortunes will turn around.
Marine starting XI: Andrew Wogan, Adam Thomas, James Brown, Chris Doyle (Fin Sinclair-Smith 83’), Josh Wardle ©, Leigh Whelan, Harvey Gregson (Kallan Murphy 63’), Andy Scarisbrick, Jack Hazelhurst, Encok Lusiama, Trevon Bryan (Owen Robinson 46’).
Unused subs: James Butler, Joe Mattock.
Attendance: 411.