Recap

Tom Murphy reports from the Skuna Stadium…

On a difficult surface, Marine came out on top as they claimed a comfortable three points on the road. 

The Mariners, who hadn’t won away from home on a Tuesday evening so far this season, ended their losing streak in spectacular fashion. 

Goals from Connor Evans, Finlay Sinclair-Smith,  Louis White and a brace from Sol Solomon resulted in a emphatic victory for the Merseysiders.

The away side came out of the blocks quickly with Evans coming close after four minutes. A strong hand from Joe O’Shaughnessy saw his effort deflect behind.

Marine’s early pressure then paid off after Sol Solomon calmly placed the ball past keeper O’Shaughnessy after seven minutes were played. 

Shots from range continued to be fired towards the Atherton goal but the home defence remained resilient and they kept the scoreline at 1-0. 

Neil Young’s side were the most dominant in the first 45 with countless opportunities to extend their lead throughout the half. 

The chances Marine missed in the first half were quickly forgotten when four goals were scored in the second period of play. 

Before that, an unfortunate power cut at the Skuna stadium halted play just minutes after the game restarted for the second half.

When the lights were eventually turned back on, The Mariners quickly got on the front foot and Sinclair-Smith calmly bagged his first goal since returning from injury. 

Evans then added a third after an effortless finish nestled into the net and the away team were now clear. 

Collieries didn’t know how to respond and began to crumble, conceding another two goals in quick succession. 

White finished off a brilliant move in the 73rd before Solomon grabbed his second of the match a minute later. 

Whilst the attacking players stole the headlines, the defensive effort from the likes of Chris Doyle and Joe Ferguson can’t be overlooked – a flawless showing at the back. 

Overall, a superb attacking performance and a solid defensive performance yet again from Young’s side brought smiles to the faces of the travelling fans who were treated to five goals. 

In what was arguably Marine’s best performance of the season, they will take a well earned three points back to Merseyside before the long trip to Whitby on Saturday. 

Atherton Collieries: 1 Joe O’Shaugnessy, 2 Josh Solomon-Davies, 3 Jack Evans, 4 Dylan Moonan, 5 Dylan Thompson, 6 Mo All, 7 Oliver Putnam (Lewis Mansell 65′), 8 Sidi Fofana, 9 Enoch Lusiama, 10 Adam Dawson (Nathan Caine 77′), 11 Jordan Scanlon

Unused Subs: 12 Jordan Boon, 15 Ben Rydel, 13 Jack Buckley

Marine: 1 Luke Hutchinson, 2 Joseph Ferguson 3 Nathan Woodthorpe, 4 Jalil Saadi (Liam Nolan 77′), 5 Chris Doyle, 6 Josh Wardle, 7 Finlay Sinclair-Smith (Harvey Gregson 82′), 8 Louis White, 9 Connor Evans, 10 Sol Solomon (Michael Carberry 82′), 11 Owen Robinson 

Unused Subs: 15 Manasse Mampala,  17 Jordan Lussey

Attendance: 243

Marine Man of the Match: Connor Evans