On the second attempt, Marine made the most of home advantage, comfortably and professionally knocking out fellow NPL outfit Guiseley to make it through to the second qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup with a 3-0 victory.

An almost instantaneous goal from Manasse Mampala followed by second half netbusters from Sol Solomon and Louis White ensured Marine’s victory.

The travelling Lions were at a disadvantage of their own making before the game had even begun. Due to injury and suspensions, they were missing two key midfielders and could only summon a couple of substitutes.

As the sun began to set, the game kicked off but it was still able to witness the goal that came only 100 seconds into the match. Mampala found himself in some space in the penalty area and drove his effort across Battersby’s net and into the bottom corner.

Minutes later, Marine star Finlay Sinclair Smith found himself on the bench… Guiseley’s bench. He chased a 50/50 ball near the byline and clattered inside the visitors dugout but was soon back on the field.

The home fans were barely catching their breath as Jake Burton nearly made it two forcing an error from the GK. Burton blocked a clearance from Battersby and was unlucky not to find the net after two attempts. The keeper did brilliantly to keep it out to save his blushes.

3 days ago up near Leeds, Marine were finding it a vertical challenge defending 6’7 striker Tom Denton. Tonight he was much more contained and was not able to lay off headers to his colleagues. Chris Doyle and Josh Wardle were on hand throughout to quell the danger.

Marine continued to find chances to double the lead. Most notably, Kyle Hayde (Saturdays man of the match) hit the crossbar which could have been a shot/cross combo. Guiseley were no slouches however and Felix Goddard found himself called to action several times from catching crosses to solid shot stoppers in his busiest performance of late.

The second half was even more eventful but we had to wait until the 68th minute for it. Louis White provided a free kick into the box but after it looked like it had been dealt with dutifully by the defence, he met the rebound and smashed it into the top left corner after the ball clipped the bar.

Guiseley were on the ropes and frustration bubbled over in the form of a red card. Tom Pratt was late with an awful challenge on Tomlinson. Players came together in a melee near the dugouts but once the dust settled, Pratt was walking the long walk to the changing rooms.

Over the last three games, Sol Solomon had been coming back into the team searching for full fitness. His performances have improved over that time and his reward was the third and final goal of the night which will be a relief to the MTA crowd who knows from last season’s antics what Sol can provide when he’s on top form.

Near the final whistle, the man of the match was awarded to Louis White but like so many games, it could have been awarded to multiple players. Goddard and his defence have accomplished four clean sheets in a row. Fin was his usual energetic self and it was only a goal that eluded his efforts. Jake Burton was an ever present threat and was pivotal to many of the first half chances.

The reward for Marine…an away trip to Durham as they visit National League North team Spennymoor Town on Sept 16th but first up, we press back and enter league mode and attempt another clean sheet (and hopefully goals) away to Stafford Rangers.

Neil Young Post Match

“I don’t even think we’ve reached 50% of our potential”