Marine succumb to 3-0 defeat at Ashton

Despite a second half barrage Marine leave Hurst Cross empty handed

Marine’s unbeaten away run of seven games came to an end at Ashton on Saturday (6 January) despite a brave second half performance.

In spite of a difficult Christmas and New Year run of results, the Mariners had won five and drawn two of their previous away games. Ashton’s own run of 12 games unbeaten had also come to an end on New Year’s Day.

The reverse fixture at the MTA in September had ended with the Robins winning 4-3 after having beaten Marine in the Cup earlier that same month.

Although the stage was set for a blistering encounter the opening 15 minutes failed to ignite.

There were a couple of half chances for both sides – with Danny Mitchley heading straight at the keeper after a teasing cross from Florian Da Silva and Smalley slamming an effort wide for Ashton when he should have done better.

The game completely changed with a quick fire brace from Evangelinos. On 20 minutes the ball was driven into the Marine box and the Ashton striker was there to slot the ball home from close range.

The Mariners went on the attack straight from the restart – Peter Wylie curled in a beautiful cross from the right and Mitchley’s effort agonisingly hit the post.

Ashton were quick to add to their tally as Evangelinos bagged his second of the game blasting the ball into the net from close range.

The Mariners pushed forward looking for a way back into the game, with their best effort coming from Mitchley but his shot was deflected wide.

As the second half got underway Martin Fearon stood strong to deny Evangelinos a hat-trick.

Max Hazeldine was introduced to add some extra firepower and just before the hour Marine’s best chance of the game was blasted wide by Phil Baker from Liam Tongue’s precise free kick.

Marine then introduced Michael Grogan, who cut a commanding presence on the pitch, and Rory Middleton who paraded the left flank.

The Mariner’s piled forward in waves. Da Silva hooked an effort wide; Grogan had a strong effort blocked.

With five minutes remaining Billy Smart made a great interception in the middle of the park and strode forward but Ashton put in a last-ditch tackle before the midfielder had a chance to shoot.

Very much against the run of play Ashton then added a third through Tomsett on the break to end the contest at 3-0.
It was a tough afternoon for the Mariners who now look forward to hosting Widnes in the Liverpool Senior Cup on Monday 8 January.

Marine: Martin Fearon, Peter Wylie, James Short, Kenny Strickland, Phil Baker, Billy Smart, George Lomax (Rory Middleton), Liam Tongue (Michael Grogan), Danny Mitchley (C), Vinny Bailey (Max Hazeldine 54), Florian Da Silva

Subs not used: James Murray, Germano Mendes

Ashton Utd: David Carnell, Dominic Smalley, Ryan Makhosini, Lanre Olapade, Aaron Chalmers, John Roberts, Richard Smith, Mark Lees (C), Nic Evangelinos, Liam Tonsett, John Pritchard

Subs: Saul Henderson, Alpha Kaba, Simon Woodford, Jody Banim, Nicky Platt

Referee: Paul Ince
Assistants: Ben Wyatt and Ryan Watson