Marine defeated Marske United 3-1 at the MTA on Saturday afternoon, after losing by a rather harsh 4-1 scoreline to the same opponents last week at Mount Pleasant.

James Barrigan opened the scoring after just five minutes, the in-form winger slotting home following a cross from the ever-threatening Josh Solomon-Davies.

Josh Woods made his debut after becoming the first player to make the step up from Marine’s new reserve side, and was lively in the opening stages forcing a couple of smart saves from visiting stopper Jack Norton.

Marske equalised through Andrew Stephenson after 21 minutes, the No.10 tapping in the rebound following a brilliant initial save from Shamal George.

Marine responded with a rebound of their own just four minutes later as Barrigan combined with Brett Mbalanda, but the striker’s goal was ruled out for an offside in the build-up.

Norton was forced to make a good save to deny Mbalanda with half an hour gone, after the forward had driven forward with power.

Making his second home debut after returning to the club from FC United of Manchester, James Joyce had to make a crucial block to prevent Marske going ahead on the stroke of half-time, as the first period ended at 1-1.

Welsh ex-futsal player Craig Pritchard also made his Marine debut, coming on to replace Woods early in the second half.

Pritchard proved a nuisance for the away defence and tapped in Marine’s second of the day after 76 minutes to put his side ahead.

Midfield terrier Steve Irwin had another solid game and made a crucial block to deny the visitors as the game drew to a close, before Pritchard got his second of the day and Marine’s third with a fine finish on 86 minutes to end the match at 3-1.

Marine now travel to Trafford and Ramsbottom United respectively on the next two Saturday afternoons, before welcoming Pontefract Collieries to the MTA on Saturday 9th November.

Marine: Shamal George, Josh Solomon-Davies, James Joyce, Kenny Strickland (Captain), Anthony Miley (Scott Lycett, 48), James Devine, Craig Lindfield (Ethan Devine, 79), Steve Irwin, Brett Mbalanda, Josh Woods (Craig Pritchard, 56), James Barrigan.

Unused subs: Patrick Staunton, Germano Mendes.

Marske United: Jack Norton, Lee Brockbank, Liam O’Sullivan, Lewis Maloney, Andrew May, Kevin Burgess, Jack Blackford (Mathew Waters, 74), Craig Gott (Captain; Brad Plant, 79), Louis Johnson, Andrew Stephenson (Glen Butterworth, 64), Curtis Round.

Unused subs: Leon Scott, Liam Pritchard.

Referee: William Davis (Salford). Assistant referees: Ian McGuinness (Stockport), Jack Welch (Worthing).

Attendance: 418.