Stafford Rangers 0-0 Marine

Mariners draw blank at Marston Road...

Marine continued their impressive League form in a 0-0 draw at Stafford Rangers on Saturday.

The result was a good one for the visitors who were without the suspended Steve Irwin and injured Niall Cummins, maintaining the gap on the hosts at four points and extending the distance from the relegation places.

As goalless draws go this one did what it said on the tin, with defences on top and a dearth of clear cut scoring chances throughout proceedings.

Stafford had a strongish wind at their backs in the first half and had the majority of possession, but the Mariners had more attempts on goal without really testing home custodian Adam Siviter.

After the break the Mariners always looked the likelier to break the deadlock, the closest to a goal coming when Craig Carney's powerful 25 yard drive brought a fine flying save from Siviter.

James Murray and Sam Barnes had further efforts saved on the line and over the top respectively late on, Stafford's main threat coming from set pieces which Joe Hilton fielded comfortably in the Blues' goal.

Marine return to action next Saturday when they entertain Scarborough Athletic in the Evo-Stik Premier Division at the Marine Travel Arena (3pm).

Stafford Rangers: Adam Siviter, Paul Bignot, Matt Hill, Luke Jones (Cap), Daniel Burns, Jack Sherratt (Joe Cuff 65), Theo Bailey-Jones (Ben Mills 90), Tom Thorley, Jake Charles, Andrai Jones, Andy Haworth (Louis Briscoe 77).

Unused subs: Sam Coulson, Peter Williams.

Marine: Joe Hilton, Sam Barnes, James Short, Danny Shaw, Chris Doyle, Kenny Strickland, Sam Tattum (James Murray 67), Liam Hynes, Danny Mitchley (Cap) (John Marsden 79), Charley Edge, Craig Carney.

Unused subs: Will Dunne, Germano Mendes.

Referee: Mr. Jonathon Maskrey.
Assistants: Mr. Benjamin Stott, Mr. Bradley Tonks.

Attendance: 683.