Marine lost 2-0 to Lancaster City in the Buildbase FA Trophy on a sunny Saturday afternoon in Crosby with former Manchester City starlet Sam Tattum making his debut.
The first half set the tone for the entire match with the ball going back and forth between the two halves of the pitch – very even stuff.
Chris Doyle prevented a certain goal at the tail end of the first half as Ryan Winder wound his way beyond Martin Fearon and had the net just begging for the ball.
The second half started much like the first with neither team really looking to make much of an impact on the tie; perhaps the risk of injury was a tad off-putting.
Lancaster City didn’t allow the Mariners to play their brand of football and were happy to overload the host’s attacking players.
The introduction of Chris Sang in the 68th minute – along with James Short - did prompt the hosts to impose on the game but it just wasn’t enough.
The visitors eventually fought back and forced Marine into conceding a penalty which was coolly converted by Robert Wilson in the 73rd minute and a late headed effort through Glenn Steel.
The loss for Marine now makes it three on the bounce, including their exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Salford and 1-0 defeat in the league to Nantwich.
STAR MAN: Robert Wilson
MARINE: FEARON, TATTUM, JOYCE, SHAW, DOYLE, DAVIES (KINSELLA 77’), SINCLAIR-SMITH (SHORT 68’), HYNES, MITCHLEY, MURRAY (SANG 68’), IRWIN
LANCASTER: SIMS, FENSOME, DUGDALE, STEEL, HUDSON, STANLEY, WINDER (WILLIAMS 86’), WILLS, BLINKHORN (BAILEY 81’), WILSON, KILIFIN
GOALS: WILSON (73’), STEEL (97’)
YELLOW CARDS: DUGDALE (63’), WILLS (83’)
RED CARDS: N/A
ATTENDANCE: 286