Match report by Tom Clarke
Marine were back at the MTA this Saturday after last week’s postponement, and ran out 3-0 winners after a much-improved second half.
The first half began with some pressure from the visitors, January’s Player of the Month Sam Barnes making two crucial interventions to deny early goals for Mickleover, including a goal-line clearance.
It took half an hour for Marine to fashion their first chance of the game, Niall Cummins’ shot going wide before Charley Edge saw a shot go over the bar. Steve Irwin had a couple of chances as well just before half-time, seeing his shot saved by Mickleover stopper Lewis King before whipping in a cross which was quickly cleared away.
The second half was a completely different affair, after manager Neil Young made a half-time attacking substitution by bringing Craig Carney on for defender Sam Tattum.
Carney created a couple of chances straight away, Danny Mitchley nearly latching onto his cross after some great work out wide. He got a deserved goal just ten minutes after entering the fray, when Charley Edge’s cross was headed down by Niall Cummins for Carney to put the hosts ahead.
Marine continued their pressure following the opener, Mitchley going close with a couple of efforts before Niall Cummins doubled the lead following a shot against the crossbar from Carney.
Charley Edge was a constant outlet from the flanks, and one of his many threatening crosses caused Ben Turner to turn the ball into his own net to make it 3-0.
Marine never let up in the second-half, Steve Irwin with a late flurry of chances before full-time as the Whites continued their incredible start to 2019.
Marine: Joe Hilton, Sam Tattum (Craig Carney 46'), Charley Edge, Danny Shaw, Chris Doyle, Sam Barnes, Kenny Strickland, Steve Irwin, Danny Mitchley (Michael Elstone 79'), Niall Cummins, Liam Hynes (James Murray 85')
Unused subs: James Short, Germano Mendes.
Mickleover Sports: Lewis King, Jiri Boula, Ben Turner, John McGrath (Adam Prusa 57'), Joel Bonner, Durell Berry, Mason Warren, Jake Scott, Shaquille McDonald , Tomas Junek (Evan Garnett 57'), James Phillips (Kyle Carey 85')
Unused subs: Jack Walsh, Karel Tvaroh.
Attendance: 336
Referee: Mr. Oliver Noonan (Manchester).
Assistants: Mr. Keith Martin (Preston), Mr. William Davis (Manchester).
# | Team | Pl | Pts |
16. | Bamber Bridge | 40 | 42 |
17. | Stalybridge Celtic | 40 | 42 |
18. | Grantham Town | 40 | 42 |
19. | Mickleover Sports | 40 | 41 |
20. | Marine | 40 | 40 |
21. | Workington | 40 | 29 |
22. | North Ferriby United | 0 | 0 |