Bad day for Marine

Apr 23 2009 by Philip Kirkbride, Crosby Herald

THIS was as vivid a reminder Marine could possibly have received as to their fall from grace this season but it too served to instil belief for next term, writes Phil Kirkbride.

When the Mariners met Guiseley in November, the Crosby outfit stormed to a 2-0 win and with it, jumped to third place in the UniBond Premier Division table.

Thoughts of promotion grew stronger but on Saturday it was furthest from their minds as the threat of relegation still lingered.

Looking for a point to secure their status, the Crosby side made a positive start as Jamie Rainford and then Shaun Tuck went close to opening the scoring with headers, the latter excellently saved by Aaron Ratchford in the home goal.

But, the game swung considerably out of their favour on 19 minutes when defender Lee Williams was ruled to have handled the ball on the line and was sent off, Anthony Lloyd scored from the penalty to effectively seal the Mariners’ fate not even a quarter of the way through the match.

Five minutes later and Guiseley doubled their lead as James Walshaw powered through to slide past Sean Lake before James Hanson was allowed a free header to make it 3-0.

With the game essentially over, Marine had little to lose and endeavoured pass, move and attack wherever possible, though making significant inroads with a man less naturally proved difficult.

Rainford looked a decent partner for Tuck and Shaun Judge battled well as a replacement for caretaker manager Kevin Lynch but ultimately their efforts proved in vain.

Danny Ellis rose highest in injury-time to give the scoreline a more resounding look but Marine can take heart from a second half full of promise.