Marine's Cup of thanks

Marine manager Kevin Lynch is looking forward to repaying fans for their loyalty next weekend in their FA Cup tie at Macclesfield Town.

The Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division manager told the Crosby Herald he believes Saturday week's Fourth Qualifying Round tie will be a great occasion and reward for the supporters who travel far and wide to back the Mariners.

Marine beat Trafford 3-1 last weekend to set up the tie with the Conference Premier outfit and victory at the Moss Rose ground will secure Lynch's team a place in the First Round proper for the first time since 1995.

Despite being unbeaten in the league, the manager told the paper he's happy his side go into the game as underdogs with nothing to lose.

He said: "It will be a fantastic day for the club, a fantastic day for the fans and a fantastic day for me. This club has been long overdue a decent cup run, and the fans deserve the chance to go and enjoy the day.

"We have got nothing to lose, we know that. It is a great day for the club, and an occasion to enjoy. It will be a tough game, against a side that was playing League football until very recently, but we will not be going there to make up the numbers. The lads are performing well enough to do something. That’s the beauty of football."

Marine top the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division's table after beating Ashton United on Wednesday night and host Worksop Town at the Arriva Stadium on Saturday.

Lynch said he's warned his players that valuable league points are on offer. "There will always be a question mark over whether players have one eye on the Cup game," said. "But my stance is simple; if players want to be playing in that game, they need to prove to me that they are worth their place in the team. If they let their levels drop, they will lose out. We have players who can come in and take their place."

Marine have also added to Lynch's squad with the signing of experienced defender Paul Jones from Welsh Premier side Airbus UK Broughton.

"He’s a player I know well," said his new manager. "I played against him a few times myself and he has great experience. He will be very good for the younger players at the club."