Promotion hopefuls unite for big game

Marine announced matchday arrangements for their upcoming Arriva Stadium fixture with FC United of Manchester on Monday.

The Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Mariners take on their fellow promotion hopefuls on Saturday 16 February at 3pm. Despite good relations between supporters and officials of both clubs, the Evo-Sik NPL Premier Division clash will be segregated on police advice so it can go ahead as a regular 3pm kick off.

Marine say that the decision was taken for logistical reasons following discussions with representatives of FCUM, Merseyside Police, Sefton Council and themselves. It has been made to assist with the distribution of fans around the ground and to help with the provision of facilities to both sets of supporters.

Admission for both sets of fans will be £9 for adults and £5 concessions while children aged 11 and under accompanied by an adult go free. FCUM supporters will be admitted via Turnstiles 1 and 2 on College Rd and Marine fans via Turnstiles 3 and 4 which are accessible via the car park at the front of the stadium. Fans are advised to arrive at the ground early to reduce delays at the turnstiles which will be open from 1.30pm.

Marine Chairman Paul Leary said: "This is another important game for both football clubs who, similar to last year's game, are again competing for a promotion play off position. This will be our highest attendance of the season at the Arriva Stadium and every effort will be made to provide the facilities that both sets of fans deserve.

"This will be another great occasion and based on past experiences all fans, players and officials involved on the day will enjoy the game. Marine and FC United have built up a real friendship in the past few years and so once again I welcome the supporters, staff, players and officials of our visiting club to the Arriva Stadium in what promises to be a tremendous game as both clubs strive for success this season."

Andy Walsh, General Manager FC United of Manchester, added: "Games between Marine and FC United are always entertaining and competitive matches. With both clubs again in contention for promotion we are looking forward to another close match. We are particularly pleased that the experience of past matches and the excellent working relationship we have between us as clubs has allowed us to satisfy the authorities that the game can go ahead with a 3pm Saturday kick off."

Further details covering the arrangements for the day are available at www.marinefc.com