Red-hot January leaves Marine dreaming of promotion

The Mariners, beaten heavily by fellow high-flyers Hyde United in their opening league game of 2024, have responded with a vengeance.

Tuesday's triumph at Broadhurst Park saw them rise to second in the Northern Premier League table, leapfrogging Warrington Rylands in the process.

Owen Robinson broke the deadlock seven minutes after half-time before a quickfire double from top scorer Fin Sinclair-Smith made sure of the win with little under a quarter of the game to go.

Neil Young's side have scored 22 goals during their recent purple patch, but with testing trips to Ilkeston Town and league leaders Radcliffe on the horizon, he has urged his players to maintain their current levels of focus.

"It was a good, professional performance," he said after Tuesday's win.

"To come here in midweek after a tough game on Saturday, I thought the lads were superb from first minute to last.

"I said to them at half-time that we went long too early and needed to make more passes. We did that in the second half, which allowed us to get further up the pitch and create lots of opportunities.

"We need to be a bit more clinical in the final third, but to come away from home in midweek to FC United - which is always a tough place to come - and win 3-0, I'm made up.

"Overall, it was a good night and another good win.

"It's all about building momentum. We need to keep going and keep that mindset."

Marine are now nine points behind runaway leaders Radcliffe, who have three games in hand as they continue their charge towards the Northern Premier League title.

The two teams meet on Saturday 17 February, in what is already looking to be a pivotal encounter in the race to reach the National League North.

Photo credit: Sean Walsh