Marine defeat Needham Market and move eight clear of relegation zone

Marine overcame Suffolk side Needham Market away from home to strenghen their chances of survival in the National League North.

Chris Doyle’s goal was enough to bring home all three points to Merseyside. 

It was a fast start to the game with both teams getting forward in the early stages. 

Andrew Wogan was called into action in the third minute, but on this occasion it was a comfortable save for the number 26 from Luke Ingram. 

Marine came close seconds later after Bobby Grant nodded it down to Adam Thomas who saw his strike glide well over the bar. 

Finlay Sinclair Smith forced a save from Marcus Garnham in the ninth minute.

The winger cut inside and let loose an effort on the edge of the area only to see it fall into the safe hands of the home side’s keeper. 

After the quick start, the game came to a temporary lull at the end of the half in which Marine continued to defend well and keep the Marketmen at bay. 

The Mariners came out of the blocks quickly in the second half and found the opener in the 47th minute. 

Jack Hazlehurst whipped in a wicked cross from a corner which fell at the back post to Doyle who effortlessly nodded home his sixth of the season. 

Thomas almost added a second minutes later after he found himself in behind the Needham defence. 

His powerful low strike whistled past the left hand side post, just shy of the target.

Young’s side continued to press high, with Andy Scarisbrick at the forefront of applying the pressure and they kept the home side quiet in the closing stages resulting in the three points returning to Merseyside.

The win means its now five games unbeaten for Marine as they look ahead to a local derby against Southport who sit three points in front of the Crosby side.