Marine scrape through on penalties in FA Trophy

A penalty shootout determined the outcome of Marine against Gloucester City with the home side coming out on top. 

The first half was one of little chances for either side as both defences were unscathed in the early stages. 

There was lots of intensity from both teams from minute one despite the fact that the goalkeepers weren’t called into action. 

After a handful of half chances from both teams, it was the visitors who took the lead in the 27th minute. 

For the first time in the game Marine were caught sleeping and with the second time of asking, Spence was able to fire home from close range. 

Marine’s response was fairly positive but the only save Jarad Thompson had to make was from an accurate free kick from Finlay Sinclair Smith on the edge of the area. 

Despite starting the second half quickly, Marine were lucky to not be further behind after a handful of chances from the visitors went missing. 

The best of these fell to Spence, who almost grabbed his second, saw his effort glance just wide of the right post. 

Youngster James Potter shortly grabbed the important equaliser after a brilliant finish into the bottom left corner. 

After the dismissal of Ben Morgan, Marine searched for an equaliser late on but were unable to find one and penalties were forced to decide the outcome. 

Two fine saves from Barnsley as well as four top finishes from Marine’s takers saw them edge into the next round of the cup.