Mariners upset National League Woking in FA Trophy Quarter Final clash

Marine pulled off another cup upset in the FA as they defeated Woking 1-0 at home. 

A first half finish from Finlay Sinclair Smith was enough to see his Marine side head into the semi-finals of the FA Trophy. 

It was a fast start to the game from both teams in the quarter final clash. 

A chance in the first minute fell to Marine’s Sam Fielding who was unable to convert his strike on target. 

Woking also looked dangerous in the early stages, Adam Anson was forced to make an important block from Aiden O’Brien’s powerful effort. 

The visitors almost found the net thanks to a sliding block from Declan Drysdale who almost directed the ball into the back of his own net. 

As the half progressed, The Cardinals began to gain more control of the game.

Their best chance fell to Aaron Drewe whose shot was quickly blocked and deflected into the hands of Fraser Barnsley. 

Whilst controlling the majority of the ball the visitors were unable to really trouble Barnsley in the Marine net. 

Chances in the final third began to flood in for Marine and they found the opener thanks to

Sinclair Smith. 

The ball fell to the Marine number seven who was able to tap home from close range to give his side a surprising lead at The MTA. 

Marine came out of blocks quickly in the second half and almost found a second only to see George Newell’s strike saved by the keeper. 

Bobby Grant’s side continued to frustrate the visitors for the majority of the second half whilst the best chances of the half fell to the hosts. 

Marine found themselves unlucky not to find the net on a few more occasions as they continued to prevent Woking from creating anything. 

Two good saves in the closing stages of the game  from Barnsley ensured his team kept a clean and progressed into the semi-finals. 

After the victory, Marine manager Bobby Grant, said: 

“I thought we were unbelievable today, I think what them lads have just produced as a defensive structure high up the pitch was superb. 

“We dug in, we had a few bodies back, we got the clean sheet and what happens with that is you deliver performances like that.

“What they have just done there is just outstanding and every bit of praise goes to them [the players].” 

 Marine player and star player in the match, Adam Thomas was over the moon after the win. He said: 

“I’m just absolutely delighted for everyone involved in the club, the players, the staff, the fans. We put 100% in today and I thought we could’ve got two or three more.

An edited version of this report is in the 2/3/26 edition of the Non-League Paper.