The great escape: How Marine FC turned their relegation fate around

It was always going to be a challenge when Marine FC of Crosby were promoted to the division for the first time in their history. 

The Crosby side sat bottom of the Vanarama National League North in February before they turned their poor form around at the business end of the season. 

With the odds against them, Marine went undefeated for nine games, winning seven of these in the process. 

They finished 19 points clear of the relegation zone on 58 points, when they lost to Kings Lynn in January they were three points from safety- sat on just 21 points. 

The Mariners claimed wins against the likes of Kidderminster Harriers, who missed out on the title on the last day with a shock defeat to Southport. 

After confirming their safety on April 1st, a triumphant 4-1 win against South Shields gave supporters the perfect chance to say goodbye to a club legend and manager, Neil Young, who had announced he would be stepping down as manager at the end of the season. 

But what were the reasons behind this unexpected run of form when it mattered most? 

New signings

Teams at non league level, especially those who are part time, like Marine, are always seeing players come and go throughout the season. 

With Marine sat deep inside the relegation zone in January the additions of Andy Scarisbrick and Jack Hazlehurst began to have an influence on the team come February. 

It was then when both players scored their first goals of the season in a draw against Farsley Celtic and the memorable 3-1 win against Kidderminster.  

After their additions it was apparent that they had helped transform the team as they began their charge to survival. 

Trust in the manager 

Was there ever any doubt that Neil Young would rally his troops on and get them over the line of safety? Maybe at one stage, yes. But after what he had already achieved at the club during his seven year tenure it was extremely hard to write his capabilities off. 

There was always belief from Young himself that his players were good enough to stay at the level they wouldn’t have dreamt of competing at when he joined the club. 

When results were not going their way, there was still an overwhelming amount of trust from players, fans and staff that he would drag them to safety- and he proved he was more than capable come the end of the season.  

The fanbase 

One thing that is so recognisable about Marine FC is their unbelievable following at both home and away matches. Since the famous FA Cup tie against Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, attendances have increased massively from the 350 they were getting beforehand. 

On average this season, attendances have reached 1,400, the eighth best in the division and after the completion of the Crosender Way stand, the atmosphere and attendances have improved even more since. 

The support and noise generated from Marine fans has certainly had a substantial impact on the team, especially at the Marine Travel Arena. 

Self belief 

Young stressed throughout the season that this team were definitely good enough to compete at this level of football. If they were to stay up it would be down to if they believed it or not. 

And believe they did-especially in the nine game unbeaten run that spanned from February until the beginning of April. 

On the road to safety there were times where it was hard to pick the next game the relentless Mariners would lose- this of course did happen against Darlington, but when results no longer aided their survival.