Source: Crosby Herald

 MARINE Football Club’s youth team have missed out on becoming champions of the North West Youth Alliance League after being deducted points.

The club has confirmed that the youth team have been deducted 12 points in relation to breaches of discipline following disciplinary hearings that have taken place at the Liverpool County FA.

Officials at the club expressed their disappointment at the ruling, which means Marine Youth FC have now finished third in the league.

Six points have been deducted for fielding an ineligible player on two occasions and a further six points have therefore been forfeited for the points gained in those two games.

A further three point deduction has been made for the breach being on two occasions.

As a consequence of the 15 points deduction the youth team have finished in third place in the North West Youth Alliance Premier Division, organisers of which yesterday confirmed FC United of Manchester as champions and Altrincham as runners-up.

The youth side had enjoyed an incredible season, finishing top after a string of impressive displays.

Marine FC’s youth team chairman Colin Begbie expressed his disappointment at the deduction, particularly as many of the players will be too old to play for the team next season.

He said: “As far as I am aware it was an accidental breach.

“It’s unfortunate and these things happen but at the end of the day they’ve been found out and that’s it.

“They have broken the rules and have got to abide by them.

“It’s just disappointing and disappointing for the lads.

“I am sure a few of them of gutted.

“We have just got to move on and do it again next year.”

It is believed the incident concerned a player sent of in a cup match at Bradford last year playing before his suspension had run out.

Marine FC’s youth team had finished four points clear at the top of the league, with FC United of Manchester behind them and Altrincham in third.

Now the side have slipped to third in the league.

Within hours of the news breaking messages on the club website revealed disappointment over the deduction, with one fan posting: “Very disappointed to hear this news.

“You've got to say, the lads are going to be gutted now that all that hard work and effort they've put in is going to count for nothing.

“From first place to third place, I really am heartbroken for everyone in the Youth Team.”

by Joe Thomas, Crosby Herald

 Source: Crosby Herald

 MARINE Youth took a vital step towards clinching the North West Youth Association title with a double header against closest rivals FC United of Manchester, writes Colin Begbie.

Marine Youth 2 – 0 FCUM Youth

A bright but cold evening at the Arriva Stadium saw a pulsating encounter which played a big part in deciding the title.

Early action was largely in midfield as the two table topping sides battled for control. Although FCUM caused the Marine defence some problems, they were unable to capitalise and it was largely due to some wayward Marine shooting the first half ended goalless with Jack Flynn and Billy Smart proving difficult to handle. The former brought a smart save from the FCUM keeper.

Marine had a claim for a penalty turned down as the ball made contact with a defender’s arm. The linesman signalled the offence was just outside the area, but the free kick flew just wide of the keeper’s left hand post.

The second half started evenly but it was Marine who found their shooting boots. After having a goal disallowed Jack Flynn fired home to break the deadlock on the hour. The second came in the 81st minute when Jack McCluskie intercepted a ball around half way. His pass to substitute striker Paul Pruden left the defence stranded and Pruden went on to fire in top corner.

Despite some frayed tempers near the end, Marine held out for a great victory.

FCUM Youth 3 – 3 Marine Youth

The second part of this top of the table double header served up a game with everything.

FCUM raced to a 2-0 half time lead having played some good football in the process. Not to be outdone, Marine showed why they are worthy favourites for the title with a three goal burst to put them ahead.

Kevin Farrell was unchallenged as he headed a free kick home and five minutes later Matty Devine punished some hesitant defending to equalise. Paul Pruden then found space at the far post to tap home Marine’s third.

FCUM then regained the momentum with an 80th minute equaliser to set up a tense finish but Marine held out well with the only blemish the late dismissal of Billy Smart.

Marine now need four points from the remaining three games to secure the title.

Apr 19 2012

by Joe Thomas, Crosby Herald

 Source: Crosby Herald

 MARINE’S quest to book a play-off berth in the Evo-Stik League’s Northern Premier Division was dealt a blow last Saturday as great rivals FC United of Manchester came from a goal down to grab all three points with a late winner.

It had all started so well for the Mariners at a packed-out Arriva Stadium – some 1,111 fans on hand for the clash.

The hosts gradually took charge of the first-half with a confident display.

The breakthrough came after 27 minutes when Marine’s Robbie Lawton flighted a free-kick from near the halfway line finding Jonathan Goulding with time and space to deftly control the ball before lashing home beyond the defenceless keeper James Spencer.

After 40 minutes, United skipper Kyle Jacobs overlapped again down the right before crossing to Adam Jones whose header went narrowly wide.

This combination would ultimately cause Marine’s downfall.

Marine’s central defenders, John Shaw and Sam Barnes, were so dominant in the first-half that despite FC United’s attractive passing game, their attacks carried as much bite as a spinach-less Popeye without his dentures.

The heavy reliance on the talented Carlos Roca to take all corners and free-kicks was proving ineffective whereas Marine seemed more fluent and created better chances.

However, this was all to change in the second-half.

United improved their service to striker Mike Norton and in the 53rd minute, immediately after a penalty appeal was denied, Norton picked himself up to deliver a deliciously-weighted, defence-splitting pass to Matthew Wolfenden who stroked the ball home with aplomb.

The goal galvanised United and forced Marine into a more defensive approach. Norton fired over from the edge of the area before Goulding responded for Marine with a volley from Ian Latham’s cross.

On 68 minutes United came close as Jake Cottrell and ex-Mariner Stephen Johnson combined well down the left forcing a corner which was subsequently cleared off the line by substitute Liam Dawson.

Marine keeper Callum Williams had a momentary lapse of concentration when he came out to punch a floated free-kick but found his penalty area more crowded than the London Underground during peak – the danger ultimately being cleared.

Barely a minute from time when it seemed both teams would happily settle for a point apiece, a Jacobs free-kick from the right found the unmarked Adam Jones who headed home from close range to seal a hard-earned win for the visitors.

Marine: Callum Williams, Joe Fowler, Louis Barnes, John Shaw, Sam Barnes, Robbie Lawton, Paul Brown (Paul Lundon 65), Jonathan Goulding, Aaron Rey (Thomas Moore 82), Neil Harvey, Ian Latham (Liam Dawson 65). Subs (unused) Darren Byers, Liam Duff

Mar 1 2012 by Our Correspondent, Crosby Herald

 Source: Crosby Herald

 KEVIN LYNCH admits Marine are still searching for a win over FC United of Manchester because they have built the rivalry into something it is not.

The Mariners boss says their downfall against The Rebels has often been in believing the match has to assume similar bitterness to that of Manchester United against Liverpool.

In seven attempts since FC United were promoted into Step Three of the non-league system, Marine have failed to pick up a victory and on many occasions the games have been ill-tempered affairs, both on and off the pitch.

Each time Lynch has led Marine into a match with the Gigg Lane outfit, he has called for cool heads in the heat of battle but this time he felt the need to remind his players they are facing FC United and not the Premier League club from which they broke away.

The manager is excited about Saturday's game at the Arriva Stadium but more for it being a clash of promotion challengers rather than Scousers against Mancunians.

“We haven't beat them yet but there has got to be a first time and hopefully that can be Saturday," said Lynch.

"I think we used to believe we were playing Man United and when you do that and have that mindset, you are already two goals down.

"We have to remember that FC United are just a team in our league that are challenging for honours like we are.

"Certainly the last few times we've played them have been draws which hopefully shows we are getting to grips with the fixture and realising that it's just another game.

"Recently I have seen us play in front of the big crowds and relish the challenge.

"I'm expecting a good football game with two teams that will certainly play the right way.

"There is huge interest in terms of fan base and should be a good advert for the league.

"You will also see both teams looking to win the game because we are both attack minded. I'm looking forward to the game and no player needs any extra motivation because of the sort of game it is.

"But it is not because of the rivalry which exists between Manchester United and either Liverpool or Everton. It is because of where we both are in the league."

Sixth placed Marine hold a five point advantage over FC United in the Evo-Stik Premier Division standings following last weekend's round of results.

As the Manchester side required a last minute equaliser at home to Frickley Athletic, the Whites picked up a point at high-flying Hednesford Town.

Lynch left Keys Park knowing his side had opportunities to win the game but was nevertheless happy to have taken four points from the Staffordshire side this season.

“On paper and everything else, it is a good point," he said.

"To get four points over the course of the season leaves me pretty satisfied although we had the better chances on Saturday.

"But if you had given me a point before the game then I would've taken it."