Brixham AFC 0 Marine 2

Match Report from Pete Crockett

MARINE NET THREE POINTS IN BRIXHAM BATTLE

Marine arrived on the Devon Riviera not as sightseers but as a side fully aware that Brixham, promoted twice in succession, are nobody’s postcard fixture.

The work was done before half-time. Marine took control early, then struck with purpose: first in the 28th minute when SAL ABUBAKAR drove in from the left flank and was tripped in the box - he rose, composed himself, and dispatched the penalty without fuss low to the keeper’s left.

Then on the stroke of the interval came the moment of merciless incision: Tawana Changa charged down a clearance, the ball broke perfectly for SID GBAL, who lashed it in off the underside of the bar - a sharp decisive finish from a striker in impressive form.

The second half was a different kind of performance - one of discipline over flourish. Brixham had possession but Marine rarely looked rattled. They sat firm, absorbed, and waited for the counter. Crucially, Luke Purnell in goal was not forced into a serious save after the interval; Marine defended with admirable resolve managing the game effectively.

In the second half Marine’s Zach Rugman managed to draw home keeper Andrew Collings into action with a dipping free-kick, and Sid Gbla twice went close - a half-volley just over, then a glancing header that went wide. However, the second half was, from the visitor’s perspective, increasingly about game management rather than expansive football.

Marine’s recent good results, against Bristol Manor Farm and Bishops Cleeve, came on slick, zippy surfaces; at Brixham, on a slower, bumpier pitch made trickier by a gusting wind the team had to show different attributes: patience, shape, discipline.

Brixham, for their part, never folded. The Fishermen deserve credit for fighting to the end, even as Marine’s second-half defensive structure refused to give them many clear openings.

They will look back ruefully on that early effort that struck the upright - when you are on a losing run even the woodwork seems to conspire against you. Andrew Collings in goal and centre-back Callum Rose were admirable throughout - strong and assured performers in a side working hard for its change in fortune.

For Marine, the back four and Luke Purnell were superb - OllY Case put in a player of the match defensive shift. Zach Rugman, in partnership with Tawana Changa, harried and schemed relentlessly in midfield. Sal Abubakar earned his penalty with a willingness to run at his opponents. Sid Gbla’s strike was a moment of quality.

However, more than any individual this was a collective effort: every player disciplined, focused, and working steadfastly for one another - a second clean sheet in four.

Bobby Wilkinson called it a professional performance, and it was. Marine were strong when they needed to be, decisive when it mattered, and intelligent thereafter. They leave Brixham with three deserved points - not their most glamorous display but a deeply creditable one. On a day when graft, grit and guile were crucial Marine, with quiet satisfaction, netted the three points they came for.

Come on Marine!

Attendance: 180

Editors Star Man: Callum Rose
Subs not used: 18. Ryan Beattie

Manager:	Bobby Wilkinson
Line-up:	Colours: All Yellow
No	Player	Goals	Card	No	Substitute	Goals	Card
1	Luke Purnell [GK]
2	Sam Turl (c)
3	Owen Foye			12	Max Hemmings 67’
4	Olly Case
5	Josh Blythe
6	Zach Rugman			14	Jamie Edge 88’
7	Sal Abubakar	28’pen		16	George Alston 87’
8	Tawana Changa
9	Joe Beardwell			15	Josh Grant 67’		72’
10	Sid Gbla	45+1’
11	Frankie Monk			17	Jonny Efedje 77’

Editors Star Man: Olly Case
Subs not used: None