Highworth 0 Marine 1

Match Report from Pete Crockett

Marine win A361 derby

Both sides entered this pre-season local derby in the midst of extensive team rebuilding. In that respect both managers will have found sufficient positives from this match to consider the fixture a worthwhile one.

The extended period of dry weather meant the match was played on a bobbling bouncy surface. This, combined with a sloping pitch, made it difficult for both sides to pass the ball to feet with assuredness. It was thus unsurprising that the first ten minutes were somewhat tentative.

With 11 minutes elapsed Highworth Town had the first shot on target, but it was easily gathered by Marine keeper Nick Harvey. Minutes later Dawid Regular had a half chance for Marine, but his toe poked effort went just wide of the far post.

Piotr Petrynski wins the ball
Photo’s from Alex White photography

On twenty minutes Marine had a chance to take the lead. Dawid Regula surged ahead of his marker. As he entered the penalty area he was clumsily clattered to the ground. A spot kick to Marine. The fouled player took the penalty, but unfortunately his effort was saved by the Highworth keeper diving to his left.

Then a curious episode occurred. The assistant referee on the goal line flagged. It seemed there was only one thing he was likely to be signalling for - that the goalkeeper was off his goal line when the save was made. The officials consulted and the spectators waited anticipating a penalty retake. However, the referee appeared to overrule his goal line positioned assistant and restarted the game with a goal kick. Suffice it to say all somewhat bemusing.

On 35 minutes Highworth Town had their closest effort of the half when from a corner kick a powerful Leon Morrison header was nodded away from danger by Tawana Changa on the goal line.

Tawana Changa challenges for the ball
Photo’s from Alex White photography

As the match proceeded spectators were temporarily distracted by the fly pass of World War 2 aircraft - including some Spitfires. With distractions passed Marine went close again in the 43rd minute when Sid Gbla from 15-yards, and at a 45 degrees angle from goal, fired a shot on target that the home team keeper did well to parry to safety.

Marine started the sharper in the second half and on 50 minutes a Jamie Edge 25-yard shot was well gathered by the home team keeper. Three minutes later Marine substitute Dan Warre, through some clever close control, created an opening for a shot but alas his effort was a little wild. However, the player deserves credit for the impressive skills displayed in creating the opening. The same Marine player went close again on 55 minutes when he forced another sharp save.

The home keeper was now being kept busy and the irrepressible Warre offered the Highworth defence little peace. On 57 minutes he played in Sal Abubakar who fired a shot on target but his effort was well saved by Highworth’s custodian of the goal.

Sam Turl gets his head to the ball first
Photo’s from Alex White photography

On 64 minutes a free kick some 25 yards from goal offered the home team a chance to test the Marine keeper. Rhys Wells effort was firmly struck but Marine keeper Nick Harvey saved well. Marine continued to create chances and a Cheldon Valere cross from the left flank was met by Dan Warre but his effort was cleared off the line.

However, Highworth Town were not out of proceedings and on 75 minutes their centre forward broke clear and was advancing on goal. Fortunately, from a Marine perspective, good covering by Ollie Case snuffed out the danger. On 80 minutes Marine’s Cheldon Valere saw a well struck effort clear the crossbar whilst minutes later a Dan Warre effort from 14 yards had the same outcome.

At this point the match seemed destined to end in a scoreless draw. However, in added time a penalty was awarded for a handling offence by a Highworth Town player. Marine’s James Harding converted the penalty with the power of his shot beating the Highworth goalkeeper although he managed to get a hand on the ball.

Former Marine player Leon Morrison is chased by Frankie Monks
Photo’s from Alex White photography

If one is brutally honest the match was not a footballing classic. However, Highworth Town will be heartened by the manner in which they defended, their positive work rate, and their keeper putting in an excellent display. All those connected with Swindon Supermarine wish them all the best for the forthcoming league season.

For Marine there were a number of laudable features. The first the fact a clean sheet was kept; the second that whilst somewhat profligate with their finishing Marine created a significant number of chances; and the third that there was, once again, a strong ethos amongst the team to dig deep when scrapping was required. The last of these is not something to dismiss lightly. In a long season there will be times when points will need to be earned by digging deep – the players showed that they collectively have the tenacity and unity of spirit to do this.

Post match Marine manager Bobby Wilkinson highlighted a number of positives. He was gratified to see his team keep a clean sheet. Alongside this he was pleased to see youngster Josh McKinlay take the captain’s arm band for the second half – he felt it was “inspiring for a youngster to come through the club’s youth system and lead the side.” He was also delighted with his team’s willingness to keep playing passing football on a difficult surface.

Joe Selman gets up above the taller Highworth defender!
Photo’s from Alex White photography

Come on Marine!

Marine Star Man: Twanna Changa
Attendance: 150 est

Marine starting XI: 1 Nick Harvey (GK), 2 Sam Turl (Sub: 46’), , 3 Piotr Petrynski 4 Josh Grant (Sub: 65’), 5 Josh Blyth (Sub: 65’), 6 Tawana Changa (Sub: 65’), 7 Frankie Monk (Sub: 46’), 8 Jamie Edge (Sub:- 65’), 9 Sid Gbla (Sub: 65’), 10 Dawid Regula (Sub: 46’) 11 Sal Abubakar (Sub: 65’)
Marine substitutes: 1 George Legg (GK), 12 Dan Warre (Sub: 46’), 14 James Harding (Sub: 65’), 15 Jonny Efedje (Sub: 46’) 16 Joe Selman (Sub: 65’), 17 Josh McKinlay (Sub: 65’), 18 Olly Case (Sub: 65’), 19 Josh Briggs (Sub: 65’), 20 Eden Downes (Sub: 65’),

Match Officials

Referee:
Assistant Referees: