Marine 1 Winchester City 3

Match Report from Pete Crockett

DEFEAT FOR MARINE BUT THE PERFORMANCE OFFERS LOTS OF POSITIVES

Normally I like to file my match reports by the following morning. On this occasion I opted to pause, take stock, and allow time to reflect.

Looking back on Monday’s encounter with Winchester City my overriding feeling is one of disappointment at the result tempered with genuine encouragement drawn from significant parts of the performance. Speaking with supporters afterwards many shared that same perspective.

The match hinged on two defensive lapses that Marine were clinically punished for. Yet for long spells in this fixture Marine produced some of their slickest football of the season: crisp passing, confidence in possession, and a strong collective work ethic.

Even at 2-0 down it was Marine who carried the momentum moving the ball with fluency, looking forward with purpose, and showing eagerness to create. However, as is so often the case when chasing a game, the counterattack proved the team’s undoing ten minutes after they had pulled one back.

At 3-1 down the Marine response was telling. There was no hiding in plain sight, no resignation to defeat - a stark contrast to what we too often saw last season. Instead every man in blue and white kept working, showing character, and competing until the very end. The result was frustrating, but the performance had plenty of positives to build upon. There was commitment, resilience, and togetherness - qualities I can wholeheartedly get behind.

Now, to the match itself.

Marine began brightly moving the ball with assuredness. On 12 minutes neat build-up play from Sid Gbla opened a shooting chance for Frankie Monk whose powerful strike was held at the second attempt by the visiting keeper. Three minutes later Winchester almost struck when Callum Buckley’s header from a set piece was cleared off the line.

The home side then enjoyed a spell of pressure. A dropping ball fell invitingly for Zach Rugman whose sweetly struck half volley from 25-yards was straight at the keeper – a metre either side and Marine could have taken the lead. Soon after Sid Gbla almost capitalised on hesitancy between goalkeeper and defender but fortune favoured the visitors. Tawana Changa then fired just over from 25 yards - Marine were looking the sharper side.

It was thus against the run of play that Winchester took the lead. A crowded corner was not cleanly dealt with and ROBERT JAMISON pounced from close range. A rare error from Luke Purnell, one of his very few all season, but like any good keeper he responded positively producing an excellent save moments later from Brad Walters.

Marine regrouped and went close twice - first through a Josh Blyth header that drifted wide, then when Sid Gbla steered a back post shot agonisingly across the face of goal.

However, on 35 minutes a second lapse was punished: substitute Rocco Sughayer, who had come on for Josh Grant, was dispossessed and Tommy Wright played in Bradley Waters who finished clinically. To his credit the young Marine loanee responded admirably defending superbly in a situation where Marine were outnumbered and also providing an excellent pass that created Marine’s goal. He could have wilted but he stayed strong.

Half-time arrived with Marine 2–0 down, a scoreline that felt harsh given the balance of play. The Winchester keeper had been far the busier of the two custodians.

Marine emerged after the break determined. On 52 minutes Dan Warre flicked Frankie Monk’s cross just over, Zach Rugman then forced another good save shortly after. The Marine pressure told on the hour: Rocco Sughayer’s lofted pass found Sid Gbla who crossed for DAN WARRE to control and smash home with authority.

The game was in the balance and Marine were pushing forward with brio. However, chasing a deficit always carries risk and on 73 minutes Winchester restored their two-goal cushion with BRAD WATERS breaking at pace and firing confidently past the keeper. Still Marine kept coming. Josh Blyth’s header went close, Sal Abubakar drove forward with menace, and Sam Turl nearly pulled one back in stoppage time.

Credit to Winchester who took their chances with composure. Several of their players stood out: goalkeeper Tommy Scott, whose saves were crucial; Callum Buckley - commanding at the back; and Brad Walters who was a constant threat and looks very capable of playing at a higher level.

Long-time readers will know I have never been frightened to criticise Marine performances when that was called for. However, this was a defeat in which Marine showed fight, quality, and no shortage of character.

The team is still at the early stage of a development journey, but the signs in this match were promising. As a supporter I will always back a side that gives everything and strives to improve both as individuals and as a team unit. Thus with “hope in my heart” I will be heading to Falmouth Town on Saturday ready to cheer them on once again.

Come on Marine!

Attendance: 253

Manager:	Bobby Wilkinson
Line-up:	Colours: Blue & White Hoops
No	Player	Goals	Card	No	Substitute	Goals	Card
1	Luke Purnell [GK]
2	Sam Turl
3	Owen Foye			15	Max Hemmings 85’
4	Josh Grant			17	Rocco Sughayer 22’
5	Josh Blythe		50’
6	Tawana Changa
7	Sal Abubakar		45’
8	Zach Rugman			14	George Alston 85’
9	Dan Warre	58’	90’
10	Sid Gbla
11	Frankie Monk			12	Joe Beardwell 54’

Editors Star Man: Dan Warre
Subs not used: 16 Joe Selman

Manager:	Craig Davis
Line-up:	Colours: Claret & Sky
No	Player	Goals	Card	No	Substitute	Goals	Card
1.	Tommy Scott [GK]
2.	Robert Jamison	33’
3.	Dan King		22’
4.	Dom Panesar-Dowes
5.	Callum Buckley (c)
6.	Tom Bragg
8.	Luke King		38’	17.	Oliver Griggs 60’
9.	Tommy Wright		43’	16.	Lewis Brown 83’
10.	Dan Bradshaw			12.	Callum Baughan 91’
11.	Brad Walters	44’ 73’	71’	7.	Connor Lynch 74’
14.	Oliver Balmer			15.	Jamie Barron 77’

Editors Star Man: Brad Walters
Subs not used: None