Sholing v Marine Preview

Sholing v Marine Preview

From Nick Taylor

With just two league fixtures remaining, Marine travel South on Saturday for their last away game when they visit fellow strugglers, Sholing, in what is certainly the biggest game of the season for both sides, with the winners almost certainly guaranteed Southern League Premier South status for another twelve months.

After gaining promotion last season under the guidance of former Eastleigh and Sutton United manager, Paul Doswell, the Boatmen find themselves equal on points with Marine, though one place above in the standings due to a better goal difference of six goals.

Sholing played out a 2-2 draw at the Imperial Homes Stadium, their home ground, on Tuesday night against Hendon as Stuart Fleetwood’s squad lost out to Chippenham Town in the final of The Wiltshire Premier Shield at The County Ground.

The two sides met at The Webbswood back in November, playing out an entertaining 0-0 draw, with Sholing Keeper Ryan Gosney, who is now with Salisbury, keeping Marine at bay with his player of the match performance.

Centre Forward, Dan Mason on 17 goals and speedy midfielder Brad Targett on 13 goals, carry the home sides goal threat, supported by the experienced Lee Wort who has scored 5 goals in 11 games since re-joining the club this year.

With Sholing expecting a large crowd, having reduced admission to only £5 and with a trip to fellow relegation threatened Tiverton Town ahead of them next weekend, Sholing will be going all out to try to secure the three points.

Tom Sharpe with a long term injury and Joe Tumelty who serves the second of his three game suspension will miss the game, otherwise Marine Head Coach Stuart Fleetwood has a full squad to select from.