Stourbridge 0, Marine 2

STOURBRIDGE were sunk without trace by the Merseysiders from Marine who completely outplayed them in the first half, writes Nick Pullen.

It was full steam ahead for Marine who soon set sail on Stourbridge's goal by netting within 90 seconds of the kick-off.

Striker Danny Mitchley, who proved a continual threat throughout, whipped in a low right wing cross which Glassboys goalkeeper Matt Gould failed to hold and Marine's James Murray was on hand to fire home.

It could have been worse with the Stourbridge defence all at sea, Mitchley steered his way through some half hearted challenges but failed to convert on nine minutes with only Gould to beat.

Stourbridge striker Ryan Rowe rifled narrowly over after being set up by defender Paul McCone on 13 minutes on an all too rare sighting on Marine's goal.

But it came as no surprise when Marine increased their lead on 38 minutes, Mitchley again charting a route across the Stourbridge goalmouth before his initial shot was blocked, but the ball fell kindly for Murray to net his second goal with a well placed shot.

Glassboys boss Gary Hackett rang the changes at half time by bringing on Leon Broadhurst and Jordan Murphy.

But the damage had been done and though Stourbridge performed better after the break, they could find no way through as Marine defended in depth.

Rowe plonked the ball onto the roof of the net from a tight angle on 68 minutes and then McCone had a shot which deflected off Marine full back Peter Wylie and diverted wide for a corner on 74 minutes.

Broadhurst then had a well struck shot turned around the post by Marine goalkeeper Ben Barnes two minutes later, but in truth, Stourbridge were always chasing the game after the initial wreckage had been caused.

Stourbridge: Gould; Christophorou, Westlake, McCone, Duggan, Pierpoint ( Broadhurst 45), Forde, O'Callaghan (Green 66), Rowe, Hague, Gater (Murphy 45). Subs not used: Cooke, Jeavons.

Att: 639