After the Mariners defeated their local rivals, City of Liverpool FC, 2-0, to win the Liverpool Senior Cup for the second consecutive year, Adam Yates reports from a joyous Marine Travel Arena.
It’s the first time in Marines’ history that they’ve won the local championship, and it’s just one more high point in what has been, and still might be, one of the team’s greatest seasons ever.
Finlay Sinclair-Smith and Sol Solomon’s goals proved to be the difference in a thrilling battle that tested the resolve of both teams ahead of their respective playoff matches next week.
This year, Marine has made it a point to score first, unsettle their opponents, and tonight was no exception. When Purps defender Jack Hont knocked down Harvey Gregson in the box, the referee immediately awarded the LilyWhites an early penalty. In the seventh minute of play, top scorer and recent Marine Player of the Year winner Sinclair-Smith smoothly placed the ball in the left corner.
After the early loss, City of Liverpool took their time getting into the game. However, as their confidence rose, chances in the box materialized but were unsuccessful. Elliot Morris twice had the ball in the net but was called offside both times as a penalty claim was waved away.
The Mariners offense, meanwhile, had opportunities to extend their lead before halftime. Bobby Grant had two excellent opportunities to add to his record of 12 goals in three months with the Mariners, but he was unable to convert them in front of goal.
A closer game ensued in the second half as both dugouts tried to influence the final result through game management and stop-start momentum.
Before being substituted, Josh Quarless had an opportunity that flew high and wide, and Morris remained dangerous in front of a Marine defense that had not allowed a goal in their previous four games.
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