Mariners' Big Voyage Comes To Brave End

TEN-MAN Marine bowed out of the Trophy but not without a fight as they gave National League high-flyers Dover Athletic an almighty scare in a thriller at Crabble.

- Jason Burns

Despite being a man light after Billy Smart saw red just before half-time for a reckless challenge on Manny Parry, the Evo-Stik Premier visitors appeared unfazed by the 60 places separating the sides and took the Football League hopefuls all the way.

Two penalties from captain Danny Mitchley and a late Michael Brewster effort ensured the Whites never got out of sight with Parry, Ryan Bird, Mitch Pinnock and Mitch Brundle all finding the net for Chris Kinnear’s men.

“I am very proud of my players as they put a massive shift in to keep getting back into the match,” said Mariners boss Tommy Lawson. “We almost nicked an equaliser at the end there, but they were all heroes out there on the pitch for me.

“We have more than matched them on the day and I am gutted we were unable to get the result we deserved for all those fans that made the long journey.