MARINE 1 WHITBY TN 4

MARINE slumped to a second consecutive 4-1 reverse as play-off hopefuls Whitby Town secured a comfortable victory in Crosby.

The visitors made the dream start in just the second minute as skipper Steven Snaith’s shot from a narrow angle struck the post, with the rebound falling perfectly for David Carson to net from close range.

The Mariners rarely threatened during the opening period and Zac Thompson's free-kick from wide on the left which was turned over the bar by Shane Bland was as close as they came, ending the first half a goal adrift.

The Seasiders doubled their lead seven minutes after the break as Danny McWilliams’ cross found Matty Tymon unmarked to score with a diving header from just eight yards out.

The Whites found brief hope midway through the second period as substitute Sean Myler’s cross was met by Craig Lindfield’s well-placed header into the corner of Bland’s net to halve the deficit.

However the Blues restored their two-goal cushion just two minutes later as Carson strode forward to unleash a swerving shot from 25 yards which found the top corner for the goal of the game.

The Mariners huffed and puffed but in truth Whitby were always in control and capped their performance with a fine fourth goal in the closing stages.

Town exploited space in the Marine defence for Tymon to provide an exquisite first-time finish over the stranded Calvin Hare on an almost perfect day.

STAR MAN: David Carson (Whitby) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★