Senior Cup dreams are dashed by the Mariners at semi-final stage

Marine 2 Widnes FC 1 WIDNES FC suffered a heart-breaking loss in the last four of the Liverpool Senior Cup, going down 2-1 against Evo-Stik League Northern Premier Division side Marine on Tuesday night.

A Danny Mitchley penalty put the Mariners ahead after 54 minutes but Widnes co-boss Kev Towey swiftly replied with a spot-kick of his own.

The goals set up a tense finish, but seven-time winners Marine booked their place in the final as Widnes’s Joe Fielding put through his own net 12 minutes from time.

The game began at a high tempo, with Richie Mottram twice called into action early doors for Widnes. He had to be alert to get down well to gather a 25-yard Kenny Strickland effort, and four minutes later, Mottram pulled off a terrific save at full stretch to push a glancing Adam Hughes header away to safety.

Widnes hit back, with Ben Hodkinson dragging an effort wide before Phil Doran rattled the crossbar – the closest the visitors came to taking a first half lead.

The first half ended goalless, but Marine opened the scoring seven minutes into the second period. Liam Tongue was brought down in the area by Mottram, with Mitchley confidently netting.

Despite Dominic Reid hitting the post for Marine, Widnes quickly responded, notching an equaliser four minutes later. Towey marked his 34th birthday with a goal, converting a spot-kick of his own to set up an exciting final 30 minutes.

The impressive Mitchley came close again for Marine as the game neared its end, and the home side struck what proved to be a fatal blow to Widnes’s hopes on 78 minutes.

A free-kick was swung into the area, and Widnes defender Fielding got the final touch before the ball ended up in the back of the net to seal victory for Marine. It was a harsh way for the tie to be decided, and a disappointing one for Widnes, who came into the tie in fine league form.