First-half Marine blitz puts paid to Colls record

It was a humbling for shell-shocked Colls - the first time in 62 league outings they have conceded three or more goals in one game.

The damage was done in the first half with three goals for the hosts on a blustery night in Crosby.

Brad Cooke’s men started the brighter of the two teams, with the returning Clive Smith almost marking his second debut with a strong headed effort on goal, which was well saved by Bailey Passant in the hosts’ goal.

Efficiency was the name of the game for Marine, who converted their first goal on the quarter-hour mark. Great play from Lucas Weir and Sean Smith led to a free header for Hayden Campbell, who flicked the ball towards the far post for the opener.

Marine were invigorated by the goal, and were good value for their second soon after. The Stripes failed to clear a dangerous throw in, which landed for an unmarked Campbell to score his second.

The Colls did continue to look smart in possession throughout, with the most notable chance to reduce the deficit falling for Ethan Kershaw following some good build up by Aaron Smith.

However, Marine killed the game off on the stroke of half time, leaving the Stripes dazed as they went into the interval. A loose pass from Jay Fitzmartin gifted the ball to Marine in a dangerous position, who counter-attacked against a scrambling Colls defence for Kielen Adams to convert a third.

The second half was but a formality, with an early goal for Marine leaving the Colls with nothing to play for but pride. Campbell beat Kershaw to a header at the far post to seal his hat-trick.

To their credit, some pride was restored with a strong second-half performance from Cooke’s men, who may feel unlucky not to have collected a goal or two of their own throughout proceedings.

Marine’s opportunities were limited for the remainder of the game, while Aaron Smith was unlucky not to score from a late corner.

The next outing for Colls sees them host Ashton United tomorrow (3pm).