Match Report by Harry Boden

15th December 1998 - Marine 3 - 2 Warrington Town

Liverpool Senior Cup 1st Round

Town were one down after 20 seconds when after a goalmouth scramble Townsend managed to put the ball over the line for Marine. From then on, Town began to dominate Marine and it came as no surprise when Damien Whitehead brilliantly chipped the keeper on 26 minutes to draw Town level. Against the run of play, Marine took a 2-1 lead when Townsend shot at goalkeeper Thomson, the ball ricocheting onto the post and into the net. This was Thommo's only mistake in an otherwise excellent game.

In the second half, Marine substituted two players and began to run at Town whose defence did well to repel their forwards. In the best move of the match, a five-man passing movement from Town's penalty area resulted in Paul Berry scoring the goal of the game, having twice been involved in the move.

Town were unlucky to go 3-2 down on 76 minutes when Ian Bold, trying to cover two Marine defenders, put through his own net. No blame can be attatched to Bold as he was left stranded by his defence.

Town were applauded off the park by the home supporters at the final whistle after an entertaining and gutsy performance against a team three leagues higher in the pyramid system.

Marine nominated Damien Whitehead man of the match.

Match Report by the Warrington Guardian

So close for unlucky Town

SIXTY six places may separate Warrington from Marine in the non-league pyramid but it took an own goal on Tuesday to bring a cruel end to their stirring eight match unbeaten run.
After twice courageously battling back to equalise in this Liverpool Senior Cup first round tie, Town defender Ian Bold had the misfortune to divert a fierce low cross by substitute Rob Talbot beyond 'keeper Alan Thompson 15 minutes from time.
Marine, of the UniBond Premier Division, raced into the lead after 26 seconds. Striker Richie Townsend took advantage of Town's slow start off the mark to despatch home a low shot from inside the box.
But Damien Whitehead, following his double strike exploits in the FA Vase last Saturday, was again in predatory form to quickly bring Warrington level.
He executed a superbly timed lofted shot from 15 yards over 'keeper Danny Embleton, left yards off his line, to record his 12th goal of the campaign.
Warrington then responded - Paul Berry and Whitehead both being prominent - with an audacious attacking performance at the home of a side three divisions above them.
Andy Tague and Kevin Tyrrell also went close to emphasise Warrington's superiority during an enthralling first 45 minutes.
However, Townsend restored Marine's lead close to the break with a powerful header which slipped out of the grasp of Thompson before striking a post and rolling over the line.
Thompson, who has had an outstanding season in goal, put that rare lapse behind him when he brilliantly saved a penalty by Neil Sang midway through the second half, awarded after Jerry Coll had brought down Andreano Rigoglioso.
Warrington gained parity again two minutes later when Berry fired in an elegant shot on the turn from 12 yards.
Town, previously beaten only twice on their travels since April, were then denied extra-time for the fourth time this season, following Bold's mistimed clearance.

Warrington: Thompson, Bold, Cartledge, Anderton, Hughes, Tague (Holden, 80mins); Berry, Coll (Ward, 78); Tyrrell, Whitehead, Nestor. Sub not used: Johnson.

Colin Serjent