Too Liddle, too late as Mariners ‘come undone’

NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE DIVISIONS

SOUTH Shields and Morpeth Town both fell to defeats on what was a dismal day for the North East’s Northern Premier League clubs.

The Mariners made their way to Warrington Town looking to further boost their Premier Division title hopes and looked on their way to doing exactly that when Darius Osei fired them in front on 10 minutes.

But a Stefan Mols penalty got the hosts back on level-terms before half-time and they took control in the second-half with goals from Matthew McDonald and Sean Williams.

A late Gary Liddle effort proved to be too little, too late for Kevin Phillips’ side. Speaking after the game, the Mariners manager said: “Warrington Town raised their levels, they ran more than they have all season, they tackled harder, they fought harder and certainly in the reports we have read and clips we have seen they weren’t in great form. But like every team we play, they raised their levels, and if we don’t match it, we come undone.”

Morpeth also fell to a defeat as second-half goals from Ethan Cartwright and Shaun Tuton gave bottom of the table Belper Town a 2-0 win at Craik Park.

Marske United’s planned trip to Nantwich Town was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Stockton Town now lie two points behind East Division leaders Worksop Town after battling to a 1-1 draw at Grimsby Town. Adam Drury put the hosts ahead on two minutes before a Mikey Roberts penalty ensured the spoils were shared.

Dunston UTS also claimed a point in a 1-1 draw at Tadcaster Albion after Carl Finnigan’s 15th minute opener was cancelled out by an equaliser from Brewers striker Luke Hinkley.

And North Shields lie seven points adrift of the play-off places after a goalless home draw against top-five contenders Cleethorpes Town and Consett suffered a home horror show as they were beaten 4-1 by Brighouse Town.

Hebburn Town suffered a home defeat despite putting in an improved performance against Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Shildon were left without a game after heavy rainfall forced the postponement of their scheduled fixture at Sheffield.