Express & Star

Marine 0 Stourbridge 4 - Report

Stourbridge put a stop to their recent slide down the table by sinking strugglers Marine with a four goal salvo.

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Having failed to win a league game since October, Stourbridge made an uncertain start and twice in the opening 10 minutes, Glassboys goalkeeper Matt Gould had to beat out goalbound efforts from Marine striker Dominic Read.

But Stourbridge struck home with their first chance on goal after 22 minutes when defender Darryl Westlake started and then finished off a spectacular move after latching onto a clever back-heel from Luke Benbow to blast home beyond the reach of Marine goalkeeper Martin Fearon.

Stourbridge made it 2-0 on 29 minutes when long serving Leon Broadhurst was brought down by Marine defender Phil Baker after being the first to react to a Matt Dodd cross.

Broadhurst duly got up to convert the resulting penalty.

A third goal followed on 34 minutes when Benbow chased Paul McCone's clearence kick down the middle of the pitch which effectively split Marine's defence apart.

While Marine stood appealing for off-side, Benbow continued his run to ram home past Fearon and secure his 100th league goal for the club.

Marine could have clawed a goal back when Stourbridge defender Stuart Pierpoint headed Vincent Bailey's free kick towards his own goal, but defensive partner McCone was perfectly placed to mark his 200th appearence by heading off the line.

Stourbridge duly sealed victory with a fourth goal in the final minute when substitute Josh Cooke, who'd replaced fellow substitute Brandon Hague, rifled home with a rising shot after being released by an inch perfect Tom Tonks pass.