Preview: Marine AFC (H)

Words: James Whitbread

The Iron host their first home fixture of the season as Marine are welcomed to the Attis Arena.

United are looking to claim six points from six, after last week United travelled to Brackley and emphatically won 3-0, courtesy of an Alfie Beestin double and a goal from Andrew Boyce.

Marine are a newly promoted side and will be looking to make an impact at this level. The Liverpudlian club went up through the play-offs and were just minutes away from starting the campaign off with three points, a 90th minute goal from Oxford City shared the points as the game ended in a 1-1 draw. The point was a massive positive for our opponents, as Oxford City were strong favourites having only just come down from the National League.

Marine have some ones to watch as they have brought in 21-year-old goalkeeper Luke Hutchinson, on a loan deal from Bolton Wanderers. Luke already knows what it’s like at Marine, he spent the first half of last season at Marine before his parent club Bolton recalled him. The Mariners have re-signed him on a 12-month loan deal with the club as he looks to complete his unfinished business at the club.

The Mariners have also reinforced their defensive depth with James Butler signing for the club from Warrington Rylands. Butler is set to become a key player, signing on an undisclosed fee. The 24-year-old joined Warrington Rylands and came through the youth ranks at Stoke City, and will be hoping to perform quickly as he makes the step up from the Northern Premier Division, to the National League North.

Marine have lost their captain from last season. Josh Wardle was a fan favourite at the club and was club captain for the Mariners. He signed for the club in 2022 and proved to be a key player who captained them through last season's promotion at the club and will be a huge loss for Marine. The man with the armband against Oxford City was attacker Regan Griffiths.

As we approach the first home game of the season, excitement builds as we welcome our fans back to the Attis Arena for a massive clash.