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Neil Young hails Marine’s ‘incredible achievement’ after reaching NPL play-off final
Marine manager Neil Young commended his side as they overcame Warrington Rylands 1-0 on Tuesday night to reach the Northern Premier League play-off final.
A goal early in the second half from the talismanic Sol Solomon - his 17th of the season - put the Mariners ahead, in a tough battle between two in-form sides on Merseyside.
A nervy clash ensued as the visitors hunted for a response but it was ultimately Young’s side, who boast one of the division’s best home records this season, that came out on top to secure a trip to Macclesfield on Monday for a chance to progress into the National League North.
The Marine boss, who has been in charge since 2018 and has guided the club to numerous memorable moments including an FA Cup third round tie against Tottenham Hotspur in 2021 and back-to-back Liverpool Senior Cup triumphs, heaped praise on his side for reaching yet another milestone in the club’s history.
Speaking post-match, Young said: “What they’ve achieved this season is incredible.
“If you know football, and you know non-league and the resources of clubs, to do what these lads have done - getting to the first round of the FA Cup, finishing third in this league, coming here tonight in a play-off semi-final and beating Rylands who have had a great season and winning the Liverpool Senior Cup - that’s a lot to ask when you’ve got a small squad of players.
“But they dig in and get right behind each other - I do a lot of work outside to give them the best opportunity to win football matches.
“When I see performances like they have done recently, especially since we lost at home to Hyde United, that makes me proud because it means that what I’m doing is worthwhile.
“I can see that they’re going out and trying everything that they can for the football club, and if you have that in your dressing room, you’re probably more than halfway there.
“I can’t praise the lads enough for what they’ve achieved this year.
“And who knows, we’ve still got one more story to tell - we’re going up against a very good [Macclesfield] side in their own backyard in front of thousands of fans.
“We’re going to go there, be prepared and give our best.”
Marine’s play-off final tie away at Macclesfield will take place at the Leasing.com Stadium on Monday 6 May (3pm kick-off).
Photo credit: Marine FC
A nervy clash ensued as the visitors hunted for a response but it was ultimately Young’s side, who boast one of the division’s best home records this season, that came out on top to secure a trip to Macclesfield on Monday for a chance to progress into the National League North.
The Marine boss, who has been in charge since 2018 and has guided the club to numerous memorable moments including an FA Cup third round tie against Tottenham Hotspur in 2021 and back-to-back Liverpool Senior Cup triumphs, heaped praise on his side for reaching yet another milestone in the club’s history.
Speaking post-match, Young said: “What they’ve achieved this season is incredible.
“If you know football, and you know non-league and the resources of clubs, to do what these lads have done - getting to the first round of the FA Cup, finishing third in this league, coming here tonight in a play-off semi-final and beating Rylands who have had a great season and winning the Liverpool Senior Cup - that’s a lot to ask when you’ve got a small squad of players.
“But they dig in and get right behind each other - I do a lot of work outside to give them the best opportunity to win football matches.
“When I see performances like they have done recently, especially since we lost at home to Hyde United, that makes me proud because it means that what I’m doing is worthwhile.
“I can see that they’re going out and trying everything that they can for the football club, and if you have that in your dressing room, you’re probably more than halfway there.
“I can’t praise the lads enough for what they’ve achieved this year.
“And who knows, we’ve still got one more story to tell - we’re going up against a very good [Macclesfield] side in their own backyard in front of thousands of fans.
“We’re going to go there, be prepared and give our best.”
Marine’s play-off final tie away at Macclesfield will take place at the Leasing.com Stadium on Monday 6 May (3pm kick-off).
Photo credit: Marine FC
